Opportunistic screening using point-of-care testing leads to successful linkage to care of HBV-infected migrant populations in a low endemic country.

Background And Aims: In low endemic countries, screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in migrants is cost-effective in reducing the disease burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, but linkage to care (LTC) remains a challenge. This study aims to guide future screening initiatives, with 3 objectives: 1. to compare LTC between different ethnic groups screened for HBsAg with point-of-care testing (POCT) in an outreach setting; 2.

Limited additional value of karyotyping cultured amniotic fluid cell colonies in addition to microarray on uncultured cells for confirmation of abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing results.

Objectives: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows the detection of placental chromosome aberrations. To verify whether the fetus also has the chromosome aberration, diagnostic follow-up testing is required. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the added value of analyzing amniotic fluid (AF) cell cultures in addition to uncultured AF cells for the detection of fetal mosaicism.

Maternal health and maternal health service utilization among female sex workers: A scoping review.

Background: High proportions of female sex workers (FSWs) become pregnant and have children. Many FSWs are at increased risk of maternal health complications due to factors such as poverty, violence, and healthcare barriers. Despite this, FSWs' maternal health and use of maternal health services (MHS) receive limited attention.

How to balance valuable innovation with affordable access to medicines in Belgium?

Countries are struggling to provide affordable access to medicines while supporting the market entry of innovative, expensive products. This aims to discuss challenges and avenues for balancing health care system objectives of access, affordability and innovation related to medicines in Belgium (and in other countries). This focuses on the R&D, regulatory approval and market access phases, with particular attention to oncology medicines, precision medicines, orphan medicines, advanced therapies, repurposed medicines, generics and biosimilars.