Public health news: October 2006

Report recommends urgent action on climate change

31 October 2006

A report by a UK economist, Sir Nicholas Stern, for the UK Government suggests that tackling climate change now could cost only 1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  This contrasts with estimates of losses to the global economy of between 5-20% of GDP annually if no action is taken.  The Stern review recommends stabilising CO2 (equivalent) levels at between 500-550 ppm (parts per million); it is around 430 ppm currently.  Key recommendations include emissions trading, co-operation in developing new technologies, reduction in deforestation, and adaptation to expected temperature rises.  By expressing the risks of climate change in economic terms the report may be more likely to influence governments than by simply presenting the costs in human and environmental terms.

Stern review on the economics of climate change  (HM Treasury, October 2006)
Climate change fight 'can't wait'  (BBC News, October 2006)
International and global public health - Climate change  (Internal link)

WHO focuses on worm infections

27 October 2006

The WHO yesterday launched a new campaign to encourage developing countries to distribute free or low-cost drug therapy to prevent worm infections, which account for disease in roughly one-sixth of the world's population.  It coincides with the publication of a new manual entitled 'Preventive chemotherapy in human helminthiasis'.

WHO and partners unveil new co-ordinated approach to treat millions (WHO, October 2006)
Neglected tropical diseases  (WHO, October 2006)
International & global public health - infectious diseases (Internal link)

Youth offender overcrowding may harm health

24 October 2006

The number of young offenders in British jails (or 'young offender institutions') has reached a record high of 3,350.  The increase in numbers could potentially have adverse effects on inmates' mental health, including risk of bullying and suicide, as well as on education and programmes designed to reduce reoffending. The latest figures, highlighted by the Youth Justice Board, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, and the Children's Commissioner, have intensified the debate over whether youth custody is an appropriate routine measure for children who break the law.

Youth justice system 'in crisis'  (BBC News, October 2006)
Crisis in custody  (YJB, October 2006)
Prison health (Internal link)

Smoking ban improves bar workers' health

11 October 2006

Results of a small prospective study on bar workers in Scotland, published in this week's JAMA, suggest that the recent introduction of legislation banning smoking in public places has had a significant positive impact on employees' health.  Although improvements in subjective measures, such as quality of life, are difficult to interpret in this (inevitably) non-blinded study, others, such as FEV1 and airway inflammation are suggestive of real benefits.  Although the sample size here was small (n=77) the smoking ban in England from next year should be a further opportunity to collect data on the effects of legislation.

Menzies, D et al, JAMA (2006) 296: 1742-8  (JAMA, October 2006)
Scots bar health 'improved'  (BBC News, October 2006)
Health promotion (Internal link)

Universal screening for HIV in US

5 October 2006

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued new guidance on HIV testing, recommending for the first time that voluntary testing should be offered to all patients using acute hospital services.  In 2003 roughly one quarter of the 1m adults infected with HIV in the US were not aware of their diagnosis; this guidance aims to reduce this alarmingly high figure.

HIV testing in healthcare settings  (CDC, October 2006)
Health protection  (Internal link)

Seasonal flu jab delays

3 October 2006

Supply of some seasonal influenza vaccine has been delayed in the UK this year.  Stock will be delivered throughout October and November, but orders may not be completed until December. The news unfortunately coincided with the launch of a major Government campaign to increase uptake of the vaccine amongst risk patients. 

Flu jabs may be rationed or late  (Guardian, October 2006)
Flu campaign information 2006/7  (DH, October 2006)
Government issues advice to GPs on flu jab supply  (GNN, October 2006)
Health protection  (Internal link)