(2020-12-05). [Viewpoint] Certifying Guinea worm eradication: current challenges. thelancet.com The Guinea Worm Eradication Programme (GWEP) is, along with polio, one of two active eradication programmes endorsed by the World Health Assembly. Currently, smallpox is the only human infection to have been eradicated.1 Guinea worm disease, or dracunculiasis, is caused by infection with Dracunculus medinensis that is acquired by the ingestion of infected copepods (of the genera Cyclops and Mesocyclops) or by consuming viable infective larvae in fish or other paratenic hosts.2,3 Polio and Guinea worm programmes have made great progress; however, both programmes face major challenges as they progress towards eradi…
(2020-12-05). [World Report] South Africa and India push for COVID-19 patents ban. thelancet.com They want the WTO to temporarily suspend intellectual property rights so that COVID-19 vaccines and other new technologies are accessible for poor countries. Ann Danaiya Usher reports.
(2020-12-05). [Perspectives] Mona Hanna-Attisha: championing child health against the odds. thelancet.com It was mid-morning on March 16, 1988, when, after 2 days of mortar, artillery, and rocket attacks, aircraft returned to hit the people of Halabja, northern Iraq—this time, with an assault of chemical weapons. "I clearly recall, like it was yesterday, I was 11 years old, and my father showed me a picture of this beautiful baby lying on the ground", says Mona Hanna-Attisha, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Human Development and CS Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA.
(2020-12-05). [Comment] Offline: COVID-19—what have we learned so far? thelancet.com COVID-19 has left little time for reflection about lessons to be learned. This coronavirus has provoked us, mobilised us, and distracted us. But with a vaccine on the horizon, it's perhaps time to pause. What have we discovered this past year? And how do these discoveries inform our future? Our annual Lancet—Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences conference—held virtually last week—provided a moment for such contemplation.
(2020-12-05). [Obituary] Guillermo Soberón. thelancet.com Former Mexican Secretary of Health and Rector of UNAM. Born on Dec 29, 1925, in Iguala, Mexico, he died on Oct 12, 2020, of congestive heart failure in Cuernavaca, Mexico, aged 94 years.
(2020-12-05). [Correspondence] Freedom from coercion is not discrimination. thelancet.com In the World Report about LGBTQ discrimination in US health care,1 the new US Department of Health and Human Services ruling and the Texas federal court ruling from 2019 are inaccurately portrayed. The Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) was one of the plaintiffs in the case.
(2020-12-05). [Seminar] Bipolar disorders. thelancet.com Bipolar disorders are a complex group of severe and chronic disorders that includes bipolar I disorder, defined by the presence of a syndromal, manic episode, and bipolar II disorder, defined by the presence of a syndromal, hypomanic episode and a major depressive episode. Bipolar disorders substantially reduce psychosocial functioning and are associated with a loss of approximately 10—20 potential years of life. The mortality gap between populations with bipolar disorders and the general population is principally a result of excess deaths from cardiovascular disease and suicide.
(2020-12-04). Alert COVID-19: RNA-Type Vaccines Which Modify the Human Genome. Crackdown on Free Speech. globalresearch.ca This first video interview may be one of the most important ones you listen to before the onslaught of the Covid-19 vaccine — distinction: Western style Covid-19 vaccine. | The Russian Sputnik V is not part of the same design. | The …
(2020-12-04). Patients support their striking SEIU nursing care workers. peoplesworld.org 
The following article is reprinted from the SEIU website. CHICAGO — Doris Moore became a resident at Ambassador Nursing Home & Rehab Center almost two years ago after a suffering stroke. Workers at Ambassador are among the nearly 700 workers at 11 nursing homes owned by Infinity Health Care that made the difficult decision to …
(2020-12-04). 98.5% success rate: Just 273 of over 20,000 volunteers for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine trials have subsequently caught Covid-19. rt.com 
A mere 273 people who volunteered for the third phase trial of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine have been infected with the coronavirus after their jabs. That's just 1.5% of more than 20,000 who have taken part in the process, so far.
(2020-12-04). Medical data of Israeli officials leaked online after insurance firm refuses to pay $1mn ransom to cyberhackers — reports. rt.com 
The medical records of Israeli officials are among data reportedly leaked online after an insurance firm was hacked, but refused to cede to the cyber-attackers' demands to hand over nearly $1 million ransom in Bitcoin. | Israeli insurer Shirbit, which was hacked on Tuesday, rejected requests from the Black Shadow group, which threatened to sell the firm's data online unless it received a payment of 50 bitcoin ($950,000) within 24 hours. | Newly released hacked data on Friday reportedly included the medical records of Shirbit customers, including Israeli officials, as well as scans of ID cards and drivers' lice…
(2020-12-04). COVID vaccines: calling the shots. mronline.org 
Before the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the world, the big pharmaceutical companies did little investment in vaccines for global diseases and viruses.
(2020-12-04). Medical data of Israeli officials leaked online after insurance firm refuses to pay $1mn ransom to cyberhackers — reports. rt.com The medical records of Israeli officials are among data reportedly leaked online after an insurance firm was hacked, but refused to cede to the cyber-attackers' demands to hand over nearly $1 million ransom in Bitcoin. | Israeli insurer Shirbit, which was hacked on Tuesday, rejected requests from the Black Shadow group, which threatened to sell the firm's data online unless it received a payment of 50 bitcoin ($950,000) within 24 hours. | Newly released hacked data on Friday reportedly included the medical records of Shirbit customers, including Israeli officials, as well as scans of ID cards and drivers' lice…
(2020-12-04). COVID vaccines: calling the shots. mronline.org Before the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the world, the big pharmaceutical companies did little investment in vaccines for global diseases and viruses.
(2020-12-04). Migrant workers tell bosses: We're fed up with racism, COVID and exploitation! workers.org 
New York As so-called essential workers fight for their rights on the job, they continue to be the most reliable fighters for COVID safety, PPE and a rational response to the pandemic. New York laundry workers and supporters rally on Nov. 25. (WW Photo: Toni Arenstein) From healthcare workers in . . . |
(2020-12-04). Dr. Paul Farmer: Centuries of Inequality in the U.S. Laid Groundwork for Pandemic Devastation. democracynow.org 
As the United States sets new records for COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, we speak with one of the world's leading experts on infectious diseases, Dr. Paul Farmer, who says the devastating death toll in the U.S. reflects decades of underinvestment in public health and centuries of social inequality. "All the social pathologies of our nation come to the fore during epidemics," says Dr. Farmer, a professor of medicine at Harvard University, chair of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School, and co-founder and chief strategist of Partners in Health.
(2020-12-04). 98.5% success rate: Just 273 of over 20,000 volunteers for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine trials have subsequently caught Covid-19. rt.com A mere 273 people who volunteered for the third phase trial of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine have been infected with the coronavirus after their jabs. That's just 1.5% of more than 20,000 who have taken part in the process, so far.
(2020-12-04). Dr. Paul Farmer: Centuries of Inequality in the U.S. Laid Groundwork for Pandemic Devastation. democracynow.org As the United States sets new records for COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, we speak with one of the world's leading experts on infectious diseases, Dr. Paul Farmer, who says the devastating death toll in the U.S. reflects decades of underinvestment in public health and centuries of social inequality. "All the social pathologies of our nation come to the fore during epidemics," says Dr. Farmer, a professor of medicine at Harvard University, chair of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School, and co-founder and chief strategist of Partners in Health.
(2020-12-04). Colonization Fueled Ebola: Dr. Paul Farmer on "Fevers, Feuds & Diamonds" & Lessons from West Africa. democracynow.org 
We continue our conversation with medical anthropologist Dr. Paul Farmer, whose new book, "Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds," tells the story of his efforts to fight Ebola in 2014 and how the history of slavery, colonialism and violence in West Africa exacerbated the outbreak. "Care for Ebola is not rocket science," says Dr. Farmer, who notes that doctors know how to treat sick patients. But the public health response was overwhelmingly focused not on care but containment, Dr. Farmer says, which "generated very painful echoes from colonial rule."
(2020-12-04). Migrant workers tell bosses: We're fed up with racism, COVID and exploitation! workers.org New York As so-called essential workers fight for their rights on the job, they continue to be the most reliable fighters for COVID safety, PPE and a rational response to the pandemic. New York laundry workers and supporters rally on Nov. 25. (WW Photo: Toni Arenstein) From healthcare workers in . . . |
(2020-12-04). Patients support their striking SEIU nursing care workers. peoplesworld.org The following article is reprinted from the SEIU website. CHICAGO — Doris Moore became a resident at Ambassador Nursing Home & Rehab Center almost two years ago after a suffering stroke. Workers at Ambassador are among the nearly 700 workers at 11 nursing homes owned by Infinity Health Care that made the difficult decision to …
(2020-12-04). Colonization Fueled Ebola: Dr. Paul Farmer on "Fevers, Feuds & Diamonds" & Lessons from West Africa. democracynow.org We continue our conversation with medical anthropologist Dr. Paul Farmer, whose new book, "Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds," tells the story of his efforts to fight Ebola in 2014 and how the history of slavery, colonialism and violence in West Africa exacerbated the outbreak. "Care for Ebola is not rocket science," says Dr. Farmer, who notes that doctors know how to treat sick patients. But the public health response was overwhelmingly focused not on care but containment, Dr. Farmer says, which "generated very painful echoes from colonial rule."
(2020-12-04). Venezuela Loses 99 Percent of Its Income Due To US Sanctions. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro held a meeting with journalists on Thursday at the Miraflores Palace, where he denounced that the U.S. arbitrary sanctions have caused a loss of 99 percent in the country's income. | RELATED: | He noted that despite losses in several economic sectors, investments in health, education, and housing have been maintained. | The sanctions have also impacted the wages received…
(2020-12-04). Jab Me if You Can: How Political Endorsements Defeat Vaccinations. globalresearch.ca Will they ever learn? When former US Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton announced that they would publicly take a vaccine against COVID-19, National Public Radio
(2020-12-04). US War Department Vaccination Cards. globalresearch.ca All vaccines are hazardous to human health. | It's why they should be avoided, safe alternatives chosen for protection. | Rushed development, inadequately tested, covid vaccines will be especially dangerous. | In what ways and to what extent will only be known in …
(2020-12-04). Black Panther Star Letitia Wright Faces Backlash After Sharing Video Doubting COVID Vaccines. sputniknews.com Letitia Wright, who portrayed Shuri, a sister of the superhero Wakanda king T'Challa in the Marvel movies, shared a video in which the Light London Church leader, according to The Variety, questioned the legitimacy of coronavirus vaccines.
(2020-12-04). Prison Strikers Suspend Starvation, Continue Work Strike. popularresistance.org Corcoran, CA – CDCr's negligent and careless response to the COVID-19 outbreak at CSATF has now killed at least three people. Active cases at the prison continue to hover near 1000 and now over half of the facility has contracted the disease. Guards and staff members are still failing to follow safety protocols and continue to move people around the facility creating more and more exposure. | The hunger strikers in D have decided to suspend their starvation in order to recover their health for an ongoing fight.
(2020-12-04). Trudeau names top military officer to lead Canada's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. wsws.org Making the military responsible for the vaccination campaign is part of an ongoing government effort to promote the armed forces as a pivotal national institution, and acclimatize the population to its playing an increasingly important role in public life.
(2020-12-04). Scientists optimistic about COVID-19 vaccines for all. news.un.org Scientists developing COVID-19 vaccines are optimistic that by the end of next year, all people everywhere will have access to safe and effective treatments against a disease which has disrupted the entire planet.
(2020-12-04). Contribution of life in soil 'remains largely underestimated', says UN agriculture agency. news.un.org Even though soil organisms play a crucial role in boosting food production, enhancing nutritious diets, preserving human health, and combating climate change, the real contribution of these tiny life forms remains largely underestimated, the UN agriculture agency (FAO) said on Friday.
(2020-12-04). It isn't over: WHO concerned at 'growing perception' COVID pandemic is passing. news.un.org The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm on Friday over the "growing perception" that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, despite exploding infection rates in some countries and enormous pressure growing on health services.
(2020-12-04). Saturday 12/5: Second Annual Medical Symposium on Health Effects of Oil & Gas Industry. indybay.org Virtual conference (FREE)…
(2020-12-04). Centuries of Inequality in the US Laid the Groundwork for COVID-19 Devastation. truthout.org As the United States sets new records for COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, we speak with one of the world's leading experts on infectious diseases, Dr. Paul Farmer, who says the devastating death toll in the U.S. reflects decades of underinvestment in public health and centuries of social inequality. "All the social pathologies of our nation come to the fore during epidemics," says Dr. Farmer, a professor of medicine at Harvard University, chair of global health and social medicine at Har…
(2020-12-04). Canada's COVID-19 Case Count Surpasses 400,000. sputniknews.com TORONTO (Sputnik) – Canada's COVID-19 infection tally topped 400,000 on Friday, the latest data from provincial health agencies revealed, amid a troubling spike of new infections and hospitalizations.
(2020-12-04). As Thanksgiving COVID Cases Materialize, CDC Urges Against Christmas Travel. truthout.org Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health experts are discouraging Americans Similar recommendations from the CDC were made last month, in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, when officials from the agency gave explicit instructions warning agains…
(2020-12-04). Wet'suwet'en Call On Province To Close Pipeline Work Camps. popularresistance.org Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation are calling on B.C.'s public health officer to shut down work camps operating on their territory as COVID-19 numbers rise in northern B.C. | In an open letter to Dr. Bonnie Henry signed by 22 Ts'ako ze', or female chiefs, the women express "grave concern" over continued construction of the Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline through the region. | Three work camps currently house close to 700 people on Wet'suwet'en territory, according to the pipeline builder's November update.
(2020-12-04). UK and Russia announce start of COVID-19 vaccinations from next week. peoplesdispatch.org Raising hopes for an early victory against COVID-19, Russian president Vladimir Putin on December 2, Wednesday, announced mass voluntary vaccination in Russia starting next week. Russia became the second country to declare such a move after the UK announced similar measures earlier in the day. | The UK health ministry said in a statement that it has accepted the recommendations of the Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and approved Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for use. Prime minister Boris Johnson proclaimed the same in a television address to the nation. | UK PM Boris Jo…
(2020-12-04). Ahead of Youth-Led Day of Action, Young Elected Officials Push Biden to Enact National Emergency Climate Plan. commondreams.org In a letter to the president-elect, the officials say they "believe it is imperative we take action on the climate crisis because it is a threat multiplier for water security, deadly disease, and environmental racism." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-12-04). England's GPs 'Left in the Dark' over COVID Vaccine Rollout. globalresearch.ca England's GPs, who are expected to play a pivotal role in the roll out of coronavirus vaccines, say they are in the dark about how exactly they will fit into the government's plans, according to the British Medical Association (BMA)….
(2020-12-04). Letitia Wright reacts to anti-vax outrage after posting video questioning COVID vaccine. salon.com "My intention was not to hurt anyone," Wright said after backlash erupted…
(2020-12-04). Facts About COVID-19. globalresearch.ca Fully referenced facts about covid-19, provided by experts in the field, to help our readers make a realistic risk assessment. (Regular updates below). | "The only means to fight the plague is honesty." (Albert Camus, 1947) | *** | Overview: | Lethality: …
(2020-12-04). United Nations Removes Marijuana From List Of Most Dangerous Drugs. popularresistance.org A United Nations panel has voted to remove medical cannabis from a list of dangerous drugs. | In the Wednesday vote, the Commission for Narcotic Drugs voted on several World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations related to cannabis. Among them was a recommendation that the drug be stricken from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The list currently puts cannabis alongside drugs like heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. | While the vote will not have any immediate or binding effect on international cannabis laws, it will open doors for reforms that use such international agreements as guideli…
(2020-12-03). UN, aid groups warn US against blacklisting Yemen's Houthis. middleeasteye.net 
UN, aid groups warn US against blacklisting Yemen's Houthis | Designating Houthis as terrorist organisation would have far-reaching consequences in Yemen, including halting aid work amid threat of famine | Thu, 12/03/2020 – 18: 11 | Aid groups are operating in Yemen amid funding shortages, working to deliver as much humanitarian assistance as possible (AFP/File photo) | The United Nations is making…
(2020-12-03). UN, aid groups warn US against blacklisting Yemen's Houthis. middleeasteye.net UN, aid groups warn US against blacklisting Yemen's Houthis | Designating Houthis as terrorist organisation would have far-reaching consequences in Yemen, including halting aid work amid threat of famine | Thu, 12/03/2020 – 18: 11 | Aid groups are operating in Yemen amid funding shortages, working to deliver as much humanitarian assistance as possible (AFP/File photo) | The United Nations is making…
(2020-12-03). Boycott the Vaccination Program: The FDA-approved Drug Ivermectin Inhibits the Replication of SARS-CoV-2 but Nobody Talks About It. globalresearch.ca Peruvian Doctors for the Truth have issued a short video, explaining the enormous risks of the three different types of vaccines currently on the market in Peru, two of them are genetically engineered in one way or another and will …
(2020-12-03). Letter from a Bournemouth Hospital frontline nurse sparks broader discussion on conditions facing NHS workers in UK. wsws.org The letter was publicised by NHS FightBack, an initiative of the Socialist Equality Party, and then shared widely on social media, including on a number of National Health Service Facebook campaign groups.
(2020-12-03). Protesters gather in Milwaukee to demand Common Council reject COPS grant. liberationnews.org 
"During a pandemic the last thing we need is more funding for police, while the health department has 60 unfilled positions."
(2020-12-03). Protesters gather in Milwaukee to demand Common Council reject COPS grant. liberationnews.org "During a pandemic the last thing we need is more funding for police, while the health department has 60 unfilled positions."
(2020-12-03). Pfizer and Moderna's "95% Effective" Vaccines—Let's be Cautious and First See the Full Data. globalresearch.ca In the United States, all eyes are on Pfizer and Moderna. The topline efficacy results from their experimental covid-19 vaccine trials are astounding at first glance. Pfizer says it recorded 170 covid-19 cases (in 44,000 volunteers), with a remarkable split: …
(2020-12-03). Illinois nursing home workers strike in second week as pandemic surges: Build rank-and-file-committees to save lives. wsws.org The strike of some 700 Chicago-area Infinity Healthcare workers entered its second week as the state records COVID-19 deaths.
