Healthcare Middle East & Africa magazine - Issue 15
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
Year 3 | Issue No. 14 | Jan-Mar 2025
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Francis Juma
SENIOR EDITOR
Alphonse Okoth
EDITOR
Vincent Moranga
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
Virginia Nyoro
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ASSOCIATE
Vivian Kebabe
HEAD OF DESIGN
Clare Ngode
DESIGN
Emmaculate Ouma
ACCOUNTS
Jonah Sambai
PUBLISHED BY: FW Africa
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EVENTS CALENDAR
1. 9th Biennial ASID Conference 2025
Date: 25-27 June 2025
Location: The Nairobi Hospital, Amphitheatre www.events.allergysociety.or.ke/
2. Pharma Health Expo 2025
Date: 04 - 05 Jul 2025
Location: Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers, Casablanca, Morocco www.pharmahealthexpo.ma/en/
3. India Health 2025
Date: July 11-13, 2025
Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India www.indiahealth-exhibition.com/
4. PharmHealth South Africa Exhibition 2025
Date: 16 - 18 Jul 2025
Location: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Johannesburg, SA. www.pharmahealthcaresouthafrica.com/
5. National Cancer Summit 2025 Conference
Date: 27 - 30 Jul 2025
Location: The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya www.summit.ncikenya.go.ke/
Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress
Date: 1-3 October 2025
Location: Grand Hyatt, Dubai, UAE www.amwc-dubai.com/en/home.html
7. World Health Expo - Cape Town
Date: 2- 4 September, 2025
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa www.worldhealthexpo.com/events/healthcare/capetown/ en/whats-on/conferences/agenda.html
8. EAST AFRICA PHARMA EXPO 2025
Date: 16 - 17 Sep 2025
Location: Kenyatta International Convention Centre www.africapharmaexpo.com/
9.The Hospital Show East Africa 2025
Date: 01 - 02 Oct 2025
Location: Sarit Centre, Nairobi, Kenya www.ths-africa.com/
10. World Health Expo Nairobi
Date: 6-8 October 2025
Location: Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya www.worldhealthexpo.com/events/healthcare/nairobi/en/ home.html
AI and Telemedicine: Transforming Diagnostic Support in Healthcare
For today’s healthcare professionals, the challenge of managing increasingly complex patient needs amid limited time and resources is more pressing than ever. Fortunately, a quiet revolution is taking place in diagnostic support — one driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telemedicine. No longer futuristic concepts, these technologies are now indispensable in modern clinical practice.
Telemedicine experienced explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since cemented its role in healthcare. It is now a trusted tool for virtual consultations, chronic disease management, and pre- and post-operative follow-ups. But the real paradigm shift is happening with the integration of AI into this virtual ecosystem — delivering smarter, faster, and more personalized diagnostics.
AI algorithms, trained on vast and diverse medical datasets, are improving diagnostic accuracy across multiple specialties. In radiology, for example, AI-powered tools can detect lung nodules or brain hemorrhages with near-human accuracy — in a fraction of the time. In pathology, AI supports histological analysis, increasing the accuracy of malignancy detection. Dermatologists are using AI-enabled mobile apps to assess skin lesions, while cardiologists rely on real-time ECG interpretation systems to flag irregularities during virtual consults.
These tools are not replacing clinicians but enhancing their decision-making power. For example, AI-assisted image interpretation can reduce diagnostic turnaround time by up to 40%, and studies have shown error rates may drop by 15–30% depending on the field. Importantly, this also reduces burnout by freeing professionals from repetitive tasks, allowing more time for complex cases and human-centered care.
Looking ahead, the potential is enormous. The global AI in healthcare market is projected to surpass US$187 billion
by 2030, with diagnostic applications at the forefront. Telemedicine, on the other hand, is set to exceed US$460 billion globally in the same period, as healthcare systems increasingly integrate it into routine care delivery.
Still, thoughtful implementation is key. AI tools must be clinically validated, ethically designed, and seamlessly integrated into care pathways. Data privacy, regulatory compliance, and algorithmic transparency are non-negotiables. And throughout it all, the role of the clinician remains central to interpret and contextualize AI-driven insights within the broader clinical picture.
As we explore these evolving technologies, I’m excited to introduce the 15th edition of Healthcare Middle East & Africa magazine. This issue features VINS Bioproducts Ltd, an Indian company making strides in antiserum development for snake bites and infectious diseases. We also spotlight Bupa Arabia and its transformative Bupa CareConnect digital platform — including its innovative virtual consultation kiosk, the Digital Clinic Pod.
Additionally, Mark Adams, CEO of CMC Hospital Dubai, shares insights on healthcare self-reliance, while Bobby Ramakant (CNS) discusses why increased funding is critical in the fight against tuberculosis and tobacco use. We also explore how AI and IoT are advancing diagnostics in oral care — from smart toothbrushes to real-time data tracking.
Get all this and more in this milestone edition.
Enjoy the read!
Alphonse Okoth Senior Editor FW Africa
UAE - PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has announced it has invested AED 2.25 billion (US$612 million) in locally sourced goods and services as part of the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative.
This milestone reflects the group’s growing commitment to local procurement, supporting national economic goals, and advancing healthcare self-sufficiency.
In 2024 alone, PureHealth spent AED 1 billion (US\$272 million) locally—a 38% increase from 2023.
The move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to localize supply chains, stimulate industrial growth, and diversify the economy.
Since joining the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Program in 2022, PureHealth has pledged to invest AED 13 billion (US$3.5 billion) locally by 2032 and is on track to meet this target.
Aligned with the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, which aims to raise the industrial sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031, PureHealth is expanding its local sourcing network, investing in advanced healthcare manufacturing, and partnering with Emirati enterprises.
Group CEO Shaista Asif emphasized that these efforts are rooted in a long-term vision to build a resilient and innovative healthcare system.
Subsidiaries like SEHA and Daman are leading the sector with ICV scores of 81.13% and 71.86%, respectively, while other group entities are steadily moving toward full compliance.
Chief Sustainability Officer Leya Al Damani highlighted the alignment between sustainability and localization, noting that supporting local suppliers fosters innovation and longterm value for both the health sector and the national economy.
PureHealth’s local procurement spans medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, technology, and infrastructure, ensuring the UAE’s healthcare sector is future-ready and self-reliant.
MYDAWA secures US$9.6M to expand healthcare services in Kenya and Uganda
KENYA - Digital health startup MYDAWA has raised US$9.6 million in its latest funding round, aimed at expanding its footprint in Kenya and Uganda.
This marks the company’s fifth successful funding round since its inception in 2017. The round was led by Denmark’s Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), with additional participation from Alta Semper Capital, AAIC Investment, Creadev, and Japan’s Ohara Pharmaceutical Co.
MYDAWA operates a hybrid healthcare model combining physical pharmacies with digital services such as online doctor consultations, e-prescriptions, and home delivery.
With the new funding, the company plans to open 10 new pharmacies in Kenya and 30 in Uganda—half of which will be located outside Kampala—to reach underserved communities.
The capital will also support the development of AI tools for inventory management and service efficiency, alongside enhancements to chronic care programs.
MYDAWA’s integrated platform already offers virtual consultations, lab testing, and chronic disease support, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Since its launch, MYDAWA has steadily attracted international backing, including US$3 million from Indigo and
AAIC in 2019, US$1.2 million from the Gates Foundation in 2021, and US$20 million from Alta Semper Capital in 2023.
This last round enabled the acquisition of Uganda’s Guardian Health, marking MYDAWA’s entry into the Ugandan market.
The company has partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms like Novo Nordisk and supports over 3,000 patients with HIV prevention treatments.
With revenues growing at 30% annually, MYDAWA sees this latest investment as a strong endorsement of its mission to transform healthcare delivery in Africa.
Founder Neil O’Leary noted that the caliber of investors reflects confidence in the startup’s scalable and impactful model.
Mpox outbreak remains a global emergency as cases surge in Africa
AFRICA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its classification of the mpox virus epidemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following a marked surge in infections across Africa. This decision was reached by the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on June 5, 2025, as global mpox cases surpassed 37,000 since early 2024, with Africa bearing the heaviest burden.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for an alarming 60% of confirmed cases and 40% of related deaths. The disease, characterized by flu-like symptoms and a severe skin rash, continues to spread beyond endemic zones despite international response efforts. The emergence of a new, potentially more contagious variant—Clade 1A—first detected in the DRC in early 2025, has intensified the crisis.
Regional spread and escalating numbers
West Africa, in particular, has seen a sharp escalation in mpox cases. Sierra Leone emerged as a new hotspot in April 2025, with over 200 new confirmed infections reported that month alone—representing half of all mpox cases in Africa by early May. The country experienced a 71% week-over-week rise in cases, averaging 100 new infections daily. Uganda, Nigeria, and the Republic of Congo are also reporting significant increases.
In response, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened its Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) on May 17, 2025. The session was chaired by leading epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim and called by Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya. This
was the second major review of the mpox emergency since the continental health body first declared it a public health emergency of continental concern on August 13, 2024.
Although countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic experienced temporary declines earlier this year, the resurgence of cases across multiple regions has renewed urgency around containment efforts.
Vaccination and revised response plan
The WHO and Africa CDC have jointly revised the Continental Mpox Response Plan in response to the resurgence. The updated plan aims to reduce mpox incidence by 50% in endemic regions by August 2025. Strategic priorities include decentralizing diagnostics, expanding community-based interventions such as contact tracing and health education, and integrating mpox control into routine healthcare services.
Vaccine deployment has also expanded. To date, ten African countries have received vaccine supplies, with seven— including DRC, Nigeria, Uganda, and Sierra Leone—actively conducting vaccination campaigns. These campaigns prioritize high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, children, and communities in endemic regions.
Despite progress, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned of persistent challenges. “We are facing significant shortfalls in surveillance, vaccine access, and clinical treatment capacities,” he noted during a media briefing. “Without sustained international support, the risk of further spread remains high.”
Calls for political and financial support
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for stronger political will across African governments. “Mpox is not just a local problem—it’s a continental crisis with global implications,” he said. “We urge partners and donors to step forward. Africa cannot face this threat alone.” Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwaku AgyemanManu, echoed this call: “What we are witnessing is a test of global solidarity. Africa must not be left behind in this public health emergency.”
The WHO’s temporary recommendations, valid through August 20, 2025, call for enhanced political commitment, increased funding, and coordinated emergency operations across all levels of government. The organization has also urged international agencies and donor partners to bridge funding gaps and scale up support for vaccine procurement, laboratory capacity, and emergency healthcare infrastructure.
As the mpox crisis evolves, the renewed emergency designation serves as a global alert—and a call to action. If current trends persist, health experts warn that mpox could become a chronic public health challenge in Africa, complicating regional recovery from COVID-19 and straining already fragile health systems.
NEWS UPDATES
DISEASE UPDATES
Horn of Africa unites for polio-free future: A regional crusade
AFRICA - The Horn of Africa is intensifying its efforts to eliminate variant poliovirus, a persistent threat that has plagued the region for nearly a decade. During the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva (May 19–27, 2025), Health Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, alongside partners from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating the disease through coordinated regional action. Central to this renewed momentum is a landmark agreement to establish an interministerial coordination body.
This mechanism is expected to synchronize vaccination campaigns, enhance cross-border surveillance, and streamline outbreak response across national boundaries. “Polio knows no borders. Our response must be equally borderless,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “Every unvaccinated child is a risk to all.”
Regional milestones: A Historic vaccination push
Despite insecurity, low immunity in some populations, and challenges accessing remote communities, the region has made major strides in 2025. Between February and April, more than 18 million children were vaccinated across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia—marking one of the largest coordinated immunization efforts in the region’s history. Real-time data sharing allowed health teams to adapt strategies quickly and plug immunity gaps along shared borders.
Ethiopia led the charge by vaccinating 15 million children in the Somali region alone. “We’re building immunity walls around our most vulnerable communities,” noted Dr. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health. Somalia followed closely, reaching 2.4 million out of 2.5 million targeted children across 76 districts using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
Health workers collaborated with counterparts in Ethiopia and Kenya to reach children in border areas. Kenya vaccinated nearly 1 million children, including 10,000 in remote settlements within just three days, targeting high-risk zones. Meanwhile, Djibouti swiftly vaccinated 155,000 children in April following the detection of poliovirus in a child and environmental samples, successfully curbing a potential outbreak.
Surveillance systems have also seen significant upgrades. A joint review initiated after the September 2024 Horn of Africa Coordination meeting in Kampala is helping standardize early warning systems and outbreak protocols. Ethiopia, which recorded 44 cases of variant poliovirus type 2 in 2024, has scaled up monitoring. Somalia, which reported seven paralysis cases in 2024 but none in 2025, is showing promising progress.
While Kenya has reported no cases this year, health authorities remain alert—particularly after detecting acute flaccid paralysis symptoms at Kakuma Refugee Camp, which were later ruled out as polio.
Investments fueling the fight
A combination of financial and technical investments is driving the renewed push. In 2025 alone, GPEI partners—including WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation— have committed US$150 million to support vaccination efforts, surveillance, and cold chain systems across the Horn of Africa. This investment is part of a broader US$4.5 billion global pledge for polio eradication between 2022 and 2026.
Regionally, governments are also stepping up. Ethiopia has allocated US$20 million to improve vaccine distribution and surveillance in the Somali region. Somalia has invested US$8 million in community engagement initiatives and mobile health teams to reach nomadic populations. Kenya and Djibouti have each contributed US$5 million to strengthen cross-border coordination and logistics.
Technology and infrastructure are critical pillars of this effort. More than US$10 million in funding from GPEI and regional governments has gone into upgrading cold chain facilities, ensuring vaccines remain effective in even the most remote settings. A US$3 million UNICEF grant has supported the development of real-time data platforms that enable fast and secure sharing of information between countries— enhancing coordination and response time.
Toward a polio-free future
With bold political commitment, coordinated action, and unprecedented investment, the Horn of Africa is poised to make history. The formation of the inter-ministerial coordination body, large-scale vaccination campaigns, and strengthened surveillance systems demonstrate that the region is serious about ending polio once and for all.
“Through unity, vigilance, and science, we can defeat polio,” affirmed Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. This is more than just a health campaign— it is a regional movement powered by determination, solidarity, and the belief that no child should suffer from a disease we have the tools to prevent.
PARTNERSHIPS
Bupa CareConnect strengthens digital healthcare in Saudi Arabia with global partnerships
SAUDI ARABIA - Bupa CareConnect, a leading cooperative health insurance provider in Saudi Arabia, has announced four strategic partnerships with international health technology firms—GOQii, Comarch, Nuralogix, and We Healthify—to enhance its digital healthcare services.
The agreements were formalized under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Seha Virtual Hospital during the 6th MENA Telehealth & Virtual Care Expo 2025 in Riyadh, where Bupa CareConnect served as a Gold Sponsor.
These partnerships aim to expand the digital health ecosystem across the Kingdom, offering smarter, more accessible healthcare solutions.
The Expo, backed by the World Health Organization and the American Telemedicine Association, served as a major platform to promote virtual care and digital transformation in healthcare.
Bupa CareConnect also showcased its innovations at the event, including the Digital Clinic Pod and AI-powered intelligent care services, reinforcing its commitment to integrated, high-quality care.
Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, Executive Medical Director,
delivered a keynote titled “Managing Virtual Care for Chronic Conditions”, highlighting Bupa’s digital strategy and the “Bupa Pro” program, which eliminates prior medical approval requirements, accelerating access to care.
Bupa Arabia recently received two prestigious awards from the Council of Health Insurance—“Digital Innovation” and “Innovative Sustainability”—becoming the first private provider in Saudi Arabia to do so. These recognitions affirm its leadership in digital healthcare innovation.
CEO Tal Nazer emphasized that forming global partnerships is key to Bupa’s mission to redefine healthcare delivery in the Kingdom.
By blending advanced technology with human-centered care, Bupa aims to improve patient outcomes and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of a digitally transformed, world-class healthcare system.
Through these efforts, Bupa CareConnect is setting new standards in virtual healthcare and ensuring proactive, patientfirst services across Saudi Arabia.
Tanzania to establish 10 new ARV factories to boost local pharmaceutical production
TANZANIA - In a step to strengthen its healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, Tanzania has unveiled plans to establish 10 new factories dedicated to the local production of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other essential medical products.
Announced by Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama during a parliamentary session in Dodoma, the initiative aims to attract increased investment into the pharmaceutical industry while reducing the country’s reliance on imported medicines.
The factories will produce a wide range of medical supplies including ARVs, intravenous fluids, laboratory reagents, tablets, and liquid medicines—critical for both domestic use and regional distribution.
According to the Minister, the expansion of local manufacturing capacity will improve access to affordable, lifesaving treatments, stabilize the national medicine supply chain, and foster job creation within the country’s growing health sector.
The Ministry of Health will lead the effort in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring that the new facilities are built to meet both national and regional healthcare demands.
In parallel, the government is also reviving existing pharmaceutical infrastructure. Through the Medical Stores
Department (MSD), efforts are underway to restore operations at the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries (TPI) factory in Arusha.
Once operational, the facility will resume large-scale ARV production, supporting national efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
These developments reflect Tanzania’s broader commitment to achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and enhancing the resilience of its healthcare system.
By prioritizing local production, the government hopes to lower costs, ensure a steady supply of medicines, and strengthen the industrial base—positioning Tanzania as a major player in East Africa’s pharmaceutical landscape at a time of rising global demand for essential medical products.
NEWS UPDATES
ACQUISITIONS
Al Hilal Healthcare launches Premier Hospital in Bahrain following major acquisition
BAHRAIN - Al Hilal Healthcare Group, Bahrain’s largest private healthcare provider, has expanded its presence by acquiring Middle East Hospital in Segaya and relaunching it as Al Hilal Premier Hospital.
This marks the group’s 10th facility and its second hospital in the Kingdom, reinforcing its leadership in the healthcare sector.
Al Hilal Premier Hospital features a 65-bed capacity and offers an extensive range of specialized services, including cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, bariatric and general surgery, pediatrics, urology, dentistry, and more.
The facility is equipped to deliver cutting-edge treatments through a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, aiming to provide personalized, world-class care.
Al Hilal Healthcare Group’s Managing Directors Dr. P A Mohammed hailed the acquisition as the largest healthcare
deal in Bahrain to date, emphasizing its role in strengthening Al Hilal’s operational capabilities.
Mr. Abdul Latheef, the Group’s other Managing Director echoed this sentiment, noting the group’s goal of ensuring every patient receives state-of-the-art medical attention.
The group currently handles over 7,000 patients daily and plans to open two additional facilities in Bahrain by the end of the year.
CEO Dr. Chandran thanked Bahrain’s leadership and healthcare authorities for their continued support, highlighting the expansion as a milestone in raising healthcare standards across the Kingdom.
The launch event concluded with a celebratory high tea and expressions of gratitude to the media and community, with a grand inauguration ceremony set to be announced soon.
JOOTRH enhances diagnostic services with advanced medical equipment in Western Kenya
KENYA - Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kenya has significantly upgraded its diagnostic capabilities with the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment, including a 128-slice CT scanner, a digital X-ray unit, and a modern mammography system.
This development is part of JOOTRH’s 2024–2029 transformation strategy aimed at elevating healthcare delivery across Western Kenya.
According to JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the new CT scanner offers rapid and precise imaging essential for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, while the digital mammography unit is expected to greatly enhance early detection of breast cancer, particularly among underserved populations.
The digital X-ray machine allows real-time image sharing with specialists, reducing patient wait times and enabling quicker consultations.
These upgrades mark a major step in JOOTRH’s journey toward achieving national referral standards. Integration of artificial intelligence and improved workflow systems is expected to boost efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
To further expand its services, the hospital plans to acquire a 1.6 Tesla MRI scanner in the near future.
In tandem with the equipment upgrades, comprehensive staff training programs are underway to ensure healthcare workers are well-equipped to utilize the new technologies effectively.
The hospital’s advancements follow a successful Public Participation Forum, which gathered input from stakeholders including Ministry of Health officials, Kisumu County leaders, hospital board members, unions, and community representatives.
Discussions focused on enhancing infrastructure, promoting autonomy, improving staff integration, and ensuring inclusive and affordable specialized care.
The transformation is guided by the Regulatory Impact Statement and Legal Notice, and supports JOOTRH’s elevation to a Level 6 National Referral Hospital and State Corporation.
With these upgrades, JOOTRH is better positioned to serve the over 10 million residents of the Lake Region, bringing highquality healthcare services closer to home.
INVESTMENTS
Haleon launches pain management institute in Kenya to improve pain care
KENYA - Haleon, a global consumer health leader, has launched its Pain Management Institute (HPMI) in Kenya to transform how pain is understood and managed.
This initiative follows Haleon’s rebranding from GSK Kenya earlier in March 2025 and reflects a strategic move toward a distributor-led model for prescription medicines in the country.
The HPMI adopts a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects of pain.
According to Mark Pfister, General Manager for SubSaharan Africa, pain is not merely physical—it often leaves sufferers feeling isolated and unheard.
With one-third of the global population experiencing daily pain, he emphasized the urgency of raising awareness and improving patient empathy.
The launch is timely for Kenya, a growing healthcare market. Findings from Haleon’s 2023 Global Pain Index— based on responses from over 18,000 people in 18 countries— highlight the widespread and disproportionate impact of pain, especially on marginalized groups like women and Gen Z.
In Africa, where the population is predominantly young, the emotional and societal toll of pain poses significant long-term challenges.
The Institute aims to empower 20 million people with pain by 2030 through three focus areas: enhancing patient knowledge and support, advancing scientific research, and equipping healthcare professionals (HCPs) with education and tools.
The survey revealed that 86% of HCPs find patients reluctant to discuss pain, while 79% believe the true impact of pain is often underestimated.
Enid Moraa, Haleon’s Head of Expert for Sub-Saharan Africa, stressed the importance of making patients feel supported and ensuring HCPs are well-prepared. To mark the launch, Haleon hosted a webinar on “Pain as an Accelerator of Aging.”
With Kenya’s chronic pain therapeutics market projected to grow from US$52 million in 2022 to US$89 million by 2030, the HPMI is poised to play a critical role in advancing pain care.
Bristol Myers Squibb, BioNTech join forces in US$11.1B bid to Rival Keytruda
GLOBAL - Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has partnered with Germany’s BioNTech to co-develop and commercialize BNT327, a next-generation cancer drug targeting the multibillion-dollar market currently dominated by Merck’s Keytruda.
The collaboration, valued at up to US$11.1 billion, includes an upfront payment of US$1.5 billion and US$2 billion in guaranteed milestone payments through 2028.
BioNTech could receive an additional US$7.6 billion in development and commercial milestones.
BNT327 is a bispecific antibody designed to simultaneously target PD-L1, a key immune checkpoint protein, and VEGF-A, which fuels tumor blood supply.
This dual mechanism is a first in oncology, offering a novel approach to treating solid tumors. The drug was acquired by BioNTech via its US$800 million purchase of Chinese biotech Biotheus in 2024.
Currently in more than 20 clinical trials with over 1,000 patients, BNT327 is showing strong promise. Phase III trials are underway for small cell and non-small cell lung cancers, with a breast cancer trial set to launch by the end of 2025.
Early Phase II data in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer showed median overall survival of 16.8 months—surpassing Roche’s Tecentriq combined with chemotherapy (12.3 months).
The deal comes as the oncology field shifts beyond singlemechanism drugs like Keytruda, which earned nearly US$30 billion in 2024.
BMS and BioNTech will share development, manufacturing, and profits equally, positioning themselves competitively in a field also attracting heavy investment from Pfizer and Merck.
BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin sees BNT327 as a potential cornerstone of future cancer therapies, while BMS CEO Christopher Boerner praised the collaboration as a leap toward redefining treatment for aggressive cancers.
HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
Zambia commissions new medical oxygen plant in Kasama to boost healthcare delivery
ZAMBIA - Zambia has marked a significant advancement in its healthcare system with the commissioning of a new medical oxygen production plant at Kasama General Hospital in Northern Province.
The facility, inaugurated by Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s medical infrastructure and ensuring a steady supply of life-saving oxygen.
This development is one of six medical oxygen plants being established across key provinces—Lusaka, Central, Eastern, Luapula, Muchinga, and Northern—with a total investment of approximately US$10.48 million.
The project is funded by the Global Fund and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Each plant uses advanced Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to extract high-purity medical oxygen from ambient air, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in oxygen supply.
The Kasama facility features a modern distribution system, including pipelines and manifolds, to deliver oxygen directly to essential hospital departments.
Additional equipment such as standby generators and skip trucks for oxygen cylinder transport are also being provided to enhance operational resilience.
The Kasama plant follows similar successful installations at Kitwe Teaching Hospital in May 2024 and the National Heart Hospital in Lusaka in November 2024.
More facilities at Kabwe Central, Chinsali General, Kalindawalo General, and St Paul’s Mission Hospital are nearing completion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Muchima praised President Hakainde Hichilema, the Global Fund, and UNOPS for their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in Zambia.
UNOPS Regional Director Rainer Frauenfeld emphasized that the new plants are vital to ensuring no patient is left behind due to a lack of essential oxygen.
These investments mark a major leap toward a resilient and equitable healthcare system, significantly improving Zambia’s ability to handle respiratory emergencies and chronic conditions.
Pfizer inks US$6B licensing deal with 3SBio for novel cancer drug SSGJ-707
CHINA - Pfizer has signed a major licensing agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical firm 3SBio for global rights to SSGJ-707, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGF— two key proteins involved in cancer progression.
The deal, worth up to US$6 billion, bolsters Pfizer’s oncology portfolio with a potentially powerful therapy for various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and gynecological tumors.
Currently in clinical trials in China, SSGJ-707 is set to enter Phase III trials there in 2025. Under the agreement, Pfizer will receive exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the drug globally, excluding China.
However, the U.S. pharmaceutical giant retains the option to commercialize SSGJ-707 in China as well.
Pfizer will pay 3SBio an upfront fee of US$1.25 billion, with up to US$4.8 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments also on the table.
Additionally, 3SBio will earn tiered double-digit royalties on global sales, contingent on regulatory approval.
To strengthen the partnership, Pfizer will also invest US$100 million in 3SBio through a securities subscription agreement.
Manufacturing for the drug substance and finished product will take place in Sanford, North Carolina, and McPherson, Kansas, respectively.
The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Following the announcement, 3SBio’s shares surged 35% on the Hong Kong stock exchange, boosting its market valuation to around US$6 billion.
The deal underscores Pfizer’s strategic pivot toward oncology after finalizing its exit from the consumer healthcare space, having sold its last stake in Haleon—formerly part of GSK—for US$3.3 billion in March 2025.
The 3SBio collaboration highlights Pfizer’s commitment to advancing next-generation cancer therapies.
REGULATORY
FDA greenlights Moderna’s Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine mNEXSPIKE for high-risk groups
USA - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mNEXSPIKE (mRNA-1283), for use in high-risk groups.
The vaccine is authorized for adults aged 65 and older, as well as individuals aged 12 to 64 with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or COPD that increase their risk of severe illness.
This approval marks a significant advancement in pandemic response and comes amid stricter FDA standards for COVID-19 vaccine approvals.
Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, highlighted the importance of mNEXSPIKE in protecting vulnerable populations, noting that over 47,000 COVID-19-related deaths occurred in the U.S. last year.
Backed by data from a Phase 3 trial involving approximately 11,400 participants, mNEXSPIKE demonstrated superior performance compared to Moderna’s original Spikevax (mRNA-1273).
At a 10 microgram dose—one-fifth the amount used in Spikevax—mNEXSPIKE showed 9.3% higher efficacy overall,
with a 13.5% boost in protection for those aged 65 and above.
The vaccine offers additional advantages, including a lower risk of side effects and improved logistics due to its refrigerator-stable formulation.
This makes it easier to store and distribute, especially in areas with limited cold-chain capabilities. mNEXSPIKE specifically targets the Omicron JN.1 variant, prompting a strong immune response by training the body to recognize the virus’s spike protein.
Common side effects mirror those of previous mRNA vaccines and include fatigue, headache, and mild injection site discomfort.
Moderna plans to introduce mNEXSPIKE during the 2025–2026 respiratory season, alongside Spikevax, which remains authorized for broader age groups.
The approval comes during a period of shifting regulatory approaches, as the FDA reassesses its vaccine review processes. With mNEXSPIKE, Moderna aims to expand access to effective, next-gen COVID-19 protection.
Egypt partners with Zimmer Biomet to transform orthopedic care in public hospitals
EGYPT - Ministry of Health and Population has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zimmer Biomet, a leading U.S.-based medical technology firm, and its local distributor, AZM.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, marks a key milestone in the country’s ongoing healthcare reform.
The partnership aims to introduce advanced orthopedic implants and prosthetic technologies into public hospitals, aligning treatment standards with global best practices.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, hailed the initiative as a significant leap forward in delivering high-quality care to patients with joint disorders and limb loss.
He noted that the collaboration will accelerate access to cutting-edge treatments while reducing the burden of orthopedic diseases on individuals and the healthcare system.
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that the focus will be on enhancing joint replacement procedures and expanding access to quality prosthetic limbs.
The initiative will also prioritize training for medical professionals and the implementation of international surgical protocols.
Representing Zimmer Biomet at the ceremony, Erik Antos, Vice President for Emerging Markets, reaffirmed the
company’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s healthcare transformation.
He emphasized the goal of equipping local medical teams with the knowledge and tools needed to improve patient outcomes.
AZM CEO Amr Zekry also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in elevating medical care standards.
This collaboration is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to modernize public healthcare through infrastructure upgrades and global partnerships.
By integrating advanced orthopedic solutions into public hospitals, the country aims to shorten recovery times, expand access to specialized care, and enhance the quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Ultimately, the initiative supports Egypt’s vision of achieving equitable, high-standard healthcare for all citizens.
REGULATORY
FDA halts five Gilead HIV trials over safety concerns
USA - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a clinical hold on five Gilead Sciences trials evaluating a once-weekly experimental HIV therapy.
The decision was triggered by a safety signal showing reduced CD4+ T-cells and lymphocyte counts—key indicators of immune health—in patients receiving a combination of two investigational drugs, GS-1720 and GS-4182.
The affected studies include two Phase 2/3 trials (WONDERS-1 and WONDERS-2) and three Phase 1 trials. WONDERS-1 was testing the combination in patients with suppressed HIV, comparing it to Gilead’s daily Biktarvy regimen.
WONDERS-2 focused on treatment-naive patients. Declining CD4+ counts suggest a potential risk of immune compromise, raising red flags for regulatory authorities.
Gilead has acknowledged the issue and is working closely with the FDA to resolve it, though no timeline has been given for resuming the trials.
The company stressed that this pause does not affect its broader HIV pipeline, including lenacapavir—an approved longacting drug (Sunlenca) under FDA review for HIV prevention.
Analysts do not expect the clinical hold to influence the agency’s pending decision on lenacapavir.
Following the news, Gilead’s stock dipped by about 2%, trading at approximately US$110.77 per share, reflecting investor concern but not significant doubt over the company’s long-term HIV strategy.
Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead is a global leader in HIV treatment innovation. While the clinical hold marks a setback for the GS-1720/GS-4182 combination, the company remains committed to developing advanced therapies to improve care for people living with HIV.
Other ongoing HIV programs at Gilead remain unaffected and continue to progress.
Roche gains EU nod for convenient Evrysdi Tablet for SMA
UK - Roche has received European Commission approval for a new 5mg tablet form of Evrysdi (risdiplam), a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), offering patients a more convenient alternative to the current oral solution.
Unlike the liquid version, which requires refrigeration and must be taken after meals, the tablet is stable at room temperature and can be taken with or without food—either swallowed whole or dissolved in water—enhancing ease of use at home or while traveling.
The tablet is approved for patients aged two years and older who weigh at least 20 kilograms and can swallow without a feeding tube.
The original oral solution remains available for younger patients or those requiring feeding tube administration.
Approval follows a bioequivalence study involving 131 healthy volunteers, confirming the tablet delivers the same efficacy and safety as the oral solution. Results were presented at SMA Europe’s 2024 Scientific International Congress.
SMA is a rare genetic condition caused by SMN1 gene mutations that impair production of the SMN protein, essential for muscle control.
Evrysdi boosts SMN protein production via the SMN2 gene, improving muscle function throughout the body. It remains the only non-invasive, at-home disease-modifying therapy for SMA.
To date, over 18,000 patients globally have been treated with Evrysdi. The tablet launch strengthens Roche’s position against competitors like Biogen’s Spinraza, which requires spinal injections, and Novartis’ Zolgensma, a gene therapy.
Evrysdi generated US$1.8 billion in sales in 2024—up 18%— while Spinraza sales dropped 10% to US$1.57 billion. Analysts project Evrysdi sales could reach US$2.9 billion by 2031.
Nicole Gusset, CEO of SMA Europe, praised the new formulation for simplifying disease management and improving quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
WHO appoints Dr. Fiona Braka as new Ghana country representative
GHANA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Fiona Braka as its new Country Representative to Ghana, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s health systems and accelerating progress toward universal health coverage and the healthrelated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A seasoned public health expert from Uganda, Dr. Braka brings over 20 years of experience in disease prevention, emergency response, and health system strengthening across Africa. Her appointment was officially endorsed by the Government of Ghana.
Dr. Braka has held senior leadership roles within WHO across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Emergency Response Operations at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa, overseeing responses to disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises in 47 countries.
Notably, she played a central role in the eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria, contributing to the African region being declared wild polio-free in 2020.
She has also led efforts to expand immunization coverage and ensure that critical health services reach underserved populations.
Benjamin Siele appointed CEO of AGC Tenwek Hospital
KENYA — AGC Tenwek Hospital has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Benjamin Siele as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025.
The announcement was made by Board of Governors Chairperson Robert Langat, marking the conclusion of a recruitment process that began in August 2024 and was conducted by Interlink Management & Development Consulting.
Mr. Siele has been serving as Acting CEO since July 2024, while also holding the role of Human Resources and
Administration Director since January 2022.
With over 27 years of experience across healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and the NGO sector, he brings a wealth of multidisciplinary leadership to the helm.
In his new role, Mr. Siele is expected to drive the hospital’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, with key priorities including financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and positioning Tenwek as a regional hub for high-quality healthcare.
Prior to joining Tenwek, Mr. Siele held senior roles at Unilever Tea East Africa, Unilever Kenya, Land O’Lakes International Development, and Nairobi Women’s Hospital, gaining experience in talent development, organizational strategy, and systems management.
Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital names Dr. Moza Ajaif Al Zaabi as its Chief Executive Officer.
UAE - Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital has announced the appointment of Dr. Moza Ajaif Al Zaabi as its Chief Executive Officer.
With over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, hospital commissioning, and executive leadership, Dr. Moza is well-positioned to lead the hospital through its next phase of growth.
She previously served as the founding CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital and Adam Vital Ortho-Spinal & Sports Medicine Hospital, where she led both institutions from inception to operational excellence.
A trained pediatrician, she holds postgraduate qualifications from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK) and a master’s in healthcare management from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She is also an alumna of the UAE Women’s Leadership Program.
Dr. Moza aims to build a progressive healthcare model tailored to community needs, enhance services, and empower care teams.
Her appointment aligns with M42’s mission to provide patient-centered, world-class care and marks a strategic expansion of healthcare services in the UAE’s northern regions.
Dr. Charles Olaro appointed Director General of Health Services in Uganda
UGANDA – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr. Charles Olaro as the new Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, succeeding Dr. Henry Mwebasa.
Dr. Olaro had been serving in an acting capacity since November 2024 and brings over 30 years of experience in both public and private health sectors.
A Senior Consultant Surgeon, Dr. Olaro holds degrees in medicine and surgery from Makerere University, as well as a Master’s in Health Services Management and an MBA from ESAMI.
His previous leadership roles include Director of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health.
He has been instrumental in improving hospital infrastructure, reducing absenteeism, and strengthening health systems across Uganda.
During the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, he led the Essential Health Services Pillar, ensuring continuity of care.
Dr. Olaro is committed to advancing universal health coverage and improving healthcare access and quality. He described his appointment as a recognition of Uganda’s health workforce and pledged to serve with integrity and collaboration during this critical period of health reform.
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi appointed CEO of Kenya’s Social Health Authority
KENYA - Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has been appointed CEO of Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA), succeeding Dr. Robert Ingasira.
Her appointment was formalized during a handover ceremony led by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, who urged SHA to build a robust framework to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and uphold citizens’ right to health.
Dr. Mwangangi outlined a vision centered on transparency, accountability, and rebuilding public
trust. She committed to providing detailed performance reports and ensuring Kenyans understand how their contributions improve healthcare services.
A key priority under her leadership will be strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving public communication about SHA entitlements.
She also acknowledged the need to engage more actively with communities and listen to citizen concerns to address perceptions of neglect.
Her appointment comes amid challenges, including system downtimes, delays in claims processing, funding shortages, and low contribution rates.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Mwangangi’s leadership has sparked optimism, with hopes that her reforms will restore efficiency, public confidence, and ensure SHA delivers accessible, quality healthcare to all Kenyans.
Professor
Mohamed Yakub Janabi named WHO Regional Director for Africa
AFRICA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as the new Regional Director for the African Region. His five-year term will begin on 30 June 2025, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who has led the region since 2015 and made significant contributions to advancing health across Africa.
Professor Janabi’s appointment follows his nomination by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa on 18 May 2025 in Geneva. WHO Director-General Dr.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated him, praising his leadership and commitment to tackling health challenges across the continent. He also acknowledged the support of the Tanzanian government, Janabi’s home country.
In his acceptance, Professor Janabi expressed deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility. He pledged to align WHO’s work with the priorities of African countries, aiming to build resilient health systems and ensure equitable access to care.
A respected cardiologist and global health strategist, Professor Janabi brings decades of experience to the role.
He will oversee WHO’s collaboration with 47 African member states to strengthen health systems, prevent disease, and respond to emergencies. His leadership is expected to drive sustainable health improvements across the continent.
Biggest Hospitals in South Africa (Bed Capacity
)
1 Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
Bed Capacity: 3,400
One of the largest hospitals in the world, serving Soweto and surrounding areas. It’s a public teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand.
Tygerberg Hospital (Cape Town, Western Cape)
A major public quaternary care center in Johannesburg, offering multidisciplinary specialties. 2 3 4 5
Bed Capacity: 1,300
The largest hospital in the Western Cape, a public academic medical center known for the first human heart transplant in 1967.
Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria, Gauteng)
Bed Capacity: 1,200
A leading public teaching hospital linked to the University of Pretoria, handling over 10,000 operations annually.
Universitas Academic Hospital (Bloemfontein, Free State)
Bed Capacity: 1,200
The largest hospital in central South Africa, affiliated with the University of the Free State, serving multiple provinces.
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
Bed Capacity: 1,000
6 Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
Bed Capacity: 845
The largest hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, a public academic facility renowned for oncology and organ transplants.
Mediclinic Panorama (Cape Town, Western Cape)
Bed Capacity: 400
A private multidisciplinary hospital, noted as one of the largest private facilities in South Africa.
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
Bed Capacity: 373
A private, digitally integrated hospital specializing in heart, lung, and kidney transplants.
Details: A private hospital developed by the Islamic Medical Association, providing world-class facilities.
BY ALPHONSE OKOTH
In the dusty outskirts of Garissa, Kenya, a barefoot boy once stumbled into a bush where a venomous puff adder lay coiled. By the time his father carried him to the nearby clinic, the swelling had crept past the boy’s knee, and his breathing was ragged. What saved him that day wasn’t luck. It was a small vial of antivenom sourced from a company nearly 5,000 kilometers away—VINS Bioproducts Ltd, based in Hyderabad, India.
Each year, Africa records an estimated 1 million snakebites, leading to as many as 30,000 deaths and 500,000 cases of permanent injury or disability, according to the World Health Organization. For victims like this boy, access to effective antivenom can mean the difference between life and death.
Unseen by many and uncelebrated in headlines, ViNS Bio is a company that has made it its mission to battle some of the world’s deadliest but most overlooked health threats— snakebites, rabies, tetanus, diphtheria, and scorpion stings. In a recent interview with Healthcare Middle East & Africa magazine, Khushboo Daga, CEO of ViNS Bioproducts Ltd., shared how the company has, for the past 27 years, quietly manufactured life-saving antisera and vaccines that are now used in more than 100 countries, including some of the most snakebite-prone regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
But their story begins not with a grand vision, but with a crisis.
A FATHER’S LEGACY, A NATION’S NEED
“It all started because of a desperate shortage,” recalls Mrs. Daga. “My father-in-law founded the company because people in India were dying unnecessarily from snakebites. The few
antivenoms available were imported and too expensive. So he said, ‘If we don’t make them, who will?’”
India, with its diverse snake population and rural agrarian communities, records more than a million snakebites each year. Back in the late ’90s, there was a dangerous reliance on traditional healers, who offered chants and herbal poultices but little else. The need for scientifically sound treatment was urgent.
Armed with determination and a modest team, the family began producing antivenoms tailored for Indian species, immunizing horses with carefully characterized venom and extracting antibodies from their plasma—a traditional yet painstakingly precise process. The model worked. Mortality and amputation rates among snakebite victims dropped dramatically in areas where the antivenoms were used.
Then came a question: if it worked in India, could it work elsewhere?
AFRICA’S DEADLY SILENCE
Africa, too, battles a venomous burden. The World Health Organization estimates that each year, up to 30,000 Africans die from snakebites, with half a million more suffering paralysis, organ damage, or amputations. This represents a significant share of the global toll, as snakebites cause an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 deaths worldwide annually. Yet in Africa, antivenom is either unavailable, unaffordable, or, in some cases, untrusted.
“People still believe in traditional healers,” Mrs. Daga explains. “And in rural villages, that’s often all they have. But
if it’s a venomous bite and they wait too long, the damage is irreversible.”
This reality deeply resonated with the team at ViNS Bio. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the company felt a responsibility to act. It began collaborating with health ministries, NGOs, and researchers across the continent, determined to adapt their solutions to Africa’s diverse and highly venomous snake species.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the company invested in creating region-specific antivenoms. ViNS Bio developed region-specific antivenoms based on venom from local snakes in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and beyond.
“We imported venom from African species, tested it, and trained our horses to generate antibodies for those specific toxins,” she said. “Our aim was simple: no more lives lost because of geography.”
A DELICATE BALANCE OF SCIENCE AND SCALE
The process is labor-intensive and delicate. “Our horses are like family,” said Khushboo Daga. “They are not just production animals—they are at the heart of what we do.” Horses at ViNS Bio are carefully monitored and respected throughout the immunization process. “We ensure they remain healthy and strong,” she added.
After immunization, blood is drawn in a controlled environment, plasma is separated, and red blood cells are returned to the animal to maintain its health and vitality. “We
WE IMPORTED VENOM FROM AFRICAN SPECIES, TESTED IT, AND TRAINED OUR HORSES TO GENERATE ANTIBODIES FOR THOSE SPECIFIC TOXINS
KHUSHBOO DAGA, CEO OF VINS BIOPRODUCTS
have protocols in place that prioritize animal welfare without compromising efficacy,” Mrs. Daga noted. The extracted plasma then undergoes multiple stages of purification, formulation, and stringent quality control before it is freezedried or prepared in liquid form, ready to save lives across continents.
The company produces five million doses of antivenom annually—three million for India alone. Rabies antiserum? Another five million. Scorpion antiserum: one million. For tetanus, they produce 10 million doses in both ampoule and pre-filled syringe formats, tailored for West African markets where single-use delivery is critical.
This scale isn’t just about volume—it’s about affordability.
VINS Bioproducts
“Because we produce so much, our prices are lower than most manufacturers. Economies of scale save lives,” she says.
GUARDIANS OF QUALITY
At the heart of ViNS Bio, quality isn’t just a benchmark in culture, a promise, and a responsibility. The company has built a reputation not just on its life-saving antisera and vaccines but on the unshakable standards that shape every vial and ampoule. From the moment raw materials are sourced to the final dispatch of a product, every step is a meticulous dance of precision, guided by principles rooted in science and ethics.
IN NUMBERS
NUMBER OF AFRICANS DYING FROM SNAKEBITES ANNUALLY 30,000
“We don’t just follow standards—we embody them,” shares Mrs. Daga. And indeed, ViNS Bio aligns its production with internationally recognized frameworks such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the stringent guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). These aren’t just checkboxes—they form the very DNA of their operations.
Central to their quality ecosystem are their inhouse Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) units. Every batch is scrutinized with forensic detail, using modern analytical tools to validate chemical, biological, and immunological integrity. Inside their sophisticated laboratories,
technicians in lab coats pore over results, ensuring that each product meets the strictest standards before reaching the market.
But ViNS Bio’s commitment doesn’t end in the lab. The story of quality continues in the fields of research and development, where teams work tirelessly to refine formulations and introduce new biotechnological breakthroughs. These innovations aren’t just about being first—they’re about being right.
Sourcing plays its own pivotal role in this journey. The company only uses premium-grade raw materials and reagents, knowing well that the foundation of a high-quality product begins with its inputs. Every material is vetted, tested, and approved before it even enters the production chain.
Regulatory audits—both national and international—are welcomed, not feared. They serve as checkpoints that reinforce trust. And at every level of the organization, from senior scientists to plant operators, continuous training ensures that quality is understood not as an obligation but as a daily commitment.
CHALLENGES IN THE SHADOWS
But even with the best intentions, ViNS Bio has faced its share of hurdles. Procuring high-quality venom is a constant challenge, especially when
A selection of antivenom and antisera produced by VINS Bioproducts
IN WEST AFRICA,
VINS’ PREFILLED TETANUS SYRINGES HAVE BECOME THE GO-TO STANDARD, PARTICULARLY IN MATERNAL HEALTH CLINICS AND EMERGENCY SETTINGS.
regional variability makes each species unique. Convincing procurement agencies to prioritize snakebite treatments over flashier diseases isn’t always easy, especially when budgets are tight.
Then there’s the problem of awareness. “Sometimes a clinic only has a few vials. If a patient needs six and the clinic has only two, they’ll split it across patients—and neither gets properly treated,” she lamented. “That’s how you lose limbs. Or lives.”
Still, VINS persists—often conducting CME sessions, awareness campaigns, and community training sessions to help clinicians recognize symptoms and administer treatment effectively. In Kenya, they’ve partnered with doctors like Dr. George Mandy of KEMRI, who now operates a snake farm and venom lab. VINS hopes to eventually source local venom from such facilities to improve region-specific efficacy.
STANDING OUT BY SAVING LIVES
So what makes VINS different? “We don’t chase glamour. We chase outcomes,” asserts Mrs. Daga. Their WHO prequalification, PICS accreditation, and pending inclusion on the WHO Model List are feathers in their cap. But the company prefers to let its impact speak.
In Ghana, their first major African export market, VINS products helped drive down snakebite mortality significantly, thanks to consistent supply and training initiatives for local healthcare providers. “We started with a large shipment and followed up with educational programs for clinicians,” Mrs. Daga explained. “The response was encouraging—cases that once resulted in deaths were now being treated effectively.”
In Sudan and Libya, where scorpion stings are more common due to arid climates, VINS scorpion antivenoms are now stocked in public hospitals. “We customized our production to reflect the venom profiles of those regions,” she says. “This specificity makes all the difference.”
In West Africa, VINS’ pre-filled tetanus syringes have become the go-to standard, particularly in maternal health clinics and emergency settings. “We understood that in remote regions, single-use, easy-to-administer formats are crucial. The pre-filled syringe reduces contamination risk and improves compliance,” she added. “When we started, we never imagined we’d reach this far. But here we are—in over 100 countries,”
she says.
THE ROAD AHEAD: TECHNOLOGY AND TERRITORY Today, VINS is working on expanding its reach to Latin America and North America, and investing in next-generation biologics like monoclonal antibodies for rabies and envenomation. These products promise greater specificity and fewer side effects but are still in early stages of development.
They’re also considering establishing a manufacturing facility in Africa—either independently or through publicprivate partnerships. “We’ve already transferred technology in Ghana,” she shares “We’re open to doing more.”
The dream is a decentralized, equitable model of healthcare manufacturing. One where no child in Garissa or Gulu has to wait for a vial to be flown across oceans to survive.
As the conversation wound down, Mrs. Daga paused to reflect on what she’d say to those most at risk. “Please don’t wait. Don’t go to a healer. Go to the nearest clinic or hospital. Snakebite is not a curse—it’s a medical emergency. The sooner you get the antivenom, the better your chance.”
To reinforce this, VINS distributes posters in local languages outlining what to do—and not do—after a bite. They encourage ministries to place these in public areas, not just hospitals. “We can only do so much from India,” she said. “But with awareness and cooperation, we can do more.”
THE QUIET REVOLUTION
In the war against neglected diseases, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of billion-dollar vaccine deals and global summits. But quietly, tirelessly, and often anonymously, VINS Bioproducts is saving lives every single day.
Not with marketing campaigns or multinational clout— but with one vial. One clinic. One survivor at a time. And that barefoot boy in Garissa? He survived. He walks today because someone believed that even the smallest life was worth saving.
HCMEA
Team members organizing antisera batches for dispatch
From Insurer to Innovator
Bupa Arabia’s Digital Leap in Saudi Healthcare
BY VINCENT MORANGA
Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine are rapidly reshaping global healthcare, enabling timely, personalized care across vast distances, one organization stands at the vanguard of this transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bupa Arabia, a name long synonymous with premium health insurance, is now leading a healthcare renaissance with its digital health platform: Bupa CareConnect. With a blend of cutting-edge innovation and deep-rooted human empathy, Bupa Arabia is charting a new course for how care is delivered and experienced across the region.
In an interview with Healthcare Middle East and Africa magazine, Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, Executive Medical Director at Bupa CareConnect, and Tal Nazer, CEO of Bupa Arabia, discussed the company’s mission and evolution. “At its core, Bupa CareConnect was conceived to close the traditional gap between payers and caregivers,” explains Tal Nazer.
“We’re no longer just a health insurer; we’re evolving into a comprehensive, integrated care provider.” This transformation underscores Bupa’s strategic pivot towards holistic, technology-enabled healthcare services that cover everything from prevention to treatment and recovery.
A VISION ALIGNED WITH SAUDI ARABIA’S FUTURE
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with the government allocating SAR 214 billion (US$57.04 billion) in 2024 to health and social development. This investment supports the addition of 26,000 to 43,000 hospital beds to accommodate a projected population of 45 million by 2030, alongside advancements in AI and data utilization through the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA).
Bupa Arabia’s CareConnect platform is a direct response to these ambitions, leveraging technology to enhance service quality and accessibility while aligning with national goals for a modernized healthcare system. “Bupa CareConnect is
more than a corporate initiative—it’s a commitment to Vision 2030’s vision of a digitally empowered healthcare ecosystem,” says Nazer. “We’re evolving from a traditional insurer to an integrated care provider, bridging the gap between payers and caregivers to deliver seamless, patient-centric services.”
Unveiled at the 6th MENA Telehealth & Virtual Care Expo under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Seha Virtual Hospital, CareConnect embodies the Kingdom’s ambitions. “The launch of Bupa CareConnect directly supports Vision 2030’s objectives,” Nazer emphasizes. “It enables us to embed telehealth, AI-driven care pathways, and global best practices into the national health ecosystem.”
TECHNOLOGY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH
At the center of this digital revolution is the Digital Clinic Pod—a sleek, self-contained telehealth kiosk that brings high-definition virtual consultations and real-time vital sign monitoring to patients anywhere. This innovation is paired
IN NUMBERS
with an AI-powered intelligent care platform that not only interprets biometric data but also recommends tailored care pathways.
“Our AI engine identifies subtle warning signs before they escalate,” says Dr. Abdullah Khafagy. “When risk thresholds are breached, it triggers proactive interventions—be it a tele-nurse checkin or a lifestyle coaching session.”
One particularly impactful aspect of the initiative is the Mobile Digital Clinic, which extends specialist care into underserved communities. “It’s reduced travel burdens and wait times for countless patients living outside major urban areas,” Khafagy adds. “This isn’t just about technology—it’s about equity in care.”
THE APP THAT DOES IT ALL
The Unified Digital App epitomizes user-centric design by streamlining every major health interaction into a single interface. Users can submit and track claims, access their virtual health card, view network providers with map integration, manage electronic health records— including prescriptions and lab reports—and initiate live chats with customer-care agents or health-services doctors, all from one intuitive platform.
manage their health in one place, without bouncing between platforms.” Beyond convenience, the app represents a fundamental shift in how people engage with healthcare—giving them control, transparency, and immediacy in their health decisions.
BUPA PRO: ELIMINATING PREAPPROVALS, ELEVATING CARE
One of the boldest moves in Bupa Arabia’s digital journey has been the launch of Bupa Pro—a first-of-its-kind program in Saudi Arabia that eliminates pre-approval requirements for outpatient treatments across select hospitals.
“In March 2025, we became the first insurer in the Kingdom to do this,” Nazer says. “It required real-time API integration with hospital systems and a rules-based decision engine that processes policy checks in milliseconds.”
The impact has been profound. More than 200,000 members have already benefited from this initiative. “We’ve seen shorter check-in times and dramatically improved satisfaction scores,” Khafagy states. “This is what patient-centered innovation looks like.”
GOING GLOBAL TO GO LOCAL
Bupa Arabia’s digital transformation is also shaped by international collaboration. At the Expo, the company announced strategic MARKET SHARE
“The feedback has been phenomenal,” says Nazer. “Our app ratings are some of the highest in the industry. Users appreciate being able to
partnerships with health-tech innovators from India, Poland, and Canada—including GOQii, Comarch, Nuralogix, and We Healthify.
“These partners bring world-class capabilities in wellness coaching, telemedicine, and biometric analytics,” Nazer explains. “But we don’t just import—they’re adapted to suit Saudi clinical workflows, language preferences, and cultural nuances.”
This glocalization strategy ensures that cutting-edge tools are both effective and intuitive for users across the Kingdom. “It’s about bringing the best of the world to serve the unique needs of our people,” he adds.
HUMAN-CENTERED BY DESIGN
While the technology stack is impressive, Bupa Arabia’s secret sauce is its unwavering commitment to human-centered care.
As Dr. Khafagy puts it, “Our tools are designed to support—not replace—doctors and nurses. AI handles the routine; humans handle the healing.”
By automating administrative tasks and surfacing only the most actionable insights, Bupa CareConnect frees up clinicians to focus on what truly matters: the patient. “It’s decision support, not decision making,” says Khafagy. “We preserve the human touch at every step.”
BUPA CARECONNECT IS MORE THAN A CORPORATE INITIATIVE—IT’S A COMMITMENT TO VISION 2030’S VISION OF A DIGITALLY EMPOWERED HEALTHCARE ECOSYSTEM
MEASURABLE IMPACT, MEANINGFUL CHANGE
Early results of Bupa CareConnect are already making waves. The company has earned the Digital Innovation Award and the Innovative Sustainability Award at the CHI Excellence Awards. Pilot data show 30% shorter wait times and a 15% increase in telehealth satisfaction scores. From a business standpoint, Bupa Arabia now commands a 32% market share and reported SAR 1.166 billion in net profits for 2024—a 24.02% increase year over year.
“These results validate our direction,” Nazer says. “Digital transformation isn’t just about convenience—it’s delivering better health outcomes and business performance.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Looking ahead, Bupa Arabia has ambitious plans. Over the next 12 to 24 months, it aims to expand Digital Clinic Pods into more remote regions, enhance AI capabilities for chronic-disease detection, and launch a unified patient engagement platform. This new tool will bring together appointment bookings, virtual consultations, and full health record access into a single, seamless experience.
“This is the future of healthcare,” Nazer declares. “A hybrid model where physical and virtual care coexist, powered by predictive analytics and real-time data.”
A MODEL FOR THE REGION
As one of the leading health insurers turned digital healthcare providers in the Middle East, Bupa Arabia is setting a new benchmark—not just for its peers in the Kingdom, but for the broader region.
“We are not digitizing for the sake of technology,” concludes Khafagy. “We are transforming healthcare to be more personal, more proactive, and more accessible.”
From AI algorithms to compassionate care, Bupa Arabia’s transformation is a compelling case study in how to humanize digital healthcare—and a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets intention. HCMEA
TAL NAZER, CEO OF BUPA ARABIA
Mpox
in Africa
A crisis contained, or a threat reignited
BY VINCENT MORANGA
As Tanzania and Uganda celebrate their hard-won victories over the Marburg virus and Ebola, Africa’s public health leaders remain vigilant. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Africa CDC is now directing its attention to Mpox—the disease formerly known as monkeypox— that is making headlines around the world. With the continent’s top health experts gathered in the Emergency Consultative Group, a pressing question looms: Should Mpox remain a global emergency concern, or is it time to move on?
Since being declared a public health emergency of continental concern on August 13, 2024—
Africa CDC’s first such designation since its inception in 2017—Mpox has drawn urgent focus. The World Health Organization quickly followed with its own declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), marking the second such global health emergency in two years.
With these declarations, several African countries have mobilized resources to enhance laboratory testing and response activities. In April, the Africa CDC released an updated response plan covering March to August 2025, aiming to eliminate human-tohuman transmission of Mpox and reduce its incidence by 50% in endemic areas. This plan will guide the transition from emergency
response to routine programs, thereby strengthening health system resilience for future public health challenges.
A CONTINENTAL SNAPSHOT
Data from the Africa CDC indicates that the Mpox outbreak has expanded from 12 to 23 countries, with a total of 129,711 cases reported. Of these, 29,609 cases were confirmed, and approximately 1,751 related deaths occurred between January 2024 and May 2025. While suspected cases decreased by 2.6% in early 2025, confirmed cases surged in Uganda, Nigeria, and the Republic of Congo. The situation remains particularly critical in Sierra Leone, where 100 new cases are reported daily. As of early May, health authorities reported nine deaths and 1,140 total cases in the country.
In response, Uganda intensified active surveillance and community sensitization in hotspot districts, deploying rapid response teams and enhancing laboratory testing capabilities. Nigeria launched targeted vaccination campaigns in affected regions and increased public awareness through media and community engagement. The Republic of Congo mobilized emergency funding to scale up treatment centers and improve
THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MPOX, MAINLY DUE TO ITS VISIBLE SKIN LESIONS, HAS ALSO PROVEN TO BE A SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS.
contact tracing.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone reopened Mpox treatment units previously used during the Ebola epidemic and sought international assistance to secure medical supplies and healthcare personnel. These country-level efforts reflect a broader continental push to contain Mpox through coordinated public health action.
DECODING MPOX
Mpox is a rare zoonotic viral disease that exhibits symptoms similar to those of smallpox, although with less severity. There are two known clades: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I has been frequently reported in Central African countries and tends to be more severe than Clade II. Clade II includes subclades such as IIa and IIb. Notably, the Clade IIb Mpox virus has been observed to primarily affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Additionally, asymptomatic transmission may be more common than previously thought, and the virus has shown signs of genetic changes that could affect its behavior.
Although Mpox outbreaks have been sporadic for decades, zoonotic transmission from wild animals has commonly been cited as an explanation. Its natural reservoir remains unknown; small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are considered vulnerable, according to the WHO. However, the recent increase in human-to-human transmission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its neighbors—including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—has rekindled research interest and provided an opportunity for innovation.
A PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH
Currently, there is no confirmed vaccine for Mpox available worldwide, so most research efforts are concentrated on understanding the dynamics of transmission, with close physical contact being the primary mode of infection. One notable initiative is the Mpox Therapeutic Study (MOSA), which is led by the Africa CDC. This pan-African, randomized, platform-adaptive trial for Mpox was launched in January 2025.
The MOSA trial aims to evaluate brincidofovir, an antiviral medication developed by the global life sciences company Emergent BioSolutions. This drug is currently available under a single-patient emergency-use Investigational New Drug (IND)
protocol for Mpox in the U.S. The trial addresses the need for double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to confirm the safety and efficacy of brincidofovir in humans, as these aspects have not yet been established.
NAVIGATING STIGMA, MISDIAGNOSIS, AND EQUITY
As scientists strive to unearth secrets about transmission channels, probable mutations that may influence virulence or transmissibility, and potential vaccinations, considerable barriers remain that impede Mpox research, treatment, and innovation. Vaccine equity, the stigma associated with the Mpox virus, and misdiagnosis stand out as key barriers.
Experts are concerned that poor research and development capacity, as well as a complex trade and intellectual property environment, will impede African manufacturers’ ability to create viable vaccines-echoing the predicament Africa faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stigma associated with Mpox, mainly due to its visible skin lesions, has also proven to be a significant barrier to public health efforts. This stigma has discouraged many individuals from seeking care and treatment. Moreover, stigma, discrimination, and racism- especially those directed against communities most affected by the disease, such as men who have sex with men, transgender persons, and gender-diverse communities-are substantial impediments to treatment.
Misdiagnosis is another major challenge that must be addressed. Because the virus exhibits symptoms similar to those of other poxviruses, as well as COVID-19, treatment can
be delayed. To properly treat Mpox, it is also vital to differentiate it from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmitted infections, and medication-associated allergies.
FASTER DIAGNOSTICS ON THE HORIZON
Despite these hurdles, rapid diagnostic tests are being developed to produce faster, more accurate results, which are critical for timely intervention. For example, Contipharma, a Belgian pharmaceutical company, has developed a LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) Mpox viral antigen test kit that can produce results in 20 minutes and is currently being evaluated for use in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In November 2024, the Africa CDC, through its Diagnostic Advisory Committee (DAC), recommended the first locally manufactured real-time PCR test for Mpox from Morocco. This edition includes one locally manufactured PCR detection kit (UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR 1.0), produced by Moldiag, Morocco. This test kit was evaluated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), demonstrated very good performance characteristics, and fulfilled almost all the criteria used by the DAC for shortlisting recommended tests.
On March 12, 2025, the DAC approved the RADIONE Mpox Detection Kit, a new point-of-care test for Mpox manufactured by KH Medical Co., Ltd. in South Korea. This addition to the recommended list of molecular diagnostic tests aims to enhance Mpox diagnostic access across the continent. The
automated PCR test detects Mpox DNA, including clade I and clade II, in skin lesion samples from symptomatic patients. With this addition, the total number of recommended tests has increased to ten.
EXPLORING THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS AND SUPPORTIVE CARE
Most patients with Mpox who severe illness or risk factors for severe disease do not have can recover with supportive care and pain management. However, some individuals may develop severe manifestations of the disease. These include ocular infections, neurological complications, myopericarditis, issues related to mucosal lesions, and complications arising from uncontrolled viral spread due to moderate or severe immunocompromise, particularly in those with advanced HIV infection.
Researchers are investigating the possibility of repurposing existing antiviral drugs and vaccines to combat Mpox. One such option is the Jynneos vaccine, which is approved for preventing smallpox and Mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are considered at high risk for infection. Additionally, tecovirimat (TPOXX) can be administered to certain patients with Mpox under the CDC’s Expanded Access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) protocol. This therapy is typically the first choice for patients who need more than just supportive care.
Brincidofovir and Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIGIV) are additional therapies available from the Strategic National
Stockpile (SNS) that may be considered for treating Mpox in certain patients. These can be used either in combination with tecovirimat or as alternative treatments when tecovirimat is not suitable. Cidofovir, a commercially available antiviral with a similar mechanism of action to brincidofovir, may also be considered. For patients with ocular Mpox infections, trifluridine ophthalmic solution may be used, but this should be done after consulting with ophthalmologists.
BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR FUTURE PANDEMICS
Although the Mpox virus is regarded as an epidemic of concern, it presents a unique opportunity to build a global health infrastructure. The lessons learned from Ebola control in Uganda serve as a model of best practices for outbreak response on the continent. These lessons include the swift implementation of comprehensive interventions such as active surveillance, enhanced contact tracing, case isolation and treatment, mortality surveillance, and extensive public awareness campaigns.
The use of the One Health approach, which acknowledges the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, has also proven essential in addressing the root causes of zoonotic illnesses-such as deforestation and wildlife trafficking. The fight against Mpox is more than just a battle against a virus; it is a critical step toward a healthier, more resilient planet capable of withstanding future pandemics.
HCMEA
Catapulting funding crisis into opportunity by getting on track to end TB and tobacco use
BY BOBBY RAMAKANT – CNS
The funding crises forced upon by the US government on several low- and middle-income countries is an opportunity in disguise to improve programme efficiency and outcome and invest optimally in health and development responses from domestic coffers.
Evidence shows that tobacco alone costs an economic loss of US$1.4 trillion every year. One can imagine the huge economic benefit if governments accelerate progress towards ending tobacco, and reducing burden of tobacco-caused diseases and untimely deaths, and averting this mountainous economic loss to global economy
All governments can generate more domestic resources by following the science. “One of the scientific evidence-based tobacco control measures is to raise tobacco taxes. Taxation is one of the most effective ways of reducing tobacco use. Higher tobacco taxes raise tobacco prices, leading to reductions in tobacco consumption. Increasing the price of tobacco reduces tobacco use by discouraging initiation among potential users, encouraging current users to quit and helping to prevent relapse in those who have stopped,” said Dr Tara Singh Bam, Asia Pacific Director (Tobacco Control), Vital Strategies, and honorary Board Director of Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT).
Dr Bam was delivering a public health guest lecture in the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Indonesia, on the topic: “Integrative approaches to end the double burden of tuberculosis and tobacco Use.” It was organised by Udayana University and its Udayana CENTRAL (Centre for NCDs, Tobacco Control and Lung Health). This lecture was chaired by Dr Ketut Suarjana, Head of Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Udayana University, Indonesia.
FOLLOW THE SCIENCE AND RAISE TOBACCO TAXES
Raising tobacco taxes is one of the six cost-effective and high impact measures to reduce demand for tobacco recommended
by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its MPOWER package since 2008 onwards. All these six measures are in line with the legally binding global tobacco treaty (formally called the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) which is ratified by 182 countries and the European Union. “Indonesia should also ratify it as it is the only country in Asia Pacific which has not done so,” said Dr Bam.
“Governments can also levy similar taxes on alcohol, sweetened sugary drinks, or junk fast food – all of which is a major pushback for public health, as it increases the risk of preventable deadly diseases,” rightly said Dr Bam.
By raising taxes on products that are proven to increase the risk of deadly diseases, governments can get more financial resources to invest into public health. More importantly, raising such taxes would deter users to consume harmful products and dissuade those who are not yet consumers of unhealthy diets and drinks.
For every US$ 1 invested in TB control, return on investment is US$ 4
An important 2023 study shows that for every US$ 1 invested in science- and evidence-based TB control, the return on investment is US$ 46.
When hit with funding crises at several levels, does it not make a lot of sense to invest domestic resources in fully funding the domestic fight to end TB? If governments find ALL people with TB with best of screening and diagnostic tools, put them on the latest treatment regimens, then they would prevent TB too, reduce human suffering and untimely deaths. TB preventive therapy as well as addressing risk factors for TB is equally important.
“Stronger implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures also has a positive impact on TB response as well as other health programmes, such as those addressing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases,” said Dr Bam.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: TOBACCO AND TB
Dr Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti, Coordinator of Undergraduate Public Health Study Programme, Udayana University, said that tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for TB, as per the latest WHO Global TB Report 2024. Tobacco use was the risk factor for almost 150,000 people with TB disease in 2023 in Indonesia (one-fifth of the total number of TB patients notified in the same year in Indonesia). Undernutrition ranked 2ndbiggest TB risk factor in Indonesia with 84,000 people with TB disease notified in 2023. Diabetes, HIV and alcohol were the next three big risk factors for TB in the country.
“10.8 million people fell ill with active TB disease in 2023 worldwide as per the latest WHO Global TB Report. Out of these, 1.25 million died due to TB in the same year globally. However, if we look at tobacco use, there were at least 1.133 billion tobacco users aged 15 years or above. Over 8 million tobacco users lost their lives in a year,” said Dr Bam. “At least 0.73 million people get TB disease in a year due to tobacco
AT LEAST 0.73 MILLION PEOPLE GET TB DISEASE IN A YEAR DUE TO TOBACCO USE, AND 16% OF THEM DIE DUE TO THE DUAL PANDEMIC OF TB AND TOBACCO.
use, and 16% of them die due to the dual pandemic of TB and tobacco.”
Dr Bam shared that a WHO and The Union monograph on TB and tobacco control shows how tobacco smoking amplifies the risk of TB infection, mortality, treatment relapse, heightened clinical severity, and delays in both diagnosis and treatment.
Another study done by Dr Tara Singh Bam, Dr Donald Enarson (legendary lung health expert), Dr Dirgh Singh Bam (former Health Secretary of Government of Nepal) and others, showed that there were worryingly long delays in TB diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Current tobacco smokers in Nepal had an average of 133 days of delay and ex-smokers had 103 days of average delay, compared to those who had never smoked but faced an average delay of 80 days. These delays in TB diagnosis and treatment result in mounting up catastrophic costs for many people in low- and middle-income countries
BETTER TB TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN THOSE WHO QUIT TOBACCO
A study published in 2022 in the reputed journal Thorax showed that TB treatment outcomes were significantly better among those patients who had quit tobacco use during the TB treatment in Pakistan and Bangladesh. More than 91% of TB patients who had quit tobacco use during TB treatment were successful in completing the therapy (compared to 80% who did not quit tobacco use).
TB relapse rates were also higher among those who did not quit tobacco use during TB treatment- 6% among those who had quit tobacco use and 14% among those who had not quit tobacco use during the treatment reported TB relapse.
LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Rights come with responsibilities. Dr Bam encouraged everyone to take individual responsibility to have a health seeking behaviour, help protect others from infection and access healthcare services promptly when needed. Current tobacco users also have a responsibility to quit tobacco use and stay away from deadly tobacco.
We also need to unite and hold governments to account to deliver on the promises made for saving our lives from both: TB and tobacco - along with all other sustainable development goals and targets. HCMEA
Smarter Brushing
How AI is Transforming Oral Health
BY ALPHONSE OKOTH
In the not-so-distant past, brushing teeth was a simple, largely passive routine – two minutes, twice a day, often with little insight into how effective it actually was. Today, that’s changing fast. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping oral care, ushering in a new era of smarter, personalized, and data-driven dental hygiene. From connected toothbrushes to real-time brushing feedback and remote diagnostics, AI is giving consumers the tools to not just brush more, but brush better.
This innovation arrives at a pivotal moment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with untreated dental caries in permanent teeth ranking as the most prevalent health condition.
WHO further projects that, without stronger preventive strategies and greater access to quality oral healthcare, this burden is likely to increase—particularly in underserved communities. AI-powered brushing tools, by helping individuals correct technique and maintain consistency, represent a scalable and proactive solution to mitigate this growing public health challenge.
THE AI-POWERED TOOTHBRUSH
At the forefront of this transformation are AI-enabled electric toothbrushes that use advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms to guide users to optimal brushing habits. Companies like Oral-B, Colgate, and Philips have integrated AI into their smart toothbrushes to monitor brushing angles, pressure, coverage, and duration.
Oral-B’s iO Series, for instance, is equipped with a 3D tracking system that connects to an app to show users which areas they’ve missed. It also provides gentle nudges when users apply too much pressure or rush through brushing zones. The AI learns from thousands of brushing sessions to provide increasingly tailored advice.
Dr. Josefine Gaebler, Director of Research and Development at Oral-B, explains: “AI gives consumers actionable insights. It’s not just about brushing longer — it’s about brushing right. Our iO technology is trained on over 2500 brushing styles, enabling it to coach users with precision.”
Colgate’s Hum brush offers similar smart feedback, but with a stronger emphasis on gamification. Through the app, users earn points and rewards for good brushing behaviors, helping to instill better habits — particularly among children and teens.
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO ORAL HYGIENE
AI’s greatest contribution may lie in its ability to personalize oral care routines. No two mouths are alike. AI analyzes brushing data and learns user-specific behaviors, tailoring suggestions accordingly. Some models even adjust motor speeds and brushing modes in real time based on how a user handles the brush.
Philips Sonicare’s Prestige 9900 uses AI to track micromovements and adapt its intensity to reduce gum irritation, especially for users with sensitive gums or existing dental issues. The system leverages cloud connectivity to track progress over time and allows dental professionals to offer remote coaching based on brushing history.
“AI is enabling a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a precision-based model of oral hygiene,” says Dr. Sarah
Lewiston, a dental AI researcher at the University of Zurich. “With data from smart brushes, we’re beginning to understand how people actually brush — not how they say they brush — and that’s a game changer.”
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY GOES DIGITAL
Beyond the consumer market, AI is making strides in professional dental care. Dental startups are using AI to analyze brushing data in aggregate, identifying patterns that may indicate early signs of gum disease, enamel wear, or plaque build-up. This allows for proactive intervention, often before the user notices any symptoms.
One example is the startup Bristle, which combines microbiome testing with AI to offer users a full oral health profile. Bristle’s system can correlate oral bacteria patterns with brushing data to flag risk factors and recommend preventive steps — including changes to brushing technique, diet, or dental care products.
Another innovator, Toothpic, offers teledentistry services powered by AI-driven image analysis. Users upload photos of their teeth and gums via a smartphone app; the AI analyzes them for signs of cavities, misalignment, and gingivitis, then recommends a treatment or refers the case to a professional.
According to Dr. Andrew Smith, Chief Clinical Officer at Toothpic: “AI bridges the gap between daily hygiene and professional care. With routine data capture and image analysis, we can detect problems earlier and reduce the need for invasive treatments.”
GAMIFICATION, ENGAGEMENT AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
Getting people to adopt better brushing habits has long been a challenge — especially among children. AI and gamification offer a creative solution. By turning brushing into a game and providing real-time feedback, smart toothbrushes are keeping users more engaged.
Kolibree, acquired by Colgate, developed one of the first toothbrushes designed as a gaming controller. Its Magik toothbrush for kids lets them battle monsters while brushing, powered by AI that tracks movement and brushing accuracy.
“Children were more likely to complete full brushing sessions and brush longer when the toothbrush was linked to a game,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Stinson, a pediatric dentist involved in a Kolibree study. “It’s not just fun — it’s behavioral science in action.”
DATA PRIVACY AND CHALLENGES
As AI-powered toothbrushes collect increasing amounts of personal data — from brushing times to detailed dental profiles — privacy and data security are becoming important considerations.
Manufacturers have generally pledged to anonymize user data and use it only to improve functionality or for research purposes. However, some privacy advocates warn that healthrelated data, even when anonymized, should be handled with
COMPANIES LIKE ORAL-B, COLGATE, AND PHILIPS HAVE INTEGRATED AI INTO THEIR SMART TOOTHBRUSHES TO MONITOR BRUSHING ANGLES, PRESSURE, COVERAGE, AND DURATION.
strict transparency and user control.
“There’s a fine line between personalization and surveillance,” says Danica Green, a digital rights analyst with the Consumer Privacy Lab. “Users need clarity on how their brushing data is used, stored, and who has access to it — particularly as AI begins integrating with broader health ecosystems.”
THE ROAD AHEAD: INTEGRATION WITH BROADER HEALTH ECOSYSTEMS
Looking ahead, AI-driven brushing is expected to integrate with broader digital health ecosystems. Smart toothbrushes could eventually sync with electronic health records, dental insurance platforms, and even wellness apps to create a comprehensive picture of a person’s health.
Imagine a scenario where your brushing data influences your dental insurance premiums, or your fitness tracker alerts you to potential gum issues based on irregular brushing patterns.
Some insurers are already piloting models where regular brushing with a smart toothbrush earns users discounts or incentives. Aetna and Delta Dental, for example, have tested programs linking oral hygiene behavior to policy benefits.
According to industry analyst Marcus Bell from HealthTech Insights: “Oral health is often overlooked in the digital health revolution, but AI is closing that gap. In five years, brushing your teeth could be as connected to your overall health metrics as your steps or heart rate.”
AI AS A DAILY DENTAL COACH
Artificial intelligence is helping redefine oral hygiene from a static routine to an interactive, evolving experience. Whether through personalized guidance, early diagnostics, or gamified brushing, AI is enabling people to care for their teeth more effectively — and more enjoyably.
As the technology matures and becomes more widely accessible, AI may not just help us brush better — it may ultimately prevent disease, lower dental costs, and promote lifelong oral health.
As Dr. Lewiston aptly sums it up: “With AI, we’re finally bringing precision and accountability to something we all do every day. And that’s a quiet but profound revolution in public health.”
Africa’s
healthcare workforce
Crisis
The human cost of shortages
BY ALPHONSE OKOTH
Africa is currently facing a healthcare workforce crisis that threatens the continent’s ability to meet the most basic health needs of its population. With 24% of the global disease burden and just 3% of the world’s health workers, the imbalance is alarming. The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that Africa will face a shortage of 6.1 million healthcare workers by 2030. This crisis is not just a matter of statistics—it is one of life and death.
A CONTINENT UNDER PRESSURE
The shortage of health workers in Africa affects every facet of healthcare delivery—from primary care and maternal health to surgery, mental health services, and disease prevention. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a doctorto-patient ratio of 1:5,000, far below the WHO’s recommended minimum of 1:600. The situation is even worse in rural areas, where healthcare professionals are scarce or non-existent.
A study by Public Services International (PSI) reveals that 60% of frontline health workers in Africa have seen patients die in hospital waiting areas due to understaffing. Seventy-one percent said they were forced to care for more patients than they could adequately manage.
Bertha Kabali, a nurse in Zambia, shared her reality: “Staff shortages mean nurses fail to live their lives. We don’t have time to spend with our families, and we are stressed because we don’t have enough time to rest away from work.”
THE BRAIN DRAIN DILEMMA
One of the major causes of Africa’s health worker shortage is the mass migration of trained professionals to wealthier countries. This ‘brain drain’ sees nurses, doctors, and specialists leaving for better salaries, work environments, and
professional opportunities. Over 75,000 Nigerian nurses have emigrated since 2017 to destinations like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Dr. Victor Makanjuola, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, said, “No one would, based on patriotism alone, stay in a system where you’re paid ten times less, with little security and support, and refuse opportunities abroad that provide a better life.”
This exodus doesn’t just cost countries their talent—it severely undermines economic growth. “When doctors and specialists leave, it’s not just a loss to the hospital. It’s a loss to the entire economy,” he explained. “We lose educators, mentors, innovators, and contributors to GDP. It drains public investment and forces households to seek costlier private or foreign healthcare alternatives.”
The African Union has echoed this concern, warning that such migration may result in a compounded deficit in healthcare service delivery and a widening gap in universal health coverage, conditions that further depress national productivity and strain public health financing.
THE IMPACT ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
Maternal and infant mortality are directly affected by workforce shortages. In Tanzania, midwives like Juster Joseph express their helplessness. “We often lack the tools we need, and we work alone. Many mothers die not because we don’t care, but because we cannot do more,” she said. The economic implications of these losses are immense. When maternal deaths occur, families are left without caregivers, children are orphaned, and communities face increased social vulnerability.
According to the World Bank, each maternal
death translates into a significant productivity loss, particularly in rural economies where women contribute heavily to agriculture and small-scale enterprise. Furthermore, high infant mortality reduces the future workforce, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Healthcare-related complications during childbirth also result in long-term disabilities that require ongoing care, placing financial strain on families and diverting resources from education and business. This ripple effect ultimately hampers national development and undermines efforts to lift populations out of poverty.
Without enough skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care is out of reach for millions of women. SubSaharan Africa accounts for nearly two-thirds of global maternal deaths—an outcome directly linked to insufficient health staffing.
PUBLIC SECTOR STRUGGLES AND REFORMS
Governments have attempted to intervene, though often with mixed results. Zimbabwe introduced legislation penalizing health workers for prolonged strikes, which has been criticized for suppressing the rights of overstretched professionals.
In Nigeria, a controversial bill proposes mandating five years of compulsory service for medical graduates before they can receive full licenses to practice or travel abroad. Critics argue this will do little to address root causes and may discourage new entrants into the profession.
Despite these challenges, some countries are exploring solutions. Ghana and Rwanda are investing in community health worker programs. Kenya is digitizing health records to optimize the deployment of its existing workforce. South Africa is piloting nurse-led clinics to expand the reach of care.
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
The crisis has far-reaching economic consequences. Africa loses an estimated US$2 billion annually due to health worker
migration, not only from the costs of training but from the value of care lost. This perpetuates a vicious cycle in which underinvestment fuels further migration.
Moreover, the stress on existing staff can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and a decline in service quality. This affects national productivity, as a sick workforce contributes to economic stagnation.
Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO of Seed Global Health, emphasized, “Failure to invest in health workers means weak systems, poor care, and inability to meet today’s disease burdens. A strong workforce is foundational to public health.”
Africa’s crisis cannot be solved by the continent alone. Highincome countries actively recruiting African professionals must reckon with their role in draining fragile systems. In 2023, the UK faced criticism for recruiting nurses from countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, despite their inclusion on the WHO’s list of health workforce support and safeguard countries.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated: “International recruitment must be ethical. Rich countries cannot build their health systems on the backs of those who can least afford to lose health workers.”
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AS LIFELINES
There are glimmers of hope. Digital health platforms are being used to triage patients, reducing the burden on clinicians. In Rwanda, drones deliver blood and medical supplies to remote
clinics, saving lives and time.
Artificial intelligence is also showing promise. AI-driven diagnostics are helping identify diseases faster in resourcelimited settings. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are empowering community health workers with decision-support tools and real-time guidance.
Some nations are embracing task-shifting, which involves delegating certain clinical tasks to less specialized workers. Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program is a leading example. It trains community health workers to provide basic care, health education, and referrals.
This model has improved maternal and child health indicators and reduced the burden on overworked physicians and nurses. However, scaling such programs requires sustained investment and a strong commitment to political will.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Africa’s medical and nursing schools are producing professionals, but not at the scale required to meet growing demands. Increasing capacity is critical, but so is improving the quality of education, ensuring updated curricula, and equipping institutions with modern tools and qualified faculty. There is also a pressing need to incentivize graduates to serve in rural and underserved areas, where the need is most acute.
Countries like Senegal are decentralizing training institutions to increase geographic accessibility and tailor education to local health challenges. Additionally, there is a
OVER 75,000 NIGERIAN NURSES HAVE EMIGRATED SINCE 2017 TO DESTINATIONS LIKE THE UK, US, CANADA, AND AUSTRALIA.
need to bridge the gap between graduation and employment, as some qualified professionals remain underutilized due to funding and absorption constraints in public health systems. Without deliberate, well-funded workforce planning, the continent risks producing health professionals who either leave for better opportunities abroad or remain idle due to systemic inefficiencies.
Public-private partnerships can also help fill workforce gaps while improving the quality of training. In Kenya, Amref International University has partnered with county governments to identify local healthcare needs and develop tailored nursing programs that equip students with communityfocused skills. This initiative ensures that graduates are not only trained for immediate deployment within their counties but are also more likely to remain in those areas due to local ties and targeted curricula.
Amref’s CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, stated, “We believe in training health workers where they are needed most and with the skills that meet local health realities.” This model offers a replicable strategy for other countries seeking to reduce rural healthcare disparities through sustainable, decentralized workforce development.
A CALL TO ACTION
The shortage of health workers in Africa is not a future threat—it is a present emergency. Its effects are being felt in clinics, hospitals, and homes across the continent. Addressing this crisis requires bold, coordinated efforts.
African governments must increase health budgets, improve working conditions, and reward service. International partners must support training, resist unethical recruitment practices, and fund system strengthening initiatives.
Above all, health workers must be seen not as costs, but as investments in national well-being. As Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, put it: “The health worker is the backbone of any health system. Without them, there is no healthcare.”
The path forward is difficult, but it is clear. With urgency, equity, and commitment, Africa can build a resilient and inclusive health system—one that honours the sacrifices of its healthcare heroes and safeguards the health of its people.
Healthcare
Reforms
Why universal systems are giving way to self-reliance models
BY MARK ADAMS, CEO, CMC HOSPITAL DUBAI.
Across much of the developed world, noble aims to provide state health and welfare systems free at the point of use for all are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Health reforms in various jurisdictions demonstrate the need to address how healthcare is delivered and funded, not just in the GCC but throughout the developed world.
Shifting demographics and an ageing, less healthy population with rising levels of lifestyle diseases are placing unprecedented pressure on these creaking systems. Meanwhile, the number of younger, workingage individuals – the very demographic that finances many of these universal systems through taxes – is dwindling.
With a wealth of alternative and successful hybrid approaches in operation in Europe and APAC regions – for example, the Australian government offers a tax rebate to citizens who purchase private health insurance to relieve the burden on its universal co-payment Medicare system – the need for more sustainable healthcare funding is beginning to influence long-overdue reforms around the world.
Legislative and regulatory reforms have been implemented to try and anticipate future funding and provision demands, but how are the UAE and Saudi Arabian healthcare reforms panning out? Which funding models seem to work best? And are universal, free-at-the-point-of-use systems such as the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) on their last legs?
A TALE OF THREE SYSTEMS: UAE, KSA AND UK
The United Arab Emirates
The UAE has a comprehensive government-funded health service and a developing private sector. All Emirati nationals have access to healthcare, either free or heavily subsidised by the government. This is accompanied by mandatory health insurance for all expats and dependants and, as a result, a fast-growing private sector dominates the market. In fact, a key driver of this growth is the expanding health insurance market, fuelled in part by a rapidly increasing expatriate population. As of March 2025, it’s estimated that expats make up around 88% of the UAE population. Recent reforms and the streamlining of regulatory processes now allow foreign ownership of private healthcare facilities under certain conditions. Doing away with the requirement for Emirati ownership of
such facilities constitutes a departure from previous market restrictions and has paved the way for simplified licensing procedures for foreign-owned healthcare entities. Along with reducing bureaucratic hoops, a robust legal framework guarantees investor protection in what has become a much fairer business environment. As might be expected, this has all led to a far more investor-friendly healthcare landscape.
Saudi Arabia
Much like the UAE system, healthcare in Saudi Arabia is considered a fundamental right for all Saudi nationals and public-sector expats. Its universal system is primarily funded by government and delivered, historically, through a mixture of public provision with private involvement.
Non-nationals working in KSA are subject to mandatory health insurance requirements and, as in the UAE, this has spawned private-sector growth in the Kingdom. And now, regulatory, operational and organisational changes in how healthcare is delivered have begun to open the public sector up to even more participation from private healthcare providers, driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision-2030 programmes aimed at reforming public health by way of insurance-based models and a growing role for the private sector.
These recent organisational and operational reforms have transformed the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) previous role as regulator and provider into one of pure regulation and supervision. Under these reforms, responsibility for healthcare provision has passed to a new “health holding company” (HHC), which assumes control and management of all public healthcare provision. This establishes health clusters through independent companies that act as corporatised public bodies to provide public healthcare. These health clusters can issue tenders and contracts for private companies to participate in managing and operating these independent health facilities.
As Senior Counsel at corporate law firm Al Tamimi notes, “under these new models of care, it is anticipated that privatisation initiatives will be accelerated as the clusters will be encouraged to transfer the ownership, management and operations of their facilities to private companies”.
United Kingdom
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the country’s single biggest employer and provides tax-payer-funded, cradle-tograve care, free at the point of use. Established in 1948 and employing some 1.7 million people, it has historically and infamously lacked the necessary reforms to make it sustainable and fit for purpose in the 21st century. Yet, curiously, it enjoys a substantial degree of ideological infatuation and protection, as well as almost visceral repulsion at the 7% of the Department of Health and Social Care’s budget that’s spent on private provision.
The empirical evidence, however, suggests that this infatuation is misplaced. The UK government spends more on healthcare than all but two European countries, which amounts to around £1 in every £7 it spends. Government expenditure on
healthcare between 2010 and 2023 saw a 42% increase in cash terms and a 25% increase in real terms, and yet its customers endure worse health outcomes, longer waiting lists and more excess deaths than almost any other comparable populations.
That’s partly because the NHS is equipped with fewer beds, doctors and nurses than the average rich country; the OECD average for hospital beds per 1,000 people is 4.7, while the UK has just 2.5, and its 3.1 practising physicians per 1,000 people compares poorly to the OECD’s average of 3.5.
SELF-RELIANCE VERSUS UNIVERSAL CARE:
Arguments in favour of taxpayer-funded universal models often claim that it’s not the funding model that’s important, but the investment in healthcare. In the UK’s case, that might be a plausible argument were it not for the fact that, compared to a sample of 32 EU/OECD countries, only Ireland and Germany spend more than the UK on healthcare as a share of total government expenditure. And when compared to 40 comparable countries, the UK’s expenditure on healthcare as a proportion of GDP comes fourth, hot on the heels of Germany, France and Austria. Yet it delivers decidedly sub-par outcomes.
Health outcomes are a crucial metric for measuring the effectiveness of various funding models, and the comparison between GCC and UK systems reveals that an element of selfreliance within funding models can deliver more effective, higher quality and less wasteful care. When compared to the basket of OECD countries, the UK’s universal system offers poorer outcomes in the crucial preventable-mortality and treatable-mortality metrics than almost all other comparable nations.
By contrast, the UAE is fast-gravitating towards a value-based system that puts patient outcomes and costeffectiveness at the heart of its operations. This approach, centred on patient engagement, data-driven decision-making, and preventative care, optimises resource utilisation to enhance clinical outcomes. Consequently, both overall and infant mortality rates have significantly decreased, while hospital bed availability has increased.
NEW MODELS FOR A NEW AGE
The UAE and KSA are focused on encouraging investment through regulatory and policy changes to attract the necessary private investment. After all, anticipated demand over the next couple of decades needs more private-sector entrants into a market that offers the scale required to remain competitive and viable.
But models that incorporate at least a hybrid approach with some element of self-reliance appear to be more sustainable, with more stable funding.
As for the more bloated universal models, a system that needs “protecting” from its users and subscribers – those with a good memory will recall the UK government’s COVID incantations to “protect the NHS” – should alert us all to the potentially dangerous inadequacies inherent in these systems down the line. HCMEA
Thermo Fisher Scientific unveils two advanced mass spectrometers
USA - Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched two new mass spectrometers—the Orbitrap Astral Zoom and Orbitrap Excedion Pro—designed to accelerate breakthroughs in disease research and precision medicine.
Announced ahead of the 2025 American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) conference, these instruments promise transformative advances in proteomics, biopharmaceutical development, and biomarker discovery.
The Orbitrap Astral Zoom MS, an evolution of the awardwinning Orbitrap Astral, delivers 35% faster scan speeds, 40% higher throughput, and 50% improved multiplexing.
These upgrades offer greater sensitivity, deeper biological insights, and more flexible experimental designs.
According to Dr. Yu-Ju Chen of Academia Sinica, the enhanced performance enables the identification of more biomarkers—vital for early disease detection and precision oncology.
Meanwhile, the Orbitrap Excedion Pro MS marks a major step forward in hybrid Orbitrap technology. It is the first platform to integrate next-gen Orbitrap mass spectrometry
with alternative fragmentation methods, making it ideal for analyzing complex biomolecules like monoclonal antibodies.
This system delivers improved sensitivity, dynamic range, and resolution—key for studying proteins, small molecules, and post-translational modifications crucial to cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Both systems support Thermo Fisher’s broader mission of offering a comprehensive ecosystem—from reagents and consumables to advanced imaging and AI-powered software.
CEO Marc N. Casper emphasized the company’s commitment to enabling researchers to uncover the biological mechanisms of diseases and develop novel therapies.
At ASMS 2025 in Baltimore, Thermo Fisher will showcase these instruments alongside Olink’s affinity-based proteomics technology, combining specificity with the power of Orbitrap MS to provide deeper understanding of disease mechanisms.
Together, these innovations represent a leap forward in scientific discovery, paving the way for improved diagnostics and targeted treatments.
Philips launches RADIQAL trial to reduce radiation exposure in heart procedures
NETHERLANDS - Royal Philips has launched the RADIQAL trial, a multicenter, randomized study to assess a new ultra-low X-ray dose technology aimed at reducing radiation exposure in coronary artery procedures by up to 50%, while maintaining image quality and procedural efficacy.
The trial, involving 824 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), is being conducted across six hospitals in Spain, the Czech Republic, and the United States, with the first patient enrolled at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark.
CAD, the leading global heart disease, often requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a minimally invasive procedure guided by live X-ray imaging to restore blood flow in blocked arteries.
The RADIQAL trial compares Philips’ new ultra-low dose
protocol, integrated into the Azurion image-guided therapy system, against the existing ClarityIQ technology.
This innovation, which has received CE marking for EU compliance, is designed to minimize radiation risks for patients and medical staff, particularly during complex procedures or for patients with higher BMI.
Dr. Javier Escaned, the trial’s principal investigator from Hospital Clínico San Carlos, emphasized the need to balance reduced radiation with high-quality angiograms, especially in ultra-low contrast procedures.
Dr. Darshan Doshi, an interventional cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the technology’s potential to support confident clinical decisions while enhancing safety in daily procedures.
By addressing radiation exposure—a critical concern in interventional cardiology—the RADIQAL trial aims to provide robust evidence on the new technology’s ability to improve patient and staff safety without compromising outcomes.
Philips’ initiative underscores its commitment to advancing image-guided therapies, potentially setting a new standard for safer, high-quality coronary interventions.
The trial’s global scope and focus on real-world data reflect its significance in shaping the future of minimally invasive cardiac care.
FDA clears Zimmer Biomet Knee Implant for metal sensitivity
USA - Zimmer Biomet has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Persona Revision SoluTion™ Femur, a revision knee implant component designed for patients with metal hypersensitivity, affecting 10-15% of the general population and up to 25% of those with metallic implants.
This implant, part of the Persona Revision Knee System, uses a proprietary Tivanium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy, free of common allergens like nickel, cobalt, and chromium, and features a Ti-Nidium Surface Hardening Process to enhance wear performance and reduce particle release that can trigger inflammatory responses, pain, or implant loosening.
These reactions often necessitate revision surgeries for total knee replacements.
The Persona Revision SoluTion Femur offers anatomical components, including tibial and femoral cones and stem options, to support zonal fixation, and is available in standard and plus sizes to address flexion instability and minimize implant overhang.
This design improves surgical precision and patient outcomes. The implant, clinically used for over 17 years, provides durability comparable to traditional metal implants while mitigating hypersensitivity risks. It is set for U.S. commercial availability in Q3 2025.
Joe Urban, President of Knees at Zimmer Biomet, highlighted the clearance as a milestone in expanding their surface-hardening technology into revision knee systems, offering the first metal-alternative solution for patients with sensitivities.
This innovation addresses a significant cause of revision procedures, reinforcing Zimmer Biomet’s commitment to tackling musculoskeletal health challenges.
By avoiding common metal allergens, the Persona Revision SoluTion Femur meets a critical, previously unmet need, enhancing options for surgeons and improving quality of life for patients with metal hypersensitivity undergoing knee revision surgeries.
This development strengthens Zimmer Biomet’s position as a leader in innovative medical technology for orthopedic care.
Neuralink raises US$650M to advance brain-computer interface technology
USA - Neuralink, USA-based neurotechnology company, has raised US$650 million in a Series E funding round, pushing its total funding beyond US$1.2 billion and valuing the firm at around US$9 billion.
Key investors include ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital, QIA, Thrive Capital, and others, underscoring strong confidence in the company’s pioneering brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
The funds will support expanded patient access and accelerate the development of advanced devices that bridge human cognition and artificial intelligence.
Neuralink’s core product, the N1 implant, is a coin-sized device with 1,024 electrodes on 64 ultra-thin threads, inserted into the brain to enable individuals with severe paralysis to control digital and physical devices using their thoughts.
Implanted with the help of a precision robot (R1), the device is wirelessly rechargeable and powered by custom chips.
So far, five patients with severe paralysis have received the N1 implant in ongoing clinical trials at top institutions like Barrow Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and University Health Network Toronto.
Recipients can now browse the internet, play games, and operate devices using neural signals.
Neuralink is also expanding its applications beyond motor control. It received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for a system targeting speech impairments and is conducting a study (CONVOY) to test brain-controlled robotic arms.
Additionally, the company is developing implants aimed at restoring vision, which have also been fast-tracked for regulatory review.
To support these initiatives, Neuralink is recruiting engineers and technical experts as it works toward interfacing with more neurons and brain regions.
The ultimate goal is to unlock new capabilities in human-machine integration and push the boundaries of neurotechnology.
Syntegon launches advanced SynTiso Line for liquid pharmaceuticals
GERMANY - Syntegon unveiled its new SynTiso line—an innovative system designed to transform liquid pharmaceutical production.
Developed in collaboration with two major pharmaceutical partners, SynTiso addresses key industry demands: high performance, increased availability, minimal operator intervention, and maximum product yield.
A standout feature of the SynTiso line is its gloveless isolator, which drastically reduces human contact and contamination risks.
This aligns with Syntegon’s goal of revolutionizing pharmaceutical filling operations through automation and strategic partnerships.
The system’s contactless, suspended transport mechanism ensures a particle-free aseptic environment, particularly beneficial for sensitive products like cancer drugs.
Another innovation is the remote use of robots, which only enter the aseptic zone when necessary.
This supports both Annex 1 compliance and the “First Air” principle, which maintains clean airflow around products. Additionally, SynTiso offers real-time germ and particle monitoring, removing the need for manual interventions such as settle plate changes.
Efficiency is a core strength of the SynTiso system. It enables faster aseptic transport, up to 50% faster batch changeovers, and 100% in-process control.
The compact system can handle up to 600 syringes, vials, or cartridges per minute, making it ideal for high-demand applications like vaccine production and ready-to-use (RTU) containers.
Executive Vice President Stephan März emphasized that SynTiso was developed with pharmaceutical processes embedded from the outset, resulting in a flexible, efficient solution.
The line represents a major step toward the goal of a virtually operator-free isolator, ensuring faster product availability and setting a new industry benchmark for sterile drug manufacturing.
J&J’s
Varipulse returns
to US market with updated
guidance
USA - American multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technologies corporation, Johnson & Johnson has resumed the limited U.S. market release of its Varipulse heart device, used for pulsed field ablation to treat atrial fibrillation, after a temporary halt in January 2025 due to four reported stroke events.
The device, approved by the FDA in 2024, had been used in over 130 U.S. cases before the suspension, which paused ongoing evaluations and new case introductions.
A thorough investigation confirmed that Varipulse functions as intended, with no performance differences across global configurations.
However, it identified an increased risk of neurovascular events linked to high ablation numbers, stacked ablations, or ablations outside pulmonary veins.
In response, Johnson & Johnson updated the Instructions for Use (IFU) for the VARIPULSE™ Catheter globally, incorporating enhanced safety guidance.
The company is actively communicating these updates to healthcare professionals, urging them to review the new guidelines and discuss them with patients to align practices with current clinical recommendations.
This proactive approach aims to minimize risks while maintaining the device’s role as a vital treatment option for atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting heart rhythm.
Globally, Varipulse has been used in over 3,000 commercial cases, highlighting its significance. The resumption of its U.S. release reflects Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to balancing innovation with stringent safety standards.
The company plans to continue educating healthcare providers, ensuring clinical insights are integrated into medical practice to enhance patient care quality.
By addressing safety concerns transparently and updating usage protocols, Johnson & Johnson reinforces the device’s reliability and its potential to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, while maintaining vigilance to uphold the highest standards of patient safety in its ongoing U.S. market reintroduction.
SCHOTT Pharma Invests US$114M to expand sterile cartridge production in Hungary
HUNGARY - SCHOTT Pharma is investing over €100 million (US\$114 million) to expand its manufacturing capacity for sterile ready-to-use (RTU) cartridges at its Lukácsháza site in Hungary.
This strategic investment aims to meet rising global demand for advanced drug delivery systems used in treatments for diabetes, obesity, and immune disorders—particularly medications like insulin, GLP-1 drugs, biologics, and hormone therapies.
The expansion will create 100 new jobs and feature a fully integrated, automated production process designed to enhance efficiency, ensure product sterility, and reduce manual handling.
A new state-of-the-art washing line and steam sterilization system will be installed, helping to minimize environmental impact in line with SCHOTT Pharma’s sustainability goals.
CEO Andreas Reisse emphasized the importance of expanding in the diabetes and obesity care sectors, calling the
investment a key step in meeting growing market needs.
This move follows the June 2024 opening of another Lukácsháza facility producing prefillable glass syringes, which added 120 employees and boosted the site’s overall production capacity.
Site manager Eva Szabó expressed appreciation for the support from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, noting Lukácsháza’s growing importance in securing regional supply and supporting SCHOTT Pharma’s global growth strategy.
Once complete, Lukácsháza will become SCHOTT Pharma’s second site for sterile cartridge manufacturing, alongside its existing plant in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
The expansion strengthens the company’s extensive portfolio of drug containment and delivery systems, which includes glass and polymer syringes, cartridges, ampoules, and vials—solidifying its role as a critical partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Siemens launches Helium-Free MRI to enhance radiation therapy precision
GERMANY - Siemens Healthineers has introduced the Magnetom Flow RT Pro Edition, a groundbreaking 1.5 Tesla MRI system designed specifically for radiation therapy.
Unveiled at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology congress, the scanner addresses long-standing challenges in integrating MRI into radiotherapy workflows.
A key innovation is the system’s helium-independent DryCool technology, requiring just 0.7 liters of helium compared to the 1,000 liters used in traditional MRI machines.
This eliminates the need for a quench pipe, simplifying installation and enabling placement near linear accelerators (linacs) without major structural changes. With a compact 25-square-meter footprint, it’s ideal for existing treatment facilities.
The system integrates AI-powered Deep Resolve image reconstruction, which delivers high-resolution images with faster scan times—crucial for accurate tumor targeting and real-time monitoring.
The superior soft-tissue contrast of MRI allows clinicians to better contour treatment areas and assess cellular changes, especially in difficult-to-image regions like the brain, head and neck, and pelvis.
For adaptive radiotherapy, the scanner offers MR-based Synthetic CT, enabling clinicians to adjust treatment plans dynamically while protecting healthy tissue.
The system also includes Smart System Timer and Eco
Power Mode, achieving up to 45% energy savings, aligning with hospitals’ sustainability efforts.
Historically, MRI integration into radiation therapy was hampered by infrastructure demands. Siemens’ helium-free design removes these barriers, improving access and workflow efficiency.
Patients can now be scanned in treatment positions, minimizing registration errors and scheduling issues.
Dr. Florian Putz of Uniklinikum Erlangen praised the scanner’s ability to maintain tight imaging-to-treatment timelines. Gabriel Haras of Siemens Healthineers highlighted its role in improving patient outcomes and expanding the company’s imaging solutions tailored for cancer therapy.
Practo launches digital healthcare platform in the UAE
UAE - Practo, a leading global digital healthcare platform, has officially launched its consumer services in the United Arab Emirates, covering key cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
This expansion marks a significant step in Practo’s global growth strategy, leveraging its 17 years of healthcare technology experience and a user base of over 400 million in India to offer UAE residents a trusted, brand-neutral platform for discovering and booking appointments with verified doctors.
The platform currently hosts more than 31,000 doctors and 3,000 healthcare facilities in the UAE, with over 50,000 monthly active users already benefiting from its services.
Practo’s offering allows patients to access verified patient reviews, enabling them to make informed healthcare decisions confidently.
Users can book instant appointments across a wide range of specialties, including dentistry, dermatology, gynecology, general practice, ENT, physiotherapy, and psychiatry.
The platform also provides a seamless end-to-end experience from doctor discovery to appointment booking—all in one place.
Given the UAE’s insurance-driven healthcare system, Practo is enhancing its platform to include insurance information at the doctor level by the end of the month, enabling patients to make more informed choices based on their coverage.
The company’s decision to enter the UAE’s B2C market follows its recent profitability in India and aligns with the growing demand for connected healthcare solutions that transcend borders.
Practo’s cross-border platform enables seamless continuity of care, allowing UAE users to consult leading Indian healthcare providers and vice versa, catering to the needs of patients who frequently travel between these regions.
Moreover, the platform’s advanced search capabilities allow patients to look for doctors not only by specialty but also by symptoms, specific surgeries, and treatment options, making it easier and faster to find the right care with confidence.
Abbott gains European clearance for singlecatheter AFib ablation
EUROPE - Abbott Laboratories has achieved a significant breakthrough in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) with the recent CE Mark approval of its Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System in Europe.
The Volt PFA System introduces a single-catheter solution that simplifies the ablation process by enabling physicians to map, pace, and ablate using one catheter, enhancing both safety and efficacy.
This approval, based on a global clinical trial conducted in Europe and Australia, demonstrated a 99.1% success rate in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with fewer energy applications compared to existing PFA systems, reducing the risk of damage to adjacent tissues.
The system integrates with Abbott’s EnSite X EP system, offering real-time contact visualization, a proprietary balloonin-basket catheter design for efficient energy transfer, and procedural flexibility, allowing ablation under light sedation or general anesthesia.
These features streamline workflows and improve outcomes, particularly for patients with complex heart conditions.
Following approval, Abbott has begun commercial PFA cases in the EU, with plans to expand throughout the year.
Prof. Helmut Pürerfellner, who conducted initial cases in Austria, highlighted the system’s role in advancing electrophysiology, while Christopher Piorkowski, Abbott’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasized its efficiency and simplified procedures.
Additionally, Abbott is progressing with related clinical studies, including the completed VOLT-AF Investigational Device Exemption Study and the FOCALFLEX CE trial, with ongoing enrollment in the FlexPulse IDE trial in the U.S.
By addressing limitations of traditional ablation methods, such as tissue damage risks and multiple therapy applications, the Volt PFA System positions Abbott as a leader in innovative AFib treatment, offering hope for improved patient outcomes across Europe.
