Latest KFF Health News Stories
Bush Launches Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon Project In Zambia
“Zambian President Michael Sata on Friday told former U.S. president George W. Bush that the West should help fight the scourge of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa,” Agence France-Presse reports, adding, “Bush is in Zambia on the second stop of a three-nation trip aimed at promoting efforts to fight diseases like cancer, AIDS and malaria” (12/3). While in Zambia, “Bush and his wife … launched a project … to expand the availability of cervical cancer screening, treatment and breast care education,” making the country “the first … to become part of the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon project,” the Associated Press/Seattle Times writes (12/2).
16th International Conference On AIDS, STIs Opens In Ethiopia
The 16th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Africa (ICASA) opened Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “with mixed messages of hope and fear,” Afrique en ligne reports, adding, “With about 7,000 people in attendance, the opening ceremony witnessed the celebration of past successes and fear over future uncertainties in funding for HIV/AIDS” (12/4). According to Next, the conference “will provide a platform for effective African solution toward defeating the scourge once and for all” (12/5).
Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ On The Congressional To-Do List
News outlets report on Congress’ pivotal week ahead, which could include an extension of the payroll tax break and a patch to prevent a scheduled cut in Medicare physician payments.
Ark. Lets Feds Create Health Exchange; Minn. Tests The State-Based Concept
The Arkansas state insurance commissioner said the efforts to create a state-run exchange were abandoned because of legislative opposition. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, several exchange prototypes will be available online for public review.
S. Korea Resumes Aid Through UNICEF To N. Korea
“South Korea said on Monday that it would send 6.5 billion won, or $5.7 million, in aid to North Korea through UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency,” the New York Times reports. South Korea last year suspended aid to North Korea through UNICEF and the WHO, but Seoul last month resumed aid through the WHO, the newspaper notes (Choe, 12/5). “Seoul’s Unification Ministry said Monday it will donate about $5.7 million to UNICEF programs to send medicines and vaccines and help malnourished North Korean children,” the Associated Press/Washington Post writes (12/5).
The Wall Street Journal reports on how “a reportedly fake vaccination campaign conducted [by the U.S.] to help hunt down Osama bin Laden has caused a backlash against international health workers in some parts of Pakistan and has impeded efforts to wipe out polio in the country,” one of only four worldwide where polio remains endemic. The article quotes a UNICEF country representative, a U.S. Embassy official, a Muslim cleric, a non-governmental organization representative, a local health care worker, and an official with a provincial health department (Tohid, 12/3).
Incorporate Other Diseases Into Fight Against AIDS
“The public and private sectors have achieved remarkable success in Africa in the battle against AIDS, and the question now is: Where do we go from here?” James Glassman, founding executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and former under secretary of state for public affairs and public diplomacy, writes in this Forbes opinion piece. Noting the “incredible accomplishment” made in fighting HIV/AIDS over the past decade, Glassman says “the first answer to where we go from here is more of the same, and then some,” and states that the UNAIDS targets of “Zero new HIV infections” and “Zero AIDS-related deaths” “soun[d] right.”
Fully Funding Global Health Initiatives Critical In AIDS Fight
“With donor support flagging around the world, U.S. leadership is crucial. Congress must fully fund its global health programs, especially the Global Fund” to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Joyce Kamwana, a Global Fund “HERE I AM” campaign ambassador, writes in The Hill’s “Congress Blog.” She adds, “Reducing support for global health would put millions of people at risk” and “would deal a devastating blow to the global fight against AIDS, which has reached a critical point.”
Proposed Bill In Nigeria Would Affect Gay Rights, Possibly HIV/AIDS Donor Funding, AP Reports
The Associated Press examines the potential impact on HIV/AIDS funding of a proposed bill in Nigeria that would outlaw gay marriage; assisting a gay couple in marriage; “‘public show of same-sex amorous relationships directly or indirectly'”; or “organizing, operating or supporting gay clubs, organizations and meetings.” According to the news agency, “Statements from the U.S. and U.K. say both governments are watching the bill closely, but declined to comment further on how it may affect their outreach.” Before becoming law, the bill must pass Nigeria’s House of Representatives and be signed by President Jonathan, the AP notes (Ibukun, 12/4).
State Roundup: Calif. To Drop Hospital Report Cards
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy news.
Competition Among Institutions For Doctors, Scientists Grabs Headlines
Some big name health facilities sometimes draw entire physician or research groups from other institutions.
Veterans’ Access To Mental Health Services Remains A Concern
Access questions and concerns are deepening as more men and women end their tours of duty and need therapy upon returning to the U.S. In other news, NPR reports on the debate surrounding the costs of military retiree benefits.
Medicare Tightens Pay For ‘Big Ticket’ Cardiology And Orthopedic Procedures
In an effort to rein in costs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will in 2012 perform an audit before paying for certain cardiology and orthopedic procedures in key states, including Florida.
Mental Health System Problems Emerge In Calif.
Two stories focus on California’s mental health system – one about hospitals, the other on the access problem.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.
How Health Policy Is Playing On The Campaign Trail
Today’s news from various sections of the campaign trail include reports about whether President Barack Obama’s gamble on health care will pay off, details of GOP presidential candidates’ plans to hold down health care costs, and some of the policy particulars being advanced by Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.
Calif. Judge Suspends Cuts To Senior Services
In California and Washington state, judges are taking action on seniors’ care.
New Wrinkle Emerging For Legal Challenge To Health Overhaul
The Wall Street Journal reports on a development that could further complicate the pending legal challenges to the health law.
First Edition: December 5, 2011
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports examining the pivotal week ahead for Congress and the hurdle that challenges to the health law now will face.
Candidates Answer GOP Attorneys General’s Questions At Campaign Forum
Three AGs questioned six of the Republican candidates at a forum aired by Fox News. Perry and Romney talked about health care.
