Public Health in the News – May 31, 2015

Posted on May 31, 2015 by NPHR Blog in News // 0 Comments

Global

Several former interns at the World Health Organization are advocating for better access to global health internships for people from middle- or low-income countries.
Certain global health issues – such as drug resistance, new infectious diseases, and neglected tropical diseases – are not being addressed by the pharmaceutical industry, according to public health groups.
This past week, the World Health Assembly meeting wrapped up. Accomplishments include setting up a $100 million fund for public health emergencies and adopting a plan to combat anti-microbial resistance.

National

Live anthrax was accidentally shipped out to several U.S. labs, and a military base in South Korea, by the Department of Defense.
A graduate student who 3D printed a model of his own brain tumor is now trying to develop ways to make medical data more accessible to patients.
Random surveys of people in NYC’s Central Park indicate that allergies to tattoo ink may be much more common than previously thought.
Some cigarette packages include images in their warnings rather than just words. A new study shows that these images are more effective at eliciting an emotional response and encouraging people to quit.
Beginning antiretroviral therapies immediately after HIV diagnosis results in a decreased chance of death or developing AIDS, according to a new clinical trial.
A better way to heal wounds may come from a protein found in fish skin.

Illinois/Chicago

The West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos in St. Clair county.
Chicago’s National Alliance on Mental Health released a report this week that opposes Governor Rauner’s proposed budget cuts to mental health services.

National

An NU study sheds light on the reasons for higher rates of multiple sclerosis in women than in men.
Northwestern professors Victoria Brander, MD, and David Stulberg, MD, founders of Operation Walk Chicago, helped provide resources, funds, and medical teams to a Nepali hospital following the recent earthquake.