Breast Cancer Treatment on the Ropes

COVID-19 continues hogging the spotlight in international news as a case of the virus is first detected in Africa. Meanwhile, industries feel the toll as manufacturing and travel revenue decreases. However, researchers continue looking for a cure or a vaccine. In other news, scientists from MIT used a neural network to identify powerful antibiotics, including one that might work against ailments that are now considered to be untreatable.

In Mexico, the lack of an agreement between the Breast Cancer Foundation (FUCAM) and INSABI led to a halt in the provision of free cancer treatments. The Ministry of Health banned vaper imports to the alarm of civil vaper organizations. Finally, COFECE fined companies for monopolistic practices in its sales to the public sector.

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Healthcare in Mexico

FUCAM informed that it will be unable to continue providing free cancer treatments for its patients after it failed to reach an agreement with the incipient INSABI for funding. After the announcement, the Ministry of Health promised that no cancer patient will go untreated and that new cases will be channeled to state hospitals.

COFECE fined two companies with MX$28.8 million (US$1.53 million) for alleged monopolistic practices in the sale of polyethylene gloves to IMSS.

The Ministry of Health banned imports of electronic cigarettes, or vapers, due to concerns over their potential health impact on teenagers. The Ministry warns that 160,000 Mexican teens use vapers regularly and almost a million have tried it at least once. Vaper civil associations warn that the ban might tempt former smokers to return to cigarettes.

COVID-19 and the World

The disease that has hit over 75,000 individuals across the world and costed over 2,000 lives by Friday, Feb 21, claims an unexpected victim: airlines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that the decrease in air travel demand might cost airlines across the globe up to US$29.3 billion.

The first case of infection has also been detected in Africa, raising concerns among researchers of an outbreak should the region be unable to contain it. 

On better news, Chinese researchers are testing potential treatments for COVID-19 in over 80 clinical trials with about 600 individuals.