Pakistan continues to be dealing with a polio outbreak as four fresh cases have emerged, pushing the national tally to 37 this year, according to health officials on October 19, 2024. Health officials said that the regional reference laboratory for polio eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed wild poliovirus type-1 (WPV1) in two children-one from each Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In recent cases, a girl has been affected from Pishin, and two boys from Chaman and Noshki of Balochistan, and a girl from Lakki Marwat in KP. These are the first detections of the virus within Noshki and Lakki Marwat this year; isolated cases of poliovirus were previously reported within Chaman and Pishin. The province of Balochistan was the worst hit with 20 cases, Sindh had 10, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had five, and Punjab and Islamabad had one case each.

A gigantic fight against polio has been on going in Pakistan- especially in Balochistan and southern KP-over the last two years. Immunisation campaigns have often been suspended or delayed because of local protests, insecurity, and community boycotts. Consequently, quite a number of children did not get the necessary vaccinations, making existing patches of vulnerability for the virus to flow within those pockets.

Noshki, located near Afghanistan's border, and Lakki Marwat have also recently reported some positive environmental samples that confirm the virus is present here, said a local reference laboratory official. Samples of latest cases are currently under genetic sequencing for checking spread of virus and origin.

As the threat of polio continues to grow, Pakistan has vowed to mount a nationwide campaign against it beginning from October 28. With the zeal to tackle the menace in the most effective manner, over 45 million children under the age of five will be vaccinated across the country.

Today, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain one of the few countries where polio has not yet been eradicated. The WHO said the virus remains a potential serious public health threat in areas with low vaccination coverage and weak surveillance.

India On Alert Against Polio

The country declared itself polio-free since 2014 and has kept the disease on bay almost a decade with very robust vaccination programs; however, two cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases reported in recent days from Meghalaya create some amount of doubts over a possible resurgence. Experts observe that in India, despite these detections taking place, strong coverage of vaccination at 90-95% and mandatory surveillance measures keep the risk of this widespread outbreak at bay.

The experts point out, however, that such stable situation in India requires continued surveillance. "Countries like Pakistan and parts of Africa remain at a high risk because vaccination rates in those areas are much lower," Dr. Siddharth, public health expert, said. Vaccination is an indispensable act in order to avoid the spread of this incapacitating disease that manifests most importantly as a nervous system affliction leading to the paralysis of a long period.

With concerted efforts from health authorities, there is hope someday that the scourge of polio will be completely eradicated from the face of the earth and future generations will never suffer from its effects.

Almost a year after the last Senate-confirmed director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was fired for backing science and vaccines, President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to head the agency, making her his third CDC nominee in less than two years.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) for her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Schwartz pledged to restore public trust in the CDC through transparency and evidence-based decision-making.

However, she also faced pointed questions about vaccine policy, scientific independence, and whether she would resist pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Erica Schwartz: 'I Will Never Betray Science'

Schwartz highlighted her military background and said restoring confidence in public health institutions would be her top priority.

"If confirmed, my first priority will be restoring trust in public health institutions through radical transparency and unwavering scientific integrity," she said.

"As CDC director, my sacred responsibility is to provide the American people with public health guidance that is clear, honest, and evidence-based. I will never betray science," she added.

Schwartz previously served as deputy US surgeon general during Trump's first administration and held the rank of rear admiral in the US Coast Guard.

Who Is Dr. Erica Schwartz?

Dr. Erica Schwartz is a physician with an extensive background in medicine, public health, engineering, and law. She holds a medical degree (MD), a Master of Public Health (MPH) in epidemiology, a law degree, and a degree in biomedical engineering.

Before being nominated to lead the CDC, Schwartz held several senior public health and military leadership roles, including:

• Serving as a Navy occupational medicine physician and clinical epidemiologist
• Joining the US Public Health Service, where she was detailed to the US Coast Guard
• Serving as the Chief Medical Officer of the US Coast Guard
• Serving as the Deputy US Surgeon General, where she helped oversee national public health initiatives and emergency preparedness.

Erica Schwartz Backs Vaccines, Calls for Autism Research

Throughout the hearing, Schwartz repeatedly expressed support for vaccines, including mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, and strongly endorsed vitamin K injections for newborns to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

She also acknowledged that scientific evidence does not support a link between vaccines and autism, while arguing that more research is needed to better understand the rising prevalence of autism.

"We owe it to the American people to figure out why one in 30 children now has autism," she said.

Schwartz stated that she did not believe either President Trump or Health Secretary Kennedy would ask her to take actions that would harm public health or violate the law.

She also said she was unaware of Kennedy's decision to cancel nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts and was unfamiliar with reported cuts to smoking cessation and food safety programmes.

Public Health Experts Express Concern

Although many observers consider Schwartz a qualified nominee with mainstream public health credentials, some experts said her testimony did not provide enough reassurance that she would independently defend scientific evidence if political pressure arose.

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, chief executive of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said she wanted stronger commitments to evidence-based science from leaders overseeing the nation's top public health institutions.

The hearing also renewed criticism of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s handling of the CDC.

Several Democratic senators, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, argued that former CDC director Dr. Susan Monarez was removed because she resisted Kennedy's vaccine policies.

"Dr. Monarez, to her credit, stood up for science, public health, and for the scientific method. Frankly, she stood up for protecting the well-being of the American people, and that was the reason that she was fired," Sanders said.

If confirmed by the Senate, Schwartz would replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who’s been serving as acting CDC director since February.

A new Phase II clinical trial has found that a carefully formulated cannabis-based treatment may help alleviate agitation in people with advanced dementia. The findings offer hope for patients and caregivers who face one of the most distressing symptoms of the disease.

The findings are a result of the LiBBY (Life's End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) trial, that was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London.

Researchers say the treatment, which combines purified tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in an oral formulation, showed significant improvements compared to a placebo.

What Did The Trial Find?

The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study enrolled 120 hospice-eligible adults with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia experiencing significant agitation.

Participants received either the THC/CBD formulation or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed agitation using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) along with clinician evaluations of behavioral improvement.

According to the trial results, participants in the cannabis treatment group experienced significantly greater reductions in agitation than those given a placebo.

Clinician assessments showed improvement in 83.9% of treated participants after two weeks, compared with 30.5% in the placebo group.

By 12 weeks, improvement was seen in 87.2% of treated participants versus 23.6% receiving placebo. Nearly 90% of treated participants showed overall clinical improvement during the study.

The study's lead investigator, Dr. Jacobo Mintzer of the Medical University of South Carolina, said, "These results were extremely impressive and showed a level of response not seen before in clinical trials related to dementia. Rarely do we see close to 90% of patients in a trial respond positively to a new medication."

He added, "Agitation affects many people with late-stage dementia, causing symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and emotional distress that can profoundly impact patients and their caregivers. Current treatment options are limited and often carry significant side effects."

Also read: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For

Agitation Is A Major Challenge in Advanced Dementia

Agitation affects the majority of people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, especially in the advanced stages.

Symptoms may include pacing, aggression, yelling, restlessness, irritability, and emotional distress, making day-to-day care increasingly challenging.

It also places a heavy emotional and physical burden on caregivers. Many currently prescribed medications, including antipsychotics and sedatives, may increase the risk of falls, excessive sedation, stroke, or even death in older adults.

A treatment that safely reduces agitation without substantially increasing adverse events could be helpful for the patients as well as caregivers.

Investigators said that the results are the strongest seen so far in clinical trials on agitation in advanced dementia.

Also read: Alzheimer's May Be Detectable Years Before Symptoms, Says Neurology Expert

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.

Common Signs of Dementia:

• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Difficulty finding words
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Trouble completing familiar tasks

The Growing Global Burden

Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers.

According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends.

Lionel Messi is one of the most iconic football players in the world. What many people don't realize is that his athletic career almost ended before it truly began.

As a child, Messi was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), a rare medical condition that affects normal growth and development.

With the ongoing FIFA fever, his story has sparked renewed interest, particularly because Barcelona helped shape football history.

What Is Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Growth Hormone Deficiency is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone, a hormone essential for normal growth in children. Without adequate treatment, children with GHD often experience the following symptoms:

• Slower than normal growth
• Short stature compared to other children of same age
• Delayed physical development
• Reduced muscle mass and bone growth

While growth is the most noticeable concern, modern treatment allows many children to achieve normal or near-normal adult height if diagnosed early.

Also read: American Pro Football Players 4 Times More Likely To Die From Diseases Like ALS, Dementia & Parkinson's: Study

Lionel Messi's Diagnosis

Messi himself has spoken in recent interviews about the financial and emotional challenges his family faced during those years.

Doctors recommended regular treatment with synthetic growth hormone, requiring frequent injections over several years.

At the time, growth hormone therapy reportedly cost around $900 to $1,000 per month, an amount that Messi's family could not afford.

Barcelona Stepped In

Messi's local Argentine club, Newell's Old Boys, initially provided some assistance, but not long-term financial support.

His skills on the field eventually caught the attention of FC Barcelona. The Spanish club agreed to sign the young Argentine and help cover the costs of his medical treatment.

The decision required Messi and his family to relocate from Rosario, Argentina, to Spain, which became one of the most significant turning points in football history.

Also read: Former NFL Star Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis; Everything You Need To Know About Lou Gehrig's Disease

Did Growth Hormone Make Messi A Better Footballer?

This remains one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Messi's football career. Messi received growth hormone therapy as a medically prescribed treatment, not as a performance-enhancing drug.

The treatment was meant to correct a hormone deficiency and allow normal physical development under medical supervision.

Sports medicine experts have long emphasized that therapeutic treatment for Growth Hormone Deficiency is fundamentally different from the illegal misuse of growth hormone for athletic performance.

Can Children With GHD Live Normal Lives?

Today, Growth Hormone Deficiency is a recognized endocrine disorder. When diagnosed early and treated appropriately, many children experience significant improvements in growth and can lead healthy, active lives.

• Treatment typically involves:
• Daily or long-acting growth hormone injections
• Regular monitoring by pediatric endocrinologists
• Periodic assessment of growth and hormone levels

Messi's story is more than a football success story. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis and access to specialized medical care. Pediatricians recommend evaluating children whose height or growth pace consistently falls well below expected levels for their age.