Taiwan’s Indispensability in Preparing for Future Pandemics

Dr Hsueh Jui yuan

The three years of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a terrible loss of life and exacerbated health inequalities. The global economy slumped and, worldwide, people’s lives were affected, writes Dr. Hsueh Jui-yuan This experience demonstrated that the present global health governance framework is not effective in responding to threats to global health. Although COVID-19 is…

My Voice, My Choice

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash The European commission has officially registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) titled “My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion.”  This initiative, spearheaded by the “My Voice, My Choice” movement, is said to represent a significant step forward for reproductive rights in Europe. The ECI is proposed by the “My Voice,…

My Voice My Choice

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo made a “clear stand” with European women and the importance of voting for their rights in the forthcoming European elections while attending the Academy Awards on Sunday.  He said he backs the MyVoiceMyChoice campaign, launched by women activists from across Europe, who are calling for “safe and accessible”…

Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash New research by Ticketgum says there are “several benefits” to be had from a vegan diet, particularly for athletes or those who engage in regular exercise. A study emphasises the “crucial” role of maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and nutrients, particularly vitamin B12. It says vitamin B12 is essential for the body’s blood and nerve cells.  A deficiency in this…

Campaign launched to raise awareness of “rare” cancer

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash Paralympian Erin Kennedy has given her backing to a campaign which aims to “inspire real change” for cancer patients. The Briton was speaking to mark the launch of a new “Triple Negative Breast Cancer” (TNBC) campaign.  The campaign, called “I count: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Matters,” is designed to ensure people…

Young People and Mental Health

Photo by Finn on Unsplash

Photo by Finn on Unsplash Young people’s mental health is being increasingly compromised by the excessive use of social media, concerns about climate change and a sense of powerlessness.  This is a political issue for the EU because it can often be linked to the labour market and housing situation facing young people “Young people and mental health”…

New Measures to Protect Workers from Asbestos

Photo by Carl Tronders on Unsplash

Photo by Carl Tronders on Unsplash MEPs have approved new rules to protect EU workers from the health risks related to asbestos and to improve the early detection of asbestos. On Tuesday, plenary adopted with 614 votes in favour, 2 against and 4 abstentions a directive, that will decrease the occupational exposure limit of asbestos and calls for…

Commission Approves Pfizer Takeover of Seagen

Photo by pina messina on Unsplash

Photo by pina messina on Unsplash The European Commission has unconditionally approved the proposed acquisition of Seagen by Pfizer, under the EU Merger Regulation.  The Commission concluded that the transaction would not raise competition concerns in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’). Seagen and Pfizer are pharmaceutical companies.  In the EEA, the companies’ marketed and pipeline products overlap in the treatment of several…

European Mental Health Strategy

Photo by Finn on Unsplash

Photo by Finn on Unsplash With the mental health of Europeans deteriorating, the European Economic and Social Committee is urging policy-makers at EU and national levels to make it a top priority The Brussels based Committee has called for the reform of health systems across the EU in a bid to ensure a comprehensive approach to mental health…