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Travel industry looks to Chinese tourists to cap post-COVID rebound

Industry leaders are predicting a global tourism revival this year, with the return of Chinese tourists playing a significant role. The desire to travel is at an all-time high, with leisure travel surpassing business travel. Chinese tourists, now free from COVID-19 restrictions, are expected to contribute to the boom, putting pressure on the travel industry. Hotel chains are experiencing a shift in travel habits, with a greater focus on leisure rather than business. The industry is working to meet the surge in demand and recover from the challenges of the past two years.

WHO members approve nearly US$7 bn budget

The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured approval for a US$6.83-billion budget over the next two years, including a 20% increase in mandatory membership fees. This move, hailed as historic by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aims to provide more stable and reliable funding for the organization. The budget still awaits final approval from member states, but it is expected to be a formality. The decision follows last year’s agreement to overhaul WHO funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO chief hopes for ‘historic’ pandemic accord

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief emphasized the need for a historic agreement on global health security as negotiations for a new pandemic accord begin. The aim is to better equip the world to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The accord, expected to be reached by May 2024, would mark a paradigm shift and recognize the interconnectedness of nations in addressing global health threats. The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of a collective response and the lessons learned.

Singapore expands elective egg freezing age limit to 37, allowing more women to preserve fertility

The age limit for elective egg freezing (EEF) in Singapore has been raised to 37 years, instead of the initially proposed 35 years. This decision is based on a review of local and international evidence indicating stable success rates for egg freezing up to the age of 37. Only legally married couples can utilize their frozen eggs for procreation. Gender equality advocacy group AWARE welcomed the change but called for the removal of restrictions on in-vitro fertilization for non-married individuals.

Simple measures can prevent a million baby deaths a year: study

Implementing simple and affordable healthcare measures, such as providing aspirin, could prevent over a million stillbirths and neonatal deaths in developing countries annually, according to new research. The study highlights the need for improved care during pregnancy and childbirth in low- and middle-income countries. Eight measures, including nutrition supplements and education on smoking, could prevent hundreds of thousands of stillbirths, while additional interventions like steroid use and delayed umbilical cord clamping could save the lives of newborns. The researchers estimate that implementing these changes would cost US$1.1 billion, a fraction of other health programs’ budgets.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Pak Lah’s dementia worsen, says son-in-law KJ

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, known as ‘Pak Lah,’ experiences advanced-stage dementia, leading to severe memory loss and limited conversation. His son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about dementia and cognitive issues in Malaysia. Pak Lah served as the country’s fifth Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, focusing on economic and social reforms.

US becomes first country to approve Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine

The US has approved the world’s first vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with drugmaker GSK’s Arexvy being green-lighted for adults aged 60 and older. RSV is a common virus that can be serious for infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. Other vaccine makers, including Pfizer and Moderna, are expected to follow soon. Rates of RSV and flu fell during COVID-19 lockdowns, but surged when restrictions were lifted, with young children hit hard.

Elderly COVID-19 patient dies from anaphylaxis, allegedly caused by Lianhua Qingwen

SINGAPORE — A 61-year-old elderly COVID-19 patient reportedly suffered from a life-threatening…

UK drugmaker AstraZeneca logs soaring profit

AstraZeneca reported a five-fold increase in net profit to $1.8 billion in Q1 2023, as sales of cancer treatments offset the slump in Covid-related treatments. The pharmaceutical giant’s turnover fell by 4% to US$10.9 billion, but excluding Covid-related sales, turnover jumped by 10% to $10.7 billion, with cancer treatment sales up 14%. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot credited the company’s strong start to the year to its impressive growth and innovation in emerging markets.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry recommend use of masks in all schools amidst concerns over the spread of new COVID variant

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has recommended face mask usage in schools to combat the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the new Arcturus variant. The Health Minister plans to discuss guidelines with the Education Minister to contain the virus in schools. Students are encouraged to wear masks and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. The Arcturus variant has exhibited mild symptoms in reported cases.