The US government admitted yesterday that it had held discussions with a German drugs company about overriding the patent on its anthrax drug, Cipro, in a move that could throw wide open the
debate about the cost of medicines in poor countries. The administration has also contacted an Indian generic drugs manufacturer to see if it can produce a large supply of the anthrax antibiotic in wake of the growing panic about bioterrorism in the US.
Equity in Health
US IN TALKS ON ANTHRAX PATENT MEDICINES
Further details: /newsletter/id/28925
AFRICA: Global AIDS Fund to start disbursing money by late 2001
The Global AIDS and Health Fund - an initiative of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, would become operational by the end of this year, a UN statement said on Wednesday. The fund would be responsible for mobilising and managing funds in the battle against HIV/AIDS, the UN said.
Further details: /newsletter/id/28875
And So The Babies Die
The Transkei's infant mortality rate speaks volumes about the poverty of the people and their services.
Challenges of New Era of Medical Aid
HEALTH care worldwide was traditionally based on a fee-for-service model, with no incentive for doctors to restrict the amount of medicines prescribed or for members to stay healthy, says Ricardo Rosa, chief operating officer of IQ Health.
Dealing with Terrorism: A Public Health Agenda
For the public health community, the terrorism wreaked on the United States is stunning, but not necessarily surprising. It was a shrieking reminder to us all that desperate and hopeless peoples will follow extremist minorities, that poverty and insecurity, compounded by smoldering pockets of war and the cautious engagement, if any, by the rich world breeds the destruction of September 11. That horror spread its message in nanoseconds across the world, evoking cries of alarm and sorrow, life-sacrificing rescues, and loud calls for vengeance and a "crusade" to counter the "jihad", expending more material and human resources for more death, disability, and damage to the lives and futures of thousands, perhaps millions.
Drug Firms Say Easing Patent Restrictions Could Hurt Research
Leaders of the international pharmaceutical industry said yesterday that if global trading rules on patents are loosened, it could negatively impact research and development of AIDS drugs.
MALARIA: Disease Kills Record Number In Namibia
A record number of people have died in Namibia so far this year from malaria, the government announced Friday, with the number of deaths up 70 percent from last year.
Mbeki plays down AIDS and orders a rethink on spending
South African president Thabo Mbeki has once again alarmed doctors and health professionals with a letter he wrote to his health minister last month ordering a re-examination of health and social policy, spending, and research in the light of figures on deaths from AIDS.
Scientists react to US attacks with shock and fears for the future
Scientific leaders must now think beyond their immediate emotional responses and consider the practical consequences of the current crisis. Today's scientific enterprise relies heavily on international collaboration, the free exchange of data, and unrestricted travel. In the current unstable geopolitical climate, it is unclear how each of these will be affected.
South Africa: Health Mec Admits Appalling State of Public Hospitals
Health MEC Dr Bevan Goqwana admitted the legislature's health committee report damning the appalling state of public hospitals in the province reflected the "reality of the situation".