Latest news with #MS
Daily News Egypt
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care
Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population has formalized three significant partnerships with leading global pharmaceutical companies to advance healthcare services in critical areas, including safe childbirth, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke care. These collaborations are part of the government's broader initiative to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems across the nation. In a key move, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, oversaw the signing of a cooperation protocol with Sanofi Egypt under the 'Safe Start' initiative. This program seeks to reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries and promote natural childbirth, aligning with the second phase of the presidential initiative 'The Golden 1,000 Days'. This initiative focuses on maternal and child health nationwide. During the signing ceremony, Minister Abdel Ghaffar commended the success of the initiative and the ongoing partnership with Sanofi, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to expanding healthcare and raising awareness across Egypt. The protocol was signed by Abla El-Alfi, Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development, and Sherif Roshdy, Head of Medical Affairs at Sanofi Egypt and Africa. The agreement outlines several key components: awareness campaigns targeting the risks of unnecessary C-sections, including postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE); training for 1,000 healthcare professionals; the development of risk assessment tools; and the implementation of care protocols to ensure optimal maternal and child health. In a separate meeting, Minister Abdel Ghaffar and Roche Egypt officials discussed a strategic partnership aimed at improving the early diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The partnership focuses on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostic tools, enhancing monitoring systems, and advancing treatment protocols. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that the government provides 28,000 MS treatment approvals annually at no cost to patients, demonstrating Egypt's commitment to easing the financial burden on those affected by the disease. Following their discussions, the Ministry and Roche Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), led by Mohamed Hassani, Assistant Minister for Public Health Initiatives, and Ziad El-Ahwal, Head of Government Affairs and Health Policy at Roche Egypt. This partnership aims to upgrade diagnostic tools, introduce new treatment options, implement internationally recognized protocols, and train medical staff. Additionally, the MoU includes the creation of a national MS patient registry, supporting data-driven decision-making in compliance with the Egyptian Health Council's framework. The third partnership involves Boehringer Ingelheim, focusing on advancing stroke care in Egypt. Minister Abdel Ghaffar witnessed the signing of an MoU aimed at reducing stroke-related mortality and disability. The agreement, signed by Mohamed Hassani and Ahmed Mohamed Abu El-Farag Suleiman, Medical Director for Boehringer Ingelheim North, East, and West Africa, targets improvements in stroke care infrastructure, healthcare worker training, and the standardization of rapid intervention protocols. The first phase of the partnership will implement the 'Angels' initiative in 20 public hospitals, in collaboration with the Egyptian Health Council. The agreement also includes public awareness campaigns on stroke symptoms, the importance of early intervention, and the use of the platform for patient data management. Crucially, the partnership will provide technical and logistical support without placing financial burdens on the government. Officials from all three companies expressed their strong commitment to supporting Egypt's healthcare development by transferring international expertise, offering training, and providing technical assistance. They underscored the vital role of investing in healthcare to improve the quality of life and ensure access to safe, advanced medical services across Egypt. These agreements are part of the Ministry of Health's broader strategy to foster public-private partnerships, enhance healthcare system efficiency, and address underserved populations and high-burden diseases through technology, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
9 News
6 hours ago
- Health
- 9 News
Landmark genetic study aims to find root cause of debilitating disease
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australian researchers are launching a landmark study to identify the genetic cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS impacts more than 33,000 people in Australia however the exact cause of the disease remains unclear. While it is believed DNA, environmental factors and a common virus known as Epstein-Barr could trigger MS, scientists at University of South Australia are investigating the "biology" behind a person's risk of developing it. MS impacts more than 33,000 people in Australia however the exact cause of the disease remains unclear. (Getty) MS is a central nervous system autoimmune condiiton which impacts muscles and can result in fatigue, difficulty walking, loss of balance and pain. According to MS Australia, symptoms can be "varied and unpredictable". The university will conduct an Australian-first study using a method known as "recall by genotype" to explore the genetic causes of MS. The research could uncover how the Epstein-Barr virus leads to MS in some people but not in others. "For many years we've known that the Epstein-Barr virus is a likely precursor for MS," said lead researcher Dr David Stacey said. "But because the virus affects up to 90% of the population, it's difficult to pin down why some people go on to develop MS while others don't. "We believe the way a person's immune system responds to the Epstein-Barr virus may be a key factor, and genetics can help us uncover that." The study will involve over calculating the genetic risk scores for over 1000 participants from South Australia who have not been diagnosed with MS. It will then compare traits against those with a high or low risk. "By grouping people based on their genetic profile, we expect to find those with a high genetic risk for MS will also show biological differences – even if they don't have the disease," Dr Stacey added. "That could reveal how the Epstein-Barr virus and MS are connected and identify early warning signs or biomarkers for MS." The university will conduct an Australian-first study using a method known as "recall by genotype" to explore the genetic causes of MS. (Getty) The 'recall by genotype' method used in this study will guide other researchers to establish standards operating procedures in similar genetic studies. Dr Stacey said it will help tackle ethical questions regarding sharing genetic risk information with patients. "If we identify people who are at risk of developing MS, we need to consider how – and whether – to share that information, particularly as this information may not yet be clinically actionable," Dr Stacey said. "This study will explore those ethical, legal and social questions to guide how future studies approach personal genetic risk." It's hoped the study will help support early diagnostic tools and preventative strategies for MS. health Australia national Research Study South Australia CONTACT US
North Wales Live
11 hours ago
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Councillor who failed to declare political party membership 'should consider his position'
Aberconwy's MS has called a former Conwy cabinet member's position 'untenable". Conservative Senedd Member Janet Finch-Saunders has taken aim at former Conwy County Council leader Cllr Goronwy Edwards after it emerged last week he was a member of an undeclared political party. Conwy's current leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey announced on Friday that Cllr Edwards resigned from his position as cabinet member for infrastructure, transport, and facilities. The resignation followed Cllr Edwards, a Conwy First Independent Group councillor, not declaring he was a member of another party on his register of interests. The controversy follows two Tory councillors jumping ship to Reform. Now Mrs Finch-Saunders has fired criticism at Cllr Edwards, arguing his position is 'untenable". 'I'm very unhappy that a long-standing councillor such as he, an ex-leader of the council, an ex-cabinet member… he's been round long enough to know what he should be doing,' said Mrs Finch-Saunders. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. 'It's very disappointing that he chose to withdraw this vital information that the public has a right to know. I feel that his position now is untenable, not just as a cabinet member but as a councillor. I think he should consider his position and allow somebody else to fight for that seat, who may honour the Nolan Principles and the integrity that goes with the role of holding such a high position in public life. 'How can you be a member of the independent group of Conwy County Council and be a member of another political party? It makes a mockery of every single independent candidate who believes they stand on an independent ticket, but it also calls into question the integrity of the cabinet and the First Independent Group.' She added: 'How can he be describing himself to his electors… he has brought the role of councillor and the cabinet into disrepute by hiding the fact he was sitting on one group while being a paid-up member of another political party. It is absolutely disgraceful.' The Local Democracy Reporting Service attempted to contact Cllr Edwards for a comment. The Conwy First Independent Group declined to comment at this time. Public notices in your area
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Convicted Algerian criminal is allowed to stay in Britain... because he would be mocked in his home country for dressing as a woman
A convicted Algerian criminal has been allowed to stay in Britain after claiming he would be mocked for wearing women's clothes and makeup if he returned to Algeria. The 27-year-old, who claims to be transgender, has been jailed for robbery and committed multiple offences including burglary, theft and battery since being granted refugee status in 2013. In arguing against his deportation, the repeat offender, identified only as MS, claimed he would be targeted in Algeria because of his sexuality - described to a court as 'gay, transvestite and/or transgender'. And an asylum judge agreed, upholding his appeal against the Home Office 's revocation of his refugee status. Upper Tribunal Judge Christopher Hanson said: 'Were MS to return to Algeria and be open about his sexuality, he would be at risk of mockery, harassment, discrimination and potential harm from non-state actors. 'Were he to wear women's clothes and makeup, he would certainly draw negative attention to himself, and would likely be subjected to ridicule, hostility and possible harm... 'Algerian society would not generally accept men dressing as women or asserting that they are transgender. 'Indeed, [his] being ridiculed for wearing women's clothes and make up in public areas is entirely plausible, as are his father's threats to kill him on account of his behaviour. 'A family would deem such actions as deeply shameful and humiliating, and would do their utmost to prevent their son from bringing embarrassment and shame in this way. 'If MS chooses to dress in women's clothing or make up, this would heighten the threat of abuse.' The Upper Tier Tribunal (UTT) of the Asylum and Immigration Chamber was told that MS is a gay man recognised as a refugee 'who was and is a transvestite and/or is transgender'. The hearing, held in Birmingham, was told that since arriving in Britain 12 years ago he had been convicted of numerous crimes. 'Between April 2014 and January 2015, [MS] received four convictions for offences including: burglary and theft; attempted burglary with intent to steal; using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence; theft,' the tribunal heard. MS received a warning letter from officials in September 2015, after the decision was taken not to deport him due to Algeria's 'situation'. He received eight further convictions between May 2016 and June 2018 for offences including 'theft; resisting or obstructing a constable; failing to surrender to custody at appointed time and various driving offences'. In August of the same year, he was convicted for offences including theft and 'racially or religiously aggravated fear or provocation of violence in words or writing'. He was again given a warning letter in September 2018 after a decision was made not to pursue deportation, and after further convictions between December 2018 and January 2019 he was given more warning letters. In February 2019, he was issued 'administrative removal papers as an overstayer', following the expiry of his refugee limited leave to remain. MS was in and out of prison after this point, and came to the attention of authorities in January of the following year after being convicted for offences including battery. He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison after receiving a conviction for robbery and breaching a criminal behaviour order. A deportation order was made in August 2022, and he was served with a notice of the decision to revoke his refugee status in the same month. The Home Office asserted in July 2023 that the situation in Algeria had changed and that MS would no longer be an 'individual who would face treatment amounting to persecution' in the country. However, a 'country expert' told the tribunal that while 'homosexuality is not illegal in Algeria engaging in homosexual acts is a punishable offence', and those who do not hide their sexuality are at risk of 'physical violence'. The Upper Tribunal heard that in interviews in May 2023, MS said: 'He liked to play with girls and would dress up in his sister's clothes for which his father would beat him. 'His father would chain him to a wall and throw "rocks" at him.' MS said that he had been raped as a child and had also been bullied in school for acting 'like a girl'. He said he feared for his life if he had to return to Algeria, where their father still lives. The judge found that the asylum seeker 'could well end up destitute and living on the streets', and that 'mental health problems would make him particularly vulnerable in this respect'. Judge Hanson said: 'I find a holistic assessment of the evidence shows there is sufficient to justify the maintaining of the grant of international protection.' The judge found the first-tier tribunal made a legal error because it did not consider the 'protected characteristics' for which the asylum seeker has been 'recognised as a refugee'.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Algerian criminal can stay in UK because he would be ‘mocked for being trans'
An Algerian criminal has won the right to stay in Britain after claiming he would face ridicule and abuse in his home country for being transgender. The 27-year-old has been jailed for robbery and committed multiple offences including burglary, theft and battery since being granted refugee status in the UK in 2013. In arguing against his deportation, the repeat offender – identified only as MS – claimed he would be targeted in Algeria because of his sexuality, described to a court as 'gay, transvestite and/or transgender'. An asylum judge agreed, upholding his appeal against the Home Office's revocation of his refugee status. Convict's father threatens to kill him Upper tribunal Judge Christopher Hanson said: 'Were MS to return to Algeria and be open about his sexuality, he would be at risk of mockery, harassment, discrimination and potential harm from non-state actors. 'Were he to wear women's clothes and makeup, he would certainly draw negative attention to himself, and would likely be subjected to ridicule, hostility and possible harm. 'While there are some transvestites and transgender individuals in Algeria... they have suffered abuse and harm. 'Algerian society would not generally accept men dressing as women or asserting that they are transgender. Indeed, [his]'s account... of being ridiculed for wearing women's clothes and make up in public areas is entirely plausible, as are his father's threats to kill him on account of his behaviour. 'A family would deem such actions as deeply shameful and humiliating, and would do their utmost to prevent their son from bringing embarrassment and shame in this way. If MS chooses to dress in women's clothing or make up, this would heighten the threat of abuse.' The case is the latest to be revealed by The Telegraph from immigration court documents. It comes as Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is drawing up new laws to restrict the rights of foreign criminals and illegal migrants to use human rights laws to avoid deportation. She is also tightening the rules to allow the Government to reject asylum applications of sex offenders and give ministers more discretion to block the claims of other offenders. The Upper Tier Tribunal (UTT) of the Asylum and Immigration Chamber was told that the MS is a gay man who had been recognised as a refugee 'who was and is a transvestite and/or is transgender'. Prolific criminality However, since his arrival in Britain 12 years ago, he had been convicted of numerous crimes, including four convictions for offences including burglary and theft; attempted burglary with intent to steal; using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence; and theft. MS received a warning letter from officials in September 2015, after the decision was taken not to deport them due to Algeria's 'situation'. He received eight further convictions between May 2016 and June 2018 for offences including 'theft; resisting or obstructing a constable; failing to surrender to custody at appointed time and various driving offences'. In August 2018 he was convicted for offences including theft and racially aggravated provocation. In February 2019, he was issued 'administrative removal papers as an overstayer' following the expiry of his refugee limited leave to remain. MS was in and out of prison after this point, and came to the attention of authorities in January of the following year after being convicted for offences including battery. He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison after receiving a conviction for robbery and breaching a criminal behaviour order. 'Grant of international protection' A deportation order was made in August 2022, and he was served with a notice of the decision to revoke his refugee status in the same month. The Home Office asserted in July 2023 that the situation in Algeria had changed and that MS would no longer be an 'individual who would face treatment amounting to persecution' in the country. However, a 'country expert' told the tribunal that while 'homosexuality is not illegal in Algeria engaging in homosexual acts is a punishable offence', and those who do not hide their sexuality are at risk of 'physical violence'. Judge Hanson said: 'I find a holistic assessment of the evidence shows there is sufficient to justify the maintaining of the grant of international protection.' The judge found the lower court had made a legal error because it did not consider the 'protected characteristics' for which the asylum seeker has been 'recognised as a refugee'.
