Open in Browser     Swiss TPH News, June 2024   Not Just a Sneeze: Pollen Raise Blood Pressure   Pollen allergies affect an estimated fifth of the world’s population. Researchers from Swiss TPH now found that high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers. The effect on blood pressure was already evident at low pollen levels and escalated with higher concentration in the air. For women and people with a high body-mass index, the effect was significantly stronger. As pollen seasons lengthen and intensify due to climate change, this effect highlights a significant public health concern. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research. » Read more     154 Million Deaths Averted: 50 Years of Vaccination Impact   In 1974, the World Health Organization launched its Expanded Programme on Immunization. 50 years later, a study shows that an estimated 154 million deaths have been averted thanks to vaccination. In 2024, a child under the age of 10 is 40% more likely to survive to their next birthday. The study, published in The Lancet, was led by Swiss TPH in collaboration with the WHO and numerous research organisations.   ARTICLE     Pastoralists in Ethiopia Highly Affected by Chronic   Chronic pain is a major global health concern, yet data on its burden in low- and middle-income countries are limited, particularly among marginalised groups. A study by Swiss TPH and partners found a high prevalence of chronic pain among Somali pastoralists in Ethiopia, notably among women and the elderly. Results are crucial for developing targeted pain management interventions for pastoralist communities.   ARTICLE     Heat as a Health Risk: Need to Raise Public Awareness   Swiss TPH conducted the first nationally representative population survey on heat and its health effects in Switzerland. The results show that people are generally well informed about how to protect themselves from heat. However, many behavioural measures that can help on hot days are either not known or not actively used. This can lead to avoidable heat-related health consequences.   ARTICLE     Ministers of Health from Rwanda and Senegal Visit Swiss TPH   Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda's Minister of Health, and Ibrahima Sy, Senegal's Minister of Health and Social Action, visited Swiss TPH in May. They discussed health priorities in their countries and explored collaboration with Swiss TPH in research, education and services. Both ministers, who are alumni of Swiss TPH, also engaged with students during their visit.   ARTICLE   • Lutz Hegemann » I believe that pharmaceutical companies can do more than providing medicines   • Elisabeth Reus » It is a privilege to be able to bring science to the bedside   • Helena Greter » When epidemiologists become detectives   Project Updates   Improving the Management of Childhood Pneumonia   Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death in children under five globally, exacerbated by antibiotics overuse due to limited diagnostic tools in many areas. IMCI-PLUS, a Pan-African-EU research partnership, aims to enhance childhood pneumonia management by integrating point-of-care lung ultrasound (PLUS) into health policy and clinical practice. A prospective randomised controlled trial in three countries involves over 8,500 children, complemented by implementation research. » Read more Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium: WHO Prequalification Achieved   Another milestone in combating schistosomiasis has been reached: the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium's new treatment option for children aged 3 months to 6 years has been officially added to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s list of prequalified medicines. WHO’s prequalification aims to facilitate the drug's introduction in endemic countries and ensure equitable access for young patients in need. » Read more Impact of Pesticides on School Children in Valais   The PARVAL study in Valais, Switzerland, is assessing pesticide exposure and its short-term impact on respiratory health in primary school children living near vineyards and orchards, including non-pesticide inhalants and pollen exposure. About 300 children are participating in the study, which consists of four test phases with questionnaires, lung function tests, urine samples and pollutant measuring wristbands. The first test took place in January (no pesticide use) and the other tests between April and June. Results are expected in mid-2025. » Read more Strengthening Evaluation Capacities for Better Health Outcomes   On behalf of the World Bank's Global Financing Facility (GFF), Swiss TPH is strengthening the evaluation capacity of country organisations assessing GFF Investment Cases. These cases focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNACH-N), advocating for investments and securing donor funding. Swiss TPH will also conduct a meta-review to generate robust evidence for informed decision-making. » Read more   Study with Us   Launch of Swiss TPH Alumni Network   Since its foundation in 1943, education and training have been key to Swiss TPH. Our alumni work worldwide in research, governments, NGOs and the private sector to improve people's health and well-being. To strengthen alumni ties, Swiss TPH has launched the Swiss TPH AlumNet. » Read more   Internationale Zusammenarbeit und globale Gesundheit   The Certificate of Advanced Studies course prepares you to work in healthcare in Switzerland and abroad and to navigate the complexities of international cooperation and health in a globalised world. » Apply now to start in September 2024   Boost Your Career with Our Management Courses   Financial Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting: Improve your financial management skills with our comprehensive course covering budgeting, financial accounting, reporting, internal controlling and auditing. » Apply by 31 July 2024   MORE COURSES Upcoming Events   28 June 2024, Swiss TPH » Innovations in Youth Suicide Prevention   3-4 September 2024, Fribourg » Swiss Public Health Conference 2024   20 September 2024, Swiss TPH » Defining the Noma Research Agenda   7-8 November 2024, Geneva » 3rd IMPACT Conference   Save the Date for Our November Symposium!   20 November 2024, Swiss TPH » Women and Gender in Global Health   Swiss TPH in the Media   • RTS: L'impact des pesticides sur les enfants étudié chez des élèves de primaire valaisans » Article   • Heute: Pollen-Allergie erhöht den Blutdruck » Article   • Schweizer Familie: Eine besonders stechfreudige Plage » Article   People of Swiss TPH   "Working in Eastern Europe and the Balkans for many years, my focus has been on improving the quality of care and strengthening the health sector. In Kosovo, we are collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and healthcare providers to develop the skills of healthcare professionals and promote patient empowerment to improve health services and reduce NCDs.” Nicu Fota, Team Leader of the Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH) project, an SDC project implemented by Swiss TPH in Kosovo » Read more about AQH Latest Publications   • Hauser D A, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Albisetti A. Venturicidin A affects the mitochondrial membrane potential and induces kDNA loss in Trypanosoma brucei. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy » Read full article   • Fairbanks E, Tambwe M M, Moore J, et al. Evaluating human landing catches as a measure of mosquito biting and the importance of considering additional modes of action. Scientific Reports » Read full article   • Le Rutte E A, Shattock A J, Marcellino I, et al. Efficacy thresholds and target populations for antiviral COVID-19 treatments to save lives and costs: a modelling study. eClinicalMedicine » Read full article       Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) Kreuzstrasse 2 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland communications@swisstph.ch Swiss TPH   Imprint | Data Privacy   If you do not wish to receive further newsletters, you can unsubscribe any time.