A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that over 78 million Asians are living in extreme poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare payments. This is 2.7% higher than previously estimated poverty rates, with the burden of healthcare payments being highest in Vietnam and lowest in Malaysia.
A new study estimates 655,000 more Iraqi deaths due to the 2003 invasion than expected in a non-conflict situation. The mortality rate doubled from 5.5 to 13.3 per 1000 people per year post-invasion.
The European Union should make vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) mandatory for all girls aged 11-12 years to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine offers protection against HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.
Richard Horton states that Julio Frenk has technical competence and administrative skills for the role. He is considered a front-runner due to his vision for WHO's revitalisation as a global public-health agency.
A global study published in The Lancet found that over a quarter of women worldwide reported physical or sexual abuse by an intimate partner, with severe acts more common in traditional rural settings. Women's education and marital status did not explain these differences, suggesting other risk factors are at play.
A study published in The Lancet found that oral misoprostol significantly reduces maternal hemorrhage and postpartum blood loss in women giving birth in rural, developing communities. This life-saving treatment has the potential to prevent up to half of maternal deaths from pregnancy-related causes.
A large collaborative effort has made publicly available genetic data for Parkinson's research, providing new opportunities for future studies. The data includes genotypes from hundred of patients and healthy controls, which may help identify common genetic variability that results in minor and moderate risk for disease.
Women under 45 who have both ovaries removed are at higher risk of death from hormone-related cancers and neurological diseases. The risk increases with age, suggesting that oestrogen may be protective at younger ages but less important after menopause.
A study published in The Lancet found that weight gain during the interpregnancy period is strongly associated with major maternal and perinatal complications. Women who gained 3 or more BMI units were at increased risk of stillbirth, large-for-gestational-age births, and caesarean delivery.
Over 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, with 130,000 new cases developing annually in African nations. Specialist fistula repair centers are urgently needed to address this devastating complication of pregnancy.
Prioritizing health facility births with trained midwives can substantially reduce maternal mortality worldwide. The Lancet series highlights the stark disparities between rich and poor countries, with women in developing countries being 1000 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Progress has been made in reducing polio cases, but four countries remain endemic and the disease has re-emerged in others. Sustained education efforts on vaccination benefits are key to eradicating polio.
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease, can be controlled through wide-scale drug treatment and socio-economic progress. Establishing strong health systems is crucial for integrating sustainable control measures and caring for patients.
A new study suggests that taking rosiglitazone, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent the disease in people at high risk. The three-year trial found that this combination reduced the risk by about two-thirds, preventing around 144 cases of diabetes per 1000 people.
Panic disorder affects up to 5% of the population, causing recurrent anxiety attacks and agoraphobia. Anti-depressants and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments, but less than half of those in need receive care due to barriers such as diagnosis difficulties and insurance coverage issues.
The Lancet has published profiles of the 13 WHO Director-General election candidates, highlighting their relevant experience and achievements. The journal will continue to follow the campaign and publish detailed statements from the candidates on its website.
A growing concern among Americans is the rising cost of healthcare and access to medical services. The Lancet editorial calls for a comprehensive solution to address these issues, with a focus on improving the healthcare system for all Americans.
A new diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) has been developed using a novel technique called SELDI-ToF, which identifies specific proteins in the blood. The test achieved high accuracy in detecting TB, with up to 78% sensitivity and specificity.
Redistributive policies by social democratic parties are associated with lower infant mortality rates and increased life expectancy. These findings suggest that reducing social inequalities through policy has a positive impact on public health.
Mexico's health system reform has led to significant improvements in healthcare access and outcomes, with notable reductions in malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and child mortality. The reforms have also increased the use of mammography and pap smear tests, benefiting millions of people.
A new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has been found effective in treating moderate-to-severe premature ejaculation, reducing time to ejaculation by 1.75-2.78 minutes compared to placebo. The treatment also improves men's control over ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual intercourse.
A new H5N1 influenza vaccine has produced a safe and effective immune response in healthy people at low doses, with the highest dose showing the best response. The vaccine was well-tolerated and did not have significantly more side effects compared to a placebo.
A new approach to radiotherapy and chemotherapy has significantly improved the outcome for children with high-risk medulloblastoma. The study found that this adaptive treatment can cure over 70% of children with this disease.
A study suggests that more aggressive treatment with statins is necessary to lower LDL cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. The analysis found that intensive therapy with atorvastatin significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Key findings highlight the need for rapid screening programs and strict contact precautions in hospitals to prevent MRSA transmission. Community-acquired MRSA poses a critical public health priority, requiring immediate action to control outbreaks and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Lancet calls for greater transparency and accountability in the selection of a new Global Fund Executive Director. The current secretive process could undermine the organization's ability to improve global health, according to an Editorial published in The Lancet.
A study found frequent human rights violations, including murders, sexual assaults, and kidnapping, in Port-au-Prince. The researchers estimated around 12 individuals were murdered daily and 35,000 women and girls were raped during a 22-month period.
A study published in The Lancet found that children with persistent wheezing and allergies are at higher risk of developing lung function loss and asthma. Exposure to high levels of allergens also contributes to the development of asthma.
A recent editorial in The Lancet suggests that asthma may not be a single disease entity but rather a collection of symptoms with varying triggers and responses. This conclusion is based on the lack of understanding about what triggers inflammation in the airways, leading to the condition.
The study found that childhood allergy prevalence increased globally, with higher rates in Asia-Pacific and India. The prevalence of eczema was highest in young children, while hayfever showed increases across both age groups.
Researchers found that using budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy significantly reduced the risk of severe asthma attacks in patients already on a preventive drug combination. This approach may lead to fewer hospitalizations and improved patient outcomes.
Chagas' disease kills 50,000 people annually, with 18 million already infected and 100 million at risk. The disease has no initial symptoms, expensive prevention methods, and limited treatment options, prompting The Lancet to call for increased research attention.
Researchers found that patients with low BMI had a higher risk of death than those with normal BMI, while overweight individuals had better survival rates. The study suggests that alternative methods are needed to characterize individuals with excess body fat accurately.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that all forms of tobacco exposure, including smoking, chewing, and second-hand smoke, increase the risk of heart attack. The study, which included data from over 27,000 people in 52 countries, showed that even low levels of tobacco exposure can double the risk of a heart attack.
Research suggests that ACE inhibitors can reduce the risk of serious circulatory problems, including heart attack and stroke, in patients with hardening of the arteries. The benefits of ACE inhibitors for these patients are comparable to those seen in patients with existing heart failure.
UK doctors report a case where a patient's vision was severely damaged by taking prednisolone purchased online for four years. The authors highlight the risks of counterfeit and unregulated medications sold on the internet, which may interact with other treatments or have side effects.
A trachoma control programme using the SAFE strategy, which combines surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change, significantly reduced active trachoma prevalence by 92% in two districts. The study highlights the potential for this approach to also benefit other communicable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
A humanitarian response is required in Lebanon due to the dire situation faced by millions. The lack of access, security, and funding for aid delivery has exacerbated the crisis.
The Lancet has teamed up with PRODUCT RED to produce a (RED) issue devoted to HIV/AIDS, contributing $30,000 to the cause. The initiative aims to convince companies to develop RED products and donate profits to the Global Fund.
Researchers found that poorer countries with less-developed health systems are more likely to implement health grants effectively, contrary to expectations of low absorptive capacity. This is attributed to increased political stability and attention paid to resources in these nations.
In sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS deaths are disproportionately affecting health professionals, particularly nurses and clinical officers. The study found that over a decade, death would claim more of these healthcare workers than resignation or normal retirement due to the disease.
A decade after HAART introduction, HIV/AIDS risk remains low for those starting treatment. However, a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases among HAART patients has been observed since 1998, largely due to increased incidence of TB.
Stopping HIV treatment temporarily can decrease side effects and expenses, however it might cause the disease to progress faster. Researchers discovered that interrupting treatment for certain periods of time was as effective as continuous therapy in controlling the virus.
The Heineken Workplace Programme, which provides antiretroviral treatment to employees, shows that offering HAART is feasible. By restricting treatment options, companies can manage HIV patients while prioritizing the health of their workforce.
A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.
Research published in The Lancet Oncology reveals anastrozole has fewer adverse effects and withdrawals compared to tamoxifen. Anastrozole showed a significantly better risk-benefit profile, particularly at 1-2 years of treatment.
The international community is urged to prioritize funding for Gaza's humanitarian situation despite the Israel-Hizbollah conflict, which threatens to exacerbate malnutrition and mental health issues. The Lancet notes that a recent agreement to resume funding has not yet alleviated the crisis.
A meta-analysis of studies found that men are at a 50% higher risk of recurrent blood clots compared to women. The study enrolled 5416 patients and analyzed rates of recurrence after stopping preventative anticoagulant medication.
A new strategy called domino paired donation can match kidneys from living non-directed donors to recipients who have a willing but incompatible donor. This approach has the potential to increase both quantitative and qualitative benefit of each LND donation, leading to more transplants accomplished.
Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015 aims to increase joint TB/HIV programs, benefiting 3 million co-infected with antiretrovirals. Tuberculosis is a leading killer of people living with HIV, and collaboration between communities and governments is crucial to access effective interventions.