Reforms, Appointments, Research: The Week in Health

This week President Claudia Sheinbaum appointed Hugo López-Gatell as Mexico’s representative to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Chamber of Deputies advanced six public health reforms and the federal government expanded its door-to-door healthcare initiative in Nayarit. Also, researchers introduced a promising bi-specific antibody targeting autoimmune diseases and a new study suggested that taxing red meat could benefit both public health and the environment.

This is The Week in Health!

Mexico Appoints Hugo López-Gatell as WHO Representative

President Claudia Sheinbaum appoints Hugo López-Gatell, former Deputy Minister of Health, as Mexico’s representative to the WHO. The announcement has prompted mixed reactions, with opposition lawmakers raising concerns over his record during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mexico's Health Commission Advances Six Public Health Reforms

The Health Commission of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved six legislative reforms that aim to update the General Health Law across multiple public health fronts. The approved measures include changes related to gestational loss, mental health services, socioemotional education, menstrual health, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, and the notification of health risks.

New Bi-Specific Antibody Offers Hope for Autoimmune Diseases

A recent study published in Cell reveals a novel approach to treating T-cell driven autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis. Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and collaborating institutions in China, the study introduces an engineered bi-specific antibody that selectively suppresses harmful T cells without broadly weakening the immune system.

Salud Casa por Casa Expands in Nayarit to Boost Prevention

Mexico’s federal government is advancing its national health agenda with the expansion of the Salud Casa por Casa program, which aims to strengthen disease prevention and early detection by providing medical attention directly in people’s homes. Launched as a territorial and community-based strategy, the initiative primarily targets seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Meat Tax Could Cut Health, Climate Risks in Mexico

A new study suggests that a tax on red and processed meat could help reduce its consumption in Mexico. This measure would promote healthier eating habits while also decreasing the environmental impact of the country’s food system, argue researchers. The study evaluates how Mexican households would respond to various scenarios involving price increases on these products, simulating taxes similar to those already applied to sugary drinks.