Latest news with #KateRees
Western Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire school wins food product competition
Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard was named the winner of the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge for its creation of 'Mac & Caws', a macaroni pasta dish with a meat and vegetarian option. The competition, which has been running since 2018, challenges pupils to design food products and dishes that are healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. It is organised by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) Wales in partnership with the Welsh Government-funded Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme and Careers Wales. The finals took place on March 12 at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, where teams of pupils pitched their final products, including a pudding designed to look like Welsh mountains, a super smoothie, and a 'Welshake' health drink. Ysgol Bro Gwaun's 'Mac & Caws' was judged to be the best. Louise Cairns, CEO for NSAFD/Tasty Careers, said: "Congratulations to Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their outstanding performance in this year's Tasty Careers Schools Challenge. "The judges were highly impressed with all the entrants but their creation really stood out for sustainability, commercial viability – and of course, taste. "We hope that participating in this competition will inspire some pupils to consider a career in Wales' outstanding food and drink sector." This year's competition required pupils to create a new food or drink product that is healthy, sustainable, and includes as much Welsh produce as possible. Tasty Careers 2025 attracted the highest number of entrants since it started, with more than 1,200 pupils from schools across Wales taking part. Kate Rees, Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme manager, added: "It's been inspiring to witness the ingenuity of the students at the Tasty Careers Challenge. "They are undoubtedly our future foodies, and this initiative is a significant asset in cultivating talent for the industry. "The future of Welsh Food & Drink is in good hands." Aled Evans, a business engagement adviser at Careers Wales, said: "Tasty Careers is a fantastic event that encourages pupils to develop their creativity, team building and organisation skills, learn more about the food and drink sector in Wales and produce final products that they are proud of. "The challenge also broadens their aspirations and encourages them to think about their futures."
TimesLIVE
22-05-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
The case of the minister and the HIV activists: are we entering denialism 2.0?
But, explains Anova's Kate Rees, those numbers are incredibly misleading. 'The minister didn't subtract the number of people who were lost from care — those who stopped treatment or died — from the people with HIV who started or restarted treatment. If that was the number we were interested in, we would have reached our targets years ago,' says Rees. She says that's part of the reason South Africa's total number of people on ART has been lingering between 5.7-million and 5.9-million for the past two years. 'Because of people who fall off treatment, we're seeing static programme growth. So we're not seeing significant increases in the number of people on treatment overall. That means that though the 500,000 people they say they've now put onto treatment may have been added to the treatment group, another 500,000 who had already been on treatment could very well also have stopped their treatment during this time. In many cases, it's possibly the same people cycling in and out of treatment.' The health department's struggle, even with US government funding, to keep people on HIV treatment throughout their disease is also reflected in the second '95' of the country's 95-95-95 goals. With the aim to stop Aids as a public health threat by 2030, these UN targets require us to, by the end of this year, have diagnosed 95% of people with HIV, have put 95% of diagnosed people onto ART and to make sure those on treatment use their pills each day, so that they have too little virus in their bodies to infect others (scientists call this being 'virally suppressed'). Right now, the minister said at his press conference, South Africa is at 96-79-94, which means we're struggling to get people who know they've got HIV onto treatment, or to prevent people who are on treatment, from defaulting on drugs. Covid vs the funding crisis So how did South Africa get to a point where the health department and HIV scientists are yet again at loggerheads? Not so long ago, on March 5 2020, to be precise, shortly after South Africa's first SARS-CoV-2 infection had been confirmed, then health minister Zweli Mkhize put the epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim live on national TV. The scientist's task was to explain to the nation what we knew about the unfamiliar new germ — the cause of Covid-19 — that was already causing havoc in the country. For two hours that evening, the nation sat glued to their TV screens to listen to science; an unthinkable scenario a few days before that. Abdool Karim could do something Mkhize couldn't: break down the cause of Covid, and where we were headed, in language everyone could understand. People were desperate for information and the government used experts — of which there were many — to keep South Africa up to date. The important thing was: Abdool Karim wasn't working for the government. He did chair the Covid ministerial committee, but, like the other scientists who served on it, he wasn't a government employee. He and others were merely people whose skills the health department was prepared to draw on; ironically, most of these were also HIV scientists, the same people who today feel they're being snubbed by government. 'We saw amazing leadership during Covid,' says Linda-Gail Bekker, an HIV scientist who leads the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and was a co-chief investigator of the J&J Covid jab in South Africa. '[Because of the leadership] private funding followed. But we're not seeing it this time around. My concern is it doesn't feel like anyone [in the health department] is in charge.' It's not surprising Bekker feels this way. The deputy director-general position for HIV and TB has been vacant for five years, empty since Yogan Pillay, who now works for the Gates Foundation, left the position in May 2020. Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale says interviews for the position only started in the past few months. Why is information so hard to get? During the pandemic, there were daily press releases, vaccine dashboards and almost daily meetings with experts on the Covid ministerial committee. Now, other than the odd press conference, information that should be public, or opportunities for the government to respond to media or doctor's questions — is non-existent. We've seen that first hand at Bhekisisa. When we co-hosted a webinar on May 8 with the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, we invited the current acting deputy director-general, Ramphelane Morewane, to answer clinicians' and journalists' questions. His office told us he was on leave in the days prior, but 'would definitely be there'. But Morewane didn't turn up, no-one was sent in his place, and no-one explained why the health department couldn't make it. As a journalist during Covid, I had the numbers of people like the deputy director-general in charge of vaccines on speed dial. This time around, I'm struggling to get mere copies of important government circulars, like the circular that instructed government clinics how to hand out ART for six months at a time, and who qualifies for it. The health department's February circular with incorrect guidelines:
Daily Maverick
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
South Africa's HIV treatment triumph faces new challenge — the rise of age-related illnesses
The success of South Africa's HIV treatment programme — the largest in the world — has also created a slumbering threat: a considerably larger group of people who need to be treated for age-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart conditions and high blood pressure — also called noncommunicable diseases — on top of having to receive HIV care. Because antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) keep people healthy and increase their life expectancy, the scale-up of treatment in South Africa — public sector treatment started in 2004 and in 2025 we've got about 6-million people on ARVs — means that most people with HIV and who take ARVs correctly now live just as long as those without the virus. Bhekisisa's data analysis shows the proportion of older people with HIV doubled over the past decade: people over 50 are now the second biggest HIV-positive group in South Africa today; 15 years ago, they were the smallest group. If this trend carries on, there could be three times as many HIV-positive people over 50 by 2030 as in 2015. As people age, their chances of developing health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes rise, which means that people with HIV might live long lives, but not necessarily healthy ones. With nearly two-thirds of all people with HIV living in sub-Saharan Africa, the continent will keep on bearing the brunt of the epidemic — despite massive gains in curbing new infections over the past 15 years — if health systems aren't geared to handle a growing number of people who have both HIV and a chronic illness like heart disease or diabetes. Experts raised the alarm about this 'inevitable price of success' more than a decade ago. Yet, write the authors of an editorial in a March issue of The Lancet Healthy Longevity, without thorough data on older people with HIV in African countries, putting plans for their healthcare in place will be hard — or may not be done at all. And with many countries' governments, including South Africa's, scrambling to find the money to replace the thousands of data capturers for HIV programmes previously funded by the US government after the abrupt halt in aid, funds for tracking health conditions of older people with HIV will probably be a low priority. In the wake of funding cuts, employing health workers to capture and manage health data would be a hard sell, said Kate Rees, a public health specialist with the Anova Health Institute, during a webinar hosted by Bhekisisa and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society on Thursday — something that, for a public health issue that might be ignored because its fallout isn't immediately visible — could just make the problem so much worse. What then, does South Africa's picture look like, and could policymakers focus forward to stave off a calamity in the making? Here's what the numbers show. Doubled in a decade The proportion of people with HIV and who are 50 or older is growing — and faster than increases in other age groups. In 2015, the count in the 50+ age group was just over 700,000, which translates to about 12% of the total HIV-positive population. The age group 40-49 years, though, was about 1.3 million strong, which works out to 22% of the total. A decade later, the 50-plus total had jumped by 1.15 million to reach 1.85 million, and they now make up roughly 24% of the total number of HIV-positive South Africans. Although the 40-49 group's total also grew by 1.15 million, proportionally they now make up 32% of everyone. In other words, the proportion of older people with HIV doubled in a decade, but the proportion of people 10 years younger grew only 1.5 times bigger — a result, experts say, of people with HIV living longer, new infections still happening in older people and fewer new cases in the younger group. If this trend continues, there could be three times as many HIV-positive people over 50 by 2030 as in 2015. Speeding up, changing ranks People over 50 are the second biggest HIV-positive group in South Africa today. Fifteen years ago, they were the smallest group. Around 2012, the 50-plussers moved up one rank, surpassing growth in the under-20s group. But the number of HIV-positive people between 35 and 49 grew rapidly — so much so that by around 2012 they overtook the group aged 20-34 and assumed top rank. In the following years, the 50+ group increased too: people moved out of their late forties and new infections in that age group continued. By 2026 — about 10 years since their previous rank jump — people over 50 will already have been the second biggest group of the HIV-positive population for some time. The 35-49 years group will keep on growing in the next five years, modelled data shows, albeit more slowly than before. Because people are living longer, the older group will grow too as people move into their fifties, and because it's been expanding for some time already, the group will edge closer and closer to top rank over the coming years. Living long, but not necessarily healthy This is where the warning lies. Data from 2020 shows that, when Covid-19 is ignored, one in seven deaths in people between 45 and 64 years old were due to health problems like heart attacks, stroke and high blood pressure that year. In comparison, only one in 20 deaths in that age group were linked directly to HIV. Above age 65, a quarter of deaths were from these conditions. So few were linked to HIV in this age group that, proportionally, it was hardly a noticeable concern. So, as the peak of the HIV-infected population shifts into an older age band, more and more people will probably have to be treated for noncommunicable diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure — on top of receiving HIV care. In fact, in a large study in Mpumalanga, in which most people were in their late 40s to early 70s, about half had at least two age-related illnesses. For example, in this sample of just over 5,000 people, six in 10 had high blood pressure, with it being more likely the older someone was. About 10% of women had bad chest pain, called angina (which happens when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood), and up to 11% of people had high cholesterol. High blood pressure combined with high cholesterol is bad for your heart. It can damage your arteries, and especially those that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. In turn, this ups the chances for fatty plaques building up along the walls of the blood vessels. This narrows and stiffens the arteries, meaning blood pressure builds up even more and the chance of a blood vessel rupturing increases. High blood pressure can lead to angina or a heart attack because the heart muscle gets too little oxygen, and also cause a suite of other health problems called metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Age-related health problems like heart disease, diabetes and being overweight are often linked to inflammation. This is a natural response of the immune system when tissues are damaged, like when we get older. However, inflammation is even more common with HIV-infection — because of the body's immune response, damage caused by the virus itself and also the effects of ARV treatment — and studies have shown that people with HIV who are older than 50 have double the chance of having conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure than what is seen in younger HIV-positive people. 'In future, every clinic nurse will have to be Nimart trained,' said Ndiviwe Mphothulo, the president of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society at last week's webinar. Nimart nurses — short for Nurse-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Treatment — are specially trained in how to prescribe ARVs and how to manage long-term patients. But, experts say, the flip side is also true if South Africa is to deal with the ageing HIV epidemic: every Nimart nurse will have to be equipped to deal with noncommunicable diseases in this population too. DM
Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Holiday let could be built at Tenby shop and petrol station
A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales, and challenge perceptions of careers in this field has been launched. The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme is a Welsh Government funded programme committed to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It supports food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business. Working across all sectors within the Welsh food and drink industry, it encourages employees to share knowledge and experience with fellow peers whilst also increasing confidence and flexibility in the workplace in order to make employees feel valued. It also aims to prepare employees to adapt to changes and opportunities in food production and manufacturing including technical, business and environmental challenges. As part of the campaign, a new online Jobs Noticeboard is live with a number of vacancies available across the sector. Kate Rees, Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Manager said: 'The programme offers support for food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry. This is to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business and the wider industry. 'The Jobs Noticeboard is filled with opportunities for those seeking a new or different career in the industry, while offering a wealth of support, advice and guidance to help navigate the different career opportunities and business areas that may be of interest to those wishing to explore further.' Wales' food and drink industry is booming and not only putting food on the nation's table, but also firmly placing Wales on the global stage with its world leading produce. The Welsh Government aims to grow the sector's value to £8.5bn as well as increase the number of employees in the sector who receive the Welsh Living Wage to 80%, both by 2025. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: 'There are so many diverse, exciting and rewarding roles and opportunities in our food and drinks industry. It's important that people's skillsets match those opportunities and this new service will provide the industry with the personnel required to see the sector grow further.' With the pursuit to create one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world, there's been a huge uptake in Welsh food and drink in both the UK and further afield, with manufacturers and businesses across Wales quickly responding to the increasing demand. There are a number of ways to join this ambitious and rewarding industry; from apprenticeships and learning programmes to operational and customer facing roles as well as leadership and management opportunities. Blas ar Fwyd, a renowned family-owned business in north Wales is excited to support the launch of the new website as part of a broader recruitment drive aimed at attracting passionate individuals to join the thriving sector. Osian Deiniol of Blas ar Fwyd, shares his enthusiasm, 'We are thrilled to back this initiative and support the launch of this new website. The food and drink industry in Wales is thriving, and there are countless opportunities for those looking to start a new career, transfer skills, or upskill and progress. 'At Blas ar Fwyd, we believe in the power of passion and community, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive. We encourage anyone interested in joining this dynamic industry to explore the opportunities available.' The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Jobs Noticeboard can be found at: For more information about Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, please go to: Pictured above: Osian Deiniol: Blas-ar-Fwyd
Pembrokeshire Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New resource as part of a recruitment drive for the food and drink sector
A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales, and challenge perceptions of careers in this field has been launched. The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme is a Welsh Government funded programme committed to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It supports food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business. Working across all sectors within the Welsh food and drink industry, it encourages employees to share knowledge and experience with fellow peers whilst also increasing confidence and flexibility in the workplace in order to make employees feel valued. It also aims to prepare employees to adapt to changes and opportunities in food production and manufacturing including technical, business and environmental challenges. As part of the campaign, a new online Jobs Noticeboard is live with a number of vacancies available across the sector. Kate Rees, Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Manager said: 'The programme offers support for food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry. This is to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business and the wider industry. 'The Jobs Noticeboard is filled with opportunities for those seeking a new or different career in the industry, while offering a wealth of support, advice and guidance to help navigate the different career opportunities and business areas that may be of interest to those wishing to explore further.' Wales' food and drink industry is booming and not only putting food on the nation's table, but also firmly placing Wales on the global stage with its world leading produce. The Welsh Government aims to grow the sector's value to £8.5bn as well as increase the number of employees in the sector who receive the Welsh Living Wage to 80%, both by 2025. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: 'There are so many diverse, exciting and rewarding roles and opportunities in our food and drinks industry. It's important that people's skillsets match those opportunities and this new service will provide the industry with the personnel required to see the sector grow further.' With the pursuit to create one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world, there's been a huge uptake in Welsh food and drink in both the UK and further afield, with manufacturers and businesses across Wales quickly responding to the increasing demand. There are a number of ways to join this ambitious and rewarding industry; from apprenticeships and learning programmes to operational and customer facing roles as well as leadership and management opportunities. Blas ar Fwyd, a renowned family-owned business in north Wales is excited to support the launch of the new website as part of a broader recruitment drive aimed at attracting passionate individuals to join the thriving sector. Osian Deiniol of Blas ar Fwyd, shares his enthusiasm, 'We are thrilled to back this initiative and support the launch of this new website. The food and drink industry in Wales is thriving, and there are countless opportunities for those looking to start a new career, transfer skills, or upskill and progress. 'At Blas ar Fwyd, we believe in the power of passion and community, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive. We encourage anyone interested in joining this dynamic industry to explore the opportunities available.' The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Jobs Noticeboard can be found at: For more information about Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, please go to: Pictured above: Osian Deiniol: Blas-ar-Fwyd
