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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.
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.
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