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 climate crisis is also a major health crisis, but six proven measures could help prevent 1.6 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A new WHO report, released ahead of COP31, highlights six climate and health interventions that could save lives while delivering trillions of dollars in economic and fiscal benefits.

“The climate crisis is a health crisis, but much of the harm it causes can be prevented with tools we already have,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“This report shows that scaling up proven, affordable actions could save millions of lives, with the greatest gains in the countries that need them most. As governments prepare for the next round of climate negotiations, protecting health must be at the centre of climate action,” he added.

What Are The 6 Measures That Could Save 1.6 Million Lives?

Also read: Big Lancet Report: Heat-Related Deaths Rise 36% Since Paris Climate Agreement, Global Warming Blamed

The report estimates that scaling up the six actions globally could prevent 1.6 million deaths annually, equivalent to one in every 40 deaths, based on modelled projections.

The six measures include:

• Heat-health warning systems
• Climate-resilient drinking-water services
• Basic sanitation services
• Hygiene and handwashing facilities
• Cleaner household fuels and technologies for cooking and heating
• Efficient fossil fuel pricing policies

Together, these actions could also help avoid 16.7 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to 31% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry.

6 Climate Actions Could Deliver Trillions In Economic Benefits

Read More: Climate Change And Gut Health: How Heat, Drought And Unsafe Water Raise Risks, Global Experts Warn

Heat-health warning systems were the most cost-beneficial intervention assessed, generating an estimated US$835 in benefits for every US$1 invested. However, estimates varied across different scenarios and sensitivity analyses, ranging from US$364 to US$1,272 for every US$1 invested, the WHO said

Meanwhile, efficient fossil fuel pricing policies were estimated to deliver the largest overall economic welfare benefits, at US$3,041.10 billion. Estimates across different scenarios and sensitivity analyses ranged from US$690.59 billion to US$5,342.64 billion.

These policies were also projected to generate US$5,440.93 billion in fiscal benefits, with estimates ranging from US$3,442.96 billion to US$5,440.93 billion, the WHO said. The policies are also estimated to prevent 1.2 million deaths annually.

COP31: Health To Be A Key Focus

The 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP31, will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. The conference's dedicated COP31 Health Day will be held on November 9, the first day of the conference.

Governments are expected to share their climate reports and discuss ways to advance climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems.

Former British Olympic sprinter Beth Dobbin, diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), spends more than 22 hours a day in bed because of the debilitating condition. She is urging UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to meet her and commit to increased government funding for ME research.

Following Dobbin's October 21 appeal, 360 sportspeople have signed a letter backing her campaign. The group includes 114 Olympians and Paralympians, who have won a combined 77 medals.

In a post on X, Dobbin expressed surprise at the response, saying: “I can’t believe 360 people signed in just 1 week, so many amazing names and messages still coming in of people wanting to add theirs (so feel free to message to add yours, we’re keeping on the pressure!!!)”

The 32-year-old retired from athletics in April 2026, describing her illness as “serious” and “life-changing”, BBC Sport reported. She had reached the 200m semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and won bronze in the 4x200m relay with Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

360 Sportspeople Back Beth Dobbin's Call For ME Research Funding

Also read: Swimmer Archie Goodburn’s Plea Prompts UK Brain Cancer Research Review

Among the signatories are Everton manager David Moyes, United States women's national football team manager Emma Hayes, former Chelsea and England centre-back Millie Bright, athletes Laura Muir, Eilish McColgan and Adam Gemili, Olympic sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and diver Tom Daley.

The letter calls on Burnham to “level the playing field” for ME research funding compared with other illnesses and “give hope to the many affected that something is being done about this life-destroying, much-ignored illness and its spiralling impact”.

It highlights the disparity in government research funding between ME and other conditions.

“Between 2019 to 2024, UK government research funders committed just £6.6m in funding for research into ME, compared to £79.1m for Parkinson's and £496.4m for dementia,” the letter states.

It adds that biomedical research funding for ME was “almost non-existent” before this period and that the lack of investment has contributed to the absence of approved treatments.

How Did Beth Dobbin Develop ME?

Dobbin's health began deteriorating after back-to-back COVID-19 and glandular fever infections during the winter of 2021-22, she told BBC Sport.

She experienced worsening fatigue, slower running times and soreness in the glands in her neck and armpits. Initial tests by British Athletics doctors failed to identify the cause.

Despite her symptoms, she continued training in 2022. At the European Championships, she false-started after losing all feeling in her legs while in the starting blocks.

Her condition continued to worsen. She struggled to stand and spent most of her time in bed. After consulting four or five specialists, she was diagnosed with ME.

Dobbin has since been largely confined to her home and bed. Even conversations, bright lights and loud sounds can trigger a “crash” lasting days or, in severe cases, months. According to BBC Sport, she has left her house just five times this year, mainly for medical appointments and blood tests.

Read More: Spanish Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies After On-Field Collision: Can A Blow To The Chest Trigger Cardiac Arrest?

What Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)?

ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex, chronic illness that can cause severe fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances and problems with thinking and memory.

Symptoms do not improve with rest and can fluctuate in severity. While some people can continue working or studying, others experience severe disability and may require round-the-clock care or tube feeding.

There is no known cure or specific approved treatment for ME. More than 400,000 people in the UK are thought to have the condition, although the actual number could exceed one million.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson previously told BBC Sport: “Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) can have a devastating impact on people's lives, and we are determined to accelerate progress in understanding and treating this debilitating condition.”

The 2026 US midterm elections have delivered significant victories for Democrats, including two healthcare professionals. Physician Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s gubernatorial race, while paediatrician Annie Andrews won South Carolina’s Senate race against Republican Darline Graham.

Both victories have brought healthcare professionals into the political spotlight as medical costs, insurance affordability and access to treatment remain major concerns for American voters.

Acton, a former director of the Ohio Department of Health, became widely recognised for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrews drew on her experience as a paediatrician to campaign on healthcare access and affordability.

"It’s the honor of my lifetime to be named your Ohio Governor-Elect," Acton said, in an Instagram post.

"South Carolina, you have shown the nation — in an era of partisan divides, of vitriol and namecalling, in a politics dominated by billionaires, special interests, and insiders in Washington — that we will not bow down. We will not back down. And we will chart our own course," added Andrews on X.

Democrats Make Major Gains In US Midterm Elections

Also read: US Midterms 2026: 125 Doctors, Nurses And Health Experts Join Election Battle

Acton's victory marks a setback for Republicans in Ohio, where the governor's office was previously held by the party. She sought to return the governorship to Democrats after two decades, despite Ohio's increasingly Republican lean in recent elections.

The closely watched contest saw Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate, secure the Republican nomination with endorsements from President Donald Trump and the state Republican Party.

According to the Associated Press (AP), Acton received 50.8% of the vote, against Ramaswamy's 45.9%, with 86% of ballots counted.

In South Carolina, Andrews defeated Darline Graham, the sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. She became the first Democrat to win a US Senate seat in the state in 28 years.

What Could These Wins Mean For Healthcare Policy?

The Democratic gains could create opportunities to challenge President Donald Trump's healthcare agenda through congressional oversight and legislative action.

Healthcare affordability was a major voter concern. A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found that six in 10 registered voters worried about medical costs. Voters trusted Democrats more than Republicans on healthcare costs (42% versus 22%) and abortion policy (42% versus 27%).

Abortion-related measures also featured on ballots in Virginia, Nevada, Idaho and Missouri, where voters considered repealing existing abortion protections.

Read More: US Midterm Elections 2026: Abortion, Medicaid, Measles And Healthcare Issues At Stake

What Did Annie Andrews And Amy Acton Promise On Healthcare?

Both candidates used their medical backgrounds to build campaigns around reducing healthcare costs, protecting patients and expanding access to treatment.

Annie Andrews' healthcare promises

The paediatrician campaigned on a 'Patients and Prices Platform'. Her key promises included:

• Lower drug prices: Expand Medicare drug price negotiations and restructure insurance rules to limit corporate profits.
• Public option: Introduce voluntary public health insurance instead of Medicare for All.
• Protect Medicaid: Reverse federal Medicaid cuts and safeguard rural hospitals.
• Public health: Expand vaccine access and strengthen maternal health services.
• Reproductive rights: Restore federal abortion protections and safeguard access to contraception and fertility treatments, including IVF.

Amy Acton's healthcare promises

The former Ohio health director focused on reducing medical debt, protecting Medicaid coverage and strengthening hospitals. Her key promises included:

• Medical debt relief: Eliminate medical debt for eligible residents earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeded 5% of household income.
• Lower medication costs: Launch 'Ohio Rx', a state-run online pharmaceutical platform to reduce drug prices through collective purchasing.
• Protect Medicaid: Oppose coverage cuts and establish navigator programmes to help residents retain insurance.
• Support hospitals: Provide funding to vulnerable rural and urban safety-net hospitals.
• Patient protections: Address surprise medical bills, improve insurance price transparency and prevent mid-plan medication switches.
• Reproductive rights: Defend Ohio's reproductive freedom amendment and protect access to abortion, contraception, IVF and miscarriage care.