tag

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Public Health, is set to host the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, which will take place in Doha on 30 September and 1 October 2025, under the theme "Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions".The summit will witness broad participation from health ministers, experts, and specialists worldwide, alongside international organisations concerned with mental health.The ministerial summit will feature a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities. During these events, officials, policymakers, and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues and formulate strategies to address them globally. The summit will host a total of 64 local and international speakers.The summit addresses mental health as an integral part of public health, social justice, and human rights, in line with the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on mental health and human rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Chair of the Organising Committee for the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri emphasized the vital importance of the summit in advancing mental health at the global level, particularly by focusing on investment, innovation, and digital solutions.Dr. Al Marri stated: "The Sixth Ministerial Summit builds upon the achievements of previous summits and features a comprehensive agenda and global partnerships to ensure the challenges facing mental health worldwide are addressed"."It draws from outstanding experiences to ensure that all people, everywhere without exception, have easy access to effective and sustainable mental health services," he stressed.Qatar's hosting of the summit also supports national efforts to implement the State's Third National Development Strategy and to strengthen public health.Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), Devora Kestel, commented: "WHO greatly looks forward to the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit being hosted this year by the Government of Qatar, and to joining the conversation on a range of critical topics for mental health, including service delivery innovation, digitisation, telehealth, and web-based technologies"."In a rapidly evolving world, it is vital to learn about and practice new approaches and ways of working that can better meet the needs of those we serve," she added.Chief Executive of United for Global Mental Health, Sarah Kline, highlighted that the summit's timing, coming just days after the UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, makes it an exceptional opportunity to confirm the practical steps nations will take to improve mental health for all.Kline added: "As Secretariat of the Global Mental Health Action Network, we are pleased to be working closely with so many stakeholders in preparing conversations on tackling stigma, reducing suicide rates, addressing the needs of young people, and strengthening mental health organisations to deliver services and support."The summit seeks to facilitate the exchange of best practices and success stories across regions and contexts, and to discuss actionable strategies to improve the implementation of community-based mental health models, particularly through digital solutions.The event will also develop a global resolution on mental health and promote investment in mental health research and innovation.The Sixth Ministerial Summit aims to build upon the achievements of previous summits held in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome and Buenos Aires. Past summits have consistently called for integrating mental health into public policy and highlighted the global commitment to mental health. This aligns with other global initiatives, including the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the High-Level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases, and the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030.Qatar's summit hosting affirms its steadfast commitment to promoting mental health as a core component of sustainable human development and to leveraging innovation and modern technologies to ensure mental health services are accessible to all.

In the high-stakes world of business, success often comes with a hidden price; your health. Studies cited in the Harvard Business Review reveal that over 70% of corporate leaders neglect regular health check-ups, despite mounting evidence linking their lifestyle to serious medical conditions..The American Heart Association warns that long-term stress elevates blood pressure and increases inflammation; a deadly combination that can quietly develop into major health conditions. Yet many executives continue to ignore subtle warning signs like fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath, dismissing them as minor inconveniences. For some, that choice proves fatal.This scenario plays out all too often. The wake-up call, when it comes, is usually brutal, and for many, it’s too late to reverse the damage.CEOs and executives are 40% more likely to suffer from heart disease than the average person, driven by a mix of chronic stress, sedentary habits, poor sleep, and irregular eating schedules. Heart attacks, strokes, and burnout silently loom over boardrooms and strategy meetings, fueled by the unchecked pressures of chronic stress and neglect.Stress’ Fatal GripStress does more than drain your energy; it rewires your entire system. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrates that chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, a hormone that, when sustained, can wreak havoc on the body by damaging blood vessels, impairing insulin sensitivity, and raising cholesterol. This cascade of effects initiates a dangerous cycle: stress accelerates physical deterioration, making it harder for individuals to manage high-pressure situations effectively. Over time, this leads to conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes."We see it all the time," says Dr. Eunyoung Shim, Senior Consultant for Family Medicine at the Korean Medical Center (KMC) in Lusail. "Many executives come to us after ignoring their health for years. They think they’re managing fine until one day, they’re not. That’s when a seemingly small issue—like dizziness or exhaustion—turns out to be a red flag for something much more serious."Why Leaders Postpone Their Own Well-BeingFor many CEOs, the biggest obstacle isn’t lack of access to healthcare; it’s mindset. Business leaders are often trapped by the very culture they help create: one that views self-care as a hassle. Executives routinely postpone health screenings, telling themselves they can “get through one more quarter” before addressing their well-being. Others fear that stepping away for a medical check-up may be perceived as a lack of commitment.The data tells a different story. A global survey conducted by Deloitte Insights found that fewer than 20% of executives regularly undergo preventive screenings. Yet those who do are 50% less likely to experience critical health events within the next five years. The evidence is undeniable: early detection saves lives and careers.Dr. Shim draws a powerful analogy: "If your company was hemorrhaging cash, you’d order a full audit immediately. Your body is no different. You can’t keep ignoring the warning signs and expect things to magically improve."When Health Becomes a CrisisHamad Mubarak Al Hajri, CEO of the Qatari tech giant Snoonu, knows this struggle all too well. In the early years of Snoonu’s rapid expansion, Hamad often worked 16-hour days fueled by caffeine and adrenaline.At that time, Qatar lacked access to advanced executive health screening programs like those offered today at centers like KMC.Like many executives, Hamad noticed signs of strain—occasional headaches, feeling tired more often, and struggling to stay focused during meetings. But nothing seemed urgent enough to warrant concern. "You think, ‘This is just how it is,’" he recalls.It wasn’t until a friend recommended he get a full screening that he decided to take action. The results surprised him. Elevated cholesterol and early signs of inflammation signaled risks he hadn’t expected. "It made me step back and think about how I was operating, not just the business, but myself," Hamad explains. "When your health isn’t in check, you’re not performing at your best. And as a leader, that has consequences."For Hamad, the wake-up call transformed his outlook on leadership. "You cannot lead effectively or make sound decisions when your health is on the back burner," he asserts. "I learned that the hard way. When your body isn’t performing well, your mind suffers. You lose clarity and resilience in high-pressure situations."He now credits his commitment to health as one of the factors behind Snoonu's sustained growth. Since his diagnosis, he’s made changes that include regular screenings, structured nutrition, and integrating recovery periods into his schedule.The Growing Demand for Executive Health ProgramsHamad’s transformation reflects a broader trend across the GCC, where executives are beginning to recognize the value of preventive healthcare. Leading institutions like the Korean Medical Center have responded to this need by developing specialized programs that cater to high-profile professionals. These programs combine advanced diagnostics with holistic care strategies designed to keep executives performing at their peak.KMC’s Executive Health Center partners with South Korea’s Asan Medical Center, a global leader in preventive medicine. The center offers a range of services, including cardiovascular screenings, early cancer detection, and metabolic evaluations. According to Dr. Shim, the goal is to provide more than just data. "We give our patients a roadmap for long-term success. It’s about prevention and optimization, not just reacting to crises."Shifting the Corporate Mindset on HealthDespite the rising interest in wellness programs, stigma around self-care persists in some corporate environments. Many executives still view prioritizing their health as a sign of weakness or indulgence. However, this perception is gradually shifting as more leaders advocate for preventive care.Hamad has become one of those advocates within his company. "I tell my team that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re risking everything," he says. "Health isn’t a luxury. It’s what enables us to keep pushing boundaries, to innovate, and to lead."Studies back this shift in philosophy. Companies that invest in executive wellness programs see measurable improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. This is particularly relevant in high-pressure sectors, where burnout can cripple both individuals and organizational performance.Investing in Longevity and SuccessChronic conditions, mental exhaustion, and stress do not just threaten personal well-being; they can derail entire business operations. Preventive healthcare offers executives a pathway to stay ahead of these risks.For leaders like Hamad, the lesson is clear. "You cannot build a future if you are constantly putting out fires within your own body. Investing in your health is not a distraction. It is the foundation for everything else."Centers like KMC are designed to support this journey, helping leaders take a proactive approach to their well-being. Dr. Shim underscores the importance of acting sooner rather than later. "Do not wait for a crisis to force you into action," she says. "The time to take control of your health is now, before your body makes the decision for you. When you prioritize your health today, you secure your ability to lead tomorrow."For Executives, the choice is clear: Take charge of your health today, to avoid the risk of it taking charge of you when you are least prepared.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), through its World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia, continues to expand specialist services for the diagnosis, treatment and support of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Qatar.As a local and regional leader in dementia care, HMC is highlighting its services during World Alzheimer’s Month, marked globally this September under the theme ‘Ask About Dementia, Ask About Alzheimer’s’.Since the opening of Qatar’s first Geriatric Memory Clinic in 2012 at Rumailah Hospital, HMC has significantly expanded its dementia services to include additional clinics at Al Khor Hospital and Primary Health Care Corporation health centres in Al Sadd, Al Wajbah, Lebaib and Rawdat Al Khail.“All our Geriatric Memory Clinics are staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprising of geriatricians, specialist dementia physicians, psychologists, dementia care co-ordinators, specialist memory clinic nurses, occupational therapists, as well as neurologists, neuropsychologists and other allied healthcare professionals. We provide a truly comprehensive service and remain committed to improving dementia care in Qatar,” says Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, HMC’s deputy chief medical officer, Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics.At the Geriatric Memory Clinics, patients 60 years and above with memory concerns are assessed using the latest diagnostic tools, including family consultations, physical examinations, blood tests, ECGs and brain scans. For those diagnosed with dementia, HMC provides post-diagnostic support to both patients and their families. Patients without dementia are referred to preventive services at the Specialised Geriatric Wellness Clinics, focusing on lifestyle changes to reduce risk.Services at the clinic also include input from the Geriatric Neuroscience Multidisciplinary Team for advice on complex conditions as well as the Memory Outreach home service that is offered to patients who are not able to make it to the clinic.A key service provided by HMC is the National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services Helpline – RAHA. Since its establishment in 2020, RAHA (4026 2222) has offered confidential and direct access to professional advice on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to thousands of people.“The RAHA helpline is staffed by a skilled team with multilingual skills who provide support to callers. It is the only service of its kind in Qatar and through the helpline, we have seen an increasing number of families accessing dementia care support at our Geriatric Memory Clinic,” says Dr al-Hamad.Throughout September, HMC has planned a range of activities to promote active dialogue about dementia and educate the public about the condition. These include an information booth at Grand Mall in Asian Town on September 26, from 1pm to 10pm, where members of HMC’s geriatrics care team, speaking both Arabic and English, will be available to answer public questions about the symptoms and care of Alzheimer’s patients.The programme also features school competitions and a Leaders and Healthcare symposium where hospital leads and healthcare experts in Qatar will come together to learn about the latest developments in dementia treatment and management. This year, HMC will once again collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to host dementia awareness sessions for first responders including police and traffic department personnel.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has launched an awareness campaign titled ‘Staying Hydrated, Staying Healthy’ to raise awareness about the importance of fluid intake and maintaining body hydration, particularly during the summer and while engaging in physical activity.A campaign event at Rawdat Al Khail Health Centre, under the leadership of Dr Sarah Rashid Musa, community medicine consultant and wellness in-charge, highlighted that men need approximately 3.7 litres (about 13 cups) of fluids daily, while women need around 2.7 litres (about 10 cups).The campaign emphasised that water sources are not limited to direct drinking but can also be obtained from fluid-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Special attention was given to the role of hydration in patients practising different types of physical activities, whether aerobic or resistance training.Participants were reminded that continuous hydration before, during, and after exercise is essential for maintaining physical performance and preventing dehydration and fatigue. The campaign also emphasised that drinking water contributes to calorie burning, making it a key component in supporting weight management programs and improving fitness.As part of the campaign activities, a quick survey was conducted with participating patients to assess their daily water intake in cups or litres. The results were then discussed with them, along with simplified scientific recommendations tailored to their needs. At the end of their visit, patients were encouraged to spread these health messages among their families and friends to expand awareness and promote water intake as a daily habit.The campaign further highlighted the multiple benefits of drinking water: regulating body temperature, supporting kidney and digestive function, eliminating toxins, improving focus and mental activity, enhancing heart and circulatory health, boosting sports performance, replenishing fluids lost through sweating, and maintaining healthy skin and internal organ function.Dr Musa emphasised that drinking water is not just a daily habit but a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. She stressed that meeting daily fluid requirements represents a fundamental preventive measure to protect overall health and prevent dehydration-related complications.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with Generation Amazing (GA) Foundation, has completed two teacher training workshops under Cycle 2 of the Healthy Cities: Sports for Health and Development Programme. The initiative supports Qatar’s broader Healthy Cities vision and aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusion through sport, a statement from GA said.Bringing together more than 40 teachers from 15 schools across Qatar, the workshops were designed to equip educators with the tools to deliver a sports-based health curriculum to students aged 8–12. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, training was delivered in both English and Arabic.On August 27, Awsaj Academy in Education City hosted English-language sessions for teachers from 11 international schools, including Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar Academy Wakra, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Awsaj, Renad, Tariq Bin Ziad and Academyati, Sherborne Qatar School, Newton International School, Compass International School Doha, the Palestinian School and Podar Pearl School.On September 1, Fifth Assalam School under the umbrella of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation’s Together Project welcomed Arabic-speaking teachers from the Assalam Group of Schools for a full-day workshop. The sessions combined theoretical learning, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops to ensure teachers were fully prepared to deliver six engaging lessons in the new academic year. Jassim al-Ali, events director at GA, said: “Sport is a powerful tool for development; it brings communities together, builds life skills, and promotes health in a way that is both engaging and transformative. Through this initiative, we are using sport to foster inclusion, leadership, and positive change in schools and communities across Qatar.” These workshops are part of the ongoing rollout of the Sports for Health and Development Programme, established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between MoPH and GA in October 2024. Cycle 2 represents a major step forward in expanding the initiative and reinforcing the critical role schools play in promoting healthier, more active lifestyles among children in Qatar.Representatives from both MoPH and GA attended the sessions, with closing remarks underscoring the pivotal role of teachers as changemakers and champions of wellbeing in their schools and communities.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced the opening of registration for the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) Qatar 2025, which will be held from November 27 to 29 under the patronage of HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud.The conference is expected to attract around 1,000 participants, including distinguished speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders from around the world, reflecting its position as one of the leading specialised medical events in the region.This year’s conference enjoys diamond sponsorship from Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Armed Forces, Ooredoo, and QNB, alongside the participation of the Ministry of Public Health as an official partner. This highlights the commitment of various national entities to supporting the health sector and strengthening its vital role in serving the community.Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, managing director of PHCC and chair of Conference Organising Committee, affirmed that the 6th IPHCC represents a leading scientific and professional platform that enables the exchange of expertise and knowledge and promotes collaboration between healthcare and academic institutions, contributing to the development of primary healthcare systems in Qatar and globally.She invited all physicians, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and stakeholders from inside and outside Qatar to actively participate in this distinguished medical event, benefit from its scientific programmes and specialised workshops, and take the opportunity to present scientific research abstracts.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has stressed that with the new academic year, family preparations should not be limited to books and school uniforms, but must also include attention to children’s oral health.Dr Najat Alyafei, manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention, PHCC noted that oral health has a direct impact on a child’s comfort and academic performance, pointing out that even minor issues such as tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to school absences and negatively affect learning outcomes.She added that the 'Asnani' School Oral Health Programme serves as a national initiative to safeguard the oral health of children in government schools and has been designed to meet the needs of different age groups through two main components. The first is dedicated to kindergarten students, who, according to scheduled plans, are taken to health centres equipped with specialised dental care rooms. During these visits, children engage in interactive activities designed to raise awareness and teach proper oral care habits in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. They then undergo dental check-ups in designated clinics, where fluoride is applied as a preventive measure against tooth decay.The second component targets primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, delivering age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and applying fluoride treatments. Dr Alyafei emphasised that the implementation of these activities requires parental consent, obtained through forms distributed to students in their schools.She further explained that the role of the Asnani Programme is not limited to student check-ups. The dental teams also deliver the ‘Oral Health Ambassadors’ lecture to school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, aiming to spread awareness and promote healthy practices within the school community. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that adolescents in preparatory and secondary schools continue to maintain regular oral hygiene, visit dental clinics routinely, and avoid delays in seeking treatment. Dr Alyafei noted with concern that programme teams encountered a significant number of students who had never used a toothbrush, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen awareness efforts from an early age.She concluded by reaffirming that early attention to oral health ensures that children enjoy healthy smiles and consistent school attendance, while giving them greater confidence to begin the academic year fully prepared and focused. She called on parents to ensure their children participate in the Asnani Programme by signing the consent forms.

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,368 martyrs and 162,367 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Saturday that 68 martyrs and 362 injured arrived at the sector’s hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,828 martyrs and 50,326 injured.It also noted that hospitals had received 23 martyrs in the past 24 hours among aid victims, along with 143 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,385 people, and the injured to 17,577.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 6 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 385 deaths, including 135 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.

The World Health Organisation chief Friday urged Israel to stop the "catastrophe" of people starving to death in Gaza, saying at least 370 people have died from malnutrition since the war began."This is a catastrophe that Israel could have prevented, and could stop at any time," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters."Starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime that can never be tolerated: doing so in one conflict risks legitimising its use in future conflicts," he said.His comments came two weeks after the UN declared a famine in Gaza, blaming the "systematic obstruction" of humanitarian deliveries by Israel.Israel has vehemently denied that its actions had caused famine in Gaza.The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported Friday that 373 people, including 134 children, had died from starvation and malnutrition in the besieged Palestinian territory since the war there erupted in October 2023.Tedros repeated the number and said that it included "more than 300 just in the past two months"."People are starving to death while the food that could save them sits on trucks a short distance away," he lamented."The most intolerable part of this man-made disaster is that it could be stopped right now," he said, questioning why Israel was allowing the situation to persist."The starvation of the people of Gaza will not make Israel safer, nor will it facilitate the release of the hostages," he insisted.The WHO chief also stressed that "where hunger goes, disease follows"."Lack of food and clean water and cramped living conditions are leaving people with weakened immune systems exposed to more disease," he said.He said that in the past month alone, more than 100 cases had been reported of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can occur after other infection and lead to paralysis.He also decried that there are currently more than 15,000 patients in Gaza in need of urgent specialised care who are awaiting evacuation."More than 700 people have died while waiting for medical evacuation, including almost 140 children," he said."We call on the government of Israel to end this inhumane war," Tedros said."If it will not, I call on its allies to use their influence to stop it."

Doha Municipality's Health Control Section has carried out an sudden inspection campaign on restaurants and cafés in Gewan Island as the location sees a large turnout of families and visitors.The campaign aimed to ensure that food establishments comply with health requirements and standard specifications. The inspection tours included monitoring workers’ personal hygiene practices, cleaning and sterilisation plans for equipment, tools, and surfaces, as well as waste management and proper disposal methods.In addition, establishment managers were educated on the importance of involving workers in specialised training programmes on food safety and hygiene rules, to which the Ministry of Municipality gives top priority and implements systematically through workshops delivered by experts.

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said Thursday that firing a top government scientist was "absolutely necessary" as he faced blistering criticism from Democrats urging him to resign over his steps to curb vaccines.The Senate hearing, marked by sharp exchanges that often erupted into shouting matches, came days after the ouster of Sue Monarez, the former director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Her dismissal, accompanied by several high-level resignations and hundreds of earlier layoffs, has plunged the nation's premier public health agency into turmoil.In his opening remarks, Kennedy tore into the CDC's actions during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, accusing the agency of failing "miserably" with "disastrous and nonsensical" policies including masking guidance, social distancing and school closures.Kennedy said that the CDC, during the pandemic, had lied to Americans, pointing to recommendations on mask wearing, vaccine boosters and social distancing and statements that the vaccine would prevent transmission."I need to fire some of those people and make sure this doesn't happen again," he said."We need bold, competent and creative new leadership at CDC, people able and willing to chart a new course," he said, touting the health department's new focus on chronic disease and promoting prevention.Monarez, the CDC director whom Kennedy previously endorsed, accused the secretary of a "deliberate effort to weaken America's public-health system and vaccine protections" in a *Wall Street Journal op-ed Thursday.Kennedy's explanation for her firing – as he told Senator Elizabeth Warren – was simply: "I asked her, 'Are you a trustworthy person?' And she said, 'No.'"Once a respected environmental lawyer, Kennedy emerged in the mid-2000s as a leading anti-vaccine activist, spending two decades spreading voluminous misinformation before being tapped by President Donald Trump as health secretary in his second administration.Since taking office, he has restricted Covid-19 shots to narrower groups, cut off federal research grants for the mRNA technology credited with saving millions of lives, and redirected funding toward research on debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee leading the hearing, set the tone by demanding Kennedy be sworn in under oath – accusing him of lying in prior written testimony when he pledged not to limit vaccine access."It is in the country's best interest that Robert Kennedy step down, and if he doesn't, Donald Trump should fire him before more people are hurt," Wyden thundered.However, Republican committee chairman Mike Crapo shot down the request, praising Kennedy's focus on chronic diseases such as obesity.The exchanges only grew more ill-tempered.Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell branded Kennedy a "charlatan" over his attacks on mRNA research, while Kennedy accused Senator Maggie Hassan of "crazy talk" and "making things up to scare people" when she said that parents were already struggling to get Covid-19 vaccines for their children.Vaccines have become the flashpoint in an ever-deepening partisan battle.Conservative-leaning Florida on Wednesday announced that it would end all immunisation requirements, including at schools, while a West Coast alliance of California, Washington and Oregon announced they would make their own vaccine recommendation body to counter Kennedy's influence at the national level.Republicans mostly closed ranks around Kennedy, though there was some notable dissent.Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician whose support was key to Kennedy's confirmation, criticised his cancellation of mRNA grants.He was joined by fellow Republican doctor Senator John Barrasso and Senator Thom Tillis.Cassidy pressed Kennedy on whether Trump deserved a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed, the public-private partnership that sped Covid-19 vaccines to market.Kennedy agreed that Trump should have received the prize but in nearly the same breath, praised hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, drugs championed by conspiracy theorists that have been proven ineffective against Covid-19.

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,231 martyrs and 161,583 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Thursday that 84 martyrs and 338 injured arrived at the sector's hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,699 martyrs and 49,542 injured.It also noted that hospitals received in the past 24 hours 17 martyrs among aid victims, along with 174 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,356 people, and the injured to 17,244.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 3 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 370 deaths, including 131 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.