-
WHO Approves Bavarian Nordic’s Mpox Vaccine for Adolescents
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine, Jynneos, for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This age group is considered especially vulnerable to mpox outbreaks, which have raised global concerns. The vaccine was prequalified by WHO on October 8, marking a crucial step in expanding access to this preventive measure. Mpox Outbreak…
-
Karachi Faces Surge in Dengue, Malaria, and Other Viral Diseases
Karachi is currently battling a significant rise in vector-borne diseases, including dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The city’s hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from viral infections as the number of cases continues to climb. Medical experts from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) and Civil Hospital report that around 50 patients are being admitted daily, complaining…
-
IMF: Pakistan’s health and education spending falls short in the fight against poverty.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has concluded the 2024 Article IV consultation with Pakistan and approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth SDR 5,320 million (approximately US$7 billion). As part of this arrangement, an immediate disbursement of SDR 760 million (about US$1 billion) will be made to Pakistan. This new program is…
-
Tauqeer Ul Haq Elected as New PPMA Chairman for 2024-26 Term
KARACHI: Tauqeer Ul Haq has been elected as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) for the 2024-26 term. Alongside him, Shafiq Ahmed Abbasi has been chosen as the Senior Vice-Chairman, while Aman Ullah Sheikh has been elected as the Vice-Chairman, according to a press release issued by the PPMA. New Leadership…
-
Pakistan Declared Trachoma-Free by WHO
ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable victory for public health, Pakistan has been declared trachoma-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This validation marks Pakistan as the 19th country globally to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The WHO…
-
Ferozsons Partners with Gilead to Manufacture HIV Drugs
KARACHI: In a significant move for the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd has announced a partnership with Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, a leading US-based biopharmaceutical company, to manufacture HIV drugs locally. As per a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday, Ferozsons has signed a non-exclusive voluntary license agreement with…
-
Govt Committed to Enhancing Women’s Healthcare Access: Dr. Mukhtar
Government Committed to Enhancing Healthcare Access for Women: Dr. Mukhtar QUETTA: Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, has emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare access for women, particularly in underserved and marginalized areas of Pakistan. He highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring that every woman…
-
Climate Change Fuels Rise of Vector-Borne Diseases in Pakistan: World Bank Report
The World Bank, in collaboration with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Climate Support Facility (CSF), has issued a stark warning about the role of climate change in the spread of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Pakistan. As the country grapples with numerous health challenges, a recent report titled “Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment of…
-
Surge in Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Pakistan: A Call for Immediate Action
As Pakistan experiences the after-effects of the monsoon season, combined with urbanization and poor sanitation, the country is witnessing a rise in mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and malaria. Health experts are sounding the alarm, highlighting the urgent need for action. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for a unified global effort…
-
Over 50% of WHO-Listed Lifesaving Medicines Unavailable in Pakistan’s Markets
A severe shortage of essential and lifesaving medicines has swept across Pakistan, endangering patients who depend on these critical drugs. Pharmacies and wholesale markets in Lahore and other cities have reported an alarming unavailability of vital medications. More than 50% of the lifesaving drugs listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) are either out of…