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.

The Ebola outbreak continues to grow, with 2,344 confirmed cases and 930 deaths, according to the latest government update.

In its July 18 situation update, the Ministry of Health said response efforts have been strengthened across the five affected provinces: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Tshopo.

“To date, 2,344 confirmed cases have been recorded, including 724 patients in isolation or hospitalization, 466 people recovered, and 930 deaths,” the Ministry said.

The case fatality rate stands at 39.7%, while the contact tracing rate has reached 85.8%. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak and continues to intensify response efforts.

Health teams are continuing surveillance, case management, and contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.

According to the ministry, surveillance and contact tracing systems remain fully mobilised, with 83 new confirmed cases reported nationwide. Case management has also improved, with 22 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours. Sud-Kivu and Tshopo remain stable, with no new affected health zones.

Canada, US Tighten Border Measures

Canada has temporarily denied entry to foreign nationals who have been in Congo within the previous 21 days as part of measures to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.

"Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in (Congo) in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians," Canada's Public Health Agency said in a statement.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel or trade restrictions during Ebola outbreaks, warning that such measures can increase stigma and hamper outbreak control. The global health agency also continues to assess the risk of international spread from the Congo outbreak as low.

Last week, the United States also introduced measures requiring travellers who had been in Congo within the previous 21 days to enter the country only through designated airports. Seven American aid workers who had been working in Congo are currently quarantining in Kenya.

Attacks on Health Workers Hampering Response

Authorities have recorded at least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams since the outbreak began in mid-May, largely driven by misinformation and public skepticism. Many healthcare workers have also gone on strike over unpaid wages, AP News reported.

At least 36 health workers have died after becoming infected with Ebola. The WHO has also warned that 80% of new Ebola cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can trace infections.

Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak

Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Since then, more than 30 outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in Central and West Africa.

The Ebola outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

The Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with, or who has died from, the disease.

It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment, as well as through infected animals, including bats and non-human primates. Historically, Bundibugyo virus outbreaks have recorded fatality rates ranging from 25% to 50%.

Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms of Bundibugyo virus disease are similar to other forms of Ebola and include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising, usually in the later stages of illness.

A study suggests that Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the first amyloid-targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease, may help people maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than previously thought.

Researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 that more than 75% of patients with early Alzheimer's disease remained stable, while nearly 7% showed improvement after receiving Leqembi for an average period of 17 months.

Leqembi's Effect On Alzheimer's Patients

The findings come from the LEADER study, an ongoing observational study that evaluates the effectiveness of Leqembi outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.

The analysis included people with early Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's and mild Alzheimer's dementia.

According to researchers:

• 75.9% of patients remained clinically stable
• 6.6% improved by one disease stage
• Nearly 83% were either stable or improved during treatment over an average follow-up of 17 months.

The study is based on how the drug performs in routine medical practice, offering insight into its real-world effectiveness.

Also read: Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Pilot, Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Success In Earlier Clinical Trial

The drug clears amyloid-beta plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that reducing amyloids may control the progression of the disease when treatment begins early.

Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Michael Irizarry, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Inc., said: "These real-world data reinforce the meaningful impact that early diagnosis and treatment with LEQEMBI can have for people living with early Alzheimer's disease."

The company said the results provide encouraging evidence that the benefits observed in clinical trials are translating into everyday clinical practice.

Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

Careful Monitoring Still Needed

Despite the encouraging results, experts say that Leqembi is not appropriate for everyone with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology.

Patients receiving Leqembi require regular monitoring because the drug can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or bleeding.

While many cases are asymptomatic, some can be serious, making MRI monitor an important part of treatment.

Why Amyloid Clearance Matters?

For years, amyloid plaques have been at the center of Alzheimer’s research. These protein clumps build up between neurons and are believed to interfere with communication and trigger inflammation, eventually killing brain cells.

While there’s still debate over whether amyloid is a cause or symptom of Alzheimer’s, clearing these plaques remains one of the leading therapeutic targets.

The latest real-world evidence presented at AAIC 2026 strengthens confidence in Leqembi as a treatment that may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease.

While the therapy does not reverse the condition or cure dementia, keeping patients clinically stable for longer could translate into more time with preserved independence and daily functioning.

Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is considered highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions.

India has recorded a significant decline in cervical cancer burden, with new cases falling by 37% over the past decade, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).

Experts say widespread screening, awareness, and increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have contributed to the milestone.

Cervical Cancer Cases Drop In India

The latest estimates show that the number of new cervical cancer cases has dropped from approximately 1.27 lakh annually to around 79,000, marking a major public health milestone in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women.

"Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely screening and vaccination," Dr. Amitabh Shankar, Head of Preventive Oncology at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, was quoted as saying.

He attributed the decline to improved awareness, wider availability of screening services, and the gradual expansion of HPV vaccination.

Also read: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy

Positive Impact Of Screening And HPV Vaccination

According to experts, early detection through routine cervical cancer screening allows precancerous changes to be identified and treated before they develop into cancer.

At the same time, HPV vaccination protects against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer.

The report suggests that increased access to healthcare services, government-led awareness initiatives, and preventive programs have played an important role in reducing the cases of cervical cancer.

Despite the progress, specialists caution that cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern in India, particularly in rural and underserved regions where screening coverage and HPV vaccination remain limited.

They emphasize that expanding HPV vaccination among eligible adolescents, strengthening population-based screening programs, and improving early diagnosis will be essential to prevent it.

Also read: KRAS-Targeted Vaccine Shows Promise In Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Triggers Strong Immune Response In Early Trial

About HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus causes more than 200 known infections. While some types lead to benign skin warts, others are responsible for severe health threats, such as cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers.

The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the most lethal strains, avoiding long-term health complications. It helps the immune system recognize and fight off high-risk strains of the virus before they cause harm. It protects against:

• Genital warts
• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers
• Mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers linked to HPV

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervix is located in the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal. It serves as the entrance to the uterus to the vagina. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervial cancer are linked to human papillomaviruses (HPV) which are transmitted through sexual contact

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

• Persistent early-stage symptoms
• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen