Mirror Standard

Health

Markets, companies, finance, and the institutions shaping capital.

South Africa’s Aspen Nears Licensing Deal to Sell J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Across Africa

Dec. 24, 2025 · 4 min read

South Africa’s Aspen Nears Licensing Deal to Sell J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Across Africa

Aspen Pharmacare is on the brink of securing a landmark license from Johnson & Johnson to manufacture and market a locally branded COVID‑19 vaccine for all African Union nations, a pivotal move toward vaccine sovereignty on the continent.

Major Setback as Experimental HIV Vaccine Fails in Large African Trial

Dec. 24, 2025 · 4 min read

Major Setback as Experimental HIV Vaccine Fails in Large African Trial

A promising HIV vaccine candidate has failed to show protection in a large-scale clinical trial across five African countries, dealing a major blow to decades-long efforts to find a reliable HIV vaccine. The result underscores the virus’s unique challenges and the urgent need for new approaches.

Experts Warn Wuhan Coronavirus Has Pandemic Potential as Global Spread Accelerates

Dec. 22, 2025 · 4 min read

Experts Warn Wuhan Coronavirus Has Pandemic Potential as Global Spread Accelerates

As infections surge and containment efforts falter, global health experts say the novel coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan may be evolving into a full-fledged pandemic. With cases detected on multiple continents, the virus's spread now challenges international preparedness systems.

Hospitals That Skip Surgical Safety Checklists Risk Patient Lives, Study Finds

Dec. 22, 2025 · 4 min read

Hospitals That Skip Surgical Safety Checklists Risk Patient Lives, Study Finds

Despite evidence showing that surgical safety checklists save lives, a troubling number of hospitals and surgeons still fail to use them consistently. Experts warn that this resistance may be putting patients at unnecessary risk and undermining modern standards of care.