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.

500 girls have received the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the first five days of launching the cervical cancer prevention drive. A senior officer, as also reported by TOI noted that misinformation and lack of awareness could lead to a lower number of girls showing up. This is why, while the initial response is encouraging, logistics are still need to be figured out, including identification of session sites and to widen coverage and counter doubts that surround the vaccine. "The HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical caner, one of the most common cancers among women in the country. Addressing public concerns is crucial for the program's success," said the official.

Health officials along with public health experts will be conducting interactive sessions on social media across districts on Thursday. In Sikar, a dedicated platform will also allow experts to respond to the questions directly on HPV infections, vaccine safety, eligibility and benefits.

As of now, the program allows a single vaccine dose for girls who have completed 14 years and are yet to turn 15. As per the Health Department, around 8.32 lakh girls in Rajasthan are eligible for the vaccine annually.

Nationwide Free HPV Vaccine Drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years from Rajasthan's Ajmer.

The initiative marks a decisive step towards eliminating cervical cancer through timely HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. Nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths are reported annually in the country.

Read: PM Modi Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Drive; A Landmark Step, Says WHO

"Today, I have had the opportunity to launch the HPV vaccine campaign from Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering women and daughters of this country,” PM Modi said.

“For us, this was a sensitive issue tied to the insult of our sisters and daughters, one that made them ill. That is why we resolved it at a crucial turning point in their mission,” he added.

The World Health Organization has also lauded India's mission to launch the HPV vaccine and prevent the risk of cervical cancer.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous. The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer," the Prime Minister, earlier wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Who Can Avail The Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Drive?

The vaccine is most effective when it is administered before exposure to HPV and before becoming sexually active. Young women aged 9 to 14 years show vaccine effectiveness of 74 to 93 per cent and this decreases with age.

Read: India Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccine For Adolescent Girls - Why Should Every Woman Consider It?

Girls aged 9 to 14 should get two doses of the vaccine in 6 to 12 months apart

Women aged 15 to 26 years can get three doses in 0, 2, and 6 months apart

Adults aged 27 to 45 must get it after consultation with their healthcare provider

Chile became the first country in the Americas to be verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy. WHO with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), congratulated Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas and second globally to eliminate leprosy.

Leprosy (Hansen disease) was historically recorded in Chile at the end of the 19th century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The disease was limited in mainland Chile, with sporadic introductions, contained through isolation and treatment measures in the Island, where the last secondary cases were managed by the late 1990s.

Since then, Chile did not report locally acquired case of leprosy in more than 30 years. The last locally acquired case was detected in 1993. However, the disease was never removed from public health agenda and remained a notifiable condition and monitored through mandatory reporting, surveillance and continuous clinical readiness.

Chile Makes History In Health Care

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said, “This landmark public health achievement is a powerful testament to what leadership, science, and solidarity can accomplish. Chile’s elimination of leprosy sends a clear message to the world: with sustained commitment, inclusive health services, integrated public health strategies, early detection and universal access to care, we can consign ancient diseases to history.”

PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said, "Chile’s achievement demonstrates that eliminating leprosy is achievable and requires building strong systems that can detect, respond to, and provide comprehensive care for people affected by the disease, including those living with chronic disabilities. Being the first country in the Americas to be confirmed as eliminating leprosy sends a powerful message to the Region – that diseases strongly linked to groups living in vulnerable conditions can be eliminated, contributing to interrupt the vicious circle between disease and poverty.”

How Did Chile Achieve Elimination of Leprosy?

As per WHO between 2012 and 2023, Chile reported 47 cases nationwide, none of which were locally acquired.

WHO notes that Chile's integrated model ensures early detection and comprehensive care: primary care centers serve as the entry point for suspected cases, with timely referrals to specialized dermatology services for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Clinicians receive training aligned with WHO's Towards zero leprosy strategy. The system prioritizes early intervention, disability prevention, and holistic care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, ensuring that anyone affected by leprosy receives continuous support for both acute and long-term health needs to promote full recovery and social inclusion.

What Is Leprosy?

Leprosy is also known as Hansen disease. It is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa and eyes.

If it is not treated timely, it could lead to permanent nerve damage, disabilities and social stigma. However, the condition is fully curable with multidrug therapy and early detection could prevent further complications.

Warning has been issued in Plymouth due to an increase in drug overdose which have been linked to substances like heroin or pregabalin. Naloxone Advocates Plymouth, also known as NAP issued the warning for people to take "extra care". NAP is a community interest company or a CIC, which is made of volunteers who work to reduce drug-related deaths in Plymouth.

Warning On Drug Overdose: What Is It?

On March 2, NAP shared a Facebook post, where the NAP spokesperson said: "A quick heads up for people in Plymouth/ We have recently seen more overdoses than usual linked to substances that slow breathing (such as heroin or pregabalin). We want people to be aware so they can take extra care."

Signs Of Someone Who Is Overdosing

• Being unconscious
• Slow breathing or not breathing
• Loud snoring
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Blue lips

NAP also said if someone becomes unwell, one must immediately call 999, and place the person in the recovery position if they are breathing.

Read: Jannik Sinner Drug Suspension: Why Wimbledon Winner Was Banned – The Clostebol Drug Test Controversy Explained

What To Do If Someone Has Overdosed On Drugs?

NAP also noted emergency antidote, as reported by Plymouth Herald too, in the event of an overdose of heroin or other opiated or opioids. NAP noted that even if you are unaware of what the unwell person has takes, the antidote "will not harm them, and sometimes drugs contain opioids even when they are not sold as such". NAP said one can administer naloxone as an antidote.

NAP also asked the person to stay with the unwell person for 20 minutes or until help arrives as the person could go back into overdose once naloxone wears off.

If the person is not breathing, one should immediately call 999 and start CPR, noted NAP.

What Is Naloxone? The Antidote That Works On Drug Overdose

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, US, naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

It should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. It could be administered through nasal spray or injected through the muscle, under the skin or into the veins.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that families and loved ones could carry naloxone with them if they know someone in their family struggles with drug abuse. However, they can ask pharmacists or health care provider on how to administer the antidote.

However one must not that it works in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes, whereas some opioids could stay longer than that. This is why it is important to call for help. Furthermore, people given naloxone must be observed and monitored even after the last dose of naloxone to make sure their breathing do not slow down.