Monkeypox Arrived in Mexico

Mexico and Argentina celebrated the anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine produced in Latin America, which has protected the population in over 12 countries. Meanwhile, the Monkeypox outbreak expands across the world with Mexico recently reporting its first monkeypox case. Moreover, insecurity and lack of health professionals are hampering the offering of quality health services.

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Mexico, Argentina Celebrate Collaboration During Pandemic

Mexico and Argentina celebrated the first anniversary of the production of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the first to be produced in Latin America, by unveiling a memorial plaque. This event proved that Latin American countries can face health challenges through collaboration, said Jorge Alcocer, Mexico Minister of Health. Read more about this achievement here.

Mexico Prohibits Circulation of Vapers, Electronic Cigarettes

The circulation and marketing of vapers and electronic cigarettes has been prohibited in Mexico by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been recognized by the World Health Organization for his accomplishments regarding tobacco control. In Mexico, up to 45 percent of children and young adults are familiar with vapers and 6.5 percent of them have already tried one at least once. Read the full story.

Mexico Confirms First Monkeypox Case

Mexico reported the first confirmed case of monkeypox this weekend. As of today, 20 countries have reported cases of the disease, according to WHO. “Monkeypox spreads from person to person through direct contact. It is not spread by air, water or food. The efficiency of contagion is low, so there are generally isolated cases or small outbreaks, not generalized epidemics,” said Deputy Minister of Health, Hugo López-Gatell. Currently there is no vaccine nor treatment available for this disease. Learn more about it here.

Sinaloa Affiliates to IMSS-Bienestar

In Sinaloa there is a deficit of 638 general doctors, 436 specialists, 2,135 nursery workers and 47 paramedics. Also, 14 neonatal care units, 27 consulting rooms and 22 medical residences are missing in the state. To improve health services, the governor signed an agreement to start the federalization of Sinaloa’s health system through the IMSS-Bienestar program. Read the full article here.

Insecurity, Lack of Equipment Lead to Medical Professionals Deficit in Rural Areas

Around 5,700 health centers across the country face a shortage of medical professionals.  Moreover, insecurity in rural areas also represents a challenge to offer quality health services. “The problem is guaranteeing professionals’ safety. People are not going to expose themselves to go to Tamaulipas, Michoacan or other difficult places in terms of violence just for money,” said Victoria Isabel Castañeda, a pediatrician working at IMSS’ A3 Gynecology hospital. Learn more about medical care in rural areas here.

Mexico Pursues International Forensic Credibility

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, will develop a laboratory for human identification at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN). This facility will have the human and material resources needed to analyze bones that are hard to identify. The main objective of the laboratory is to address the current forensic crisis of the country. Learn more about this crisis here.