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.

AIIMS New Delhi launched free cervical cancer screening through January as a public interest drive. In India, in every 8 minutes, 1 woman loses her life to cervical cancer, however, doctors say that it is highly preventable. Thus, as part of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Preventative Oncology at the Institute of Rotary Cancer Hospital and the National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, is offering the WHO-recommended HPV testing, follow-up care, and vaccination.

Who Can Undergo These Screening?

• Women who are of the age 30 to 65 years can undergo cervical and breast cancer screening from Monday to Friday between 9am to 3pm.

• HPV vaccination is available for girls aged 9 to 14 years on Saturday between 9am to 12 noon at the New RAK Building, AIIMS.

• Community screening drives are also conducted across NCI Jhajjar through January 2026.

Dr Pallavi Shukla, Associate Professor of Preventative Oncology, AIIMS, who is coordinating the programme said, "This is one cancer which is absolutely preventable. Women should not neglect their health at any age, we must make earnest efforts to eliminate cervical cancer from India."

Also Read: Every Two Minutes, One Woman Loses Her Life To Cervical Cancer: UN

What Is Cervical cancer?

Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

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.

What Are The 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

• 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
• Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):

Persistent symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer

• 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

How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer is largely preventable and, when detected early, highly treatable. The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active, along with regular cervical screening from age 30, or 25 for women living with HIV.

Despite this, unequal access to vaccination, screening and treatment continues to drive higher rates of illness and deaths in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia.

South Korean president Lee Jae Myung directed his government to consider expanding country's health insurance coverage for hair loss treatment. He remarked that hair loss has now become "a matter of survival". He calls baldness the new enemy and is quite worried by this.

As per The Chosun Daily, during a policy briefing on Tuesday, December 16, Lee asked, "Isn't hair loss part of a disease? I hear young people use a lot of hair loss medication - has there been a review?"

South Korea's national health insurance currently covers treatment for hair loss, but only those that are caused by medical conditions like alopecia areata. Most treatments for common male pattern baldness are not included in the insurance scheme, confirmed the South Korean Minister of Health and Welfare, Jeong Eun-Kyeong. Jeong explained that "genetic hair loss is not covered by health insurance due to its weak association with medical treatment". She also explained that hereditary hair loss is not covered because it is not life-threatening. Jeong explained that hair loss is considered a cosmetic concern.

However, Lee said, "Hair loss medication seems widely used—wouldn’t designating it under medical insurance lower drug prices?" He further added: "Hair loss was once seen as a cosmetic issue, but now it’s perceived as a survival matter. If costs are too burdensome, consider reviewing limits on frequency or total amounts.”

He also asked the same to be reviewed for obesity. “The same applies to obesity —are we reviewing drug treatments?” he asked. Lee also said that "there may be young people who think it’s unfair that they only pay insurance premiums and can’t receive benefits."

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has begun reviewing support for the proposal after a directive from the president, The Chosun Daily reported. This is not the first time Lee has raised the idea. He had promised insurance coverage for hair loss treatment during his unsuccessful 2022 presidential campaign, a pledge that drew criticism as populist.

Read: Why Is Your Hairline Receding?

Discrimination Against Bald Men

In 2018, a local company was asked to not discriminate against aspiring job seekers for being bald-headed. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea had to intervene and said any discrimination against bald men in employment is in violation of people's rights to equality. This recommendation came after a South Korean man filed a petition in August 2015, contending he failed to land a job at a building facility management company due to his baldness.

Also Read: Are Young Men Losing Hair Over Modern Lifestyle?

Yonhap News Agency reported, that while the company denied the allegation and said the applicant failed to meet certain requirements, the commission concluded that baldness may have been the primary factor in the hiring decision. It also noted that the applicant had been asked to wear a wig during the interview.

"(Having a) bald head is a natural phenomenon that cannot be reversed by individuals. Thus any discrimination over baldness cannot be considered reasonable," the National Human Rights Commission of Korea said.

Hospitals in Bristol are struggling as they are under extreme pressure during the winter season. The Bristol NHS Group said that due to high levels of seasonal illness, all healthcare facilities are seeing a significant increase in patients coming into hospitals. Factors like flu and harsh weather also contributed to the strain on the NHS.

In a state, Group Chief Medical Officer, Professor Tim Whittlestone said,, “Winter pressures are being felt across all our local NHS services. Hospital sites within the Bristol NHS Group are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand. If you require urgent medical assistance and are unsure where to go, please contact NHS 111 for guidance. If you have an appointment, please attend as usual unless you hear from us.”

Also Read: Sonia Gandhi Admitted to Hospital After Delhi Pollution Aggravates Bronchial Asthma

The UK Health Security Agency has already issued an Amber Cold Health-Alert for the South West of England this morning. The alert says that there is an increased risk of mortality rates for those above the age of 65. The alert also notes that anyone of younger age could too be at potential health risk during extreme weather.

How Long Will This Cold Last?

The UK Health Security Agency or the UKHSA and Met Office extended the duration of the current amber cold health alert. All regions of England will remain under the alert until 10am on Friday, January 9.

As per the Weather Health Alerting System, introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber cold health alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the health and social care sector, with potential for the whole population to be at risk. Other sectors may also be impacted, which will necessitate a coordinated response.

As temperatures go low, it is predicted that health care services for the vulnerable population would be increased, along with an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and those living with serious health condition. Other vulnerable groups could be those sleeping rough.

Also Read: 4th Child Dies From Flu In Massachusetts

Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: " The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days. Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable."

High Pressure On Hospitals

NHS England too have stressed that "pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high" with concerns that conditions could worsen with the cold snap, reported The Independent. As per the new NHS figures, 3,061 flu patients are in a hospital each day in the week ending December 21, while this is down from the average 3,140, in the week before, top doctor is saying that England is "not out of danger yet". Authorities are constantly urging people to get their flu jabs, which will help in protecting them and also ease the pressure on the hospitals.