DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Victorian government launches first of 10 pill testing trial sites at Beyond the Valley festival, aiming to provide a judgement-free zone for safe drug checking. The service, operated by The Loop Australia, uses GCMS machines to identify substances, with particular concern over MDMA purity. The trial is part of a broader harm reduction strategy, despite opposition concerns about its efficacy.

ISAAA Inc. participates in the 20th National Biotechnology Week from Nov 25-29, 2024 at UPLB, featuring exhibits, discussions, and competitions under the theme “#experienceBIOTECH: Expand the Future of Biotechnology through Education, Innovation, and Commercialization.”

The side event during the WHO Global oral health meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on 28 November, 17:00 to 18:00, focuses on phasing down dental amalgam use, aligning with the Minamata Convention. The event will feature presentations from Senegal, Thailand, and Uruguay, highlighting their progress under the GEF7 Phasing Down Dental Amalgam Project, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.

G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro highlights global fight against cervical cancer, with Christ the Redeemer statue lit in teal. Nigeria and 9 other countries raise awareness through advocacy and campaigns. WHO reports progress in HPV vaccine introductions and screening programs, but highlights inequities. Nigeria participates through initiatives by Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer. Global efforts include HPV vaccination campaigns, health policy launches, and awareness activities in various countries.

Mounjaro, a new weight-loss drug by Eli Lilly, approved in Hong Kong for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, targets two hormones. It joins other drugs like Ozempic, which have seen global shortages due to celebrity endorsements. Eli Lilly advises Mounjaro is for adults with obesity or overweight conditions and related medical issues.

New Jersey considers legalizing psilocybin for mental health treatment, with strict regulations including license requirements, medical supervision, and data collection. Research supports psilocybin's potential benefits for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. If passed, New Jersey would join Oregon and Colorado in regulating psilocybin for therapeutic use.

The UAE, through the Emirati Genome Programme and Abu Dhabi Biobank, is pioneering disease prevention and precision medicine. M42’s Omics Centre of Excellence, the region’s largest, supports these efforts with genetic sequencing and AI analysis, aiming to transform healthcare in the UAE and set a global standard. Initiatives include genomic screening, polygenic risk scores, pre-marital screening, newborn screening, liquid biopsy in cancer, and pharmacogenomics. The centre also houses the Abu Dhabi Biobank, featuring the region’s largest hybrid cord blood bank, enhancing stem cell transplant success. Public awareness and trust in genomics remain key challenges.

Pennsylvania's proposed legislation would give the Department of Health new powers to limit doctors with past misconduct from certifying medical marijuana patients, following a Spotlight PA investigation revealing lax oversight.

Louisiana sues Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over an undocumented Chinese immigrant with drug-resistant tuberculosis, alleging exposure to over 200 detainees. The state seeks medical clearance for detainees before release and accuses ICE of refusing to comply with health requests, putting public safety at risk.

Over 100,000 patients have waited on trolleys in Irish hospitals in 2024, with University Hospital Limerick recording the highest number. The INMO is balloting for potential industrial action due to recruitment challenges, citing ongoing issues worsened by recruitment caps. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha calls for healthcare reforms, including the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill, to address unsafe staffing levels.