Science, Innovation in Non-COVID-19 Issues Took the Spotlight

After two years of COVID-19 headlines, different health priorities are coming to light including aerospace medicine, HIV vaccines, multiorgan transplants, vaccines and traditional medicine. Mexico continues to prioritize healthcare in its growth strategy.

Here is the Week in Health!

Mosaico’s HIV Vaccine Is Being Tested in Mexico

Mexico is one of the eight countries where the Mosaico HIV vaccine is being tested. Currently, the vaccine is in Phase 3 trials. Although results will be available in approximately four years, Mosaico hopes to be able to counter HIV contagion and the AIDS epidemic.

AIFA to Have Military Center for Aerospace Medicine

Following the inauguration of the new Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) begins to plan a Military Center for Aerospace Medicine at the Santa Lucia Military Base, reported El Economista. For this center, SEDENA asked the Ministry of Finance for a MX$593.3 million (US$30 million) budget.

IMSS Introduced Protocols to Address Chronic Diseases

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) introduced the Protocols of Integral Attention (PAI) for Chronic Diseases to train medical professionals in prevention, early detection and diagnosis of these illnesses. “The PAI will provide primary attention. Medical and no-medical professionals will be enrolled in preventive activities: diagnosis, treatment and integral rehabilitation,” said Gabriela Borrayo, Coordinator, IMSS.

Multiorgan Transplant Benefited 12 Patients

During 2020, organ transplants and donations decreased amid COVID-19 but official numbers show transplants increased during 2021. The first multiorgan transplant procedure of 2022 just took place in the General Hospital of Mexico (HGM).

Mexico Drops 10 Places on Happiness Rank

The World Happiness Report 2022 ranks Finland as the happiest country in the world for the fifth time in a row. In the results, Mexico dropped 10 spots to land in 46th place. While many factors influence the outcomes, COVID-19 heavily influenced this year’s results, especially as it had a large impact in mental health.

Scientists Find Microplastics in Human Blood

A group of scientists from the University of Amsterdam found microplastic particles in human blood for the first time. The particles were found in the blood of 17 of the 22 study participants. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene and styrene polymers were the most common plastics found. The public health consequences of these findings are yet to be determined, however, plastic in the human body has proven to negatively impact health.

Traditional Medicine Should be Part of Health Systems: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) will establish a Global Center for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in India. The initiative will be a meeting point between traditional medicine and modern science. Currently, 80 percent of the population around the world relies on traditional medicine.

Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Cancer in Humans 

A study by researchers from the University of Paris found a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer. Artificial sweeteners are found in a wide range of foods and beverages as a sugar substitute. In Mexico, the Ministry of Health warns of the consumption of these sweeteners, especially among children.

Experts of the Week

Here are the expert voices of the industry:

Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way to Equity – Juana Ramirez, Grupo SOHIN

Technology Is the Best Weapon in Fight Against Chronic Disease – María Salido, Social Diabetes

Two Years Later: The Impact of Incorporating Pharmacists – Deyanira Chiñas, T5DC

Telemedicine From the Perspective of Doctors and Data Protection – Carina Reverter, Meeting Doctors

Securing the Cold Chain for Life Sciences Supplies – Ranjeet Banerjee, Cold Chain Technologies

Tech Matching: Increasingly Useful Tool for Medical Device Sector – Guillaume Corpart, Global Health Intelligence

Why Do I Like to Have Lunch with Our Interns? ­­– Arturo de la Rosa, AbbVie

Certifying Competence Among Health Professionals Is a Public Good – Jorge Valdéz García, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tec de Monterrey