Latest news with #HIV
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Kennedy could soon reconstruct US preventive care panel
Washington: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could imminently overhaul a key federal advisory panel that recommends which preventive services insurers must pay for, health and medical news website STAT News reported on Tuesday, citing a person familiar with the plans. Federal health officials are vetting new members for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force , the report said. It also cited David Mansdoerfer, who advises a group allied with Kennedy, as saying he knew people being considered for the panel but that he declined to name them. Mansdoerfer, who served during President Donald Trump's first administration as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, later told Reuters that he knew "a couple" of those being considered. He added that he was not actively involved in the process, which he said could take from a few weeks to two or three months. The Office of the White House Liaison at HHS is in charge of the vetting, said Mansdoerfer, now the chief strategy adviser to the Independent Medical Alliance, a group of physicians allied with Kennedy. This was also the case with candidates for advisory committees during his time at the department, he said. Asked if the people he knew of who were under consideration were physicians, Mansdoerfer said they were all clinical health professionals. He had earlier told STAT that the existing panel was "MD heavy" and that the reorganized one was likely to include other kinds of healthcare providers. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy planned to remove all of the panel's 16 members. An HHS spokesperson said Kennedy had not yet made a decision. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force includes medical experts serving staggered four-year terms on a volunteer basis. Its role in choosing what services will be covered by insurers was established under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The 40-year-old group, whose recommendations provide guidance to doctors, looks at everything from routine screenings for breast cancer to drugs to prevent HIV infection.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Gynaecologist shares 5 tests every woman should be aware of
Preventive medical tests have become essential in today's times. Whether it's monitoring blood sugar levels or assessing liver function, annual health checkups play a crucial role in detecting and addressing potential complications early on. For women who are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, specific medical tests are particularly important as they help identify underlying health issues and manage any complications that may arise during the journey. Also read | Prenatal tests are important before the birth of the baby. Here's what couples should know Medical tests help in addressing the health issues and managing complications that are there or may arise. (Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Puneet Rana Arora, gynaecologist and IVF expert, CIFAR, Gurugram said, 'The medical needs of women are quite different when she is considering conception to postpartum recovery.' The doctor further suggested a few tests that are essential for women, from preconception to pregnancy. 1. Preconception health tests Prior to attempting conception, some tests identify risks on fertility or pregnancy: Blood pressure and blood sugar test: Identifies hypertension and diabetes, which can be harmful to fertility and pregnancy. Thyroid function test (TFT): Identifies thyroid imbalance which can interfere with ovulation. Baseline liver and kidney function tests, tests for ovarian health and tests for sperm health are essential. Infection screening: Identifies Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea for prevention of complications or transmission. Rubella and varicella immunity test: Identifies immunity to infections which if non-immune can harm the fetus. 2. Tests in the first trimester Early tests are for fetal viability and mother's general well-being: Ultrasound (dating scan): Ensures gestational age and viability. Complete blood count (CBC): Tests for anemia or infection. Blood type and Rh factor: Avoids Rh incompatibility problems. Urine test: Tests for protein, sugar, and infection. Genetic screening: Tested for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Know the tests to do during pregnancy.(Shutterstock) 3. Second trimester tests These tests track baby growth and identify birth defects: Anatomy ultrasound (18–22 weeks): Examines fetal development and identifies structural defects. Also read | Prenatal blood test for moms-to-be can sometimes hint at cancer Glucose tolerance test (24–28 weeks): Screens for gestational diabetes. Quad screen: Screens for protein and hormone levels to evaluate the risk of birth defects. 4. Third trimester tests Tests are intended for foetal growth, labor preparation and maintenance of maternal health: Group B streptococcus test( individualised): Screens for bacteria that may cause potential harm to the newborn during delivery. Non-stress test (NST): Checks fetal movement and heart rate, particularly for pregnancy at risk. Cervical exams: Checks for labor readiness. 5. Postpartum health exams A woman's wellbeing is always the first priority after childbirth: Postnatal check-up (6 weeks): Verifies physical recovery, mental health, and need for contraception. Thyroid test (if the symptoms continue): Postpartum thyroid diseases are common and are most often neglected. Also read | Home testing ovulation and fertility? Are they accurate? Experts answer Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Star
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
South Africa boosts HIV funding amid global crisis affecting children and young women
Siphesihle Buthelezi | Published 2 weeks ago As the world faces a historic HIV funding crisis that threatens to reverse decades of progress, South Africa is emerging as a beacon of commitment, funding 77 percent of its national HIV response and pledging further increases in health and HIV spending over the next three years. According to UNAIDS' 2025 Global AIDS Update, released last week, South Africa's 2025 budget review includes a 5.9 percent annual increase in overall health expenditure and a 3.3 percent annual rise for HIV and tuberculosis programmes, along with plans to invest in health systems infrastructure, including a national chronic medicine dispensing system. But the report, titled 'AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform', warns that South Africa is an exception in a world where funding cuts are devastating HIV services, particularly for children and young women in low- and middle-income countries. In 2024, 620,000 children under 15 living with HIV did not receive treatment, leading to 75,000 AIDS-related child deaths. The year also saw 630,000 AIDS-related deaths globally, with 61 percent of them in sub-Saharan Africa. 'This is not just a funding gap: it's a ticking time bomb,' said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. 'People, especially children and key populations, are being pushed out of care.' Adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 are being hit especially hard. In 2024, over 210,000 acquired HIV, an average of 570 new infections every day. Prevention programmes that once protected this group are vanishing as donor funding disappears. In Nigeria, monthly PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) initiation fell from 40,000 to just 6,000 people, while more than 60 percent of women-led HIV organisations surveyed in early 2025 had lost funding or shut down. In Mozambique, over 30,000 health personnel were affected by funding-related disruptions. If the crisis continues, UNAIDS estimates 6 million new HIV infections and 4 million AIDS-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029. While 25 countries have pledged domestic increases totalling 180 million US dollars in 2026, UNAIDS warns this is not enough to replace the large-scale donor withdrawals. Community-led services, crucial for reaching vulnerable populations, are being slashed, while new punitive laws in countries like Uganda and Mali are pushing people further from care. 'There is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity,' said Byanyima. 'Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience.' 'In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat,' she added. 'Together, we can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment.' THE MERCURY
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Shenzhen and Hong Kong Join Hands to Promote the Development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 July 2025 - The Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute of Hong Kong ('GBAICTI'), the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center of Shenzhen ('BAY TRIAL'), Immuno Cure BioTech ('Immuno Cure') in Hong Kong are pleased to jointly announce today the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ('MOU') in Shenzhen on July 29, 2025. This collaboration aims to advance the globalization of clinical trials in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area ('GBA'), further deepens clinical research cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and implements the first ever cross-border multi-centre Phase II clinical trial project for ICVAX, a therapeutic DNA vaccine for HIV/AIDS, developed through collaboration between Immuno Cure and the AIDS Institute at the University of Hong Kong. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. This collaboration is witnessed by a Hong Kong Government delegation led by the Director of Health, Dr. Ronald LAM, and a Shenzhen Government delegation led by the Deputy Director General of Public Hygiene and Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Ms. ZHOU Liping, following their GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration meeting held in Shenzhen. GBAICTI and the BAY TRIAL plan to establish the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform ('Platform') by the end of this year. The Platform is expected to offer a range of services, including project evaluation, trial design consultation, and subject recruitment planning for multi-centre clinical trials, provided by a joint Shenzhen-Hong Kong advisory team; integration of artificial intelligence technologies to assist with matching clinical trial institutions and researchers, as well as offering intelligent consultation services; establishment of a coordinated ethics review mechanism between the two regions to enhance approval efficiency; promotion of talent exchange, collaboration, and professional training; creation of a research talent pool to facilitate talent mobility and regional collaboration; and as a pilot, the development of clinical databases and biobanks based on disease areas of strength in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Professor Bernard CHEUNG Man-yung, Chief Executive Officer of GBAICTI, said: 'The ICVAX vaccine, developed by Immuno Cure and the AIDS Institute at the University of Hong Kong, is now poised for cross-border clinical trials in the Greater Bay Area. This highlights the achievements and potential of innovation and technology in China and the Hong Kong SAR. If the clinical trial results are positive, the new vaccine would bring hope to HIV/AIDS patients worldwide, particularly in Belt and Road countries. We aim to leverage the strength of both Guangdong and Hong Kong to establish the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a global hub for clinical trials.' Dr. LI Yichong, Director of BAY TRIAL, said: 'This collaboration marks the first cross border clinical trial project between the BAY TRIAL and Hong Kong, signifying a new phase in the cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in the biopharmaceutical sector of GBA. We will fully leverage the synergistic advantages of both regions to establish an international clinical trial platform with the BAY TRIAL, continuously injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the Bay Area's pharmaceutical and medical device industry.' Since the first discovery of AIDS in 1981, 40 million people have died from HIV infection. Currently, there are still over 39 million people living with HIV worldwide. Although antiretroviral therapy ('ART') can effectively control HIV, it cannot cure the disease, highlighting the importance of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy aims to enhance the host's immune response, with the expectation of controlling viral replication without ART, ultimately achieving complete viral suppression and functional cure. Immuno Cure's ICVAX induces broad-spectrum, multifunctional virus-specific T cells to achieve the goal of controlling viral replication without ART. Immuno Cure completed the first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of the ICVAX vaccine in November 2024. The results demonstrated excellent safety and good immunogenicity. This year, two multi-center Phase II clinical trials will be conducted to evaluate the mechanism of action and efficacy, respectively, of ICVAX in humans. Both are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation studies, with clinical trial centres in the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong and eight Grade 3A hospitals in China, including The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing Youan Hospital, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center, and Chongqing Public Health Medical Center. Dr. Xia JIN, Chief Executive Officer of Immuno Cure, said: 'We are delighted to receive support from both GBAICTI and BAY TRIAL, integrating medical resources from both regions to advance Immuno Cure's therapeutic vaccine for HIV, ICVAX, to multi-center Phase II clinical trials. We will continue to collaborate with the HKU AIDS Institute to drive innovation in drug development, leverage local advantages in drug research and translation, accelerate ICVAX towards commercialization, provide more effective treatment options for HIV patients, and contribute to global health.' GBAICTI, BAY TRIAL, and Immuno Cure look forward to further deepening clinical trial cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in future collaborations, jointly promoting the development and globalisation of innovative drug development, and supporting the national 'Healthy China' strategic goals.
The South African
4 hours ago
- Health
- The South African
GOOD news regarding elderly LIFE expectancy in South Africa
Life expectancy in South Africa is increasing, despite all the economic and social challenges facing elderly residents. In fact, according to Stats SA's latest 2025 mid-year population estimate, life expectancy in South Africa is now 12 years' more than it was in the year 2000. Life expectancy in South Africa for the elderly is now 64 years for men and 69 years for women. However, this is still nearly 20 years' behind some of the longest-living nations in the world. Interestingly, women in Japan also live longer than their male counterparts, at 87 years. While the highest life expectancies in Africa (exceeding 70 years) are Mauritius and the Seychelles. Figures for life expectancy in South Africa are aided by less deaths of children between birth and the age of five. Image: File Nevertheless, the increase in life expectancy in South Africa is an encouraging one, reports The Citizen . Government says it proves HIV prevention, SASSA social welfare grants (paid to 45% of the population) and general improvement in living conditions are all reaping dividends. Back in 2000, the life expectancy in South Africa for men was just 52 years, while women were 57 years. As such, 2025's figures reflect a notable improvement, especially among men. This year, life expectancy improved by 1.9 years for men and 2.2 years for women. This positive trajectory is being attributed to expanded social welfare coverage and the country's stabilising long-term outlook. South Africa is now within the top 10 African countries for high life expectancy. Image: pickpik Likewise, Stats SA lauds a major improvement in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). Child deaths have declined from 61.9 per 1 000 births in 2000, to just 23 in 2025. Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined from 79.9 deaths per 1 000 to 26 deaths per 1 000 in the last quarter century. As such, better maternal and childcare health services are in play. Plus, expanded immunisation and reduced HIV transmission from mother to child. Even something like the South African Social Security Agency Child Support Grant can be seen as a success. Even though parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) want to see social welfare support extended to pregnant mothers for better prenatal care. Finally, South Africa's white population is the only demographic declining. This is attributed to a combination of roughly 10 000 whites emigrating annually, and COVID-19 pandemic deaths. The United Nations estimates nearly one-million white South Africans will have left the country by 2026. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
