Building a resilient and inclusive global health system together—Taiwan can help

Dr Shih chung Chen

The threat that emerging infectious diseases pose to global health and the economy, trade, and tourism never ceases. Pandemics can spread rapidly around the world due to international aviation and transport, writes Dr. Shih-chung Chen. As of March 2021, a novel form of pneumonia that first emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019…

Ferry operator extends “travel guarantee” for travellers

DFDS Ferries

With the international tourism sector set to reopen after the health crisis, a leading ferry operator has moved to provide added protection for travellers. The ferry company DFDS says it will continue to offer its “Travel Guarantee” throughout 2021.  This means if plans change because of Covid-19, travellers can re-book a crossing at no extra cost. …

Emirates launches airbridge to bring relief to virus-stricken India

Emirates SkyCargo

The airline Emirates has set up a humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India to transport urgent medical and relief items, to support India in its fight to control the serious COVID-19 situation in the country. Emirates will offer cargo capacity free of charge on an “as available” basis on all of its flights to nine…

Controversy around mineral wool plant continues in France

Site for Rockwool factory in Soissons

The Aisne local authority in France has given the green light for the establishment of a Rockwool mineral wool production plant near Soissons, despite the negative opinion of a public inquiry. According to French building publication, Batirama, the Prefect issued Rockwool, a manufacturer of mineral wool insulation, with a permit to operate in a Concerted…

Statement by President von der Leyen on developments in the Vaccines Strategy

Ursula von der Leyen

“The COVID-19 pandemic remains a severe threat to people’s health and livelihoods. We are in a race against time. The faster we reach our target of having 70% of adults in the European Union vaccinated, the better chances we have of containing the virus.” “And the good news is: Vaccination is picking up speed across…

Vital to Trace Origins of SARS-CoV-2

Important to trace the origin of SARS-CoV-2

Ascertaining the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is vital in order to address the current pandemic and reduce the risk of future ones. Although we may never be able to conclusively determine the coronavirus pandemic’s origins, it is nevertheless critical that we make every possible effort to do so. That is why…

International Treaty on Pandemics Needed

Council president Charles Michel is calling for an international Treaty on Pandemics.  On Tuesday, he said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is indeed much more than “just a health” issue. It has cut across every sector of our societies. Highlighting our strengths and exposing our weaknesses. And above all, it has taught us one brutal lesson –…

Vaccination

Europe’s consumers are being sent confusing messages. On the one hand vaccination is being proclaimed as a route out of the coronavirus pandemic. But a number of countries are now curtailing the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine, claiming that an unexpected side effect is the greater risk of blood clots after it has been…

As EU Vows to Improve Cancer Prevention, Denmark Applies New Rules to Mineral Wool

At a time when the European Union is prioritising cancer prevention, the Danish government is implementing a new decree on demolition and installation works involving materials containing synthetic mineral fibres, also known as mineral wool.  Earlier this month, the European Commission presented Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which has been long awaited as a new EU approach to…