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National Health Insurance system will mean little if we don't offer the right kind of care
National Health Insurance system will mean little if we don't offer the right kind of care

Mail & Guardian

time24-06-2025

  • Health
  • Mail & Guardian

National Health Insurance system will mean little if we don't offer the right kind of care

Doctors will need to pay attention not only to a patient's physical health but also the person's emotional, social and psychospiritual aspects. South Africa's healthcare system is 'Of 696 facilities evaluated in the Office of Health Standards Compliance's latest report, only five met 80% of the required performance standards, which include drug availability and proper infection control,' SAMRC writes. Additionally, the healthcare system is facing an exodus of workers. Since July 2023, Then there is the fact that in cases where South Africa can provide care in a strained system, it is not providing the right kinds of care. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and diabetes, for example — remain a major cause of death in the country: in 2010, they caused a similar number of deaths to How we manage NCDs should be a focus of the NHI — but it requires a full recalibration of how we understand health. But in the early 20th century, biomedicine came to the fore, and medical progress began to occur in research and disease management: cancer treatment, vaccines, antibiotics, organ transplants. Medicine became a science, and the point of science is to eliminate subjectivity. This meant the mind and body were separated, and a person's emotions were seen to have nothing to do with a disease. But, in certain cases such as cases of NCDs and mental health issues, treating diseases as purely physical or purely mental has significant drawbacks. NCDs are lifestyle diseases. By their very nature they are diseases that arise from the ways in which a person lives — physically, socially, psychologically and emotionally. But at medical school, doctors are trained to find physical symptoms. When a patient comes in suffering from a chronic ailment — which may have arisen equally from whatever facet of their life, but is now representing itself physically — a doctor looks for and treats the physical issue. The other aspects — the emotional, social and psychospiritual nature of humans — are not given as much attention. The physical problem — the shortness of breath, chest pain, lack of appetite, weakness, trouble sleeping — may be cured. But the sickness goes on. The patient does not become truly healthy. South Africa is full of patients suffering in this way. On top of the huge burden of NCDs, the country has an estimated In the public health system, these people have nowhere to go. Private mental healthcare is financially out of reach for most. It is something of a catch-22: the NHI might provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists, but there is a risk of overwhelming mental health professionals and contributing toward the exodus of medical workers. Furthermore, having one professional treat only a person's mental health continues the problem of treating mind and body as separated from one another. A patient's psychologist and physician might rarely be in contact with one another, if at all. They may treat a patient's symptoms using approaches that are in conflict with one another. This is what is meant when it is said that South Africa's healthcare system — even its private healthcare system — does not always provide the right kinds of care. As South Africa's public healthcare system is overhauled, it is necessary that from the outset it is clear how patients suffering from NCDs and mental health issues will be treated. Medical schools may need to focus on training a new kind of doctor — one who can care for patients holistically: emotionally, physically, socially and beyond that, psychospiritually. Family physicians should be trained in this capacity. While they do learn to perform a three-stage assessment — physical, personal and contextual — they need to go even further and incorporate a person's psychology and spiritual state to treat patients with the utmost effectiveness. No patient suffers in their mind or body alone; these elements are irrevocably connected, and must be treated in tandem with one another. If we treat just one, we treat only half of a human. It is an overhaul that begins with a restructuring of our understanding of health itself. As the Professor Shadrick Mazaza is a specialist family medicine physician and past national chairperson of the South African Academy of Family Physicians.

'New pathway' to cure for HIV discovered using tech from COVID-19 vaccine
'New pathway' to cure for HIV discovered using tech from COVID-19 vaccine

Yahoo

time17-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

'New pathway' to cure for HIV discovered using tech from COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers have taken a giant leap in the search for an HIV cure by discovering a way to identify the virus even as it is camouflaged among other cells. HIV spreads by invading and multiplying within white blood cells, which fight disease and infection. One of the main roadblocks in developing a cure has been finding a way to isolate and kill the virus without also killing white blood cells and harming the body's immune system. Researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia have now cultivated a method to identify the virus among white blood cells, as demonstrated in a recent paper published in Nature Communications, isolating the virus for potential treatment. The technology involves mRNA — molecules isolated from DNA that can teach the body how to make a specific protein — which were also used in the COVID-19 vaccines. By introducing mRNA to white blood cells, it can force the cells to reveal the virus. Using mRNA in this way was 'previously thought impossible,' research fellow at the Doherty Institute and co-first author of the study Paula Cevaal told The Guardian, but the new development "could be a new pathway to an HIV cure.' 'In the field of biomedicine, many things eventually don't make it into the clinic – that is the unfortunate truth; I don't want to paint a prettier picture than what is the reality,' Cevaal said. 'But in terms of specifically the field of HIV cure, we have never seen anything close to as good as what we are seeing, in terms of how well we are able to reveal this virus. A cure is still years away, as Cevaal said it would still need to be tested on animals and then humans to see if it can be done safely on living beings before they can test whether or not a potential treatment would even work. However, she added that that "we're very hopeful that we are also able to see this type of response in an animal, and that we could eventually do this in humans.'

Biosensors Industry Forecast Report 2025-2034 - The U.S. Biosensors Market Thrives Amid Regulatory Challenges with Innovation and Partnerships Fuelling Expansion
Biosensors Industry Forecast Report 2025-2034 - The U.S. Biosensors Market Thrives Amid Regulatory Challenges with Innovation and Partnerships Fuelling Expansion

Yahoo

time17-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Biosensors Industry Forecast Report 2025-2034 - The U.S. Biosensors Market Thrives Amid Regulatory Challenges with Innovation and Partnerships Fuelling Expansion

The demand for portable biosensors is escalating, notably in Asia-Pacific and Europe, fueled by chronic disease management needs, such as diabetes and cardiovascular monitoring. Industry growth is supported by technological advancements, increased R&D, and strategic collaborations. Biosensors Market Dublin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biosensors Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to Global Biosensors Market was valued at USD 32.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% to reach USD 68.5 billion by 2034, driven by increasing applications of biosensors across several sectors, particularly healthcare, where they play a crucial role in detecting biological signals. Additionally, the expanding use of biosensors in drug discovery and biomedicine further supports the market's growth. The growing demand for portable biosensors, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe, alongside technological advancements, is key factor propelling the industry. Another key factor driving the growth of the biosensors market is the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which require continuous monitoring and management to avoid serious complications. For example, diabetes, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe health issues like kidney failure, stroke, or lower limb amputations. This has led to a growing demand for devices that can offer real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels, allowing patients to take immediate action when necessary. In addition to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases are also on the rise, creating an increasing need for early detection and ongoing management through advanced diagnostic tools like biosensors. These technologies are helping improve patient outcomes by providing timely data that allows for more precise treatment non-wearable biosensor segment accounted for USD 20.7 billion in 2024. These sensors, integrated into diagnostic devices used for point-of-care testing, are valued for their ease of use, high accuracy, and ability to provide immediate results without continuous user interaction. As healthcare providers seek efficient and timely diagnostic tools, the demand for these non-wearable devices is expected to rise. Technological innovations such as improved sensitivity, miniaturization, and digital connectivity enhance their effectiveness and usability in clinical electrochemical biosensor segment holds a substantial share of the market, representing 41.6% share, which was USD 13.4 billion in 2024. These biosensors are widely used in medical devices such as glucose meters for diabetic patients and in systems that monitor cardiac biomarkers and blood gases. The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, drives the demand for electrochemical sensors as essential diagnostic States Biosensors Market generated USD 10.2 billion in 2024, driven by the rising number of chronic disease cases, especially diabetes and heart-related conditions. Despite a strict regulatory environment, the U.S. remains a hub for the development, approval, and commercialization of innovative medical technologies, including biosensors. Regulatory bodies like the FDA are increasingly focused on accelerating the approval process for new biosensor technologies, recognizing their critical role in improving healthcare strengthen their position in the market, companies are focusing on innovation and partnerships. Many firms invest heavily in R&D to develop more advanced biosensor technologies with greater sensitivity and precision. Collaborations with healthcare providers and research institutions help in driving innovation. Furthermore, some companies are working to expand their product portfolios to cater to various medical needs, such as disease-specific biosensors and wearable health monitoring devices. Market leaders, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Masimo, and Danaher, are adopting these strategies to enhance their market presence and remain competitive in this rapidly growing Market Analysis and Forecast Industry trends, key growth drivers, challenges, future opportunities, and regulatory landscape Competitive landscape with Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL analysis Market size, segmentation, and regional forecasts In-depth company profiles, business strategies, financial insights, and SWOT analysis Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 128 Forecast Period 2024-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $32.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $68.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.9% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered Chapter 1 Methodology and ScopeChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Industry 360 degree synopsisChapter 3 Industry Insights3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis3.2 Industry impact forces3.2.1 Growth drivers3.2.1.1 Growing application of biosensors in medical field3.2.1.2 Rising prevalence of diabetes globally3.2.1.3 High demand for portable biosensors in Asia-Pacific and Europe3.2.1.4 Increasing technological advancements3.2.2 Industry pitfalls and challenges3.2.2.1 Stringent regulatory scenario3.2.2.2 High cost of product development3.3 Growth potential analysis3.4 Regulatory landscape3.5 Trump administration tariffs3.5.1 Impact on trade3.5.1.1 Trade volume disruptions3.5.1.2 Country-wise response3.5.2 Impact on the industry3.5.2.1 Supply-side impact (Cost of manufacturing)3.5.2.1.1 Price volatility in key materials3.5.2.1.2 Supply chain restructuring3.5.2.1.3 Production cost implications3.5.2.2 Demand-side impact (Cost to consumers)3.5.2.2.1 Price transmission to end markets3.5.2.2.2 Market share dynamics3.5.2.2.3 Consumer response patterns3.5.3 Key companies impacted3.5.4 Strategic industry responses3.5.4.1 Supply chain reconfiguration3.5.4.2 Pricing and product strategies3.5.4.3 Policy engagement3.5.5 Outlook and future considerations3.6 Technological landscape3.7 Future market trends3.8 Gap analysis3.9 Porter's analysis3.10 PESTEL analysisChapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 20244.1 Introduction4.2 Company market share analysis4.3 Company matrix analysis4.4 Competitive analysis of major market players4.5 Competitive positioning matrix4.6 Strategy dashboardChapter 5 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Type, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)5.1 Key trends5.2 Wearable5.3 Non-wearableChapter 6 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Technology, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)6.1 Key trends6.2 Electrochemical6.3 Optical6.4 Thermal6.5 Piezoelectric6.6 Other technologiesChapter 7 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Applications, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)7.1 Key trends7.2 Blood glucose testing7.3 Cholesterol testing7.4 Blood gas analysis7.5 Pregnancy testing7.6 Drug discovery7.7 Infectious disease testing7.8 Other applicationsChapter 8 Market Estimates and Forecast, by End Use, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)8.1 Key trends8.2 Point of care testing8.3 Home healthcare diagnostics8.4 Research laboratories8.5 Other end usersChapter 9 Market Estimates and Forecast, by Region, 2021-2034 ($ Mn)9.1 Key trends9.2 North America9.2.1 U.S.9.2.2 Canada9.3 Europe9.3.1 Germany9.3.2 UK9.3.3 France9.3.4 Spain9.3.5 Italy9.3.6 Russia9.3.7 Switzerland9.4 Asia-Pacific9.4.1 China9.4.2 Japan9.4.3 India9.5 Latin America9.5.1 Brazil9.5.2 Mexico9.6 Middle East and Africa9.6.1 South Africa9.6.2 Saudi Arabia Chapter 10 Company Profiles10.1 Abbott Laboratories10.2 ARKRAY10.3 Bio-Rad Laboratories10.4 Biosensors International Group10.5 Dexcom10.6 Danaher10.7 F. Hoffmann-La Roche10.8 Masimo10.9 Nova Biomedical10.10 Platinum Equity Advisors10.11 PHC Holdings10.12 Pinnacle Technology10.13 Siemens Healthineers10.14 Thermo Fisher Scientific10.15 Trividia HealthFor more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Biosensors Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Major HIV breakthrough forces hidden fragments of the virus to emerge so it can be cleared from the body
Major HIV breakthrough forces hidden fragments of the virus to emerge so it can be cleared from the body

Daily Mail​

time06-06-2025

  • Health
  • Daily Mail​

Major HIV breakthrough forces hidden fragments of the virus to emerge so it can be cleared from the body

Experts could have found a way to be one step closer to curing HIV for good. Researchers in Australia has developed a new treatment that forces hidden fragments of the virus - normally concealed within human cells - to emerge and expose themselves to the immune system. The breakthrough could enable the body, aided by antiviral drugs, to detect and destroy any lingering viral reservoirs. HIV has remained incurable because the virus can integrate itself into a cell's DNA, laying dormant and undetectable to both medication and immune defenses. Scientists said they've created a nanoparticle capable of delivering genetic instructions to infected cells, prompting them to produce a signal that reveals the virus's presence. Dr Paula Cevaal of the Doherty Institute and co-author of the study told The Guardian that the feat was 'previously thought impossible'. Cevaal said: 'In the field of biomedicine, many things eventually don't make it into the clinic, that is the unfortunate truth; I don't want to paint a prettier picture than what is the reality. 'But in terms of specifically the field of HIV cure, we have never seen anything close to as good as what we are seeing, in terms of how well we are able to reveal this virus. 'So, from that point of view, we're very hopeful that we are also able to see this type of response in an animal, and that we could eventually do this in humans.' The discovery was first revealed in the journal Nature Communications, where researchers said they were initially so astonished that they had to rerun the tests. Further research would be needed to determine whether revealing the virus would be enough to trigger an immune response, with tests only being carried out in the lab. It could still take years before clinical trials for the drug began, when it would have to go through rigorous testing before reaching consumers. However, the advance represents another step forward for the 1.2 million Americans currently living with an HIV infection - for which they took drugs daily. An estimated 31,800 people were believed to be infected every year, although that's a 12 per cent decline on five years ago. Globally, nearly 40 million people have the virus. The new nanoparticle's based on mRNA technology, the same as was used in covid vaccines made by Pfizer and other vaccine manufacturers. In their paper, the scientists revealed that they could deliver mRNA instructions to cells using the nanoparticle. The mRNA then instruct cells to generate substances that reveal the presence of HIV, but only if the virus was present. The study done in the laboratory was carried out in cells donated by HIV patients.

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