An antiseptic gel developed from mouthwash has been used to help to protect 12,000 Kenyan babies from life threatening infections.
Scientists at GlaxoSmithKline created the product from the chlorhexidine solution which is found in Corsodyl, among other brands.
It is rubbed into newly cut umbilical cords and kills bacteria, with the UN estimating it could save more than 400,000 lives over five years.
Dr Pauline Williams, who came up with the idea, said: "Chlorhexidine is quite a well-known and widely used product and the use of it on the umbilical cord replaces cow dung, gecko droppings and soot that have been used culturally to try to separate the cord earlier. So using an antiseptic makes a lot of sense."
Charity Save the Children has been working with the drug company to formulate the product for use in developing countries where around 28% of newborn deaths are due to infection.
It will be sold at a not-for-profit price and last month was approved for use in Liberia after being endorsed by the European Medicines Agency.
The company said it would share its knowledge with local companies hoping to make the gel.
Women in Bungoma County in Kenya are among those who have already been given the gel due to high rates of infant mortality.
Selvie Ochekwemoi lost two of her children to infection. The first died at just 11 days old.
Her newborn has been given the new treatment and she is feeling positive.
"When I gave birth to this child, they gave me medicine to apply on the umbilical cord," she said.
"The baby did not feel any pain on the umbilical cord and did not produce any pus and he healed very fast. I am ever grateful because the baby did not get sick, he is doing just fine."
It is hoped the treatment will be available in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia in the future.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Fast-track asylum appeal system plans unveiled
Plans to cut the time it takes to deal with appeals lodged by foreign criminals and asylum seekers fighting to stay in Britain are set to be unveiled.
The current average for an appeal determination is around 36 working days.
But the new proposals will cap the time between an initial decision and conclusion of an appeal to the first-tier tribunal at between 25 and 28 working days.
New safeguards, including a case management review and strengthened powers for judges to decide whether cases can be expedited, would also be introduced if the plans are adopted.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss said: "It is vital that foreign nationals who have no right to remain in the country should be removed as quickly as possible.
"We must ensure that foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers are not exploiting the justice system by attempting to stay in the UK after their claims have been rejected.
"Our proposals are also better for detainees as it will see their detention time cut."
It is estimated the system could speed up around 2,000 cases a year and save the taxpayer around £2.7m.
The plans come after a previous fast-track system was scrapped in 2015 after the Court of Appeal ruled it was unlawful.
An assessment of detained asylum cases between August 2015 and March 2016 found that it took on average more than 65 calendar days from receipt of the appeal to its determination in the first-tier tribunal.
Some detainees were held for more than 100 days while their case was decided.
The current average for an appeal determination is around 36 working days.
But the new proposals will cap the time between an initial decision and conclusion of an appeal to the first-tier tribunal at between 25 and 28 working days.
New safeguards, including a case management review and strengthened powers for judges to decide whether cases can be expedited, would also be introduced if the plans are adopted.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss said: "It is vital that foreign nationals who have no right to remain in the country should be removed as quickly as possible.
"We must ensure that foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers are not exploiting the justice system by attempting to stay in the UK after their claims have been rejected.
"Our proposals are also better for detainees as it will see their detention time cut."
It is estimated the system could speed up around 2,000 cases a year and save the taxpayer around £2.7m.
The plans come after a previous fast-track system was scrapped in 2015 after the Court of Appeal ruled it was unlawful.
An assessment of detained asylum cases between August 2015 and March 2016 found that it took on average more than 65 calendar days from receipt of the appeal to its determination in the first-tier tribunal.
Some detainees were held for more than 100 days while their case was decided.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Brits should lose the 'stiff upper lip', says Prince William
Prince William has called for an end to the "stiff upper lip" culture - a day after his brother revealed he had counselling years after the death of their mother.
The Duke of Cambridge said he wants Prince George and Princess Charlotte to be able to talk about their emotions.
In an interview with charity publication CALMzine he also highlighted the importance of role models opening up about their mental health.
"Catherine and I are clear we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings.
"Over the past year we have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a clear and emotionally articulate way, something most adults would struggle with.
"Seeing this has really given me hope things are changing and there is a generation coming up who find it normal to talk openly about emotions."
He added: "The recent interview by Stormzy about his depression was incredibly powerful and will help young men feel that it's a sign of strength to talk about and look after your mind as well as your body.
"There may be a time and a place for the 'stiff upper lip', but not at the expense of your health."
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Harry, who was 12 when Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris, admitted going off the rails in his 20s.
He said he had only tackled his grief when he was 28 and faced with the feeling that he was "on the verge of punching someone".
"Losing my mum at the age of 12 and shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has had a quite serious effect on, not only my personal life, but on my work as well.
"It was only three years ago... from the support around and my brother and other people saying 'you really need to deal with this - it's not normal to think that nothing has affected you'."
The Prime Minister said his decision to speak out would help "smash the stigma around mental health", while mental health charity Mind described it as a "true turning point".
Theresa May said: "Mental health problems affect people of all ages and all backgrounds.
"The bravery of those in public positions who speak out about their experiences helps smash the stigma around mental health and will help thousands of people to realise they are not alone."
The Duke of Cambridge said he wants Prince George and Princess Charlotte to be able to talk about their emotions.
In an interview with charity publication CALMzine he also highlighted the importance of role models opening up about their mental health.
"Catherine and I are clear we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings.
"Over the past year we have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a clear and emotionally articulate way, something most adults would struggle with.
"Seeing this has really given me hope things are changing and there is a generation coming up who find it normal to talk openly about emotions."
He added: "The recent interview by Stormzy about his depression was incredibly powerful and will help young men feel that it's a sign of strength to talk about and look after your mind as well as your body.
"There may be a time and a place for the 'stiff upper lip', but not at the expense of your health."
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Harry, who was 12 when Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris, admitted going off the rails in his 20s.
He said he had only tackled his grief when he was 28 and faced with the feeling that he was "on the verge of punching someone".
"Losing my mum at the age of 12 and shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has had a quite serious effect on, not only my personal life, but on my work as well.
"It was only three years ago... from the support around and my brother and other people saying 'you really need to deal with this - it's not normal to think that nothing has affected you'."
The Prime Minister said his decision to speak out would help "smash the stigma around mental health", while mental health charity Mind described it as a "true turning point".
Theresa May said: "Mental health problems affect people of all ages and all backgrounds.
"The bravery of those in public positions who speak out about their experiences helps smash the stigma around mental health and will help thousands of people to realise they are not alone."
What if Kim Jong-Un is not a madman?
Let me be very clear - Kim Jong-Un is a despot who runs a totalitarian regime which is accused of committing crimes against humanity on a scale without parallel in the contemporary world.
This is not a fan note.
He is also not an idiot.
There has been a tendency to portray Kim Jong-Un as a cartoon villain - a caricature of a petty madman, with a bad haircut.
But what if he knows exactly what he is doing - and his logic is perfectly sound?
Look at this from his perspective, and just go with me on this.
Let's assume that Kim Jong-Un is not pursuing nuclear weapons because he wants to take over the world - this is not Team America World Police.
He wants a viable nuclear warhead, capable of hitting the US mainland, to ensure that a) no-one attacks him, and b) the major powers have to negotiate with him on an equal basis, as a fellow member of the nuclear club.
He has seen what happens to dictators without nuclear weapons - Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein - and he doesn't want to end his days in a drainage ditch, or in a noose.
The number one goal of the Kim regime is the survival of the Kim regime.
It's already working on a smaller scale with his existing arsenal.
The reason he, and frankly most people here in Seoul where I am writing this, don't believe the United States will launch a military attack on Pyongyang, is because of the likelihood of retaliation.
This is not a fan note.
He is also not an idiot.
There has been a tendency to portray Kim Jong-Un as a cartoon villain - a caricature of a petty madman, with a bad haircut.
But what if he knows exactly what he is doing - and his logic is perfectly sound?
Look at this from his perspective, and just go with me on this.
Let's assume that Kim Jong-Un is not pursuing nuclear weapons because he wants to take over the world - this is not Team America World Police.
He wants a viable nuclear warhead, capable of hitting the US mainland, to ensure that a) no-one attacks him, and b) the major powers have to negotiate with him on an equal basis, as a fellow member of the nuclear club.
He has seen what happens to dictators without nuclear weapons - Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein - and he doesn't want to end his days in a drainage ditch, or in a noose.
The number one goal of the Kim regime is the survival of the Kim regime.
It's already working on a smaller scale with his existing arsenal.
The reason he, and frankly most people here in Seoul where I am writing this, don't believe the United States will launch a military attack on Pyongyang, is because of the likelihood of retaliation.
Erdogan tells opponents 'it's too late now' after Turkey referendum win
Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned opponents not to "belittle" his narrow victory in a referendum that will grant him sweeping new powers.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, he said results showed a winning margin of 1.3 million votes in what he described as a "historic decision".
Striking a conciliatory tone following the bitter contest, Mr Erdogan called on foreign powers to respect the outcome - which will mean 18 constitutional changes - as he thanked the Turkish people.
He said: "April 16 is the victory of all who said yes or no, of the whole 80 million, of the whole of Turkey of 780,000 square kilometres.
"We would like other countries and institutions to show respect to the decision of the nation."
But as he addressed thousands of flag-waving supporters in Istanbul a short time later, he was more defiant.
"There are those who are belittling the result. They shouldn't try, it will be in vain," he said.
"It's too late now."
The head of the country's electoral board confirmed the win shortly after Mr Erdogan spoke and said the final results would be known in 11-12 days.
The "yes" vote means Turkey's parliamentary system of government will be replaced with a presidential one and could see Mr Erdogan remain in office until 2029.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, he said results showed a winning margin of 1.3 million votes in what he described as a "historic decision".
Striking a conciliatory tone following the bitter contest, Mr Erdogan called on foreign powers to respect the outcome - which will mean 18 constitutional changes - as he thanked the Turkish people.
He said: "April 16 is the victory of all who said yes or no, of the whole 80 million, of the whole of Turkey of 780,000 square kilometres.
"We would like other countries and institutions to show respect to the decision of the nation."
But as he addressed thousands of flag-waving supporters in Istanbul a short time later, he was more defiant.
"There are those who are belittling the result. They shouldn't try, it will be in vain," he said.
"It's too late now."
The head of the country's electoral board confirmed the win shortly after Mr Erdogan spoke and said the final results would be known in 11-12 days.
The "yes" vote means Turkey's parliamentary system of government will be replaced with a presidential one and could see Mr Erdogan remain in office until 2029.
Twelve burned by 'noxious substance' at east London bar
Twelve people have suffered burns caused by a suspected noxious substance in a bar at a late night event in east London.
Emergency services, including a hazardous response team, were called to Mangle E8 in Dalston at around 1.10am on Monday.
There were about 600 people who had attended the event and about 400 were still in the building - believed to be between Sidworth Street and Warburton Road - at the time.
All were evacuated and London Ambulance Service said nine were treated for minor burns at the scene before being taken to hospital.
A further two people later attended hospital with similar symptoms.
A Met Police statement said: "Police were called to a licensed premises in Sidworth Street, Dalston, at approximately 1.10hrs on 17 April, after members of the public complained of a noxious substance.
"London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were called to the scene.
"Ten people have been treated for minor burns at the scene and taken to east London hospitals by LAS.
"Another two people presented themselves at an east London hospital with similar injuries. All injuries to victims are non-life threatening.
US: North Korea's 'provocative' actions 'can't continue'
The US and UK have hit out at North Korea following its failed missile launch, calling the regime's behaviour "provocative" and "belligerent".
The medium-range missile "blew up almost immediately" following the launch early on Sunday, according to US military.
It comes as US Vice President Mike Pence arrived at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which divides the secretive state from South Korea.
He flew into Camp Bonifas - a UN post just a few hundred metres from the 2.5-mile wide DMZ.
He is due to meet military leaders and US troops stationed there as part of a 10-day Asian tour.
US national security adviser Lieutenant General HR McMaster said the rogue state's actions "just can't continue".
"This latest missile test just fits into a pattern of provocative, destabilising, and threatening behaviour on the part of the North Korean regime," he said.
"And I think there is international consensus now, including the Chinese, and the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation that just can't continue."
He said the US was working with the Chinese leadership to "develop a range of options".
Former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcom Rifkind said it was possible the weapon had either malfunctioned or was sabotaged by a US cyberattack.
The medium-range missile "blew up almost immediately" following the launch early on Sunday, according to US military.
It comes as US Vice President Mike Pence arrived at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which divides the secretive state from South Korea.
He flew into Camp Bonifas - a UN post just a few hundred metres from the 2.5-mile wide DMZ.
He is due to meet military leaders and US troops stationed there as part of a 10-day Asian tour.
US national security adviser Lieutenant General HR McMaster said the rogue state's actions "just can't continue".
"This latest missile test just fits into a pattern of provocative, destabilising, and threatening behaviour on the part of the North Korean regime," he said.
"And I think there is international consensus now, including the Chinese, and the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation that just can't continue."
He said the US was working with the Chinese leadership to "develop a range of options".
Former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcom Rifkind said it was possible the weapon had either malfunctioned or was sabotaged by a US cyberattack.
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