Liberian hospital patients turned away as medical strike bites

Liberian hospital patients turned away as medical strike bites
Reuters: Health
A medical workers' strike in Liberia has paralyzed the country's already faltering health care system, leaving its biggest hospitals in disarray and thousands of patients without care.

Meet The Health Officials Who Alerted The World To The Alarming Vaping Illness

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Juul Labs suspends advertising in U.S., replaces CEO

Juul Labs suspends advertising in U.S., replaces CEO
Reuters: Health
Juul Labs said on Wednesday it would suspend all broadcast, print and digital product advertising in the United States, and replaced Chief Executive Officer Kevin Burns with Altria Group Inc executive K.C. Crosthwaite.

Juul CEO Steps Down, Vaping Company Suspends All U.S. Advertising Amid Backlash

(Bloomberg) — Juul Labs Inc. said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Burns will step down, as the highly valued private e-cigarette company confronts a growing public backlash. The company said in a statement that K.C. Crosthwaite will be joining the company as CEO effective immediately. Crosthwaite previously served as chief growth officer at Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc., which took a $13 billion stake in Juul last year.

At the same time on Wednesday, Altria said it was ending merger talks with fellow tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc. The companies said in a statement that they would focus on another smoke-free technology called IQOS in the U.S. electronic-cigarette market. Shares of Philip Morris jumped more than 6% in early trading, while Altria rose about 3%.

Read more: How Juul Hooked Kids and Ignited a Public Health Crisis

Juul, which makes the top-selling e-cigarette device in the U.S., has found itself at the center of an increasing controversy over vaping. A mysterious lung illness has killed seven people and sickened more than 500 others in recent months, and U.S. health officials have said that vaping among youth has reached epidemic proportions.

Lawmakers and regulators have faulted Juul over the marketing of its products, saying the company has inappropriately pitched them as a potential smoking-cessation tool.

The company said in its statement on Wednesday that it would suspend all broadcast, print and digital advertising in the U.S., and refrain from lobbying the Trump administration on its guidance regarding proposed curbs on vaping products.

“I have long believed in a future where adult smokers overwhelmingly choose alternative products like Juul” Crosthwaite said in the company statement. “That has been this company’s mission since it was founded, and it has taken great strides in that direction. Unfortunately, today that future is at risk due to unacceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry.”

At the time of Altria’s investment in Juul last year, the company was valued at roughly $38 billion.

South Korea confirms sixth case of African swine fever

South Korea confirms sixth case of African swine fever
Reuters: Health
South Korea confirmed on Wednesday a sixth case of African swine fever (ASF) in a town, near its border with North Korea, the agriculture ministry said.

Air strikes maim, scar Yemen's children

Air strikes maim, scar Yemen's children
Reuters: Health
Ismail Abdullah kicks a makeshift football, wrapped in pink plastic, with his right foot. A slight limp visible, he holds back as his cousins run forward in the sand.

Philippines risks polio problem as parents skip child vaccines: WHO

Philippines risks polio problem as parents skip child vaccines: WHO
Reuters: Health
The Philippines risks having more cases of polio unless it sharply steps up its vaccinations of children under 5 years of age, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.