International
Social leaders demand resignation of Peruvian Health Minister
June 1 |
Social leaders in the northern Peruvian city of Piura today demanded the resignation of the Minister of Health, Rosa Gutiérrez, for what they consider to be poor management of the growing number of dengue cases.
Gutierrez’s resignation was demanded at a sit-in in the center of Piura, capital of the region of the same name, which has suffered 40 deaths and 31,000 dengue infections and similar levels of dengue in the neighboring region of Chiclayo and in the southern region of Ica.
Previously, the parliamentarian Edward Malaga, in a letter, asked the minister to resign because she does not have the necessary professional profile for the position, as she is a nephrologist previously dedicated to administrative positions and lacks epidemiological preparation.
One of the demonstrators in the protest called by the Colectivo Regional por la Salud y la Vida accused the minister of inaction and negligence, because in a previous visit, when there were 20 deaths, she said that the outbreak was under control and in decline.
He added that Gutiérrez offended Piura by affirming that the population is to blame for the advance of dengue because they do not comply with the prohibition of having water tanks in their homes, where the Aedes Egypti mosquito, transmitter of the disease, reproduces on a large scale.
The minister is also criticized for claiming that funds have been transferred to the Regional Directorate of Piura to fight dengue, and therefore she is responsible for the situation.
The president of the Medical Federation of Piura (union of state service physicians), María Lupú, supported the protest and stated that the funds allocated are insufficient to hire more physicians and develop preventive actions.
In addition, she indicated that more doctors are needed, since the doctors dealing with dengue fever in Piura are insufficient and each one can attend up to 50 patients per day, which is detrimental to the quality of service.
The president of the Unified National Federation of Health Sector Workers, Wilder Farfán, also joined the demand for the resignation of the head of Health, due to her poor performance.
According to official figures updated to date, 119,533 cases of dengue fever have been registered in Peru since the beginning of the year, including confirmed (60,710) and probable (58,823) cases, 118 patients have died and there are other deaths under investigation.
There are cases in almost all regions and the Ministry of Health maintains that these are only controllable outbreaks, although the Peruvian Medical Federation affirms that it is an epidemic.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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