Latest news with #prevention
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Lesotho's health system has been decimated by US funding cuts
In March, Lesotho's health minister Selibe Mochoborane boldly stated that the country's HIV response will survive without support from the US. The US model was ' too expensive ', he said, and methods would have to be adapted 'to align with our available resources". He was confident that Lesotho would still reach its ambitious HIV prevention and treatment targets by 2030. But senior health officials seemed less confident while presenting to Parliament's portfolio committee on pandemics last week. 'When you cut community HIV prevention services, you inevitably increase new infections,' said Tapiwa Turambiswa, who manages the Ministry of Health's HIV/Aids programmes. Pepfar distributes its funds in Lesotho via the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) and the US Center for Disease Control (CDC). Turambisa said that 93% of USAid's funding and 6% from the CDC has been cut. In total, funding from USAid and the CDC has been slashed from about R1.4bn to R600m. 652 frontline workers have lost their jobs due to the cuts. The country has lost 60% of its counsellors who were providing HIV testing services, said Turambiswa. This will decrease the number of people tested, increasing the number of people unknowingly spreading the virus, he said. In August last year, 11,702 people were tested but in April this year, only 9,054 were tested. Llang Mamma, the ministry's national TB programme manager, said that many people diagnosed with TB are not being tested for HIV as per government policy, because of staff shortages. 'That means we will delay detection of new infections and related treatment,' Maama said. Donor-dependent Of the country's M2.2bn (one loti, M, is equal to one rand, R) health budget last year, only M278m was funded by the government. Almost all of this is spent on antiretroviral medicines (ARVs). The remainder of the health budget comes from international donors. This includes programmes for HIV prevention, treatment and other supportive services. USAid and the CDC accounted for more than half the health budget last year, with the Global Fund contributing more than a fifth of the budget. Pepfar is a major contributor to the Global Fund. Terminated programmes HIV prevention services have been the worst affected by US aid cuts. M212.4m in USAid funds were earmarked for the SECURE project – an HIV prevention programme in 10 districts that included condom distribution, voluntary medical male circumcision, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), said Turambiswa. A M168m project called Bophelo Bo Botle, supporting more than 120,000 people on ARVs was also terminated, despite a waiver protecting Pepfar's life-saving programmes, said Turambiswa. 'This is a treatment and care project whereby the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation deployed doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, counsellors, and the whole comprehensive list of human resources, putting them into ART clinics to see patients,' he said. A M78m project that was going to introduce long-acting PrEP injections, MOSAIC, was also ended. M90m for mental health and M77m for primary healthcare has also been cut. 'We have also lost support for pharmacy regulation, surveillance activities like mortality and drug resistance monitoring, community-led monitoring, and all quality assurance systems,' Turambiswa said. TB response falters The funding crisis is also derailing Lesotho's fight against TB, said Maama. While drugs and test kits are still available, outreach programmes have been put on hold. The World Health Organisation's Global TB Report 2024 estimates Lesotho's TB incidence at 664 cases per 100,000 people. About half of TB patients are also HIV-positive. Maama now warns that the situation is deteriorating. The Global Fund recently froze M19-million and suspended the full-scale rollout of its TB programme pending a funding model re-evaluation. 'We were scaling up community services to find every Mosotho with TB,' she said. She added that the freeze likely means a permanent loss even though the Global Fund used the word 'pause'. One suspended initiative, worth M4m, was set to upgrade TB wards in Mohale's Hoek and Leribe to serve as regional referral centres for drug-resistant TB.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on alcohol and public health: the drinks industry must not control the narrative
When the government's 10-year health plan is published in July, prevention is expected to get a promotion. This won't be the first time that ministers will have stressed the importance of healthy lifestyles. But nine months after Wes Streeting announced that a shift from treatment to prevention would be one of the principles governing Labour's stewardship of the NHS, we are just a few weeks away from knowing how the idea will be put into practice, and turned into a narrative for voters. In recent years, obesity has dominated discussions of the rising burden of chronic illness. But alcohol, too, is expected to feature in sections of the plan dealing with public health. Alcohol-related deaths in the UK reached a record high of 10,473 in 2023, with men more than twice as likely to die as women, and over-55s drinking far more than younger adults. The highest death rates are in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In his review of the crisis facing the NHS, Lord Darzi highlighted that the rise in deaths in England coincided with alcohol's increasing affordability. By contrast, in Scotland, research suggests – though it does not definitively prove – that the introduction of minimum unit pricing has led to fewer deaths and hospitalisations. Pressure for a tougher approach from policymakers to alcohol is also growing internationally. Two years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) made a public statement that there is no safe amount of alcohol. Last month, in Amsterdam, a new European Health Alliance on Alcohol was launched. It plans to campaign for the reduction of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses. Later this year, a UN general assembly meeting on non-communicable diseases is expected to include discussion of alcohol-related illness. If governments decide to act in response to such pressure, the options open to them include minimum pricing, taxes, advertising restrictions and stricter guidelines (in the UK, adults are recommended not to exceed 14 units a week, while pregnant women are advised not to drink at all). Other public health interventions include specialist clinics and other local services for those who are already addicted or ill. Before last year's election, Labour ruled out minimum unit pricing in England, although this was introduced by a Labour administration in Wales. If this decision has not already been reviewed in connection with the 10-year health plan, then it should be. But lobbyists will ensure that this and other challenges to the industry won't be easy. Last month, the Guardian reported on how new restrictions on ultra-processed foods were watered down under pressure from the Food and Drink Federation. While the guidance to retailers was softened under the last government, these changes have not been reversed by Labour. Unsurprisingly, a government that has staked its reputation on economic growth is a good listener to businesses. Rules and regulations are not the only factor shaping habits and behaviour. The drinks industry is also pushing back with advertising campaigns that reach over politicians' heads and seek to influence the public directly. Central to these efforts is a message that moderate drinking is not harmful. While this is in direct contradiction to the WHO's stance, it may appeal to a public that enjoys drinking. Ministers must ensure that accurate information about risks is out there, too, and that government decisions are guided by health, not lobbying.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Warning over common games amid hidden Aussie crisis that's 'too uncomfortable to talk about'
In Australia, a staggering 79 per cent of child sexual abuse (CSA) victims know their abuser, and an estimated one in four Australians have experienced abuse themselves. It's a confronting reality — one that affects millions across the country — and yet still too often exists in silence. Experts say breaking that silence is critical to removing the shame and stigma that continues to prevent so many survivors from coming forward. Shelley is both a mother and a survivor of child sexual abuse. She understands firsthand the weight of carrying the burden and how difficult it can be to speak out. In an interview with Yahoo News Australia, she stressed that addressing the abuse means going right to the root of the problem. "I've learned that prevention isn't just about education or the occasional conversation. It's about creating a way of life where children know they are safe, heard, and believed — always," she said. "We can't control what others do, but we can control how we show up for our children. That means raising them in an environment where trust is built every day, where body autonomy is respected from the start, and where no topic is too uncomfortable to speak about." Shelley said that also includes the hard work parents and caregivers must do on themselves —acknowledging personal wounds, challenging harmful beliefs, and letting go of the idea that "it won't happen to us." In many cases, she pointed out, abuse doesn't come from strangers — it happens within families, social circles and communities. In some cases, the harm even comes from other children who have been victims themselves. Leading child protection organisation Bravehearts is calling for greater national awareness around this issue with the launch of its new campaign, "Grooming Hides Behind Harmless". The campaign shines a light on the often-subtle behaviours predators use to groom children and the adults around them, gradually building trust to lower suspicion and gain access. Bravehearts CEO Alison Geale explained that grooming can look like everyday acts of kindness and familiarity. But even something as seemingly innocent as children's games can be a vehicle for boundary-testing. She said games like hide and seek, tag, doctors and nurses, mums and dads or play fighting can, in some instances, be used as a cover to push physical boundaries under the guise of play. While those games are a normal part of childhood, she emphasised the importance of being alert to patterns, like an adult or older child frequently initiating one-on-one play in private settings, encouraging secrets, or dismissing a child's discomfort. When a child is repeatedly isolated from others under the pretext of fun or special attention, it could be a red flag. Unprecedented spike exposes heartbreaking trend among young Aussies Sad trend among Aussie kids each day from 4pm Public service child abuse reports spike after inquiry "It's important to understand that grooming takes time and involves the grooming of not only the child but also those adults around the child," Alison said. "Gaining the trust of parents or even organisations is a critical component of gaining access to the child. "The grooming process can take time, sometimes years, as the offender builds trust. When treating a single behaviour in isolation, protective adults can view that as harmless, joining the dots can be tricky." The campaign urges all adults — parents, carers, teachers, coaches, neighbours — to recognise that awareness is a vital tool in prevention. By learning to spot manipulative behaviour early, people are better equipped to protect their kids. "Learn as much as you can about the signs," Alison said. "Child sex offenders are cunning and manipulative, often gaslighting parents, caregivers and other adults, leading them to believe that any suspicions they have are unfounded." Despite the 2017 Royal Commission recommendations, significant action is still lacking, particularly around unified national measures, Alison warned. She said there's still an ongoing need for stronger collaboration between state and federal governments on key issues like reporting, education, sentencing, and implementing a national Working with Children Check. While the National Strategy is making progress, crucial areas of prevention and treatment still require urgent attention. "A quarter of Australians have experienced child sexual abuse, and this is a conservative statistic," she said. "Parents and caregivers need to recognise this alarming fact, become knowledgeable about the facts and feel confident to be vigilant about the adults their children spend unsupervised time with." If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero without delay and report to police. For guidance or support, you can contact Bravehearts' toll-free National Information and Support Line on 1800 272 831 (available Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm AEST). For further information, including how to report concerns in your state, visit Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Community Health Director earns prestigious award
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – A veteran member of the Broome County Health Department is being recognized for a career marked by service, resilience and innovation. Community Health Director Carrie Horton has been with the health department for 27 began as a health program specialist with a passion for preventative cancer screenings. Horton quickly rose the ranks to her current position where she oversees the department's clinics treating tuberculosis and sexually transmitted illnesses and administering also manages 11 grant programs as well as a variety of advisory boards and policy committees. Horton says prevention is key. 'People call public health an invisible force field. If we are doing our jobs and we're doing it correctly, prevention is our key effort and people don't really pay attention to public health until something goes wrong and then they realize how fundamental public health really is,' she said. Horton says all of the health department's work in such area's as lead prevention, cancer screenings and traffic safety are date-driven and based on scientific based says she intends to finish out her career at the organization. 'I have been so fortunate over the years to work with the most inspirational, knowledgeable people that are public health professionals in Broome County. The Broome County Health Department is outstanding. We are a role model for a lot of other New York State programs. I just feel very fortunate to have been a part of it.' Horton received the v Hermann M Biggs Memorial Award at the 2025 Public Health Partnership Conference in Ithaca earlier this month. She says she's particularly humbled to get the lifetime achievement award as it typically goes to commissioners or physicians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Likely cancer case surge raises health system worries
Australians are deeply worried about their cancer risk, with many believing the nation's health system is unprepared for the expected rise in cases. More than 4.5 million new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in Australia before 2044, according to research from peak independent authority Cancer Council Australia. A survey of more than 1500 Australians found almost half believed the nation's health system was unprepared for this rise in cases. More than 70 per cent said they were concerned about developing cancer in their lifetime. Young Australians were particularly worried, with 80 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 saying they were concerned about their cancer risk. While cancer risk increased with age, Cancer Council policy director Megan Varlow said governments could do more to safeguard young people's future health. "We know that 42 per cent of the total cancer burden is attributed to modifiable risk factors such as overweight and obesity, insufficient physical inactivity and UV exposure, all areas where prevention measures can make a significant difference," she said. "While prevention is key to reducing cancer rates, we need to recognise that nearly one in two Australians will be affected by cancer in their lifetime." The council is calling on the incoming federal government to commit to four key priorities to reduce the impact of cancer for all Australians. This includes tackling the rise of obesity, investing in skin cancer prevention campaigns, increasing participation in the national bowel cancer screening program and providing equitable access to cancer care through improved services and support. "Australians deserve to live healthy lives now and into the future," Ms Varlow said. "This means having easy access to healthy foods to feed their families, living in environments that promote physical activity ... (and) feeling confident in looking after their health by protecting their skin from the sun or by taking a cancer screening test."
