World News Flash
UNITED STATES
We were going to give insight into the legislation that President Biden signed, but since the claims of it reducing inflation are highly suspect, we’ll delve instead into the shocking announcement from the woman in charge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Citing the agency’s $12 billion budget and 11,000-plus employees, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced that her sector needed some serious reorganizing. Walensky came to this action after concluding that the CDC failed in its COVID-19 response, and that the agency needs to regain the public trust. Additionally, the CDC will put less emphasis on peer reviews and publications and more on actionable to commit to strategy faster.
All changes must be approved by the Health and Human Services Director, but there is nothing to indicate any roadblocks to that regard.
EUROPE
PAYOUTS COMING IN BLOOD SCANDAL
Thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal will each receive an interim compensation payment of £100,000, the UK Government announced on Aug. 17.
The Government intends to make payments to those who have been infected and bereaved partners in England by the end of October. The same payments will be made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The commitment to pay interim compensation meets, in full, the recommendations set out by inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff in his interim report last month. That report built on the study by Sir Robert Francis QC in his detailed consideration of the issues. Details were announced by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Kit Malthouse.
It is intended for the payments to be tax-free and not affect any financial benefits support an individual is receiving. Infected individuals and bereaved partners who are registered with any of the four UK infected blood support schemes will receive payment. Advice to those people on how exactly the interim payment will be made will be outlined to them shortly.
Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “While nothing can make up for the pain and suffering endured by those affected by this tragic injustice, we are taking action to do right by victims and those who have tragically lost their partners by making sure they receive these interim payments as quickly as possible.
“We will continue to stand by all those impacted by this horrific tragedy, and I want to personally pay tribute to all those who have so determinedly fought for justice.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Kit Malthouse said, “Those affected by the infected blood scandal have suffered terribly over many years and that heart-breaking and unimaginable pain has been compounded by the financial uncertainty many have faced.
“These interim payments will start the process of securing that certainty. My priority is to get the money to those people as quickly as possible.
“I am grateful to Sir Brian Langstaff for the work he has done to date on the inquiry, and Sir Robert Francis, for his work on compensation. Of course, no amount of money will compensate for the turmoil victims and their loved ones have faced, but I hope these payments help to show that we are on their side and will do everything in our power to support them.”
In England, the intention is to make payments by the end of October.
MIDDLE EAST
FLOOD RAVAGED YEMEN GETS HELP
In urgent response to the needs of the communities affected by floods in Yemen, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided emergency health and laboratory supplies, supported specialized trauma teams and joined field missions with national health authorities and other humanitarian partners.
Triggered by the heavy seasonal rains, extensive floodings have ravaged several governorates in Yemen since mid-July 2022. Tens of thousands of people have been affected so far, with more than 35,000 households impacted across 85 districts in 16 governorates, according to local authorities.
At least 77 people, including children, were killed in Al Bayda, Amran, Dhamar, Hajja, Ma’rib, and Sana’a governorates. In addition, displacement sites and infrastructure – including water supply, public services, and private properties – were severely damaged.
WHO supported four specialized trauma teams and 6 on-duty ambulances on the ground, as well as set up 34 epidemiological early warning detection points in Ma’rib – one of the most affected governorates – where thousands of shelters for displaced families were destroyed. Additional essential emergency health supplies were also released to the rapid response and emergency medical teams in Hajjah, Al Mahaweet, and Raymah governorates.
Along with its constant monthly supply of 144,600 liters of fuel to 11 hospitals, WHO, jointly with the sub-national health cluster, had also prepared a comprehensive heavy rainfall and floods preparedness and response plan in Al Hodeidah governorate, provided the Central Public Health Laboratory with equipment, and trained 25 laboratory technicians on the microscopic diagnosis of malaria.
“The risk of water- and vector-borne diseases, including malaria, cholera and other communicable diseases is unfolding,” said Dr Adham Rashad, WHO Representative to Yemen. “With heavy rains expected to continue until the end of August 2022, we have scaled up our response to reach affected people and prevent any potential outbreak of these diseases.”
Additional cholera kits, IV fluids, rapid diagnostic tests for cholera, and supplementary modules of the interagency emergency health kit are under way. WHO continues to provide aid as the situation evolves.
