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.

In a major crackdown on social media use among those under the age of 16, the UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is preparing to curb children's access to harmful content online.

In recent weeks, the government has examined a variety of options for restrictions, including a blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media, similar to measures introduced in Australia and Karnataka in India.

Why Is the UK Considering a Social Media Ban?

The proposed plan comes amid growing concerns about mental health, online abuse, and child protection.

Several studies have linked excessive social media use to increased social isolation, sleep loss, higher stress levels, reduced physical activity, and less time spent outdoors, all of which can have significant health consequences.

In addition, concerns about children's online exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content have fueled calls for stricter regulations. Another key concern is the rise of online grooming, sextortion, and harmful content that can be accessed by children through social media and other digital services.

The government has been since months reviewing evidence on how social media affects young users and whether certain platform features encourage addictive behavior. Policymakers are also examining the role of algorithms that promote endless scrolling and prolonged engagement, The Sunday Guardian reported.

Which Social Media Apps Could Be Affected?

Also read: Is India Set To Implement A Social Media Ban For Children?

The UK government is yet to make the final decision and publish an official list of social media platforms that would be restricted if the proposed rules move forward. However, reports suggest that platforms considered to pose higher risks to children could face tighter age restrictions. This include:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Snapchat
• X
• Facebook
• Discord
• Reddit

UK May Block Children From Sharing Explicit Images

Also read: Should Parents Limit Social Media For Teens? New Study Shows It Is Lowering Their Memory Score

Beyond social media restrictions, the government is also looking at measures aimed at preventing children from creating, sharing, or viewing explicit images on smartphones and other devices.

Prime Minister Starmer has given major technology companies, including Apple and Google, a three-month deadline to introduce stronger safeguards designed to protect children from online exploitation and sextortion.

“When it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option,” he said, while speaking at London Tech Week

The proposed system would require adults to undergo verification before sending, receiving, or accessing explicit content, while technology companies could face penalties if they fail to implement the required protections.

The move is designed to address the growing problem of children being pressured into sharing intimate images that are later used for blackmail or abuse.

Social Media Ban in Australia And India

Anyone under the age of 16 in Australia is now banned from using social media services. These platforms include TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads. Under the law, people under 16 cannot create new social media accounts, and their existing accounts will be deactivated.

In India, Karnataka became the first state to announce plans for a broad restriction on social media use among teenagers. Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also been considering similar measures aimed at restricting social media use among children.

Audrey Leishman, wife of professional golfer Marc Leishman, initially believed she was suffering from the flu after developing common flu-like symptoms. However, her condition rapidly worsened and was later diagnosed as sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency.

The Virginia woman nearly lost her life, spending 10 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Following the ordeal, she faced a long recovery and had to relearn how to walk, Fox News reported. Now recovered, Leishman is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition through her nonprofit organization, the Begin Again Foundation. She has also written a children's book aimed at helping families recognize the warning signs.

Symptoms Began After IUD Removal

Leishman faced the ordeal in 2015. She started experiencing symptoms of what she initially thought was an upset stomach a couple of days after having her intrauterine device (IUD) removed, according to the nonprofit Sepsis Alliance.

The next day, the mother of three said she began feeling unwell, experiencing stomach cramps and "severe pain in my right elbow and left big toe," along with a high fever, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. "I could barely hold my 18-month-old son because I was so weak. My temperature was 102°F," Leishman said.

She eventually went to urgent care, where doctors initially thought she had some form of an autoimmune disease, Fox News reported. As the days went on, Leishman started to feel worse. Her fever spiked higher, and she developed severe stomach issues. "I actually thought I was going a little bit crazy … I hadn't injured myself. I was really confused as to what was going on," Leishman said.

"They took a very long time to figure out what was going wrong with me." "They kept testing me for different things," she continued. "Eventually, they admitted me, and I was in the ICU for a total of 10 days — five of which were in a medically induced coma." During this time, her temperature and heart rate were abnormally high, and her blood pressure was dangerously low.

Sepsis Led to Respiratory Failure

The sepsis ultimately developed into acute respiratory distress syndrome. "I very much remember not being able to breathe," Leishman recalled. "That was by far the scariest part. It got to the point where I had to pause between every word to take a breath, and it was basically like sipping air."

Leishman was eventually diagnosed with sepsis and toxic shock syndrome (TSS), according to Sepsis Alliance.

While she did recover, she was unable to walk, and the first year of recovery was "very difficult." "When I finally did wake up, it was quite the process of relearning how to walk again, dealing with at-home physical therapy and being on a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter)," Leishman said.

"My immune system was so compromised that I was sick constantly," she added, noting that although she is now healthy, her memory "is not what it used to be" and that she gets fatigued more often. The original cause of her sepsis remains unclear, she said, but it may have been linked to her recent IUD removal.

Warning Signs of Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that harms the immune system, tissues, and organs. It can lead to organ failure or death if not treated urgently, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

According to Sepsis Alliance, the acronym TIME can help people recognize potential warning signs of sepsis and seek urgent medical care.

T — Temperature: Body temperature is unusually high or low.

I — Infection: Signs or symptoms of an infection are present.

M — Mental Decline: Confusion, excessive sleepiness, or difficulty waking up.

E — Extremely Ill: Severe pain, extreme discomfort, or shortness of breath.

Health authorities of the United Kingdom have confirmed that there is a confirmed case of meningitis at the University of Surrey, where a student has been infected with it. Meningitis is one of the most dangerous diseases and containing it comes first for the health authorities.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working to provide preventative antibiotics and vaccinations for close contacts. The authorities are giving great importance to this because of the two earlier deaths in Kent this year.

Jaime Morgan, from UKHSA South East, said: "We understand that news of meningococcal infection can be concerning. However, meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread." She added, "We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice to close contacts of the case."

Morgan also said that meningococcal disease is known not to spread easily among people, thus a larger possibility of public health loss is unlikely. She also urged the students at the university to be aware of symptoms and to seek medical advice if needed.

Also Read: Why Thousands Of Black Men In The UK Are Now Being Invited For Prostate Cancer Screening?

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the spinal cord and the brain. It can become very serious if not treated or diagnosed in time. It is a consequence of bacterial or viral infection. Despite being a rare occurrence, the infection can spread through coughs, sneezes, a cold, or physical contact in the form of kissing.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is important for early diagnosis and timely medical care.

Symptoms Of Meningitis

Health officials urged the public to remain alert to the warning signs of meningococcal meningitis. Common symptoms include:

• Rash
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light

How is Meningitis Diagnosed?

Physicians diagnose meningitis using a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and imaging tests. Important diagnostic tests are Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), Blood Cultures, and Imaging (CT or MRI Scans).

Though Meningitis is not the only problem of the UKHSA now. Along with other global issues, the United Kingdom is also facing a certain rise in cases of botulism, which is a dreadful disease caused by bacteria and can cause difficulty in breathing, paralysis, and even death. According to the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), recently, two more people from Leeds have come forward with symptoms of this fatal disease.

Last week, a small number of people with symptoms of botulism presented to the National Health Service (NHS) around Leeds. These people observed botulism signs after aesthetic treatments involving botulinum toxin. After a sudden increase in patients of this dreadful disease, the authorities are on alert.

UKHSA urged people to take precautions when seeking cosmetic procedures and has advised medical staff to look out for possible botulism in people who have had recent treatments and have symptoms.