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New Detectors For Nuclear, Radiological Material In Cargo Should Not Be Acquired Until Testing Deficiencies Fixed, Cost-Benefit Analysis Completed
A thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes an assessment of meaningful alternatives is needed to reveal the potential security advantages of deploying new detector systems to screen cargo for nuclear and radiological materials at U.S. ports and border crossings. It is likely that the costs will exceed the savings gained from improved efficiency of the screening systems, says a new report from the National Research Council. There are shortcomings in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security"s testing of these new detector systems, therefore the DHS secretary cannot conclude whether they will consistently outperform the current ones. DHS should not proceed with further procurement of these new detector systems until the issues are addressed and the systems have been shown to be a favored option in the cost-benefit analysis.
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Study Estimates Cost Added To Private Health Insurance Premiums To Cover Uncompensated Care
The average U.S. family and their employers paid an additional $1,017 in health care premiums in 2008 to pay for care of the uninsured, according to a study released on Thursday by Families USA, USA Today reports (Kim, USA Today, 5/28). According to the study, which examined federal data, the uninsured received $116 billion in health care from hospitals, physicians and other providers in 2008 and paid 37% of that amount. Government programs and charities covered an additional 26%, which left another 37%, or about $43 billion, unpaid. The study then estimated how those costs are when spread across the insured through higher premiums, the study found. According to the study, prepared by the actuarial firm Milliman, the average additional amount paid under private coverage for single individuals was about $370 per year (Werner, AP/Austin American-Statesman, 5/28). Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack said, "This is a hidden tax on all insurance premiums, whether it is paid by business for their work or by families when they purchase their own coverage" (USA Today, 5/28).The study is available online.
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BioVex To Report Phase I/II Clinical Trial Results For The Front Line Treatment Of Head And Neck Cancer
BioVex Inc, a company developing next generation biologics for the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious disease, announced that the results from a Phase I/II combination study in previously untreated patients with head and neck cancer will be presented at the 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, which will take place May 29, 2009 - June 2, 2009 in Orlando, FL.
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Lancet Examines Obama's Pledge To Fight HIV/AIDS

The journal Lancet Infectious Diseases examines whether President Obama is fulfilling his campaign promises to tackle HIV/AIDS abroad and at home. Although Obama has surrounded himself "[w]ith lauded experts ò€¦ concerns have been raised by activists that investment plans are not matching up to the rhetoric," Lancet writes. One such expert is Eric Goosby - the newly confirmed U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator - who, during his senate confirmation hearing spoke of the principles that would guide his work as head of PEPFAR, but "funding was not a key matter discussed," according to the Lancet. The article examines Obama"s shift from "[o]riginal funding pledges for PEPFAR of $50 billion over 5 years ò€¦ to a proposed $51 billion over 6 years, with an extra $12 billion for other global health issues such as maternal and child health, family planning, and neglected tropical disease" - an initiative that the White House sees as "a more integrated approach to fighting diseases, improving health, and strengthening health systems," but others worry it might impact "treatment and prevention of vertical transmission." The article concludes: "The Global AIDS Alliance says that "Goosby has a unique opportunity to hold the Obama administration accountable for its campaign promises to increase funding for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS overseas". However, Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, says "it is crucial that President Obama ensures that Dr. Goosby has the capability and full support of the administration to effectively lead this landmark lifesaving global AIDS programme, and that we do not squander the steady progress that PEPFAR has already made in the global fight against AIDS"" (Morris, Lancet Infectious Disease, 7/09). This information was reprinted from globalhealth.kff.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at globalhealth.kff.org. © Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.


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