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Call for older people in poor countries to be considered in global responses to COVID-19

The researchers say social distancing policies must consider the already precarious existence of many older people, particularly those living alone or dependent on others for care and support. These people may face barriers to obtaining food and other essential supplies if quarantine conditions become more widespread.

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Current guidance on coronavirus “largely ignores” the implications for public health and clinical responses in light of those most at risk, according to an international group of global health experts.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Samson Institute for Ageing Research (SIFAR), Cape Town, lead calls for an age perspective to be included explicitly in national and global planning on covid-19, as well as the urgent formation of an expert group on older people to support with guidance and response to the virus.

In their editorial, Prof Peter Lloyd-Sherlock of UEA, Prof Shah Ebrahim and Prof Martin McKee of LSHTM, and Dr Leon Geffen at SIFAR note that the largest numbers of deaths will occur among older people in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries contain 69 per cent of the global population aged 60 and over, and health systems which are less extensive and less focussed on the needs of older people than in high-income countries.

Prof Lloyd-Sherlock, professor of social policy and international development at UEA, said: “The global response to coronavirus must be directed towards those groups who will face the most devastating consequences. So far, this has not happened. We are facing an unprecedented and enormous wave of mortality among older people in these countries.”

In LMICs the risk of infection for older people will be high because living arrangements are often cramped and overcrowded. Increasing numbers of older people in LMICs live in nursing homes or similar facilities, where conditions are often poor and regulation weak.

The researchers say social distancing policies must consider the already precarious existence of many older people, particularly those living alone or dependent on others for care and support. These people may face barriers to obtaining food and other essential supplies if quarantine conditions become more widespread.

As in high-income countries, the risk of dying from covid-19 in LMICs increases sharply with age and the vast majority of deaths observed are in people over the age of 60, especially those with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

The capacity of health systems in LMICs to screen, let alone treat, the virus will be very limited: in South Africa each test costs around US$75 -this exceeds total annual government per capita health spending in many LMICs. Even before covid-19 emerged, older people already faced significant barriers of access to health services and support, including affordability, and age based discrimination.

The researchers add: “It will not be easy to deal with these problems, especially in settings where there is often weak public health infrastructure, a lack of gerontological expertise at all levels of the health system, and limited trust in government.

“However, a first step would be to recognise that these problems exist. An age perspective should be included explicitly in the development of national and global planning for covid-19, and a global expert group on older people should be formed to support with guidance and response to the virus in both residential facilities and home settings.

“As new knowledge emerges, this group can identify and evaluate cost effective therapies and interventions that respond to the particular needs of older people in LMICs living in challenging settings, where formal health service infrastructure is limited.”

They conclude: “Previously, some of the authors have argued that global health priority setting is institutionally ageist. Covid-19 offers an opportunity to prove us wrong.”

‘Bearing the brunt of covid-19: older people in low and middle-income countries’ is published today in the British Medical Journal.

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Pru Life UK solidifies position as top life insurer in PH

Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

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Pru Life UK ranks number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reflected in the recently released Insurance Commission (IC) report as of 31 December 2023.

The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

Owing to the company’s innovative offerings, Pru Life UK also leads in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 45.7 billion as of 31 December 2023.

With over 42,000 digitally empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, Pru Life UK strengthens its market leadership reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of many Filipino families.   

More than numbers, Pru Life UK also attributes its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity. A Golden Arrows awardee for five (5) consecutive years since 2018, Pru Life UK has cemented itself as a beacon of responsible business practices in the Philippines.

It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023, ” said Francis Ortega, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pru Life UK. “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, employees, and agency force for their collective efforts that have driven us to achieve this significant milestone. Our purpose, “For Every Life, For Every Future,” guides us in providing innovative and accessible solutions to every Filipino. We aim to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.”

The consistent growth of Pru Life UK is aligned with that of its parent company, Prudential plc, which recorded a 45% increase in new business profit to USD 3.1 billion as of 31 December 2023. As it further strengthens its commitment to providing financial solutions addressing the evolving needs of Filipinos, the company recently launched PRULove Wealth, a single premium product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from high-yielding time deposits. The plan uniquely offers 4% guaranteed annual cash payout, 100% cashback, and up to 125% insurance coverage.

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Siemens Healthineers turnover Letters of Intent to PH gov’t

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector.

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Siemens Healthcare Inc. (Siemens Healthineers), a medical technology company, turned over three (3) Letters of Intent (LOI) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual in the presence of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The ceremony took place during the German-Philippine Business Forum in Berlin, Germany attended by Philippine cabinet members, representatives, and business leaders from both countries.

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector. The first LOI is centered on developing a partner hospital to become a training center to support training needs and address the skills gap in the field of radiology. A comprehensive program will be developed to further improve healthcare quality such as a curriculum on the various aspects of mammography screening – including anatomy, pathology, imaging techniques and interpretation, safety, and patient care.

The second LOI is focused on the development of an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and spoke model to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines. Through collaborations, the ITT is set to gather students, researchers, and working professionals to create and identify disruptive innovation opportunities and improvement areas in healthcare.

The third LOI is intended to explore the opportunities for strategic and digital partnerships in healthcare with the Department of Health with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the country. The digital partnership aims to develop and enhance the Philippines’ healthcare infrastructure through proven digital solutions such as eHealth and digital health and AI capacity-building and training.

“At Siemens Healthineers, we aim to foster a future for the Philippines where advancements in healthcare open new possibilities. The three LOIs underscore our unwavering dedication to creating a lasting impact, transforming the healthcare landscape, and fostering a healthier future for the generations to come – for every Filipino in every part of the country, sustainably,” said Michael Schmermer, President and Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in the Philippines.

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Meat-free wonder with Pizza Hut’s flavorful seafood options

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

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If you want to go meat-free this season, it’s never too late to start, and if you’re looking for a satisfying meat-free lunch, then Pizza Hut’s got your back!

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

First is the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2 set, where you’ll get 1 Regular Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza, 1 Regular Pasta Shrimp Arrabbiata, 1 order of Mozzarella sticks, and 2 servings of ice-cold Pepsi for only P699.

Going solo? Then you’ll surely love the SEAFOOD LUNCH A set, which comes with 1 Regular Pasta in your choice of either Shrimp Arrabbiata or Shrimp Ala King, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P249.

If you prefer pizza for your solo meal, there’s also the SEAFOOD LUNCH B set, available exclusively for dine-in. It comes with your choice of either 1 Personal Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza or 1 Personal Veggie Lovers Pan Pizza, 2 pieces of Salad Roll in your choice of either Shrimp or Crab, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P199.

Finally, there’s the SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR, available all day, every day. It comes with 1 Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza and 1 Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza for only P599 for Regular and P899 for Large.

The SEAFOOD LUNCH B combo is available exclusively for dine-in. Meanwhile, the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2, SEAFOOD LUNCH A, and SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR combos are available for dine-in and takeout in all Pizza Hut stores nationwide; and for delivery via the (02) 8911-1111 hotline, www.pizzahut.com.ph, the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS, and Pizza Hut’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda (prices may vary).

Give Pizza Hut a like and a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers.

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