Ghana to Seek India's Backing for Vaccine Hub as Modi Visits
The two countries are expected to hold talks and sign agreements covering agriculture, defense and a vaccine hub, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told reporters in the capital, Accra. The African nation, which aims to become self-sufficient in inoculations by 2030 and a hub for vaccine production will seek to capitalize on the South Asian country's vast experience in pharmaceuticals, he said.
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You Don't Have to Be a Doctor to Understand This
I don't know exactly when I was infected with Ebola. As a doctor in a treatment center in Guinea in 2014, I faced hundreds of potential exposures during the outbreak there. If I had to guess, the virus probably breached my protective gear while my colleagues and I cared for a young woman in the final moments of her battle with the disease. Each time she vomited or soiled herself, we changed her linens, gently laying her listless body back onto clean, burgundy floral sheets. I knew this ritual wouldn't save her life. I also knew it carried substantial personal risk. But I refused to let her die without dignity. I know there are many who would do the same. You may never find yourself in a treatment center halfway across the world, but when suffering is close enough to touch, most of us feel the same human instinct to offer a helping hand, to not turn away. America's leaders are increasingly casting aside empathy and compassionate care as dangerous liabilities. Elon Musk has called empathy 'the fundamental weakness of Western civilization,' and the Trump administration governs as if that is a guiding principle. The growing philosophical backlash against empathy overlooks a deeper truth: America's strength has never come from isolation or indifference, but from an instinct to care beyond our borders. If we allow the Trump administration's assault on empathy to define our global health agenda, or ourselves, we won't just be turning away from the world — we'll be turning away from who we are. The belief that we have a responsibility to others isn't shortsighted sentimentalism; it's the moral foundation of a meaningful life. Historically, the United States has strongly supported — strategically, financially and philosophically — the individuals and organizations carrying out this kind of care. I've worked alongside health care providers responding to crises abroad because they recognize it's where their skills are most meaningful and others who do it because of a spiritual duty to serve the suffering and uphold human dignity. Collectively, we were driven by the conviction that it was the morally right thing to do. The United States government, and perhaps many Americans, no longer view global health in the same way. This is despite the fact that American involvement has helped eradicate smallpox, halved malaria deaths in many countries and prevented an estimated 26 million deaths through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. All told, U.S. global health support saves 3.3 million lives a year — or at least did, before its recent and rapid dismantling. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
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Better Growth Buy: Eli Lilly vs. Viking Therapeutics
Eli Lilly is a leader in the weight loss drug market, generating blockbuster revenue. Viking Therapeutics recently launched a phase 3 trial for its weight loss candidate -- and could have a promising future in the market. 10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly › Though you may think "tech stocks" when someone mentions growth, you actually can find growth stocks throughout a wide variety of industries. Even those like pharmaceuticals, often known for the steadiness of their earnings, may, through certain specialty areas, offer you the opportunity for explosive growth. And today, the perfect example is weight loss drugs. Today's $28 billion weight loss drug market is on track to reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, according to Goldman Sachs Research, offering companies in the space an extremely solid opportunity over the next several years and likely beyond. Two names that have been making headlines in this field are Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX). The former is a current leader, already selling two blockbuster drugs prescribed for weight loss, and the latter is an up-and-coming player, with a candidate in late-stage trials. Which is the better growth buy today? Let's find out. Eli Lilly shares weight loss drug market leadership with fellow big pharma player Novo Nordisk. They each commercialize two drugs prescribed to people aiming to lose weight and have brought in billions of dollars in annual revenue. Here, I'll focus on Lilly. The company's drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, are actually the same compound, tirzepatide. But it's sold under the name Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and under the name Zepbound for weight loss. The drug acts by stimulating hormonal pathways involved in the control of blood sugar levels and appetite. Thanks to the efficacy of tirzepatide, demand has soared, even surpassing supply until Lilly expanded its production capacity. But Lilly isn't sitting still in the area of weight loss. 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Investors have shown their excitement about Viking's program in the past: When the company reported positive phase 2 data for the subcutaneous VK2735 last year, the stock soared more than 120% in one trading session. The stock hasn't maintained those gains, but the movement shows that investors are interested in the program -- and more good news ahead could boost the stock again. Now you might wonder why investors are so excited about Viking if there already are other successful weight loss drugs on the market -- and Lilly even is likely to reach commercialization with an oral weight loss drug ahead of Viking. This is because demand is high, and this is set to continue, so there is plenty of room for more than a couple of companies to succeed in the space. Investors also have speculated about the idea of a big pharma company acquiring Viking to get in on this high growth market. Lilly has the first-to-market advantage, is closer to the finish line with an oral candidate, and already is generating major revenue from its weight loss portfolio. Viking, if successful through clinical trials, could carve out market share and deliver major revenue growth down the road -- or the company could be acquired, offering investors another way to potentially gain. Each company offers certain advantages. Now let's answer our question. If all goes well for Viking, it could represent the better growth buy as, starting from zero product revenue today, this player could see revenue soar if and when it brings a weight loss drug to market. And we've seen that Viking's stock price is very reactive to news, meaning the stock could skyrocket in such a scenario. But, if you go the Viking route, you should be comfortable with risk as uncertainty remains: The company hasn't yet reached the finish line with a product. If you're more of a cautious investor, though, don't worry. You may opt for Lilly as, even though it's climbed 140% over the past three years, it still could have plenty of room to run over the long term thanks to this weight loss drug growth story. Before you buy stock in Eli Lilly, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Eli Lilly wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $699,558!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $976,677!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Better Growth Buy: Eli Lilly vs. Viking Therapeutics was originally published by The Motley Fool
Yahoo
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Researchers raise red flags over cancer-causing threat lurking in crucial waterways: 'Could trigger a public health crisis'
We know that microplastics harm not only the environment and ecosystems but also our bodies. A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, reported by The New Indian Express, explores this further. It warns that "an increase in pollution in water bodies could trigger a public health crisis, with cancer being one of the long-term consequences." The study links microplastic pollution in rivers, particularly the Ganges, to a rise in gallbladder cancer (GBC) in India. Researchers from Kerala medical colleges found that microplastics may have carcinogenic effects. These tiny particles can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, immune system disruption, and gut microbiome changes, factors known to contribute to cancer development. The study also highlights that India produces around 15 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 25% being recycled. The rest breaks down into micro- or nanoplastics, which enter the food chain through water and marine life. As plastic pollution has increased, so have the cases of GBC. While rates in Kerala are still lower than in other areas, doctors there report a steady rise. This research serves as a clear warning: Unchecked pollution can lead to serious long-term health consequences, including cancer. The connection between microplastics and cancer isn't just alarming; it's a call to action. The impacts of microplastics go far beyond human health. They harm marine life, disrupt food webs, and damage biodiversity. On land, they affect soil quality and hinder plant growth, which can ultimately threaten our food supply. The damage caused by microplastics touches every part of our ecosystem, and the consequences are mounting. There are many ways to help combat plastic pollution. While individual efforts might seem small, collective action makes a difference. From reducing single-use plastics to participating in beach or park cleanups and recycling properly, every step counts. Even small changes can create a lasting impact, especially when we all get involved. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
