This year also witnessed the largest number of mass killings in the United States since 2006.
But according to the American newspaper The Washington Post, this year has witnessed a number of positive events and developments, especially in the field of scientific research and medicine, despite the many tragedies.
Numerous research indicates that good news can provide an “emotional buffer” against painful and negative news, which encourages optimism and action.
From this standpoint, these are some positive developments that occurred in 2023:
- Approval of a new, affordable malaria vaccine
Last October, the World Health Organization approved for only the second time a malaria vaccine, which costs between $2 and $4 per dose. It will be available by mid-2024.
More than 600,000 people died from malaria in 2021, and children under the age of five account for 80 percent of malaria deaths in Africa.
- Approval of pills to treat postpartum depression
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a life-changing drug for women, the first of its kind to treat postpartum depression, which affects up to 1 in 5 women.
This severe condition can cause pregnant and new mothers to experience extreme despair and, in rare cases, psychosis (mental dysfunction), which can last for years.
- Approval of two treatments for sickle cell disease
This December, two treatments were also approved for sickle cell disease, a rare condition that affects about 100,000 Americans, most of whom are black. The disease causes severe and persistent pain and can significantly reduce the life span of those affected.
The two new treatments are genetic, and have been shown in clinical trials to stop severe pain in most patients.
- We learned more about dementia and memory loss
Scientists have made progress in understanding one of the biggest health concerns in aging countries: dementia.
Although there is no proven treatment for dementia yet, scientific research published this year has succeeded in learning more about the disease and discovering many steps that we can take to reduce the risk of developing it.
- Agreeing on a treaty to protect the oceans
In May, more than 190 countries agreed on a major agreement to protect the biodiversity of the world’s oceans beyond national borders, after more than two decades of talks. The United Nations adopted the treaty in June.
- Declining deforestation in Brazil
During the past years, the rate of Amazon deforestation in Brazil rose to its highest level in 15 years, but this year these operations declined by 50 percent, which constituted a positive and significant sign.
2023-12-26 08:13:54
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