Malaria affects millions of people every year. In 2020, it claimed the lives of more than 600,000 people. And 80% of those deaths in Africa are in kids under the age of 5. But there’s been headway in recent years in finding treatments. In 2018, the FDA approved the use of tafenoquine to treat people 16 and older. Now, Australian regulators have greenlighted a potential treatment for kids 2 to 15.
Tell me more.
This new drug concoction is a single dose of tafenoquine that’s administered with chloroquine. Talk about a lot of syllables. The treatment apparently goes after the parasite to offset first symptoms (think: fever, headache, and chills). And it targets the disease in the liver — where it can hide out — to prevent a recurrence.
And this works?
Researchers found 62% of children reported some side effects — similar rates to what adults were experiencing. But none of the kids reported anything severe. The treatment was also 95% effective at preventing recurrence, also the same level reported by adults.
What’s next?
Scientists are already calling it a “radical cure.” Next up: the drug will be submitted for approval in nine malaria-endemic countries.
theSkimm
Australia's approval is paving the path for other countries to do the same. And it has the potential to save thousands of children from dying of malaria every year.
Mariupol
More than 2.8 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded. But the southern port city of Mariupol has been struggling to get resources and evacuate civilians. Here’s what you need to know…
Seeking safety: Yesterday, at least 160 cars were reportedly able to leave Mariupol. It appears to be the first successful use of a humanitarian corridor to evacuate people after failed attempts. But local officials said a convoy carrying humanitarian supplies has been unable to reach the city.
Critical situation: People are reportedly sheltering without food and melting snow for water. They’ve been without heat or electricity for over a week. And officials say more than 2,500 civilians have been killed — including a pregnant woman whose picture made headlines after an attack on a maternity hospital.
Idaho. Yesterday, the state's legislature became the first to pass a copycat law banning abortions after six weeks. Reminder: A Texas law is notable for giving private citizens the power to enforce the law. Despite legal pushback, it’s even been upheld by the Texas Supreme Court. Now, Idaho has passed a similar bill. The measure allows family members of the “preborn child” — including those of a rapist — to sue abortion providers for at least $20,000. That’s double the fine abortion providers would face in the Lone Star State. But unlike Texas, Idaho’s bill includes exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. Next up: It heads to Gov. Brad Little (R), who has previously supported a similar abortion law. And if signed, could go into effect as early as April.
Up for debate: The bill's sponsor says it prevents the “wanton destruction of innocent human life.” Meanwhile, an advocate for Planned Parenthood called on the governor to reject the legislation, saying it “forces Idaho patients to leave the state for critical, time-sensitive care."
What’s in the thick of COVID-19…
China. It’s facing its worst outbreak in two years as the country reports more than 2,000 new cases daily. China is one of the last countries to hold onto a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy. Think: mass testing, mandatory quarantines, and lockdowns. But Omicron seems to have weaseled its way in and left many wondering if the policy is still sustainable. Now, the government is telling millions of people to go into lockdown. Hospitals are swamped. And for the first time in two years, it’s looking a lot like March 2020.
Not messing around: Shenzhen and Changchun’s residents are staying home — forcing major factories to shut down. It’ll impact tech products and cars. And has the potential to disrupt supply chains more than they already are.
What's giving people hope…
Potential HIV vaccines. Yesterday, the National Institutes of Health announced a clinical trial testing three experimental HIV vaccines. Researchers have spent more than 30 years searching for a vaccine. Now, this trial will look at vaccines using mRNA technology. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s the same approach used in some COVID-19 shots. The trial is expected to wrap up by next July. Important because there are 37.7 million people around the world living with the disease.
About how long it takes the average American to do their taxes, according to the IRS. Which is roughly 12 and a half hours too long if you ask us.
Filing can be time-consuming and confusing. Enter: EY TaxChat, a service that’ll connect you to a tax pro (read: a real human and not a bot) who can prep and file for you. Whenever it works for you. No matter where in the world you are. You don’t even have to make an appointment, mail any paperwork, or learn how to use complicated tax software. Plus, Skimm’rs get $30 off with code SkimmYourTaxes. Now, if only we could get last year’s time back…
Skimm Well
Metabolism. Brain function. Temp regulation. Heart rate. Mood. What do all of these things have in common? The thyroid. Because that butterfly-shaped gland in your neck makes hormones. And those hormones can influence lots of bodily systems.
Psst…women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. If you’re wondering how to get to know yours, meet LetsGetChecked. Their home tests can help you determine whether you have hyperthyroidism (read: an overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (you guessed it...an underactive one), or any thyroid dysfunction or damage. And when your results are ready, a medical professional will call you to explain them. Add to cart here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Food for thought…Skye E (GA). She’s hitting the road to showcase some of the tastiest hidden gems across the country. Watch her show here. But beware, do not watch if you’re hungry.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Agustin Chavez (IL), Kaia Haney (CA), Grace King (PA), Kellen Clarke (PA), Helen Rail (CT), Melissa Rider (MI), Stephanie Hansen (KS), Deirdre Stafford (DE), Stepheny Bousquet-Smith (MA), Jane McDonald (CO), Roxanne Waling (SC), Niki Kurek MA), Jennifer Luedke (VA), Kristin Davis (DE)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Coming at you live (from Instagram) today at 4:00pm ET: Tune into our conversation with Reshma Saujani from Girls Who Code as we talk about the pandemic’s effect on women, how a lack of paid family leave impacts mothers, and what the path forward might look like. (Bonus: Her new book on the future of women and work is out now.)
Looking for other smart ways to spend your time?
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