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Newt Gingrich Joins House Republicans in Push to Reduce NIH Funding
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The Pandemic Shift: Newt Gingrich Joins House Republicans in Push to Reduce NIH Funding
Introduction: A Change in Stance on Health Research Funding
In a striking reversal, Newt Gingrich, the influential GOP veteran, and former Speaker, has joined contemporary House Republicans in their critique of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
He hails from an era when GOP lawmakers ardently pushed for increased NIH funding, convinced it was the key to medical innovation, life-saving treatments, and robust economic growth.
The Roots of the Change
Gingrich’s conversion stems from a growing perception that the NIH, once a bastion of medical research and innovation, has turned unaccountable amidst the ongoing pandemic. Expressing his disappointment in an interview with POLITICO, Gingrich praised the recent push by House appropriators to cut the NIH budget by a considerable $3.8 billion.
“There’s a definite need for an overhaul. It’s become an unmanageable system that’s spiraled out of control. Applying financial pressure could be a step towards rectifying the situation,” Gingrich observed, reflecting a change of heart shared by a significant segment of the Republican party.
A Major Shift in Attitude
This shift represents a substantial departure from Gingrich’s past stance. As Speaker in the late ’90s, Gingrich was instrumental in Congress’s decision to double the NIH’s budget, leading to significant increases in funding for over five years. He reaffirmed this belief as recently as 2015, calling for a second doubling of the budget.
However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the GOP’s growing discontent with government efforts to control its spread, including the role of Anthony Fauci, have prompted a drastic change. The 8% budget cut proposed by House Republicans last week now includes Gingrich among its advocates.
Tensions Rising Amidst Pandemic
The pandemic significantly strained Gingrich’s fondness for the NIH. “The agency has become so inundated with funding, it’s subcontracting research to foreign entities with significant military capabilities,” he said, referring to coronavirus research grants given to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.
This issue of accountability, in Gingrich’s view, rests largely with Fauci, who held the position of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the pandemic, the same role he served during Gingrich’s speakership.
The proposed budget cut, however, would need to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate and gain President Joe Biden’s approval before implementation.
A Contrary Perspective: Scientists Advocate for NIH
Contrary to Gingrich’s stance, many scientists see the proposed budget cut as detrimental to the mission of the NIH. According to United For Medical Research, a coalition of research institutions, health and patient advocates, and companies, the cut could hinder the progress made in biomedical research over the last few years.
The Road Ahead: Potential Government Shutdown and NIH Future
The proposal is an initial move in a long, complicated process that may culminate in a government shutdown, according to Erik Fatemi, a principal at lobbying firm Cornerstone Government Affairs.
Despite the proposed cut, Fatemi is optimistic that Congress will ultimately allocate at least as much funding to the NIH as it did the previous year.
Senate Appropriations Committee leaders have agreed to add $2 billion in emergency funding to the healthcare bill, including NIH.
However, the political landscape remains uncertain, as House Republicans express their discontent with the NIH and Fauci. Still, some believe this is a temporary wave of post-pandemic anger rather than a permanent shift in direction.
Amid the changing political climate, the NIH will continue to play a crucial role in health care transformations, including personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and Alzheimer’s treatments.
“We should be at the forefront of these advancements, which is only possible with a thriving NIH,” said former Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, one of the NIH’s biggest Republican champions.
Pandemic Effects and the Question of NIH’s Accountability
The COVID-19 pandemic cast a long shadow over Gingrich’s faith in the NIH. He expressed concern that the agency was “so awash in money that they were giving it to the Chinese to do research, which had an enormous military capability.” These comments referred to coronavirus research grant subcontracts awarded to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
For this perceived lapse in oversight, Gingrich lays the blame squarely at the feet of Anthony Fauci, a figure who has served as the director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases throughout Gingrich’s speakership and the ongoing pandemic.
The Battle Ahead: The NIH Budget Cut Faces Resistance
In spite of Gingrich’s and the House Republicans support, the proposed budget cut has a formidable obstacle course ahead. To come into effect, it needs to navigate through a Senate controlled by the Democratic party and secure President Joe Biden’s endorsement.
Even with Gingrich’s endorsement, the planned reduction does not account for inflation—an issue Gingrich was well aware of during his 2015 campaign for a substantial budget increase.
Scientific Community’s Response: A Rejection of Gingrich’s Views
As expected, the scientific community largely disagrees with Gingrich’s changed perspective. Many consider the proposed budget reduction as a blow to the National Institutes of Health’s mission.
In a statement, United For Medical Research—a coalition of research institutions, patient advocates, and companies promoting increased NIH funding—expressed its opposition to the cut.
It argued that “the NIH and the entire biomedical research community has for the last several years been catching up from a decade of flat funding.”
A Complex Process: Government Shutdown and the NIH’s Future
The House Appropriations Committee’s proposal to cut NIH funding marks the beginning of a long and intricate process, warns Erik Fatemi, a principal at the Cornerstone Government Affairs lobbying firm.
The proposed cuts are a significant blow to the agency and the broader biomedical research enterprise, potentially jeopardizing America’s international competitiveness and economic development. He suggests that the process could even lead to a government shutdown.
Despite this, Fatemi remains optimistic. He believes that Congress will ultimately assign at least as much funding to the NIH as it did this year.
The NIH: Still a Bipartisan Priority
Even as the debate rages, there’s consensus that the NIH remains a bipartisan priority. Ellie Dehoney, senior vice president at Research! America, a research advocacy organization, views the House version of the budget cut as a message of anger from a segment of the right towards the NIH and Fauci, rather than an indication of permanent distaste.
Senate Appropriations Committee leaders, both Democratic and Republican, have agreed to add $2 billion in emergency funding to their version of the health care funding bill that includes NIH.
This suggests a potential strategy to maintain or even slightly increase funding for the NIH, despite the ongoing controversy.
source: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/20/newt-gingrich-nih-gop-00107205
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Understanding the Rapid Spread of Monkeypox’s New Strain Clade 1b
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Understanding the Rapid Spread of Monkeypox’s New Strain Clade 1b: Key Facts on Transmission, Symptoms, Severity, and Vaccination
Monkeypox, a viral disease with symptoms resembling smallpox, has recently gained attention due to the emergence of a newstrain, Clade 1b.
This article delves into the essential details about this new variant, including how it spreads, its symptoms, its severity, and the current state of vaccinations.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of this evolving situation, enabling readers to stay informed and prepared.
Monkeypox, once a rare and somewhat obscure disease, has recently become a significant public health concern due to the emergence of new strains.
Among these, Clade 1b has been noted for its rapid spread and distinct characteristics.
As we navigate through the complexities of this variant, it is crucial to grasp the fundamentals of its transmission, symptoms, severity, and preventive measures, including vaccination.
Understanding Monkeypox Clade 1b
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox.
First identified in monkeys, it can infect humans through close contact with infected animals or individuals.
While it shares similarities with smallpox, monkeypox tends to be less severe and less transmissible.
Clade 1b Overview
Monkeypox has several clades (strains), with Clade 1b being the most recent and notable for its rapid spread.
This strain has shown increased transmissibility compared to previous clades, raising concerns among public health officials.
Transmission of Clade 1b
Modes of Transmission
Clade 1b spreads primarily through:
- Direct Contact: Contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated surfaces of an infected person.
- Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face interaction can lead to transmission through respiratory droplets.
- Animal Contact: Infected animals, particularly rodents and primates, can transmit the virus to humans.
Environmental Factors
Transmission rates can also be influenced by environmental factors such as:
- Crowded Living Conditions: Higher transmission rates are observed in densely populated areas.
- Sanitation Practices: Poor hygiene and sanitation can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Monkeypox Clade 1b
Early Symptoms
The symptoms of Clade 1b may resemble those of other viral infections, making initial diagnosis challenging.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever: A sudden onset of high temperature.
- Headache: Severe headaches that can persist for days.
- Muscle Aches: Generalized muscle pain and discomfort.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
Rash and Skin Lesions
A defining feature of monkeypox is the rash, which typically progresses through several stages:
- Macules: Flat, discolored spots on the skin.
- Papules: Raised bumps.
- Vesicles: Fluid-filled blisters.
- Pustules: Pus-filled lesions that eventually crust over.
Severe Symptoms
In more severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing.
- Secondary Infections: Bacterial infections that may complicate the healing process.
Severity of Clade 1b
General Outlook
Clade 1b has been associated with a higher transmission rate and more severe outcomes compared to other strains. However, the overall severity can vary widely among individuals.
Factors influencing severity include:
- Immune System Status: Individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
- Age: Young children and elderly individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.
- Timeliness of Medical Care: Early medical intervention can significantly affect the outcome.
Mortality Rates
The mortality rate for Clade 1b is currently under study, but initial data suggest it may be higher than previous strains. Prompt medical attention and supportive care are crucial in reducing the risk of severe outcomes.
Vaccination and Prevention
Current Vaccines
Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling the spread of monkeypox.
The following vaccines are relevant:
- Smallpox Vaccine: The smallpox vaccine is effective against monkeypox due to the similarities between the viruses. It provides protection for those who have been recently vaccinated or who received it in the past.
- Monkeypox-Specific Vaccine: Research is ongoing into vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox, with several candidates showing promise in trials.
Vaccination Recommendations
Public health authorities recommend vaccination for:
- Healthcare Workers: Individuals who are at higher risk due to their profession.
- High-Risk Populations: People in areas experiencing outbreaks or those with frequent exposure to infected individuals.
Preventive Measures
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures include:
- Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizers.
- Avoiding Contact: Minimizing close contact with individuals displaying symptoms or with infected animals.
- Isolation: Infected individuals should isolate themselves to prevent the spread of the virus.
Conclusion
The emergence of Monkeypox Clade 1b represents a significant challenge to global health. Its increased transmissibility and potential for severe outcomes highlight the importance of staying informed and proactive.
By understanding its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures, individuals and communities can better protect themselves and mitigate the impact of this new strain.
FAQs
1. What makes Clade 1b different from other monkeypox strains?
Clade 1b is noted for its increased transmissibility and potentially more severe outcomes compared to other strains.
It spreads faster and may lead to more serious health issues, necessitating closer monitoring and enhanced preventive measures.
2. How can I tell if I have monkeypox or another viral infection?
Monkeypox often begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses to a distinct rash.
If you experience these symptoms, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who has monkeypox or are in an outbreak area, seek medical advice for accurate diagnosis and testing.
3. Is the smallpox vaccine effective against Monkeypox Clade 1b?
Yes, the smallpox vaccine offers protection against monkeypox, including Clade 1b, due to the similarities between the two viruses.
However, its effectiveness may vary based on factors such as time since vaccination and individual health conditions.
4. Are there any new vaccines specifically for monkeypox?
Research is ongoing to develop and approve vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox.
Several candidates are in various stages of clinical trials, with some showing promising results in enhancing protection against monkeypox strains, including Clade 1b.
5. What should I do if I suspect I have monkeypox?
If you suspect you have monkeypox, contact a healthcare provider immediately. They can guide you through testing, diagnosis, and appropriate care.
In the meantime, practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
References:
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