Latest KFF Health News Stories
IBM Announces Expansion Of Service Program In Africa
IBM on Monday announced the expansion of the company’s Corporate Service Corps, which sends teams of professionals around the world “to work pro bono with local organizations and businesses on projects that intersect business, technology and society,” Daily Independent/allAfrica.com reports.
Kenya Launches Malaria Campaign; PBS’ NewsHour Airs Segment on Drug-Resistance in Cambodia
Kenya on Thursday launched a national malaria campaign to encourage Kenyans to sleep under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) every night to prevent infection, the Daily Nation reports.
Brazil Emerges As Country With Highest Number of H1N1-Related Deaths
The H1N1 (swine) flu is blamed for 557 deaths in Brazil, “making it the country with the highest number of fatalities in the world from the disease,” according to the country’s health ministry, Agence France-Presse reports.
Opinion Piece Outlines New Model For Foreign Aid
President Obama’s “comments on foreign aid [in Ghana] make it all the more surprising that the only real change in our foreign assistance programs under his administration so far is in indicated spending”
Study: Patients May Face Radioactive Risk From Imaging Tests
At least four million Americans under 65 are being exposed to high levels of radiation while undergoing medical imaging tests every year, while the medical benefits are questionable, according to a new study.
First Edition: August 27, 2009
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Will Kennedy’s Death Add Momentum To The Health Care Push?
Speculation has already begun regarding the impact the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy will have on the current health reform debate.
White House Official: ‘Lack Of Urgency’ For HIV/AIDS Efforts In Atlanta
After visiting several AIDS centers in Atlanta, Jeffrey Crowley, director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, said on Tuesday that he is concerned about the city’s efforts to address HIV/AIDS, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Washington, D.C., Program Recruits Former Drug Dealers To Promote HIV Prevention
In a front-page story, the Washington Post reports that former drug dealers are working as counselors in Washington D.C.’s HIV hard-hit areas.
Budget Cuts Affect California Nonprofit
Sierra HOPE (Health Opportunities, Programs and Education), a Angels Camp, Calif-based nonprofit that “provides home visits, transportation and other services to those suffering from AIDS,” has been impacted by state and federal budget cuts, the Sonora Union Democrat reports.
Circumcision Not ‘Beneficial’ In Protecting Men Who Have Sex With Men From HIV, Study Finds
Circumcision does not “help protect gay men” from HIV, according to a study presented by CDC researchers at the agency’s 2009 HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta, The Associated Press reports.
Opinion Columns Urge HIV Testing
“To have the greatest impact on HIV infection, let persons who are frequently exposed to HIV have an easy way to protect others, by finding out quickly that they are infected,” from rapid self-administered HIV tests, Mary Jane Rotheram, Arleen Leibowitz and Kevin Farrell
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy — Health Care Champion — Dies
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who often used his powerful position in the Senate to champion health care causes, died Tuesday night of brain cancer. He was 77.
Enzi and Thune Among Major Republican Voices In Health Reform
Newspapers highlight some of the major Republican players in health reform, including Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
Town Halls Continue Across The Country
Boos and cheers at events across the nation indicate that the often-tense and vitriolic August town halls continue.
Lancet Series Examines Health Issues In South Africa
The journal Lancet published a series of articles examining health issues in South Africa, suggesting that “South Africa’s health system is failing women and children in particular, but that new leadership could solve many of the problems,” the Associated Press/msnbc.com reports.
Tobacco Atlas Shows Rising Smoking Rates In Developing Countries
The American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation on Tuesday released their latest Tobacco Atlas, providing snapshots of the estimated impact of smoking on populations throughout the world, the Irish Medical Times writes.
NPR Reviews The Heated Debate Over The Creation Of Medicare And Medicaid
NPR gives a historical perspective on current reform efforts with an interview about debate during the creation of Medicare and Medicaid.
Asia Will Experience H1N1 Vaccine Shortage, WHO Says
A spokesperson for the WHO said on Tuesday that Asia will not have enough H1N1 vaccines for swine flu when cold weather hits, Reuters reports.
