Sexual and reproductive health: Right not privilege.

Despite the prominence of international discourses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, much remains to be done to meet both needs and wants of individuals, couples and families. Socioeconomic disparities and geographic differentials, compounded by inappropriate policies besides resource constraints, hbave hampered the achievements of these rights to the extent that, in many jurisdictions, access to quality sexual and reproductive health services continues to be a privilege for some as opposed to a right for all. A rights-based approach, accompanied by appropriate policy formulation and sustained advocacy for resource mobilisation, can promote equity through community acceptance and individual behaviour change.

Violence against women: diverse facets.

Gender-based violence, a crucial element of sexual and reproductive health and rights, deserves intensified efforts for its control. Elimination of violence against women is an important aspect of social development, whether for policy formulation by governments, support by professional bodies or delivery of care at the grassroots level. Instead of being merely a platform on 25 November for oft-heard rhetorics, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women provides a unique opportunity for promoting the implementation of effective interventions for service reform addressing intimate-partner violence and sexual violence.

Heart is a heavy burden: cardiac toxicity in radiation oncology.

Over the years, radiotherapy has seen continual improvements and has become a standard treatment for most malignant tumors. Cardiotoxicity is a well-known radiotherapy side effect, leading to the risk of long-term morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. Therefore, minimizing radiotherapy-related cardiotoxicity remains an important challenge in cancer care management.

Changing direction for health in Africa.

Current developments augurs well for sexual and reproductive health in Africa. With the African Union joining the G20 group, it is expected that its regional health priorities will be given special consideration. Social protection and empowerment of youth and women were prominent at the recent Summit of the Future.

Health aspects of the presidential election in the United States.

The prospect of a Biden-Trump rematch had raised concerns. The argument of Trump on the older age of Biden led to a boomerang effect when the latter was replaced by the much younger Kamala Harris whose mixed African and Asian ancestry should lead to her support on international issues. Swing voters might be attracted by her potential as the first female president.