Japan could become one of the first countries in the world to end the HIV epidemic, says the president of Gilead Sciences Japan, Kennet Brysting. The idea for now could seem a little too ambitious, but it is not entirely unrealistic, given that the availability of medicines that can prevent transmission of HIV. Drugs are not the cure, but control over the spread of virus to the point where the disease is no longer a major public health threat.

What Is The Role Of Preventative HIV Medicines?

Gilead's have two key drugs, Truvada and lenacapavir. These two are playing a crucial role in prevention. Truvada is taken as a daily pill, while lenacapavir requires two injections per year. It can make the virus undetectable in infected individuals and prevent transmission to those who are not infected yet. In trials, lenacapavir showed 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections. This is why it is describe as "almost a vaccine".

In 2024, Japan also approved Truvada for HIV prevention, but the country has yet to approve lenacapavir for the same. Until now, people in Japan had been importing generic versions of Truvada or purchasing it from clinics that source it from overseas.

HIV In Japan

Up until now, Japan reported around 25,000 HIV infections, whereas 669 new cases were reported in 2023. For seven consecutive years, the number of new infections remained under 1,000. The downward trend thus shows that the virus has been controlled, however, getting to zero new infections remains the ultimate goal.

Brysting too acknowledged that simply having effective drug is not enough. What is important is to have a proper implementation, access and healthcare support to make sure that these treatments are widely available and effective.

What Are The Challenges In Implementation?

The biggest challenges is testing rates. There is a need to increase testing rates. At this very moment, around 86% people infective with Japan have been tested, but the goal is to increase it up to 95%, with an ideal goal of 100%. Without widespread testing, many infected people may not even know that they are infected and it could transmit the virus.

Another measure issue is the cost of preventative medication. While Japan's health insurance covers treatments for diseases, it does not cover preventative drugs. Those who purchase Truvada for prevention, pay around $470 per month. Some clinics in Tokyo offer generic alternatives too, which is cheaper, but they are not ideal.

Better Healthcare Support

Brysting expressed concern that individuals importing medications might not be consulting doctors regularly, which is essential for monitoring HIV status and overall health. Truvada users need to be tested for HIV initially and every three months, along with screenings for other infections and kidney function checks. Without proper medical supervision, there is a risk of misuse and inadequate protection.

Gilead is in discussions with Japanese authorities to improve access and insurance coverage for Truvada, and progress is being made. Japan has shown efficiency in approving critical medicines, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gilead’s remdesivir was approved in just three days.

What Is The Way Ahead?

Gilead at this moment is not only focused on HIV and hepatitis C, but also expanding into oncology with innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy, which strengthens a patient's immune system to fight cancer.

However, Japan’s strict approval processes can slow down drug availability. Phase 3 clinical trials often need to be conducted within the country, and Japan tends to approve medicines much later than other regions. For instance, Truvada was approved for prevention in Japan 12 years after the U.S. and nearly 20 years after its approval for treatment. inancial factors also play a role. The Japanese government adjusts drug prices annually, often reducing them, which can make long-term investment challenging for pharmaceutical companies.

As many as 125 doctors, nurses and public health professionals are contesting the November 3 US midterm elections, marking an unprecedented level of participation by healthcare professionals in electoral politics, according to a media report.

Among the prominent candidates are Dr Amy Acton, Dr Abdul El-Sayed and former US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Many of these candidates entered the political spotlight during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now seeking elected office to influence public health funding, vaccination policies, healthcare access, and the Trump administration’s approach to science and medical research.

“I haven’t seen anything exactly like this before,” historian Dr Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University, told CNN. “The link between science and politics has always been sort of weak.”

A separate review by Becker’s Hospital Review identified at least 58 physicians, nurses and other clinicians running for governor or Congress. The group includes 29 physicians, 16 nurses, four pharmacists, four dentists and five other healthcare professionals. Of these, 46 are contesting House seats, eight are running for the Senate and four are seeking governorships.

Few Healthcare Professionals In US Congress

Healthcare professionals currently remain a small minority in American politics. The US Senate has four doctors, all Republicans: John Barrasso of Wyoming, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

The House of Representatives includes 17 physicians, four dentists, two pharmacists, one nurse practitioner, one optometrist and one rehabilitation therapist.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Concerns Over Science and Public Health

Concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to science and public health have become a key reason for healthcare professionals to seek political office.

Other important concerns include the dismissal of federal doctors and scientists, cuts to research funding, removal of government datasets and public health websites, and changes affecting measures such as water fluoridation and childhood vaccination.

“Our country should be great. Our country should be pro-science, pro-innovation, and science keeps us safe. It protects us. It leads to wonderful discoveries, and this administration has completely burned all of that down,” Dr Kristin Hook, a former staffer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Government Accountability Office, told CNN.

Hook, who lost her 2024 bid as a Democrat for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, is contesting the same seat again this year.

Becerra, contesting the California gubernatorial election against Republican candidate Steve Hilton, warned that weakening public health institutions could make the country more vulnerable to natural disasters and pandemics.

“HHS is not a place for science deniers or science skeptics. Why would you get rid of some of our best scientists and doctors and health professionals?” he told CNN.

Read More: CDC Survey Shows Nearly 3 In 4 American Adults Are Tired: Who Is Most Affected?

How COVID-19 Changed Health and Politics Equation

The COVID-19 pandemic brought public health officials into the political spotlight, as decisions on restrictions, vaccines and other health measures became subjects of intense public debate.

Some officials also faced threats and harassment, while others left their positions, prompting healthcare professionals to consider a more direct role in policymaking.

The death of Irish Olympic runner and European champion Ciara Mageean at the age of 34 has sparked concerns about bowel cancer among young people. In fact, Bowel Cancer Ireland has urged the national bowel cancer screening age to be lowered for early detection and prevention.

Mageean died on November 1, 2026 after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in July 2025. The athlete had collaborated with Bowel Cancer Ireland after her diagnosis to spread awareness about the disease.

Bowel Cancer Risk In Young People

Around one in 10 bowel cancer diagnoses in Ireland occur in people under the age of 50. However, the country's national BowelScreen programme currently offers screening to people aged 57 to 71.

Brendan Donlon, chair of Bowel Cancer Ireland, told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the screening age needs to be lowered and that the country must implement more policies to improve early detection.

"The death of Ms Mageean is a strong reminder that you can never be too fit or too young to be affected by bowel cancer," he said.

Donlon also spoke about the difference in screening ages in Ireland and other countries. He said the screening age was 45 in Australia, 50 in the UK and 45 in the US, compared with 57 in Ireland.

Although Ireland's Minister for Health has approved a recommendation to extend screening to people aged 50 to 54, Donlon said there was no clear timeline, budget or sufficient testing capacity to implement the change.

Also read: Olympian Ciara Mageean Dies At 34 After Bowel Cancer Battle: Warning Signs In Young Adults

Ireland Being Urged To Lower Its Bowel Cancer Screening Age

Bowel Cancer Ireland has been campaigning for earlier screening as cases among younger adults become an increasing concern. BowelScreen provides a free, at-home bowel screening test every two years to eligible people aged 57 to 71. The test is designed to detect signs of bowel cancer before symptoms develop.

In April 2026, Ireland's Minister for Health approved a recommendation to extend screening for people aged 50 to 54. However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that the expansion depends on completing the current programme expansion and increasing healthcare capacity. The proposed timeline assumes implementation from 2031.

The expansion is expected to make more than 400,000 additional people eligible for screening and could require more than 2,700 additional colonoscopies each year.

Donlon said the availability of colonoscopy services was already a concern, pointing to 6,700 people who were waiting for urgent colonoscopy in the previous year. He also said that bowel cancer screening is essential as it can identify precancerous growths that can be removed before they develop into cancer.

He said, "It (bowel cancer) is a very survivable cancer. It's one of the most treatable cancers if caught early and unfortunately one of the most lethal when caught late. That's why we have to focus our attention on raising awareness of symptoms, but also getting the Government to focus on lowering the screening age."

Also read: IBS Is Not Just A Gut Problem: Lancet Review Explains The Gut-Brain Connection

Bowel Cancer Symptoms In Younger Adults May Be Overlooked

Bowel Cancer Ireland has urged people to recognise warning signs and seek medical advice rather than dismissing certain symptoms. According to Donlon, symptoms that should be assessed include:

• Blood in the stool, which may appear red or make stools look black
• Constant changes in bowel habits, including changes in stool consistency, size, shape or frequency
• Weight loss due to no reason
• Constant abdominal pain or bloating
• Tiredness that does not go away with rest or sleep

He advised people to seek medical attention if changes in bowel habits continue for three weeks.

He also raised concerns that symptoms in younger women may sometimes be attributed to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which could delay further investigation.

"Unfortunately, most of the women in our group went to their GPs and particularly if they're under 50, they're told, you're fine, it's IBS, it's PMS, go away and come back," he told RTÉ.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. It can often be treated successfully when detected at an early stage, but treatment becomes more difficult when the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

Screening is meant for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone experiencing possible warning signs should contact a healthcare professional rather than waiting until they become eligible for routine screening.

People who are battling anxiety may not be able to access anti-anxiety sold by Whole Foods, a popular brand in the United States. 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules by Vitality Works were voluntarily recalled recently over possible Salmonella contamination.

According to the Food & Drug Administration, manufacturers found the contamination during routine testing. The potentially contaminated drug has been on shelves since October 20 and will be available for purchase until November 24. Here is everything you need to know about the recall:

Which Product is Affected?

Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement widely used to help the body manage stress and anxiety.

The recall affects a specific batch of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules (120-count size). The pills are sold on Amazon and at Whole Foods outlets. No illnesses have been reported due to the recalled pill so far.

To see if your bottle is part of the recall, check the bottom of the white plastic container for these specific details:

• Brand: 365 Whole Foods Market
• Product: Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120-count
• Lot Number: 2025-26227
• Expiration Date: 10/13/2028
• UPC: 9948252099

Also read: US FDA Recalls Thousands Of Blood Pressure Drugs Over Excess Drug Levels, Failed Quality Tests

Is Salmonella Dangerous?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. While it is most commonly linked to contaminated foods like poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk, it can occasionally turn up in dry goods and medicines if raw ingredients are exposed to the bacteria during harvesting or processing.

When someone ingests salmonella, the bacteria irritate the lining of the intestines. Symptoms usually show up anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Salmonella infection may cause:

• Diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Most healthy people recover within a week without any medical treatment. However, the infection can be much more severe and occasionally dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections. The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.

Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have a bottle of these ashwagandha capsules, take a quick look at the lot number. It is recommended to stop taking them immediately if they match the batch number that was recalled.

You could bring it back to the seller and get a refund by bringing your receipt. You could also discard the product safely in the trash if the seller does not accept returns.

If you have already taken these capsules and are feeling healthy, do not panic. Keep monitoring yourself for symptoms of infection. However, if you develop a sudden and persistent fever, severe stomach pain, or signs of a stomach bug in the days after ingesting the capsules, reach out to your healthcare provider.