Chris Infotainment

Duong secretly admired a Japanese colleague at his hospital, but it took him two years to confess his love because he was afraid she would report him for harassment. In 2019, Hoang Khanh Duong, then 31, a native of Thai Binh, went to Aichi, Japan to work as a nursing intern. With limited Japanese proficiency, he struggled to navigate and settle into life in the foreign land. His romance began in 2020 when he went to submit a job application at a local hospital. While waiting for the elevator, he saw a nurse drop a stack of documents, and he immediately bent down to pick them up for her. "Be careful, don't drop them again," he said in his still-awkward Japanese. The girl smiled and thanked him. The moment their eyes met, the young man felt as if they "had known each other from a past life". He kept thinking about her big, round eyes for many days afterwards. Duong and his girlfriend during their trip to Vietnam in spring 2025. Photo courtesy of Duong Her ...

New Infrastructure Projects Boost Medical Education at Federal University of Health Sciences On Friday, the Federal University of Health Sciences in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, witnessed the inauguration of 11 significant projects by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The event was graced by several notable figures, including former Osun State Governor Adebisi Akande, the state Commissioner for Education Dipo Eluwole, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedokun, and the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin. Government Focus on Medical Training and Clinical Facilities During the ceremony, Dr Alausa underscored the federal government’s commitment to expanding medical training institutions and enhancing clinical learning environments. He highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated facilities, which include a Senate Building, university library, lecture theatres, faculty auditorium, university gate, multidisciplinary research library, health centre, teaching hospital, and ...

Ethiopia's Digital Health Transformation Gains Momentum Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 — Ethiopia is making significant strides in its digital health transformation, with the Ministry of Health announcing notable progress in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telehealth technologies across the country. This development marks a pivotal shift in how healthcare services are delivered and managed in Ethiopia. The Ministry of Health recently brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future role of AI and telehealth in the health sector. During this meeting, State Minister of Health Seharela Abdulahi emphasized the importance of establishing strong legal and policy frameworks to ensure that AI-driven health services remain secure, private, and of high quality. AI has already begun to show promising results in Ethiopia. It is enhancing data accuracy, supporting better clinical decisions, and improving early disease detection and health forecasting. These advanc...

The Call for AI Integration and Financial Planning in Nigeria’s Healthcare Medical professionals in Nigeria have raised concerns about the urgent need to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s healthcare system. This call was made during the Seventh Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the University of Ilorin Medical Class of 2009, which took place virtually. The event brought together alumni from various parts of the world, including Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to discuss current trends and future directions in global healthcare. The conference highlighted several critical issues facing the medical community. One of the main topics was the importance of embracing innovation and improving financial planning among medical practitioners. Experts emphasized that Nigerian clinicians must take proactive steps to ensure their financial stability while contributing to the nation's health system. According to the World Health Or...

Rwanda Explores Malaria Vaccine Integration into National Immunisation Programme Rwanda is taking steps to evaluate the potential integration of a malaria vaccine into its national immunisation programme. This initiative comes as health officials assess various factors, including scientific evidence, regulatory requirements, and the readiness of the country’s healthcare system, in response to a recent increase in malaria cases. According to Dr. Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, the Division Manager for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the country recorded 114,804 malaria cases in September, compared to 98,000 in August. Among these, 440 cases were classified as severe. This surge in cases has prompted increased attention on malaria prevention and control measures. Hassan Sibomana, Director of the Vaccine Programmes Unit at RBC, explained that the process of introducing a new vaccine is still in its early stages, and no final decision has been made ...

Introduction to NEST360's Impact on Neonatal Care in Nigeria NEST360, an international alliance dedicated to improving newborn survival across Africa, has made significant strides in supporting critical healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Recently, the organization provided a combined 90-kilowatt solar inverter boost to three key hospitals: University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital; and Oni Memorial Children's Hospital. This initiative aims to ensure stable, round-the-clock power for neonatal care, which is essential for saving lives in these facilities. Solar Inverter Installations at Key Hospitals At UCH, a newly installed 60-kilowatt solar inverter was officially commissioned for the Special Care Children's Unit. This system is designed to provide reliable power for critical neonatal care, ensuring that medical equipment and life-saving procedures can continue without interruption. Meanwhile, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and Oni...

Celebrating Scientific Excellence: VinFuture Prizes 2025 Honors Groundbreaking Achievements The VinFuture Foundation recently announced the recipients of the VinFuture Prizes 2025 during a ceremony held in Hanoi on December 5. This year’s awards recognized four exceptional scientific and technological breakthroughs, aligned with the theme "Rising and Thriving." These achievements underscore the vital role of international scientific collaboration in tackling global challenges related to health, the environment, and human livelihood. The 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at $3 million, was awarded to four scientists from the United States—Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimée R. Kreimer, and Prof. Maura L. Gillison—for their pioneering work in developing HPV vaccines. Their research has led to significant advancements in preventing tumors caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly cervical cancer. The foundational studies conducted by Drs. Lowy a...

Maintaining healthy lungs during periods of high fine-dust pollution requires a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and simple breathing techniques. Experts emphasize that while external measures like wearing masks and keeping living spaces clean are essential, internal strategies such as nutrition can also play a vital role in supporting lung function. Dr. Ngo Quang Hai, a former deputy director at the Center for High Technology at the Central Acupuncture Hospital in Hanoi, highlights that air pollution directly impacts the lungs, increasing the risk of infections, asthma flare-ups, and even cancer. He recommends incorporating specific foods and practices into daily routines to strengthen respiratory health. Traditional Medicine and Lung-Boosting Foods In traditional medicine, certain foods are considered particularly beneficial for the lungs. Pears, for example, are often consumed fresh or steamed with rock sugar or honey. They are known for their cooling and m...

Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation: A New Era of Growth and Collaboration In Addis Ababa, on December 4, 2025, the Agriculture State Minister, Melese Mekonen, highlighted a remarkable shift in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. This transformation is driven by the Medemer State vision, which has led to significant progress in the country's farming industry. According to the minister, the agricultural sector has successfully transitioned from subsistence farming to producing market-oriented crops in unprecedented variety, quantity, and quality. This shift marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia's economic development, as it now aims to meet both domestic and international market demands. The Prime Minister's book, The Medemer State , outlines the previous focus on smallholder plots, which contributed to improved household income but lacked the capacity to generate surplus for broader markets or industrial growth. The text emphasizes the need to move beyond immediate cons...

Exploring Ethics in Technology Through an African Lens The EthicsLab at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is offering a unique opportunity for scholars, artists, and practitioners to engage with the ethical dimensions of emerging health technologies from an African perspective. This initiative, supported by the Wellcome Trust, fosters a vibrant community of inquiry that encourages critical, creative, and collaborative exploration of technology and ethics. A Hub for Cross-Disciplinary Inquiry Over the past two years, the EthicsLab has become a central hub for interdisciplinary research into the ethical, socio-political, and philosophical aspects of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience, and genomics. The program brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to examine how African humanities can contribute to global conversations about technology and ethics. This approach emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and perspectives in shaping the futu...

Many overseas Vietnamese are choosing to undergo dental procedures in Vietnam, including implants, porcelain crowns, and cosmetic veneers. Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic attributes the trend to increased confidence in the qualifications of Vietnamese dentists and in available clinical technology, as well as to lower costs compared with some other countries. Large dental centers in Vietnam report they offer modern equipment and that their clinical teams receive formal training, including overseas training. "Overseas Vietnamese increasingly trust Vietnamese doctors. They recognize that the technology, equipment, and procedures at major centers in Vietnam are comparable to those abroad," said Dr. Nguyen Hoang Duong, an implant specialist at Lac Viet Intech, who has treated overseas Vietnamese patients at the clinic. Lac Viet Intech is a pioneering dental facility that utilizes virtual reality technology in implant surgery. Photo courtesy of Lac Viet Intech Dental Clinic D...

Breast implant explantation under laryngeal mask anesthesia is a technique that offers several advantages over traditional methods. This form of light anesthesia allows for quick awakening, reduces the likelihood of postoperative nausea, minimizes injury to the larynx, and lowers the risk of complications. It involves the use of anesthetic agents delivered through a specialized device known as a laryngeal mask airway. This method is particularly beneficial for procedures that are minimally invasive, low in trauma, and short in duration. It does not require the use of muscle relaxants, which is a significant advantage. The absence of muscle relaxants reduces the risk of complications such as postoperative respiratory depression, allergic or anaphylactic reactions, and prolonged muscle weakness—especially in elderly patients or those with neuromuscular conditions. Dr. Ho Cao Vu, MD, MSc, has shared his experience using laryngeal mask anesthesia for breast implant explantation and rep...

A Historical Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in South Africa and Globally From the first reported cases of HIV in 1981 to the latest breakthroughs in long-acting prevention, this timeline traces key moments in the global and South African response to the virus. It highlights scientific milestones, political controversies, activism, and the human stories that shaped one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. 1981 The first cases of what would later become known as AIDS are reported in mostly gay men in the United States. In the following year, the condition will be given the name GRID (Gay-related immune deficiency) and later the name AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Later, the origins of HIV would be traced back to 1920s in Zambia. 1983 In a discovery that would later win them the Nobel Prize, Dr Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Dr Luc Montagnier identify the virus that causes AIDS. The virus will only be given the name HIV in 1986. 1985 The ...

Recognition of Excellence in Healthcare Services Malaysia’s Regency Specialist Hospital has once again been acknowledged for its outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector. The hospital has been designated as an AIA Smart Panel Hospital for the second consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to delivering high-quality medical services and efficient patient care. This recognition is a testament to the hospital's ability to meet stringent standards set by AIA, one of the leading insurance providers in the region. As an AIA Smart Panel Hospital, Regency Specialist Hospital offers a range of benefits to policyholders, ensuring they receive timely and effective treatment without the burden of upfront payments. Benefits for Policyholders One of the key advantages of being part of the AIA Smart Panel Hospital network is the access to cashless services for eligible treatments. This means that policyholders can receive necessary medical care without having to pay out-of-po...

A Family's Battle with Breast Cancer Two sisters from North Carolina, both in their 20s, were diagnosed with breast cancer within months of each other, leading to a drastic decision for a double mastectomy. Kate and Elizabeth Singletary, part of a set of triplets, discovered they both carried the CHEK2 gene mutation, which is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This revelation came shortly before each of them received their own diagnosis. Kate Singletary, 27, a paramedic and medical-school student from Winston-Salem, first noticed a lump in March 2024. "I just noticed something felt not normal in my breast," she told WGRZ, describing the mass as "a pretty big lump." In a personal account for Women's Health, she recounted the moment doctors informed her of the likely diagnosis: "When they initially told me that they thought it was cancer, I kind of went numb. I kept nodding my head as the radiologist was talking, and I kind of blacked o...

Chaeyoung's Temporary Hiatus Due to Health Reasons Chaeyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group TWICE, has made the difficult decision to temporarily step back from her activities due to health concerns. This announcement comes after a thorough evaluation by medical professionals, highlighting the importance of prioritizing her well-being. Medical Diagnosis and Recovery Plan According to the agency, JYP Entertainment, Chaeyoung was recently diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a condition that can cause fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Following consultations with medical experts and comprehensive examinations, it was determined that she needs more time to recover fully. As a result, Chaeyoung has chosen to take a break from her professional commitments to focus on treatment, stabilization, and adequate rest. The agency shared, “Chaeyoung is currently aiming for full recovery and to regain her condition by the end of the year. Given the priority o...