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Health: World Watch

Archives - 2001

Prevention: A Diet That's Beneficial at Any Age (December 25, 2001)
According to a new report in The Annals of Internal Medicine, people could reduce their blood pressure by cutting salt or by adopting the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) which is high in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, and low in red meats and sweets. Three groups are concerned : people over 45, patients with hypertension and African-Americans.

Discovering What It Takes to Live to 100 (December 25, 2001)
Today, 50,000 Americans are 100 and older. By 2050, 800,000 to one million Americans may still be alive at 100 and older. Dr. Thomas Perls and his colleagues studied centenarians to understand how they can live to 100 and older. They found out that a longevity-enabling gene might exist in the chromosome No.4.

Barriers to Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Women: Experiences from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (December 2001)
According to a survey made in a peri-urban and rural community in 1991 to 1993, women are at high risk of HIV infection. They want a right to safer sex, they want to learn skills to adopt safer sex practices, they don’t want to be financially dependent on their sex partners. Because of social and contextual factors, women are more vulnerable to HIV infection.

Study Sets Off Debate Over Mammograms' Value (December 9, 2001)
According to a new study in a British medical journal, mammograms do not prevent women from dying of breast cancer or help them avoid mastectomies. Women have long been urged to have the test every year starting at age 50 or sooner, and promised that early detection will reduce their chances of dying from breast cancer. But now European and American doctors disagree on this issue.

China Wants to Set Drug-Price Caps, Angering Pharmaceutical Companies (December 3, 2001)
Chinese officials want to impose price caps on the drug industry, upsetting pharmaceutical companies who say it is a misguided effort to fix China's ailing health-care network. Are they worried about profit levels?

Merck Cuts Price for AIDs Drugs It Sells in China by About a Third (December 3, 2001)
A good example for pharmaceutical companies in developing nations: Merck & Co is cutting prices for two AIDS drugs it sells in China, a first for a country that is starting to face up to its burgeoning epidemic.

Cost of developing new medicine swelled to $802 million, research study reports (December 3, 2001)
According to researchers at Tufts University, the average cost of discovering and developing a new medicine has risen to $802 million and the average development time is 12 years. Pharmaceutical companies are spending more money on research whereas so many people do not have access to health care and drugs.

Needless Silence for Hearing Impaired (December 4, 2001)
About a third of people over 65 and half of those over 75 have hearing loss. Sixty-five percent of hearing-impaired people are under 65. In this article from the New York Times, you will find some explanations about hearing loss : its causes, treatments and the hearing aids.

The TRIPS and public health (November 28, 2001)

Will the Doha Declaration give better access to medicines? The document claims that “the Trips agreement should not prevent member states from taking the measures [they judge necessary] to protect public health”. Developing countries and NGOs have a important role to play in the implementation of the text.

Hints of an Alzheimer's aid in anti-inflammatory drugs 
(November 22, 2001)

According to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and made by scientists in The Netherlands, elderly persons who took anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen for at least two years seem to be protected from Alzheimer's disease.

A New Test for Women at High Risk For Cancer (November 20, 2001)
For women with high risk of breast cancer, an experimental procedure called ductal lavage may be a preventive treatment. According to a recent study published in The Journal of The National Cancer Institute, the ductal lavage, which consisted in washing cells from the milk ducts, can be useful for certain women.

The Family Welfare Agency
The Family Welfare Agency is a social service organization who develops programs for elderly in Mumbai. It provides day care services like medical check-up aid, information about problems related to old age, training for para-professionals who work with older persons…

Health Education Library for People
The Health Education Library for People is a health education center and claims to be one of the world’s largest consumer health libraries. It provides people with health-related information. It is useful for patients, doctors and journalists…

Doha agreement puts life before profit (November 16, 2001)
The Kenya Coalition for Access to Essential Medicines applauded the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health. “There will be no longer a legal or commercial reason to let people die.” Kenya can disregard the patent without fear of reprisal. They have to identify the good quality generic suppliers and register their medicines to make them available for use.

A catch-22 on drugs for the World's poor (November 16, 2001)
How can we make vital drugs affordable for the poorest people on earth ? The agreement made in Doha, Qatar, gives to poor countries the right to make low-cost generic knock-offs of medicines patented by multinational pharmaceutical corporations. But many of these nations do not have factories capable of producing these drugs. They need to import them from the handful of developing countries like India and Brazil.

WTO members agree on agenda for New Round of trade talks 
( November 15, 2001)

After seven years of back-room haggling, the 142 nations of the World Trade Organization finally agreed to launch a new round of trade talks including the drug access issue. Poorer countries, led by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Murasoli Maran, won concessions from the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and from the European negotiators.

Comment on devient cente naire (November 14, 2001)
(in French) The number of people who are 100 years old or more, has multiplied by 40 in the last 50 years. Specialists who try to find the reasons for this longer life, discuss “robustness” and “great desire to live” as important reasons for long life.

Deal will allow Poor Nations to ignore patents to meet Public-Health needs ( November 14, 2001)
According to the WTO negotiators, poor countries can ignore drug-company patents and buy cheap generic drugs to meet public-health needs. But the drug industry needs these patents because “without patents, profits aren’t possible and research suffers”. The drug-patents issue dominates the WTO Conference in Doha.

Trips and Health (November 14, 2001)
On October 27th, the General Council of the WTO released a second draft Ministerial Declaration for the WTO Conference in Doha, Qatar, and a proposal for decisions on the  Implementation of Agreements on the TRIPS and on Access to Medicines. According to this article from Attac, many states do not agree with the new texts and condemn them.

Trade deal near for broad access to cut-rate drugs (November 13, 2001)
Developing countries will have access to cut-price drugs, by producing or importing them, to fight epidemic health crisis. “Health crises” are defined as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and disease likely to spread broadly. But, African countries do not have the medical infrastructure for delivering the drugs but most of them cannot afford the drug themselves.

Treatments: Arthritis Patients Embrace the Tiger (November 13, 2001) According to the American College of Rheumatology, elderly people who have osteoarthristis may practice tai chi. This Chinese martial art consists in meditative movements which, reported as some studies, helps to prevent falls in the seniors.

U.S. Sees Progress on Drugs at WTO Trade Talks 
( November 12, 2001)

At the WTO conference in Doha, Qatar, developed and developing countries examine the issue of patent rules known as TRIPS, Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Developing countries demand for access to cheap drugs  without fear of litigation from drug companies or the  WTO.

Chutes chez les personnes âgées: campagne de la CNAM 
( November 8, 2002)

(in French)
In France, more than 9,000 older persons die each year because they collapsed and more than 500,000 go to the Emergency Room. The French organization in charge of the Social Security, “la Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie” has decided to make a campaign to prevent elderly people from falls that injure them.

U.S. push for cheap Cipro haunts AIDS drug dispute 
(November 8, 2001)

The next World Trade Organization conference will take place in Doha, Qatar. Countries will discuss about the right to sidestep patent laws in the name of public health. This reform could provide generic drug access to AIDS afflicted nations that cannot produce the drugs themselves.

Chutes chez les personnes âgées: campagne de la CNAM (November 8, 2001)
In France, more than 9,000 older persons die each year because they collapsed and more than 500,000 go to the Emergency Room. The French organization in charge of the Social Security, “la Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie” has decided to make a campaign to prevent elderly people from falls that injure them.

Attac about TRIPS (November 7, 2001)
TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) gives all nations the right to override patents and a mechanism for compensating the patent-holders. Developing countries could have drug access. But this text raises a lot of questions for the pharmaceutical industry in developed countries.

At the All-American conference at the ILO (November 7, 2001)
According to the International Labor Organization, a large part of the population lives in a state of poverty, increased because of the terrorist attacks. But for some people, globalization helps to reduce poverty in the world. Is globalization a good tool for eradicating poverty ? 

Economists appeal for a new Globalization (November 7, 2001)
Some economists want to introduce some questions concerning the access to northern hemisphere market and the imbalance existing between North and South into the discussions which will take place in the next Conference of the World Trade Organization in Doha, Qatar between the 9th and the 13th November 2001.

Cold homes 'killing elderly' (November 7, 2001)
Thousands of vulnerable elderly people are dying unnecessarily each year because their homes are too cold, research shows.

Aids vaccine tested in Brazil (November 6, 2001)
Brazil with the largest number of Aids victim in South America has on the 6th of November 2001, injected the first person with an experimental vaccine against Aids. It has proved to induce immune reactions. But further testings need to be carried out. However, there are not yet enough volunteers.

Remedies: A Simple Procedure for Extending Life (November 6, 2001)
As reported in a study published on October 25, 2001 in The New England Journal of Medicine, blood transfusions to elderly heart attacks patients with anemia seem to reduce their death rates during the 30 days following the hospitalization. Researchers called for a more aggressive approach of using transfusions.

Aging: How the Bone Is Connected to the Teeth (November 6, 2001)
According to a study published last month in The American Journal of Medicine, calcium supplements and vitamin D can help older people hang on to their teeth and keep their hips strong.

Bolivia's national plan on ageing (November 5, 2001)
Bolivia is making the first moves to implement a national plan on ageing that stresses older people's participation in society and respect for their rights : a new plan has been produced in consultation with all the parties concerned.

Estrogen therapy may be risky for stroke victims (October 29, 2001)
Estrogen replacement therapy does not help prevent strokes in women who have already had one and may, in fact, slightly increase the risk of a second stroke, according to a new study.

Bayer Halves Price for Cipro, but Rivals Offer Drugs Free  
(October 26, 2001)

Patented drugs cost more than generic drugs because pharmaceutical companies claim they need the profits to pay for research to discover new medicines. Ciprofloxacin is manufactured by many factories around the world because Bayer’s patent has expired in almost every country. But the U.S. law allows longer patents than do most countries…

Fighting Back When Foe Is Prostate Cancer (October 23, 2001)
31,500 Americans die each year because of prostate cancer. This disease is common in Western countries and rare in Asia. Furthermore, black men seem to be more susceptible to get prostate cancer, especially in severe forms. Why are some people more vulnerable to prostate cancer ? 

Improved medications have a downside for seniors (October 22, 2001)
Although prescription drugs help the elderly live longer, they may well put them at risk for side effects that are disabling and expose them to dangerous reactions.

Indian drug makers as emerging as a potential source of CIPRO (October 19, 2001)
Indian generic-drug companies could be sources of antibiotics to fight any widespread outbreak of anthrax in the US. But Bayer is the only company allowed to sell Cipro since it holds the patent for this important drug. Why don’t International trade rules allow countries to open markets to generic substitutes during a public-health crisis ? 

Canada Overrides Patent for Cipro to Treat Anthrax ( October 19, 2001)
Canada has decided to buy generic version of Cipro and to override Bayer’s patent. Generic drugs companies can produce low-cost versions of brand-name medicines. So now what is the American government going to do? Will the Bush administration buy Cipro, more expensive than other generic drugs ? 

A rush for Cipro, and the Global Ripples (October 17, 2001)
Why buy for a drug $350 a month in the United States if you can buy the same medicine at $10 a month in India ? It is the question raised by the American government about Cipro, an antibiotic for treating anthrax made by Bayer, a German company. Cheaper generic drugs could be available for poor countries for the epidemics of AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases. 

For Seniors, Balance is Essential (October 16, 2001)
Dizzy spells are common and treatable at 60-plus but they must not be ignored. In the United States, 9 percent of the 65-and-over suffer from balance problems. In this article from the Washington Post, you will learn more about dizziness. There are different treatments because there are various kinds of balance problems… 

The Deadly Whisper of Ovarian Cancer (October 2, 2001)
Ovarian cancer can occur at any age and must be detected early. 
But how ? In this article from the New York Times, you will find a list of “whispering” symptoms of the ovarian cancer. Certain factors also increase a woman's risk of developing this disease. Because there is no early simple detection, you must have checkups with your doctor. 

Which is more dangerous, aging or inactivity? (October 2, 2001)
Everybody wants to know if bed rests are better for our health than endurance and aerobic training. As reported in the Boston Globe, an American study suggests that three weeks in bed may be more unhealthy than 30 years of growing older. How our body can weather the vicissitudes of aging without training ? Are there any irreversible effects on their health? This article from The Boston Globe examines these questions. 

Women at higher risk of post-stroke death than men (October 1, 2001)
Women face a 20% higher risk of death after stroke than men. There is also an increased risk of death for female patients after heart attack or heart surgery. In the studies, women are living longer than men but they are more vulnerable to some diseases.

Qu'allons-nous faire de nos cent ans ? (September 28, 2001)
(in French) In the French newspaper, “Le Figaro”, an article shows that because of the progress of medicine and improvement of social and economic levels, the average age of the human life is still going up. If they live longer, elderly people have also adapted to fight against aging. It is claimed that a natural hormone, the DHEA, reduces the effects of aging, and suppresses the sadness of the retired. Some specialists say that stopping an active life gives the person a feeling that he or she is useless. However, some elderly people are happy and have plenty of desire. Some create their own newspaper, help organizations, associations, get involved in human causes, etc. And like the Italian singer, Tino Rossi, says: “Life begins at 60 years old when we know it better than before”.

Latino Health (September 27, 2001)
As reported in the San Francisco chronicle, 09.27.01, Latinos do not have access to health care. Planned Parenthood developed a program with Hispanic health educators called “promotoras” to educate Hispanic women about their reproductive health and provide them information about health care. 

Ministry wants workers to pay 30% of health cost (September 25, 2001)
A Japanese Ministry announced a draft of new health insurance systems which will be in effect in October 2002. This draft shows that not only company employees but also elderly people under 70 have to pay 30 percent of their medical costs; between 70 and 74 will pay 20 percent and over 75 will pay 10 percent. The ministry says that Increasing payment of medical costs is the diversion of rebuilding the funds of the national health insurance system. However, serious medical cost issues will fall on elder’s’ shoulders much heavier when this draft was implemented. 

Les familles déplorent les lacunes de la prise en charge des malades d'Alzheimer (September 21, 2001)
(in French) In the French Newspaper, “Le Monde,” an article published on the 8th World Day of Alzheimer’s Disease, addresses how to help European people with this disease and their family caregivers. Family caregivers have to take care of the human, emotional and financial issues of the sick person because paid caregivers are too expensive for most families. So, some professors have tried to create a place that the partner or the family of the sick person could go for a vacation. In this way, they can diminish the stress that this disease causes.

Elderly 'take less control of their health' (September 5, 2001)
Elderly patients are less likely to take control of their own care because they were raised in an age of "paternalism", says a new English study.

Memory loss, a part of aging, can be fought (August 12, 2001)
At every ages, we forget things, names.... As we age, we get more aware of this forgetfulness because such lapses (we fear) may now signal a decline in capacity. But our memory muscle needs to exercise. You will find some advice to get your memory stronger in this article from the Courier-Journal, 08.12.01. 

Tausche Niere gegen Niere (August 3, 2001)
(In German) This article in Die Zeit discusses the issue of organs’ transplants in Germany, and specific the transplants of kidneys. Furthermore, the article mentions the German law on organ transplants and criticisms on the current law. 

Sergey Martirosyan: “Walking Around the Globe” (August 2001) (in Russian)
Newspapers from all over the world call him “The youngest old man”, “the oldest young man”, “The most healthy man on the Earth”. After retirement in 1993, Sergey Martirosyan did not wish to sit home with other pensioners, but dreamed to see the world. And one day he decided to walk from his home city Erevan to Barcelona for the opening of the Olympic Games. He is walking 35-40 kilometers a day and wants to live his input into peace making on the earth.

Elderly 'wait longer in casualty' (July 31, 2001)
Older people wait more than an hour and half longer in casualty
departments than younger people, a survey has found.

China's Baby Bust (July 30, 2001)
Corruption, unequal gender balance, and a declining birth rate are consequences of China’s one-child policy.  Time Asia reports that the Chinese government must now develop ways to combat these problems.  In response, China has allowed for exceptions to the one-child policy, and hopes to reform its social welfare system to take care of the growing number of elderly.    

Ziekteverzekering geeft tien procent meer uit (July 24, 2001)
(In Dutch) According to De Standaard, the Belgian Health Insurance faces an increase of expenditures of 10.3 percent over the last year. The Belgian Ministry of Social Affairs has already taken several measures to limit the budget overrun, such as the promotion of generic drugs, saving measures on kidney dialysis, saving measures on retirement homes, and others.

Japanse gezondheidszorg op de rand van bankroet (July 24, 2001)
(In Dutch) This article in De Standaard discusses the financial difficulties of the Japanese health care system. Misuse of means, misconduct and the ageing population are reported as the main reasons for the financial deficit. First Minister Junichiro Koizumi has promised a proposal for reform by fall this year.

Amputatie beste preventie erfelijke borstkanker (July 23, 2001)
(In Dutch) According to De Standaard, preventive breast amputation is the most effective way to prevent genetic forms of breast cancer. Research conducted at the Academic Hospital in Rotterdam (The Netherlands) shows that this method reduces the risk of breast cancer to practically zero. 

Pour or contre la DHEA? (July 19, 2001)
(In French) This article in L’Express discusses the official report on the anti-aging pill, DHEA, by l’Apsass (French Agency of safety of health products). According to the report the anti aging pill is associated with health risks, such as a higher risk of cancer.

EU Plans to Free Up Drug Market (July 18, 2001)
As reported in BBC News, the EU plans to decrease the time required for the approval of medications and to loosen laws restricting the advertising of prescription drugs. The commission aims to make more information about drugs available to consumers. It also hopes the changes will ensure that European pharmaceutical companies will not lose out to US competition.

Tobacco: Philip Morris Report Claims Benefits Of Smokers' Deaths 
(July 17, 2001)

As disclosed in a Philip Morris Report, the Czech government saved $30 million in 1999 by not having to support, house and care for smokers who perished prematurely from tobacco-related illnesses. Can smoking have “indirect positive effects”? Isn’t it egregious to think that smoking could be a way to save money whereas people are dying because of tobacco… 

Britain 'poor man' of EU health (July 17, 2001)
As described in BBC News, the Office of Health Economics (OHE) recently issued a report that shows Britain's spending on health care to be much lower than that of its other European counterparts. Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised to bring spending up to par with other EU nations, but the process might be difficult.

House OKs Buying Drugs from Abroad by Mail, Net (July 12, 2001) According to the Los Angeles Times, the House voted on a bill last week that would make it legal for Americans to buy prescription drugs from foreign countries online or by mail order. The new law would likely create significant savings for Americans, especially senior citizens. Medication from foreign countries is usually cheaper than medication available in the US, usually because of price fixing measures utilized by foreign governments. The fate of the bill in the Senate is still uncertain.

Les prix des medicaments baissent a la rentree (July 10, 2001)
(In French) According to Le Monde the French government has reserved 2.4 million French Francs in order to decrease the cost of specific medications according to the governmental "Medical Plan." Anti-cholesterol medications and other expensive drugs which are frequently used and have high co-payments would become significantly more affordable.

Derecho a la Salud, Inalienable: Frenk (July 10, 2001) (in Spanish)
Mexico is redeveloping its health care system. This Excelsior article explains how Mexico is working toward a universal health care system by applying a five-step program.  Maybe the US can learn how to extend extend health care to its population.

WHO, top publishers to help scientists in developing nations access information (July 9, 2001)
Great news from the World Health Organization!  The WHO announced a new program that will enable nearly 100 developing countries to receive vital scientific information.  This U.N. document stresses the importance of utilizing this medical information to help ameliorate the health of populations in need.

Fixed payments plan for victims of NHS errors (July 9, 2001)
England’s National Health System (NHS) has proposed a fixed-rate repayment plan for all victims of medical accidents.  The Guardian reports that repayments will be in the form of both cash and free medical visits.  The NHS believes that this system will benefit both the employees and the clients, with the overall goal of promoting a “no blame” culture within the NHS.    

Health Care in France gets Top Mark (July 8, 2001)
The French health care system has proven to be quite superior to that of the U.S. As portrayed in the Chicago Tribune, France’s health care system has a “same care for all” philosophy where patients, regardless of social status, receive the same medical care. This is an alarming difference from the U.S., which comprises of 40 million people with no health insurance.

Health care in France gets top marks (July 7, 2001)
The French health care system has proven to be quite superior to that of the U.S.  France’s health care system has a “same care for all” philosophy where patients, regardless of social status, receive the same medical care.  This is an alarming difference from the U.S., which comprises of 40 million people with no health insurance.

Canada Legalises medical Marijuana (July 5, 2001)
BBC News reports that Canada is the first country to legalize possession of marijuana for chronically ill people. Patients will be given photo identification cards that state their right to have the drug. Many patients report the ability of cannabis to reduce the pain involved with various diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, and AIDS. Patients will be able to apply for the right to possess the drug if their doctors certify that they have either a terminal illness or one of a number of specified medical conditions, and that conventional treatments have failed. Some people oppose Canada’s move, claiming that not enough is known about the adverse effects of the drug.

A tale of two hospitals (June 30, 2001)
The Guardian
compares a hospital in France, and another, in England.  The English and the French hospitals were compared to each other based on appearance, citizen comments, costs, and waiting times.  The author takes the comparison to another level by discussing some of the policies that each country’s government established that might have led to the results found.  

U.N. United in AIDS Fight but Split Over What to Do (June 27, 2001)
The U.N. special session convened to talk about the fight against AIDS. As portrayed by the New York Times, many problems were discussed and unfortunately many problems were left unanswered. One of the issues discussed was how AIDS affects the elderly community. In many cases the elderly are left to care for their orphaned grandchildren, which places a financial burden on them. Fortunately, this special session created a greater awareness on the AIDS problem and allowed many people to view the wide impact of AIDS on all social groups.

US drops Brazil Aids drugs case ( June 25, 2001)
This article, as taken from the BBC News, explains how the United States has dropped its complaints against Brazil’s desire to manufacture and reduce the cost of Aids drugs on the market. Brazil’s main concern is public health, accusing the United States administration of attacking their successful Aids-treatment program.

For Now, Diabetics Must Keep on Waiting to Inhale (June 15, 2001)
No more daily insulin shoots for diabetics? This might be the case if a new diabetic drug enters the market. According to Business Week, in two to three years insulin inhalers may be the way to treat diabetes. Even though this new treatment raises high hopes among the diabetic community, questions still linger on the safety of the inhalers. 

Fake drugs costing lives (June 15, 2001)
This article, published in BBC News, is about people dying in developing countries because of fake or sub-standard drugs.

Diabetes May Impair Mental Function in Elderly (June 14)  
Elderly women with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing memory problems than other elderly women, study results suggest. Diabetes treatment appeared to slow the loss of mental function, according to a report published in the June issue of Diabetes Care. 

Dispute over Generic AIDS Drugs Pits the World's Haves and Have-nots (June 13, 2001)
A heated debate continues between people who demand affordable AIDS medicines and people who believe in protecting patent rights. As mentioned in the Seattle Times, there are 36 million people worldwide suffering from AIDS. As a consequence of these staggering numbers a consensus must be reached to permit patients to receive quality medication for an affordable price.

Estrogen May Keep Women's Brains Going (June 13, 2001)
This article, published in the Seattle Times, reports on the benefits of estrogen for women in menopause. Evidence has been accumulating that estrogen helps to maintain memory performance. Researchers believe this hormone can prevent bone deterioration associated with aging.

Marijuana Use Dangerous for Older People: Study (June)
Studies have shown that marijuana smoking causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. 

Arresting Alzheimer's (June 11, 2001)
New hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s. This article, printed in the June 11th Business Week magazine, takes an interesting look at the theory that treating patients with MCI, might slow Alzheimer’s disease. This new discovery may stop the natural course of Alzheimer’s and prevent millions of people from suffering this illness.

Lottery Jackpot Joy for Elderly (June 8, 2001) 
In the largest welfare proposal since 1949, the Chinese government has decided to allocate 80% of its national lottery proceeds to provide care for its elderly. Figures from China Daily believe that as much as 10 billion yuan (US $41.2 billion) will be used to build new facilities throughout the country. China currently has 132 million elderly over the age of 60.

AIDS Fungus Drug Offered to Poor Nations (June 7, 2001)
Stung by worldwide criticism of its high profits and patent protectionism at the expense of critically sick poor people, Pfizer took a step to provide a free drug to treat some AIDS patients. As portrayed in this article, taken from the New York Times, Pfizer will donate a drug to fight fungal infections associated with AIDS to 50 of the poorest countries in the world. Even though this is a very important step, more work needs to be done to make drugs more accessible and inexpensive to people with this illness. Critics are wary. 

New Breast-Cancer Screening Aimed at High-Risk (June 7, 2001)
New break through in cancer screening! This article, published in the Miami Herald, investigates “ductal lavage” a noninvasive technique to access the risk of breast cancer. Hear the impressions from a women who has taken the test…

Laura was killed by anorexia. She was 80 (June 7, 2001)
Anorexia may be a serious disease not only for teenagers but for the elderly too. Here is a personal story from a young woman who lost her grandmother at age 80 because of an eating disorder.

  Cancer Cluster Mysteries Need Focused Research (June 6, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, takes a look into cancer cluster research. Cancer in certain communities or areas could be due to air, water, or soil pollution. In order for this suspicion to become an indisputable fact, better data collection needs to be implemented. Only then can epidemiologists provide a reason for cancer clusters. 

You want to Fight Fat and Aging? Sleep on it (June 6, 2001)
This interesting article, found in the Miami Herald, alerts people about the dangers of sleep deprivation. This report suggests that everyone should get eight hours of sleep to maintain a healthy immune system and fight premature aging.

Baja en Cuba la Propagacion de la Enfermedad (June 5, 2001)
(In Spanish) This article, taken from La Jornada in Mexico, reports about a controversial but apparently successful AIDS program in Cuba. People infected with the virus are urged to live in an institution where they can be treated for their illness. As a result, patients receive immediate care, form support groups, and the government stops the rapid spreading of AIDS. If Cuba’s AIDS program proves to be efficient on a long term level, the world community should embrace it as another tool in the fight against AIDS.

SIDA:  20 Anos de un Mal que no Cesa (June 5, 2001)
(In Spanish)This article, printed in La Nacion in Argentina, provides the readers with an overview of the first twenty years of AIDS in Argentina. It presents some statistics of the infected population and mentions the first ever known cases of AIDS in that country. 

Los Avances No Alcanzan a Todos (June 5, 2001)
(In Spanish) This article, published in La Nacion in Argentina, depicts the struggle that some people infected with HIV are facing. In Argentina AIDS activists are questioning the lack of medicines, the quality of medicines, and the accessibility of medicines for the poorest segment of the population. Unfortunately, activists feel that the government not only ignores their pleas but also denies people with AIDS a proper medical treatment. 

Elderly suicides: the religious divide (June 4, 2001)
The majority of elderly suicides die because they are inadequately supported and/or have poor medical care” said Professor Pritchard of Southampton University. In his study, he noticed that despite a strong prohibition of suicide by the Catholic church, elderly suicide rates are higher in Italy, Spain and Portugal than in the UK or Scandinavia that are Protestant countries.

Mixed Review on Herbs, Extracts for Menopause (June 4, 2001)
This article, printed in the Philadelphia Inquirer, takes an in depth look at herbal medicines. Some supplements like Isoflavone and Ginseng seem to be successful in relieving symptoms of menopause. Other supplements, like dung-quai, might be as good as a placebo. 

Conference on Honduras 2001 to Focus on AIDS, Orphans, and Education (June 4, 2001)
This newswire taken from the Boston Globe mentions that on October 12-13 a conference will be held in Washington concerning Honduras’s health care and education. Read to see how you can help!

Canada Moving Toward Decriminalizing Marijuana (June 3, 2001) 
Marijuana culture is no longer hidden in Canada. This article, printed in the Miami Herald, discusses the decriminalization of Marijuana. At this point in time Canada allows this drug to be accessible for people with AIDS, cancer, severe arthritis, and other ailments. Even though U.S. policy has not changed its stand on Marijuana, softening of U.S. drug laws may help patients suffering from many different illnesses. 

Status of Women, Children Improves (June 1, 2001)
According to China Daily, women and children living in Shanghai have standards almost of other developed countries. For women, some improvements that were noted include a higher life expectancy, more access to higher education, and health conditions. The largest improvement for children came in the form of education. 

Elderly Assistance Proposed, Congress Has Not  Rejected Yet, 老人津貼明年發放 政院不反對(June 2001) 
(in Chinese) It has been proposed that the government of Taiwan give $3,000 to all its elderly over 65 of age that receive no benefits.  If passed, this would cost the government 160 million dollars.  This China Times article looks into the views of the supporters and critics.  Specific details of the plan are still under debate.

A Chance de Cura, Por um Fio (May 31, 2001)
(In Portuguese) This article, printed in O Estado de Sao Paulo in Brazil, comments about the investigations and insights on Brazilian plants with medicinal properties. The objective is to find a natural cure for sicknesses, as well as freeing patients from having to experience disagreeable side effects. Since Brazil counts with good climatic conditions for plant cultivation, it could bring a revolution in alternative medicine.

Los Farmacos Pueden Ser Una Ayuda Efectiva (May 31, 2001)
This article, published in La Nacion, stresses the need for cigarette smokers to look for medical help when they want to quit their nicotine addiction. The most recommended approach is the psychological one because it is believed that most addictions emerge from anxiety and depression. 

Si Continua el Uso Inadecuado de los Antibioticos, Surgiran Nuevos Virus Incurables, Segun la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (May 30, 2001)
(In Spanish)This article, printed in El Mundo in Spain, alerts readers about the danger of taking antibiotics improperly. Even though antibiotics are necessary for curing many sicknesses, excess use of such medicines can produce new viruses that are resistant to many forms of medication. The World Health Organization urges people to follow guidelines while taking antibiotics, not doing so could weaken the natural immune system. 

Scientists View New Wave of Cancer Drugs (May 29, 2001)
This article published in the New York Times takes an interesting look at the cancer-fighting drug STI 571. This revolutionary pill could eradicate the need for conventional cancer treating methods like chemotherapy and radiation. Even though skeptics say there is no secure long term success of STI 571, it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and could bring a breakthrough for patients suffering from such an illness. 

Nuevo Sistema Permite Restaurar Arteria Obstruida (May 29, 2001)
This article taken from El Mundo reports on a new treatment that could take the place of open-heart surgery. This new treatment called PICVA would allow doctors to redirect blood flow from a blocked artery to a vein, which would greatly diminish invasion to the body. 

FDA to Hear Heart Drug Complaints (May 25, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, reports that a group of patients wants the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to issue a safety warning about a cardiac drugs suspected to increase heart failure. FDA said a test is in process… But maybe this kind of test should be made before marketing? One more time, it highlights the cozy relationship between the pharmaceutical company and FDA…

Stem Cells May Move Diabetics Closer to Cure (May 22, 2001)
This article taken from the Miami Herald informs the diabetic community about a new treatment that may provide a non-invasive cure to this illness in the near future. With the use of insulin producing cells, diabetics could find new hope that would end the frustrations around waiting for donor organs.

New Studies May Boost Credibility of Products (May 22, 2001)
This article published in the San Jose Mercury News focuses on the need to research alternative medicine. As a result of increase funding and advanced studies, researchers will be able to prove or discredit the efficacy of supplements and botanicals. Supporters of alternative medicine stress this new form of treatment as having the potential to prevent disease and improve public health.

The Secret of Life (May 22, 2001)
This article, taken from The Boston Globe, explains why the people of Okinawa are the world’s longest-lived and healthiest people, and stresses the fact that their robust health are due to lifestyle choices rather than good genes. Although American people aren’t ready to give up their own lifestyle, they might be inspired by this combination of low-calorie, vegetable-based diet, martial art exercises and positive spiritual attitude. Therefore, to be in a better health in your 70s and 80s, maintain body and mind!

Tuberculosis Can Be Contained in 5 Years, UN Agency Says (May 22, 2001)
This article, taken from The International Herald Tribune, reports that, according to UN agencies, tuberculosis, which infects about 2 billion people worldwide, could be controlled in 5 years, if  rich countries would give an additional $400 million a year to fight the disease… And what about the pharmaceutical industries, with its billions of profits made every year? 

It is man's most relentless battle: the struggle against infectious disease (May 21, 2001)
An interesting article, taken from The Times, giving a personal point of view about the pharmaceutical industry’s behavior in Africa, particularly on AIDS issues…

Britain Ends Price-Fixing on Nonprescription Drugs (May 18, 2001)
This article, taken from The Los Angeles Times, reports that Britain stops price-fixing on nonprescription drugs. This is good news, even if these drugs are not the most vital… Nevertheless, some people fears that this “little revolution” means the end of thousands of independent pharmacies in aid of anonymous big drugstores and supermarket giants.

Drug Makers and 3rd World: Study in Neglect (May 18, 2001)
This special report, taken from The New York Times, highlights the behavior of the pharmaceutical industry toward the Third World and emphasizes on their disdain for these poor countries because they are not enough lucrative. Drugmakers prefer to create new medicines against cholesterol or heart disease than drugs fighting malaria or others tropical virus. The report also points out the “big labs” ’ strategy in the face of AIDS’ issues.

Le gouvernement hésite à priver de remboursements des médicaments que les experts jugent peu efficaces (May 17, 2001)
(in French) This article, taken from Le Monde, reports that French government would like to stop refunding some drugs judged by experts to be ineffective, in order to contain public expenditures. But the pharmaceutical industry, using blackmail, warns that thousands of jobs are in danger… Elisabeth Guigou and Bernard Kouchner, respectively social and health affairs’ ministers, will probably not propose major reforms with only one year left until the presidential election. 

Big Pharma and the Global Response to HIV/AIDS (May 17, 2001)
This interesting document, taken from the IGC’ s website (Institute for Global Communications), deals with the big pharmaceutical industry and AIDS’ issues, particularly in Africa. As GAA underscored many times, these companies try to prevent or delay the generic drugs in order to protect their profits. But generic drugs, medicines at low cost, could save millions of life.

AIDS Vaccine Hopes Rise From Africa (May 17, 2001)
Wind of hope in Africa. This article, taken from The Washington Post, reports that some scientists have created a vaccine against Aids by studying prostitutes’ blood who inexplicably did not become infected with the virus. However, scientists have to wait for some positive results to pronounce their conclusion. See also the map showing the expansion of this terrible disease.

Cannabis para aliviar el tratamiento del cáncer (May 16, 2001)
(in Spanish) This article, taken from the daily Spanish newspaper El Pais, reports that Spain has allowed cannabis for medical uses. More precisely, the law permits doctors to give people suffering from cancer a cannabis-based drug . The US Supreme Court prohibits such a use. This highlights the discrepancy, concerning death without suffering, between US and Europe. 

Alzheimer. De toekomst is grijs (May 14, 2001)
(In Dutch) According to De Standaard, a vaccination for Alzheimer's disease should be available within ten to fifteen years. Age is the greatest risk for this illness and due to the demographic evolution, it is expected that by the year 2030 the amount of Alzheimer's patients in Belgium will increase by six to ten times which shows the urgency of treating this disease.

A Global Cause (May 11, 2001)
This article, taken from The Washington Post, highlights the necessity to create a global fund to fight AIDS and other infectious diseases in poor countries. Developed nations, and particularly the US, along with wealthy industries such as pharmaceutical companies, would mainly sustain this fund.

Government backs down over health and social care bill (May 10, 2001) This article, taken from The Guardian, reveals that British government has given up some significant health and social reforms in the face of pressure from local authorities and Conservatives. By chance, this back down happens just before the general election of June…

La France compte 12,6 millions de grands-parents (May 10, 2001)
(in French) This article, published in the French newspaper Le Monde, reports the findings of a census carried out in March 1999, showing that the number of grand-parents amounts to 12.6 million and this figure is expected to increase even further over the forthcoming years. Details on the study in this article.

3.000 mayores participan en el encuentro deportivo (May 9, 2001)
(in Spanish) This article, taken from the daily Spanish newspaper Diario 16, reports an original sport meeting involving more than 3000 elder persons in Madrid, in order to show that you can old and… perfectly athletic!

Novartis Agrees to Lower Price of a Medicine Used in Africa (May 3, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, reports that a pharmaceutical company has decided to low prices of its malaria drugs in Africa. Under pressure since the South Africa’s victory, pharmaceutical giants are reducing, one by one, its absurdly high profits.

Brazil's AIDS Chief Denounces Bush Position on Drug Patents (May 3, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, reveals that President Bush position's on drugs patents protects his friends, the American pharmaceutical companies. Here Brazil's AIDS chief criticizes Bush for his stance.

What’s up, Doc? (May 3, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports the wave of demonstrations facing Great Britain in the medical sector. These demonstrations reflect the firmness of doctors wishing to show their disgruntlement to the Labor Party. Denouncing the worsening of patient care due to many factors ranging from red-tape to political targets, doctors accuse the Government not to keep its promises. Issues linked to retirement contribute to aggravating this tendency as well. 

All around the houses (May 2, 2001)
Through his father's experience, the journalist denounces the consequences of the waves of nursing home closures, which occur in Great Britain. This closures trigger confusion, stress among old people and each time they have to readapt to a new environment. An article, from The Guardian, showing how strenuous it is for old people and their family. 

Are care home owners cashing in on closures? (May 2, 2001)
This article, taken from The Guardian, reports the massive wave of closures on the Isle of Wight, near Great Britain. This trend is also characteristic of the United Kingdom. The dearth of care home beds jeopardize the lives of older people. The most outrageous is that care home owners are actually reaping the financial benefits each time a nursing home closes by cashing in. 

Japan's Health Insurance Shaky (May 1, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, reports the ongoing collapse of the Japanese health insurance program, ridden with heavy debts and unable to keep on helping millions of people in need of medical care. The reforms, so far postponed, are more than compulsory and a new proposal's deadline has been set to autumn 2001. Review of a system falling apart.

Nigeria's Choice of Generics Will Allow 10,000 to be Treated (April 30, 2001)
Victory for Nigeria in the fight for generic drugs. As portrayed by Medecins Sans Frontieres, Nigeria will be able to provide 10, 000 people with AIDS drug cocktails as part of a new AIDS program. Even though this is a very positive step forward for AIDS patients, patent laws need to be questioned in order to provide patients with the best care possible. 

Pharmaceuticals drop South African Court Case (April 29, 2001)
This Medecins Sans Frontieres’ (Doctors without frontiers) press release centers on the pharmaceutical lawsuit against the South African government. According to the article, thirty-nine pharmaceutical companies dropped a suit to prevent the 1997 Medicine Act to go into effect.

Huge opposition to care charges (April 26, 2001)
This article, taken from The Guardian, gives the results of a survey conducted among British citizens on health care costs. The results show that the vast majority of people think that people with long term illness should not pay any charges. Some of these results should better be taken into account by the government in the advent of the forthcoming election. Details of the survey in this article. 

Annan propose la création d'un fonds global de lutte contre le sida (April 26, 2001)
This article, taken from Courrier International, reports that United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, announced in Abuja summit that he wants countries to create a special fund to fight AIDS. This fund will be used to ensure access to medicines for poor people, particularly in Africa.

Needed, Leaders to Vanquish AIDS (April 26, 2001)
This article, published in The International Herald Tribune, dealing with AIDS in poor countries, give the floor to Peter Riot and Kim Hak-Su, of the United Nations, who both advocate the end of “the conspiracy of silence” surrounding this terrible disease.

Milburn unveils NHS overhaul (April 25, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, gives the details on the latest reform on the British system of health care. The overhaul will imply a decentralization of power, allocating more responsibilities to doctors and care staff, for instance by monitoring budgets and care purchasing decisions. Is it really a good idea? Isn't it just a provisory decision to thwart the entire mess facing the health sector in Great Britain without efficiently seeking solutions. 

Glaxo defends £1.4bn profits (April 25, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports that pharmaceutical giant Glaxo during these three past months made new profit record. These profits sound scandalous looking at African issues, particularly regarding AIDS. Unfair and overwhelming are the words.  

The Real AIDS Scandal  (April 25, 2001)
This article, taken from The Washington Post, points out low governmental expenditures on Aids in the world. Occidental authorities should devote more money and support in this dramatic issue.

Generic Medicine for AIDS Raises New Set of Concerns (April 24, 2001) This article, published in The New York Times, underscores that, despite South Africa’s achievement, some concerns remain about generic drugs regarding, this time, its quality and effectiveness. Controls and tests should be systemically done so that medicines efficiency are guaranteed.

Lifting the Curtain on the Real Costs of Making AIDS Drugs (April 24, 2001)
The South Africa’s trial has showed to the world that health is synonymous with money. This article, taken from The New York Times, sheds light on the real costs of making Aids drugs, giving interesting data.

Sida: la Commission des droits de l'homme pour des médicaments génériques à bas prix (April 23, 2001)
(in French) This article, taken from the French daily newspaper Le Monde, reports that the Human Rights commission of the United Nations has voted a resolution inviting all the countries to ensure access to cheap generic drugs. Only the United States has refused to vote the resolution, showing the pharmaceutical industry’s influence in this country.

Global AIDS Strategy May Prove Elusive (April 23, 2001)
This article, published in The Washington Post, underscores, despite South Africa’s victory, that the fight in favor for drug access is not over. A comprehensive strategy must be found. Hangover after the feast?

Ministers to redirect aid to the rural poor  (April 23, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports an initiative undertaken by the British government to thwart poverty in rural areas over a four year-period. This scheme, the Surestart program, will set up mobile health clinics for the poorest families, for instance.

On the Rise in Japan: Assertive Daughters-in-Law (April 22, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, reports the progressive vanishing of family care to their older relatives shifting the task to the government. In a country where the number of elderly people living on their own has kept increasing at a rapid pace, what are the solutions implemented by the Japanese government concerning health care services or pensions and how rural areas are coping with the phenomenon

Nation to Legislate Population, Family Planning Policies (April 21, 2001)
China has continued to work on its family policy, placing great emphasis on reproductive health.  China Daily reports that reproductive health care and family planning are predicted to be universal by 2015.  This policy is a result of many Asian countries emphasizing a country’s economic success with their demography, paying particular attention on birth rates and the elderly.

Drug Makers Drop South Africa Suit Over AIDS Medicine (April 20, 2001)
Victory in Africa. This article, published in The New York Times, reports the pharmaceutical industry decision to give up its lawsuits in Africa about drugs patents. This is an historical moment, showing that a united international opinion can be more powerful than the richest industry in the world, and, above all, a fabulous wind of hope for millions of disabled. 

News Analysis: Defensive Drug Industry Fuels Fight Over Patents (April 20, 2001)
What now? This article, taken from The New York Times, lays out the debate about drugs patents, after big pharmaceutical industries’ decision to give up lawsuit in Africa.

Statement on South African Drugs Agreement (April 19, 2001)
Here is the final agreement reached by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association and South African government on Thursday. The New York Times reports.

La course aux médicaments du futur bouleverse l'industrie pharmaceutique (April 16, 2001)
(in French) This article, taken from the French daily newspaper Le Monde, shows that genetic and biotechnology are becoming “the medicines of tomorrow”. This is a great hope for AIDS’ patients and others millions of people. But this new development means huge profits in prospect for pharmaceutical industries, despite some new generic companies competition. 

Old Medicare System Ends (April 13, 2001)
Medicare in China has gotten a huge face lift.  Instead of urban residents receiving virtually free medical care at the government’s expense, the new program splits the expenses between the government, employers, and employees.  According to China Daily, this new system will allow rural people to have access to health care.  

Misprescribing for health care (April 12, 2001)
This article, published in The Economist, reports the though situation facing the current German health minister regarding the reform of health care. Gerhard Schroeder's government has strived to implement a reform mainly consisting in penalizing doctors who exceeded the spending limits on prescription drugs. It has helped reduce the costs a lot but triggered many strikes among doctors. The new health minister, who took office in January suspended this measure, banning sanctions. Now health insurers are keen on increasing their rates. To thwart this rate increase the minister set a minimum contribution, urging employers to pay half of their workers' contributions. A real mess!

Are social work values under threat? (April 12, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, contemplates the threat looming social work values in Great Britain. Due to the initiatives undertaken by the British government concerning health care, a potential hazard for social work values has to be taken into account.

Hospitals step up security as attacks on staff rise  (April 12, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, gives some details about the state of safety within hospitals in Great Britain. Numerous abuses, threats have been witnessed and this phenomenon has entailed the need for more security through police presence within hospitals. 

U.N. agencies said working on cheaper drugs plan (April 12, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, heralds a UN program to improve health system and ensure access to cheaper medicines in poorest countries. An encouraging initiative, showing that the UN is becoming aware (maybe too late?) of this dramatic issue.

EU scuppers Glaxo bid to halt cheap drug imports (April 11, 2001)
This article, taken from the British newspaper The Sunday Times, unveils that the European Commission is about to allow cheap medicines imports, thwarting drug companies endeavors to prevent that development. Drugmakers are worried about their profits. But cheaper drugs are a way of providing health care at low costs, for everyone.

Experts Mull Cheap Drugs for Poor at Norway Talks (April 9, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, underscores the Norway's meeting stakes. Governments and drug companies, pushing by lobby groups and WHO, have urgently to find a solution to ensure access to cheap AIDS drugs in Africa. The Black Continent cannot wait longer.

Mali Signs Cheap AIDS Drug Deal with Western Firms (April 9, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, unveils that British drugmaker Glaxo and Mali have reached an agreement to ensure access to cheap AIDS medicines. Under pressure and shouted down by the international opinion, the pharmaceutical companies give up, one by one, their overwhelming profit in developing countries. Philanthropy or strategy?

Over-65s ignore safe sex warnings (April 8, 2001)
This article, published in The Observer, a British newspaper, reports an outbreak of sexual diseases among older people. Owed to the advent of viagra, better health and separations, elderly people tend to be less wary of such diseases. Though this new trend has entailed numerous casualties.

Affordable Medicine for Poor Sought (April 8, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, heralds an international meeting in Norway concerning drug issues in the world, and more precisely regarding their prices, making drugs often unaffordable for the poorest. 

Retirees no anxiety over medical cost (April 6, 2001)
China is soon going to implement a new medical mutual-aid insurance program for its retired workers.  China Daily reports that retirees will pay lower premiums, and be eligible for up to $4800 in medical reimbursements.  While some retirees still feel that they are paying too much for their health care, this program is definitely a step in the right direction.   

Court orders to lower nursing insurance tax paid by parents (April 3, 2001)
According to Die Welt, the German government was ordered by the nation's highest court to lower premiums paid to the compulsory nursing insurance program by parents. The Federal Constitutional held that the program, as currently operated, failed to meet the German Constitution's requirement that the state ensure equality and promote the family, and thus held the program unconstitutional since it requires parents to pay the same premiums as insured people without children.

Timidity on AIDS (April 3, 2001)
An article taken from The Washington Post highlighting that, despite of some efforts in Africa and Brazil, big pharmaceutical industries must go further to ensure access to cheaper drugs in Africa. 

Primary reason for GP's elderly care fees (April 2, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports the covert privatization of care services in Great Britain relating the implications and consequences of such a shift.

Blair sides with drug giants (March 31, 2001)
This article, taken from British newspaper The Guardian, quotes an official report unveiling Tony Blair’s position concerning pharmaceutical companies’ patents in poor countries. According to Prime Minister, to protect intellectual property rights is more important than promote affordable medicines, such as generic drugs. Actually, it seems that Tony Blair wants, first and foremost, to protect one of the most important British industries. See also the report on www.doh.gov.uk

Doctors breaking 'free NHS' principle (March 30, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports the allegations against doctors charging fees to old people whereas the latter should have had free services.

Volunteers heal rural poor with free service (March 30, 2001)
China is making huge efforts to provide its rural poor with more adequate health care.  Volunteer doctors have been placed in rural hospitals and health clinics.  China Daily reports that this volunteers program will be expanded throughout China, with its ultimate goal to provide better health care for rural farmers at a cheaper price.

Brazil Wins Fight Over Prices of Merck AIDS Drugs (March 29, 2001)
This article, taken from The New York Times, relates Brazilian government's victory in the face of US drugmaker Merk and Co, which has agreed to diminish the prices of 2 anti-AIDS drugs. This will benefit to thousands of poor infected people. But, according to Brazil, the battle against drug companies is just beginning...

AIDS Obstacles Overwhelm a Small South African Town (March 29, 2001)
A poignant and overwhelming story about a doctor in South Africa who cannot provide the too expensive anti-Aids drugs. This article, taken from The New York Times, asks, one more time, the question of Africa's access to Aids medicines. 

Made in China: Eyes Wide Shut (March 28, 2001)
An estimated 10 million AIDS cases are expected in China by 2010. Time Asia reports that an individual will be committing a criminal offense if he or she knowingly spreads AIDS. However, sources say that screened blood data is often ignored, and the individuals are never informed of their status. Blood is continually being sold to hospitals. Individuals deemed as “high-risk” are being forced to be tested for AIDS. 

Care for elderly patients criticised (March 28, 2001)
This article, published in The Times, underscores a report lately issued on the worsening of nursing for older people in Great Britain’s hospitals. This report impeded at least for a while the implementation of a governmental plan intended to revamp care for the elderly.

Pledge on equal treatment for elderly (March 27, 2001)
In this article, an new plan recently approved in Great Britain aims at banning discrimination in the treatment of older persons and providing equal access to social services. The Guardian gives the details of this plan.

Drug giants remain addicted to high profit margins (March 26, 2001)
This article, taken from the weekly British newspaper The Sunday Times, denounces the pharmaceutical giants' hypocrisy in the face of poor countries, playing the 'faint-hearted'. But profits and benefits remain their priority.

AIDS Drug Pricing Controversy Opens Door to Wider Debate (March 26, 2001)
This article, taken from The Los Angeles Times, reports the AIDS activists' point of view regarding cutting drug prices in Africa. They are pushing now to lower costs to other nations and for other drugs.

Fear grips old as care home closures rise (March 25, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports the thorny issue of nursing home closures in Britain. The situation is compounded by the increase in property prices and the dearth of medical staff. More and more nursing homes are closing (18 residential homes close a week) implying less beds for the elderly. The ageing of the population entails incremental difficulties.

Nursing home funding case wins review (March 23, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports a case where a 94 year-old man eschewed to pay for his nursing home. Behind this case,  it mirrors the difficulty faced by thousands of elderly people: financing for residential care.

Mil jubilados reciben atención en sus casas (March 21, 2001)
(in Spanish) An article, taken from the daily Argentine newspaper Clarin, concerning a local program for the poor elderly who cannot live on their own. The program provides home care facilities by nurses to avoid sending them into some miserable and inadequate geriatric centers. 

Ivory Coast Winning AIDS Drug War (March 20, 2001)
While the drug patent's trial is taking place in South Africa, Ivory Coast smoothly imports generic HIV drugs as it has for years, without patent payment. In this poor country, where so many people are infected, an AIDS activist justifies this attitude illustrating the African needs. The New York Times reports. 

NHS staff: the issue explained (March 20, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, explains the tough situation currently facing Great Britain regarding its medical staff. Through a set of questions and answers, useful information is provided on this thorny issue. 

What price a life? (March 19, 2001)
This article, published in The Times, reminds the reader the South Africa trial’s stakes for drug companies and poor countries

The New Trend: A Population Bust (March 18, 2001)
This article, published in The Washington Post, analyzes the forthcoming trend in demography, characterized by a drop in fertility rate, an accelerating pace of social aging and unexpected and wrenching mortality peaks triggered by the havoc of HIV/AIDS. 

Cut-Rate AIDS (March 15, 2001) 
This article, published in Time Magazine, deals with the anti-AIDS drugs' issue in Africa. Some big pharmaceutical companies, pressured by the international opinion, have decided to slash prices of its major AIDS drugs in Africa. But this is not a philanthropic action; generic drugmakers are becoming a prominent competitor with best prices. By slashing prices, the big companies hope, first and foremost, to protect their franchise.  

Sheltered accomodation with a difference (March 14, 2001)
This article, published in the British newspaper The Guardian, gives the example of St John's, a residence for elderly people in Britain, where retirees have a flat at their disposal. This residence enable those who cannot afford a proper living, to keep some sort of independence. This institution, called Almshouses, exists for centuries.

Here is a series of articles published in The Guardian, which gives a general overview of the current scheme under way in Britain to thwart staff shortages in the health sector. The Health Secretary decides to spend more money to recruit medical staff. Nurses and doctors will then receive incentive payments. This initiative will strengthen the campaign already launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer aiming at fostering NHS recruitment.   

Malnutrición en ancianos (March 13,  2001)
(in Spanish) A short article from the daily Spanish newspaper El Pais giving frightening information about the older persons' malnutrition in developed countries. 

Health and social care bill: the issue explained (March 12, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, analyses the problems raised by health and social care bills, answering potential questions and tackling current issues. 

So who pays for care of the elderly? (March 10, 2001)
This article, published in the British newspaper The Guardian, deals with the major changes in the British health care system. While Scotland and Wales are well ahead in this area, Britain is about to implement  free care services.

A war over drugs and patents (March 8, 2001)
An article from The Economist explaining South Africa's behavior and strategy in face of the pharmaceutical industry, regarding drug's prices, although the trial has been adjourned until April 18.

The price of care falls by the wayside (March 8, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, heralds the adoption of 38 standards which nursing homes in Britain will have to comply with by April 2002. The National Care Standards Commission created these standards to reduce abuses in care homes, which tend to be rampant.

Des aides très disparates selon les départements (March 7, 2001)
(in French) This article, published in the French newspaper Le Monde, reports the inequalities concerning the subventions allocated to older persons requesting care at home. In France, it often varies from one region to another.

Tories reject 'myth' of cradle to the grave welfare (March 7, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, contemplates the point of view of the Conservatives in Britain. Their idea that old people should  rely on themselves by making their own provision is viewed as concealed privatization by the Labor Party. This system would indeed put the burden on individuals. 

Medical massacre (March 5, 2001)
This article, published in the British newspaper The Guardian, provides a stern report on the state of the country's hospitals after a brief review of the American situation. Giving statistics, the article draws a dark portrait highlighting the numerous medical mistakes occurring in hospitals. 

Hidden plague of sexual abuse grips care homes (February 25, 2001)
This article, published in The Observer, reports the increase in cases of sexual abuse in nursing homes, taking for example the Denison House, whose owner faced many accusations. The articles provides a list of different types of assaults as well and highlights that this tendency dangerously sprawls even among expensive care homes. 

Your very good 'ealth (February 20, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, reports the extremely long life-expectancy in France and strives to understand the reason why it is so. It reviews the characteristics in other countries such as in Britain, the US or Japan.

Collapse of Health System Adds to North Korea's Crisis (February 20, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, shows  the disastrous conditions experienced by the North Korean population. The article draws a bleak assessment of  the national health system. The collapse of the former Soviet Union, North Korea's major trading partner, and the aftermath of numerous floods and droughts have entailed the country's current terrible situation. Most North Korean people in hospitals lack appropriate medicine. 

Nursing a financial headache (February 16, 2001)
This article, taken from The Financial Times, raises the issue of the cost of nursing homes for elderly people. A new rule will be implemented from April 9, 2001, which will give the opportunity to older people to decide within a 12 week-period how to plan their finances, i.e. whether to sell their house or not, so as to take a pondered decision. 

Health sector faces massive brain drain (February 15, 2001)
Zimbabwean Minister of health recently announced the loss of 18 000 nurses left for the United Kingdom. Zimbabwean nurses are leaving the country because of poor remuneration, bad working conditions and because Britain has announced plans to recruit more than 21 000 nurses from other countries for the British elderly's need. According to the annual report about violations of trade union rights, the International Confederation of Free trade Unions declared that the labor conditions continue to be deterioted dramatically. Zimbabwe Independent reports.

Martin apologises for nursing home cash scandal (February 14, 2001)
A report into the operation of the Irish Nursing Home subvention Scheme by the Ombudsman found that elderly were illegally denied money owed to them by the State to help pay for their nursing home care. Consequently, Health minister had to apologize to the elderly people who were touched by the scandal. The Irish Examiner reports.

One in five pensioners in Scotland's hospitals are starving, says report (February 12, 2001)
A government report has revealed that one in five pensioners in Scotland’s hospitals and nursing homes are badly undernourished. Poor nutrition is causing respiratory illness and reduced immunity. Age Concern Scotland is shocked by the numbers but not surprised by the older people’s starvation in nursing homes. The report made several recommendations to improve the nutrition level. The Daily Telegraph reports.

Où sont passées les blouses blanches? (February 6, 2001)
(in French) This article, published in the French daily newspaper Libération, reports the mounting lack of doctors and nurses in the country. This threat triggers many demonstrations intended to improve the situation.

Cutting the Cost of Global Health  (February 2001)
This article, taken from the Oxfam Policy's website, deals with the cost of new medicines in poor countries. Oxfam denounces the World Trade Organization (WTO) patent rules which provide exclusive marketing rights to holders of patents on pharmaceutical products for a period of 20 years. According to Oxfam, these rules increase prices and inevitably limit access of poor people, and particularly old persons (where social protection does not exist) to vital medicines. In an HIV context, mainly in Africa, Oxfam levels at big pharmaceutical companies' profits on poor countries' back, and this, with the WTO's blessing.      

Aging in West Makes Reform Essential (January 30, 2001)
This article, published in The International Herald Tribune, reports the rapid pace at which the population in the West is growing. Experts strive to foresee the potential implications of such a phenomenon and heavily advise the urgent need for reforms otherwise the gloomy scenarios depicting labor shortages and other stern situations will become mere reality.

Who will look after the elderly? (January 28, 2001)
This article, published in The Guardian, deals with the situation in the United Kingdom concerning the state of the health care system. Scotland has lately implemented a universal provision of free personal care for the elderly, which is one of the greatest milestones. Such a hallmark should be taken as an example.

Des crèches et des maisons de retraite bousculent les frontières entre générations (January 24, 2001)
(in French) This article, published in the French newspaper Le Monde, reports a great initiative illustrating  intergenerational links. A retirement home accommodates thirty two children (from 18 months to 3 years old) in a day nursery plus a hundred and ten old people. This example shows how well these two different generations can live with each other both bringing something  to the other one.

Happy in her home (January 23, 2001)
This article, published in The Times, reports the situation of nursing homes in Great Britain underscoring the difficulties to find a good place for old people. Due to the mounting cases of elderly mistreatment, how is it possible to find the perfect nursing home? Some information is available on the following website: www.ageconcern.org.uk

Too Good to last (January 18, 2001)
Because of exorbitant doctors’ fees, most of Hong Kong elderly people come to public hospitals, which are free, for minor injuries or to pick up medications. The high traffic reduces the system’s capability to care for urgent cases to be cared for. Consequently, the public medical system needs more doctors, because the population is getting older and will need more health care in the future. One solution could consist in increasing the role of less-expansive clinics in which nurses, not doctors, care for the elderly. But the government’s latest reform plan is not satisfactory. Far Eastern Economic Review reports.

To Be Old, Gifted and Employed is No Longer Rare (January 14, 2001)
The following article, published in The New York Times,  gives a cheerful outlook for the elderly, reporting that an increasing number of them are still part of the working population thanks mainly to their good health. Whether they are still doing the same job, volunteering or they eventually find their calling, old people prove to be still efficient even though they have reached 65.

Shanghai's Largest Resthome Built Up (January 14, 2001)
China Today reports that the largest resthome was completed in Shanghai; costing the Chinese government 70 million yuan this facility will house 600 residents. As society moves from the traditional extended family structure to the nuclear family structure, resthomes offer an alternative in housing the elderly.

Nursing homes are a mix of very good and very bad (January 1, 2001)
The Irish Health Authority reported that complaints about nursing homes had been made. The Authority pointed out unhygienic conditions and a lack of basic care for elderly. Moreover, Ms. O' Loughlin, co-author of a report commissioned by former Minister for health Michael Nooran, estimated that 12,000 older people were subject to abuse or mistreatment. Under the health (Nursing Homes) act 1990, visiting committees have to inspect private homes twice a year and report annually the situation, but not public institutions.