Tuberculosis, HIV Take Center Stage: The Week in Health

This week, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) warns that millions are at risk as US funding cuts for global HIV programs lead to clinic closures and medicine shortages. Meanwhile, WHO urges global action to sustain care and prevent setbacks against tuberculosis. In local news, COFEPRIS has introduced Regulatory Reliance Practices to recognize foreign evaluations and accelerate clinical trial approvals. Also, INMEGEN has strengthened its genomic research capabilities with the addition of a PromethION P2 sequencer, advancing diagnostic development in Mexico. 

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COFEPRIS Accepts Foreign Evaluations to Speed Up Clinical Trials

Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA) introduced a regulatory measure aimed at streamlining the approval of clinical research protocols by recognizing evaluations conducted by select international agencies. Meanwhile, COFEPRIS issued an agreement that implements Regulatory Reliance Practices, allowing the acknowledgment of foreign regulatory decisions that adhere to both international standards and national regulations governing health research.

Millions at Risk if US HIV Funding is Not Restored: UNAIDS

The United States has cut foreign aid for global HIV programs, affecting testing, treatment, and prevention. This has led to clinic closures, medicine shortages, and halted research, reports the UNAIDS. Many countries are adopting emergency measures and seeking alternative funding, while UNAIDS tracks the impact and works with governments to sustain AIDS responses.

INMEGEN Expands Genomic Research With New Sequencing Technology

INMEGEN expanded its technological infrastructure with the addition of a PromethION P2 sequencer. The device, developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, is among the most advanced third-generation sequencing technologies available, and represents a significant step for the R&D of new diagnostic methods, says Jorge Meléndez, General Director, INMEGEN. 

World Tuberculosis Day: WHO Urges Action to Prevent Setbacks

In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, the WHO is calling for urgent investment to sustain care and support services worldwide. The disease remains the world’s deadliest infectious threat, claiming more than 1 million lives each year and causing significant social and economic impacts.

Mental Health Insights Five Years After the Pandemic

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health remains a pressing global concern, with heightened awareness of its long-lasting psychological and emotional impact. In Mexico, 3.6 million adults suffer from depression; of these, 1% are severe cases, reveals a study conducted by the Psychiatric Care Services (SAP) of the SSA.