The following will appear in the Feb 7 issue of The Lancet: 

Reproductive rights US President Barack Obama has overturned a ban that prevented government funding being given to overseas groups who provided abortions or related counselling services. The ban applied to groups who received such funding from any source, not just from the USA. The move should improve access to all forms of reproductive care for women in the developing world.

Greener health service The National Health Service (NHS) in England has launched a new strategy to cut its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Measures such as reducing patient travel by increased use of telemedicine and procuring food locally are being considered under the plan, which has been drawn up by the NHS Sustainable Development Unit.

Ebola transmission The first suspected pig to human transmission of the Ebola virus has been identified in a pig handler in the Philippines. Until now, only animals with less potential for human contact-apes, monkeys, and bats-have had roles in human transmission. The good news is that Ebola Reston is a genetically stable strain that causes influenza-type symptoms only.

Medicare controversy Medicare, the US Government’s health insurance programme, has expanded its coverage to include some cancer drugs that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The move was welcomed by some oncologists who say that off-label prescribing is standard practice. However, according to critics the drugs are costly, and evidence for their effectiveness when used off-label is scant.

Maternal deaths Afghanistan holds the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the world, despite a 48% decrease since 2002. Figures from the Ministry of Public Health show a maternal mortality ratio of 1600 per 100 000 livebirths. Contributing factors are thought to include a shortage of skilled birth attendants and early marriage and pregancy-often before 15 years of age.

Heart disease online On Jan 30, the Children’s Heart Federation launched the UK version of Corience, the independent European web platform on congenital heart disease. The platform-to be followed later this year by Spanish, German, and Polish versions-is designed to provide advice and support for patients and their families, alongside information for researchers and medical staff.

Cambodian success In 2008, more than 92% of people living with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia had access to antiretroviral treatment. This 7% increase from the previous year raises hopes of the country meeting its target of providing treatment to almost all people with HIV/AIDS by 2010.

Pharmaceuticals Drug manufacturer Pfizer is to buy out rival company Wyeth in a US$68 billion deal. Both Pfizer and Wyeth will soon lose patent protection on popular products, and the merger is hoped to provide protection against resulting loss of revenue. The deal is the largest of its type in the pharmaceutical industry since 2000, when Pfizer bought Warner-Lambert for US$93 billion.

Fund management Africa’s largest bank-the Standard Bank-has signed an agreement with the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to offer pro-bono support to African countries receiving Global Fund grants. Under the agreement, the Standard Bank will provide financial expertise to help with prompt grant distribution, and assist with the Global Fund’s stringent reporting requirements.

Food shortages The aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in May, 2008, continues to affect the poorest people of Burma. Destruction of the Irrawaddy Delta, together with recent rat infestations in other states, has depleted food supplies. Despite UN reports that aggregate food production is expected to be satisfactory, more than 5 million people are unable to access available food.

Awareness Feb 4 was World Cancer Day. A collaboration between WHO and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), the day is used to promote ways to reduce the global burden of cancer. This year marked the launch of I love my healthy active childhood, the second theme in UICC’s cancer prevention campaign, Today’s children, tomorrow’s world.

Mumps epidemic More than 1000 cases of mumps have been reported in Macedonia since the beginning of the year. The outbreak is concentrated in the capital city, Skopje, but has also spread to smaller cities in the country. The health ministry has launched an emergency vaccination programme for young people aged 15-19 years.

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