INSP Celebrates 36 Years; US COVID-19 Emergency State Ends in May

The National Public Health Institute (INSP) observed its 36th anniversary yesterday, celebrating decades of work strengthening the Mexican public health sector. The institute is responsible for research on healthcare, environmental and social policies in the country.

The INSP, for example, has supported changes to the Mexican Official Standard on front labeling of food and non-alcoholic beverages, the General Law for Tobacco Control, the alternative vaccination scheme for human papillomavirus (HPV) and the regulations on environmental pollution indexes.

Eduardo Lazcano Ponce, Director General, INSP, explained that the institute has been working for over 25 years in the development of a flagship project of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), overseen by the Ministry of Health. Lazcano highlighted that the INSP transformed by linking research and teaching tasks so health services can use those services to enhance the well-being of Mexicans.

“This is a renewed vision of academic practice that allows for greater social relevance and community involvement through multidisciplinary initiatives with a holistic approach, at the service of public health services,” reads the press release.

After overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic's critical phase and fulfilling societal expectations, the institute is prepared to meet industry demand and take part in the processes of public health's globalization, says Lazcano.

US COVID-19 Emergency State to End in May
US President Joe Biden’s administration announced that the country will lift the public health emergency status on May 11, after extending it in January 2023. This announcement comes almost three years after the US first implemented the strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by providing free tests, treatments and vaccines.

"This wind-down would align with the administration's previous commitments to give at least 60 days' notice prior to termination of the PHE," said the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) according to Reuters.

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed an annual one-dose shot for healthy adults to simplify the US’s COVID-19 management strategy and logistics, similarly to the influenza immunization campaign, as reported by MBN.

The US health regulator also suggested the use of bivalent doses for booster shots. The FDA asked that its group of outside advisers consider giving some young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems two doses of the vaccine each year.