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Report Highlights Stark Health System Divide Between Eastern and Western Europe

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A new report from the Bratislava-based think tank GLOBSEC highlights a stark contrast in health system resilience between Western and Eastern Europe, underscoring disparities in readiness to handle future health crises. The study reveals that while some countries are fortifying their healthcare sectors to prepare for aging populations and potential health emergencies, others, especially in Eastern Europe, face significant challenges that could hinder their responses to future threats.

The researchers analyzed 36 metrics, including healthcare workforce availability, medical technology access, disease burden, and strategic health sector planning, to evaluate preparedness across Europe. Norway led the ranking, followed closely by the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark—countries with both strong current health infrastructure and proactive measures for future readiness. Conversely, Bulgaria, Poland, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia were at the bottom of the list, with eight of the ten lowest-ranked countries located in Central or Eastern Europe.

The findings suggest that wealthier countries, which generally invest more in healthcare, tend to have better outcomes and are better equipped to face crises. However, even high-income countries face inequalities, particularly in urban versus rural healthcare access and other socioeconomic factors. “The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these issues, straining healthcare budgets in many countries already grappling with funding challenges,” the report noted.

An uneven healthcare landscape could have significant implications for future health security. “The pandemic underscored the saying ‘a chain is as strong as its weakest link’ in the healthcare sector,” GLOBSEC researchers noted. They warned that if health systems in some countries lag behind, they may compromise Europe’s collective resilience against emerging health threats.

Countries at the lower end of the ranking often struggle with underfunded healthcare infrastructures, leading to shortages in medical supplies, outdated equipment, and overcrowded facilities. Lower-ranked nations also typically experience longer wait times for new medicines and report higher levels of perceived corruption within their healthcare sectors.

A significant concern highlighted in the report is the higher rate of excess deaths in Eastern Europe since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Bulgaria and Lithuania among those most affected. While some Central and Eastern European countries increased healthcare budgets during the pandemic, their spending levels still fall between 50% and 60% of what top-ranking countries invest in healthcare.

Nevertheless, there are some positive developments within Eastern Europe. For instance, the Czech Republic has increased its access to new medications, making 62% of EU-approved medicines available to citizens, compared with a regional average of 28%. This progress suggests that targeted improvements are possible, even within constrained budgets.

The report underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare investment across the EU to address these regional disparities. With mounting health risks, Europe’s healthcare resilience will rely not only on individual national systems but also on collective measures to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare across the continent.

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German Consumer Group Warns Against Children’s Dietary Supplements

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A leading German consumer group has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of dietary supplements for children, after testing 18 common products and finding issues in 17 of them. The findings highlight the potential risks of excessive vitamin intake and misleading advertising by supplement manufacturers.

High Dosages and Questionable Claims

Berlin-based consumer organization Stiftung Warentest conducted an analysis of 18 widely available children’s dietary supplements. The group examined their ingredients, compared them with recommended nutrient intake levels, and evaluated the accuracy of their advertised benefits. The results were alarming—15 of the products contained dosages exceeding recommended levels for children, while five had vitamin A levels higher than the maximum safe limit for adults.

The group concluded that these supplements are “unnecessary at best and risky at worst.” Their findings align with the stance of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which states that food supplements are generally not needed for healthy individuals with balanced diets and cannot compensate for poor nutrition.

Growing Popularity Despite Risks

Dietary supplements, regulated as food products in the European Union, have gained widespread popularity in recent years. A 2022 survey across 14 EU countries found that 93% of adults had used supplements in the past year, primarily for perceived health benefits.

For children, supplements are often marketed as tools to enhance growth, cognitive function, or immune strength. However, Stiftung Warentest’s analysis suggests that some of these claims may be misleading.

“Manufacturers use enticing messages and suggestive images to make their products appealing to parents—sometimes using advertising claims that are illegal,” the group reported.

When Supplements Might Be Necessary

While Stiftung Warentest’s findings highlight significant concerns, some experts caution against completely dismissing dietary supplements. Dr. Berthold Koletzko, president of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and a paediatric gastroenterologist at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, acknowledges that most children do not require supplements but notes exceptions.

“There are young children and adolescents with suboptimal supplies of critical nutrients and even deficiencies,” Koletzko said, pointing to vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids as examples.

Certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may increase the need for supplementation. A 2017 study found that 3.4% of German children aged 6 to 17 were vegetarians, a number Koletzko believes has since increased. Additionally, children living in areas with limited sunlight may require vitamin D supplementation.

However, Koletzko warns that not all supplements are equal. Gummy vitamins, for instance, are often high in sugar and may encourage overconsumption due to their candy-like appearance. Excessive vitamin and mineral intake can lead to digestive issues, including stomach discomfort and loose stools.

Expert Advice is Essential

For parents concerned about their child’s nutrition, Koletzko emphasizes the importance of consulting a trusted healthcare professional.

“If you choose a supplement, it’s crucial to select the right one and get advice from your paediatrician,” he advised.

As the debate over dietary supplements continues, Stiftung Warentest’s findings serve as a reminder that parents should approach them with caution, prioritizing a balanced diet over unnecessary supplementation.

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US Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals Could Spark Global Trade Disruptions

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The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential upheaval as the United States considers imposing tariffs on drug imports, a move that could send shockwaves across global markets. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals as part of a broader strategy to bring drug manufacturing back to the US.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Trump confirmed his administration’s plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.

“We’re going to be doing tariffs on pharmaceuticals to bring our pharmaceuticals back,” he stated.

While the move aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that the tariffs could lead to unintended consequences, including higher drug prices and supply chain disruptions that would impact both American and European companies. The US, a major importer of pharmaceuticals, heavily depends on European manufacturers for specialized medications. In 2023 alone, the US imported $170 billion (€157 billion) worth of pharmaceutical products, with $127 billion (€117 billion) coming from the EU.

European Markets at Risk

European pharmaceutical firms are particularly vulnerable to the proposed tariffs. Ireland, a key hub for American pharmaceutical companies, could face severe economic repercussions. In 2023, Ireland exported over €80 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for more than half of its total exports. Major US firms like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly have significant operations in Ireland, and potential tariffs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.

Denmark’s pharmaceutical sector, especially Novo Nordisk, is also at risk. The company, a leader in diabetes and obesity treatments, generates over 50% of its revenue from the US market. Increased costs due to tariffs could impact American patients while also denting Denmark’s economic growth. The success of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has been a major driver of Denmark’s GDP, contributing nearly half of its economic growth in 2023.

Impact on Other European Nations

Beyond Ireland and Denmark, other European pharmaceutical hubs would also feel the strain. Belgium, home to Pfizer’s major European production facilities, exported over $73 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a quarter of those exports going to the US. Germany’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including major players like Bayer and BioNTech, could also face setbacks. France, Italy, and Switzerland—key exporters of vaccines, generics, and high-value specialty drugs—would experience supply chain disruptions and financial strain.

EU Retaliation on the Horizon?

If the US proceeds with tariffs, the European Union may impose retaliatory measures targeting American pharmaceutical companies. The European Commission is reportedly exploring countermeasures, including higher export costs for US firms such as Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.

Additionally, the EU could prioritize domestic pharmaceutical companies in government contracts and revive stalled regulatory reforms, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) reform, which aims to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. The recently proposed Critical Medicines Act could also serve as a framework to counterbalance US trade policies.

With negotiations ongoing, the global pharmaceutical industry is closely watching developments, as any trade war in this sector would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, patients, and healthcare systems on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

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Scientists Discover Drug That Makes Human Blood Lethal to Mosquitoes

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Researchers have identified a promising new method to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria by making human blood toxic to mosquitoes. Their study, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that a drug commonly used for rare diseases could help eliminate mosquitoes when ingested through a blood meal.

Nitisinone: A Potential Weapon Against Malaria

The study focused on nitisinone, a medication prescribed for individuals with rare inherited metabolic disorders that affect amino acid breakdown. The drug functions by blocking a specific enzyme, preventing harmful byproducts from accumulating in the human body.

When mosquitoes feed on blood containing nitisinone, the drug disrupts their digestion, ultimately leading to their death. This discovery could pave the way for a novel mosquito control strategy.

“One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects,” said Lee R. Haines, associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame and co-lead author of the study.

The findings suggest that nitisinone could serve as an effective and complementary tool in the fight against malaria, which remains a major global health concern.

A Growing Need for Mosquito Control Solutions

Currently, personal protective measures such as bed nets, insect repellents, and window screens help reduce mosquito bites. Another approach involves the use of ivermectin, a drug that kills parasites and is sometimes used to target mosquitoes. However, repeated use of ivermectin can lead to drug resistance and environmental concerns.

Nitisinone, on the other hand, demonstrated significant advantages over ivermectin.

“Nitisinone performance was fantastic,” said Álvaro Acosta Serrano, professor of biological sciences at Notre Dame and co-corresponding author of the study. “It has a much longer half-life in human blood than ivermectin, meaning its mosquito-killing activity lasts much longer. This is critical when applied in the field for safety and economic reasons.”

Crucially, the drug proved effective in eliminating mosquitoes across all age groups, including older mosquitoes, which are the most likely to transmit malaria. It also showed effectiveness against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

A New Approach to Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention

Haines suggested that in the future, alternating between nitisinone and ivermectin could enhance mosquito control efforts.

“For example, nitisinone could be used in areas where ivermectin resistance persists or where the drug is already heavily used for livestock and humans,” he said.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, continue to pose a growing health threat. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species in Europe, even though malaria was eradicated from the continent decades ago.

This new discovery offers a promising avenue for combating the spread of these diseases, potentially reducing the global burden of mosquito-borne infections.

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