Health

Thailand Works Towards Banishing the AIDS Virus by 2030

Published

6 years ago

December 2, 2018

Bchcomber

BANGKOK – Thailand has made significant progress towards its ambitious goal of ending Aids by 2030 – something UNAids hopes to accomplish but for which few countries are on a good track.

Despite some 440,000 people still living with HIV in Thailand as World Aids Day 2018 arrives on December 1, the nation can take a bow for having built a solid foundation on which to continue building towards the dream of an HIV-free society.

An estimated 98 per cent of people living with HIV in Thailand know their status. And 75 per cent of them have access to retroviral drugs, which have proven so effective that when a regular dose is taken, someone with HIV can live a normal, healthy and happy life for decades.

Thailand’s success at diagnosing and treating is among the world’s best. UNAids has estimated that just 75 per cent of people living with HIV in the world know their status. And just 59 per cent of them have access to anti-retroviral drugs.

“Knowing your status is the first step to treatment and the end of Aids,” the Kingdom’s Disease Control Department (DCD) director-general Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai said.

DCD campaigns, therefore, have taken the theme of “Know Your Status”.

The Thai Red Cross Aids Research Centre (TRCARC), meanwhile, has waged its campaign under the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” to communicate to the public that treatments can push down the presence of the HIV virus to an undetectable level that renders it untransmittable – and therefore makes treatment a form of preventing transmission.

“Studies show that unprotected sex between a person with undetectable levels of HIV and his/her partner who is HIV-free does not cause any transmission,” the centre’s director Dr Praphan Phanuphak said.

He, therefore, emphasised that the key to ending HIV was to ensure people living with HIV regularly take antiretroviral drugs to stay healthy and to not spread the virus.

“We have chosen the U=U or Undetectable Equates Untransmittable theme for our campaign so as to reduce the stigmatisation of people living with HIV. Without a stigma, those at risk will have the courage to come forward to get tests and treatments that will not only save their lives but also allow them to have a good quality of life,” Praphan said.

In Thailand, HIV tests, anti-retroviral therapy, and related treatments are free. Campaigns to raise public awareness of HIV prevention have been solid.

Several government agencies and non-governmental organisations have also been very active in fighting against Aids/HIV.

There are shelters for the HIV-positive who previously had nowhere to go. There are foundations that will connect the HIV-positive to necessary medication, schooling and jobs.

Receiving support from the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Thailand has become the first Asian country to bring the mother-to-child transmission rate to below 2 per cent.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified Efavirenz Tablets (600mg) manufactured by Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO). The certification makes Thailand the first Asean nation to have been certified in the WHO Pre-qualification Programme for HIV/Aids treatments.

“This reflects the world’s trust in our drug’s efficiency,” GPO chairman Dr Sopon Mekton said. Efavirenz is a key drug in a cocktail of anti-HIV medications that have proved highly effective.

GPO deputy managing director Mukdavan Prakobvaitayakit said this success had saved the country’s budget.

“It costs us just Bt180 to produce each box of Efavirenz. If we import the equivalent, we will have to pay more than Bt1,000 per box,” she said.

The National Health Security Office’s (NHSO) secretary-general, Dr Sakchai Kanjanawatana, said the government had allocated Bt3 billion for HIV/Aids patients in the 2019 fiscal year.

Of that, Bt2.8 billion is for the provision of anti-retroviral therapy and related services. Some Bt200 million is for HIV prevention. About Bt38 million is for the promotion of services for people living with HIV/Aids.

Aids Access Foundation’s director Nimit Tien-udom has acknowledged Thailand’s many achievements in the battle against HIV/Aids. Yet, he has noticed some obstacles that could prevent the country from eradicating Aids/HIV by 2030.

“In fact, if an HIV-positive woman seeks prenatal care within the first 15 weeks, there is no risk of mother-to-child transmission,” Nimit said. “But we can’t ignore the fact that hundreds of thousands of women and girls get unwanted pregnancies. And most of them are reluctant to seek prenatal services.”

The Aids activist, moreover, expressed concerns that the Public Health Ministry’s drug procurement plan has required patients to pick up anti-retroviral medicines in smaller lots.

“When NHSO was in charge, people living with HIV could take the medicines once every three months. But now, they have had to pick up the medicines almost on a monthly basis. It’s not easy for them to take leave from work this frequently,” Nimit pointed out.

He also recommended that campaigns be created to help educate people from thinking that those living with Aids/HIV would appear to be really ill and with ugly wounds.

“Those who have been on anti-retroviral therapy are perfectly healthy. We need to send this message across the society,” he said.

Moreover, Nimit suggested that free blood tests should cover more groups of people, not just those deemed to be at higher risk, as some people might have become infected despite not having risky behaviours.

He also said the distribution of free condoms should receive a strong emphasis because it could prevent the spread of many sexually transmitted diseases, not just HIV.

“Don’t let anyone steal the condom-procurement budget,” he said, as he suspected that some condoms had gone missing.

Thanutkan Thanutamornthanasiri, Aids Network coordinator based in the Northeast, said she had seen the immense improvement on Thailand’s Aids/HIV front lines during the past two decades.

“I must say that had the system been this good 20 years ago, my first two children would still be alive today,” the 49-year-old woman said.

Despite living with HIV for decades, she is now the mother of an HIV-free son. The virus has not been passed on to her third child due to the availability of free and effective medication.

By Chularat Saengpassa – The Nation

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

Published

5 months ago

October 7, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

Contents

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

Published

5 months ago

October 6, 2024

VORNews

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Contents

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop Related News:Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

Published

5 months ago

October 5, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Contents

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP