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AARP Endorses Bill To Crack Down On Medicare Fraud Bipartisan Legislation Will Reduce The Billions Lost To Fraud Each Year
AARP announced its endorsement of the
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New York Times Series Examines Maternal Mortality In Tanzania
The New York Times on Sunday examined maternal mortality in Tanzania, in the opening of a three-part series on maternal mortality in Africa. According to the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, the country has a maternal death rate of 578 per 100,000 births, though the World Health Organization puts the count at 950 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. Roughly 13,000 Tanzanian women die of pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes annually, giving it "neither the best nor the worst record in Africa," the Times reports. Tanzania is one of the world"s poorest countries and faces shortages in several areas -- including health workers, drugs, equipment and infrastructure -- that contribute to maternal mortality.The Times profiled obstetrical care at a rural hospital in Berega, Tanzania, that typifies efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Africa. Facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, the hospital has been training "assistant medical officers" to perform caesarean sections and other procedures. Meanwhile, the government also is attempting to train more assistants and midwives, build more clinics and nursing schools, offer housing to attract health workers to rural areas and provide places for pregnant women to stay closer to hospitals.According to the Times, many women who die in childbirth are young and healthy, and most maternal deaths are preventable with basic obstetrical care. The five leading causes of maternal death are bleeding, infection, high blood pressure, prolonged labor and complications resulting from abortions, the Times reports. In discussing maternal mortality, experts often refer to what are known as "the three delays": a woman"s delay in going to the hospital, the time spent traveling there and the hospital"s delay in starting treatment upon the woman"s arrival. Although only around 15% of births have dangerous complications, the problems are almost impossible to predict, and seemingly normal labors can quickly progress into serious emergencies. Worldwide, more than 536,000 women die annually from pregnancy or childbirth, according to WHO (Grady, New York Times, 5/24).
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Bionovo Presents Positive Results From Phase 1B Trial Of Bezielle For Metastatic Breast Cancer
Bionovo, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNVI) announced positive results from the Phase 1B clinical trial of Bezielle (formerly BZL101), their lead drug candidate for advanced breast cancer. In the trial, Bezielle showed an excellent safety and tolerability profile, and also showed promising indications of efficacy in a difficult-to-treat population.
Cardiovascular

BCBSGA Announces Decision To Cover H1N1 Vaccine Administration

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) announced that it will offer coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine when it becomes commercially available to the general public. The vaccine administration will be covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines. BCBSGA will also continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day, according to the CDC. The decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine administration is based on formal recommendations announced this week by the CDC"s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ACIP recommended initial prioritization for those administering the vaccine for five key populations, including: -- pregnant women -- people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age -- health care and emergency services personnel -- children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old, and -- people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection. ACIP also provided guidance regarding high risk groups to be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine as well as recommendations for the rest of the general population if the supply of vaccine exceeds the needs of the target groups. BCBSGA"s immunization policy decisions are based on recommendations issued by ACIP and other nationally recognized organizations. ACIP is composed of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccine administration is covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines. Policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free telephone number listed on their insurance card. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association((R) ). The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia


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