Vaccination, Preventive Care and Diagnostics: The Week in Health

This week, the Ministry of Health launched the National Vaccination Campaign against Influenza and COVID-19, aiming to protect vulnerable groups. Additionally, Mexico’s Health Minister David Kershenobich met with state officials to discuss priorities, including the IMSS-Bienestar system and preventive care. Meanwhile, patient centricity is reshaping the pharmaceutical industry, according to Oswaldo Bernal of Bristol Myers Squibb. Complementing this shift, QIAGEN’s CEO Thierry Bernard emphasizes the critical role of diagnostics in early treatment.

This Week in Health:

SSA Launches Vaccination Campaign for Winter 2024-2025

On Oct. 15, 2024, the Ministry of Health will launch the National Vaccination Campaign against Influenza and COVID-19, which will run until March. 28, 2025, targeting the 2024-2025 winter season. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations from severe complications, hospitalizations, and mortality associated with these respiratory illnesses.

Vaccines Could Cut Global Antibiotic Use by 22%: WHO

A new report by the World Health Organization indicates that expanding the use of vaccines could significantly curb the need for antibiotics, reducing global antibiotic use by 22%, or 2.5 billion defined daily doses annually. The findings align with global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health concern linked to nearly 5 million deaths each year.

Minister of Health Meets State Officials to Discuss Agenda

Mexico’s Minister of Health David Kershenobich met health officials from all states and directors of public health institutions to outline President Claudia Sheinbaum’s health agenda. The meeting focused on strengthening the IMSS-Bienestar system, emphasizing preventive medicine, and standardizing healthcare protocols.

Patient Centricity: The Promise of the Pharmaceutical Industry

Patient Centricity encourages collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to direct efforts and improve patient outcomes, explains Oswaldo Bernal, General Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb to MBN. “When we place the patient at the center of all decisions and processes, extraordinary things happen. On the one hand, we give them a “voice and vote” to participate in their health, and on the other, we establish a win-win relationship where they feel comfortable sharing relevant information and actively participating in therapeutic decision-making,” says Bernal.

Harnessing the Power of Diagnostics

“Diagnostics hold immense power, providing critical information that influences the next steps in patient care. At the heart of preventive medicine is obtaining this information as early as possible to ensure the patient receives timely treatment,” says Thierry Bernard, CEO, QIAGEN. Read the complete interview on MBN.