The present article aims to describe the status quo of the atmospheric air quality in Bishkek and the state measures taken to improve it and to give the perspective of research and policy development. Air pollution is one of the major environmental risks for premature death from respiratory diseases, cancer, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and other diseases. It exerts a negative effect on worker productivity and mental health. In the last 30 years, Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, has turned from one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the former Soviet Union to one of the most polluted cities in the world. The roots of that transformation lie in the negative socio-economic changes taking place in the country, including the population doubling of Bishkek mainly due to internal migration, uncontrolled construction of houses without relevant infrastructure, worsening socio-economic conditions, increased number of used vehicles, and low quality of gasoline. The main sources of air pollution in Bishkek are domestic heating and vehicle exhaust fumes. During the winter, air pollution is aggravated by frequent temperature inversion and air stagnation due to air trapping by high-rise buildings. The state's approaches and measures to address this issue are reflected in its laws and policies. The city and national government have taken a range of strategic measures to transform Bishkek into a green city with a favourable environment. Recommendations on research and policy development are provided in this perspective.

Achieving herd immunity is crucial for the Philippines, which continues to struggle and recover from the grave impacts of the pandemic, especially regarding its health and socioeconomic sectors. As of November 2022, 65% Filipinos have been vaccinated, nearing the 70% target. Despite this progress, vaccination efforts in the Philippines remain challenged with vaccine hesitancy, unequal distribution, and limitations of the cold chain logistics. This commentary sheds light on the current state of COVID-19 in the Philippines and discusses the importance and challenges of its pandemic response, in the pursuit of herd immunity within a developing country.

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Over the years, technology has revolutionized the operations of many industries, ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to financial institutions which are usually the first users of innovations. Owing to the recent technological trends in the financial sector, such as mobile money, artificial intelligence, and medical robotics, as well as the rapidly increasing human population and the emergence of new patterns of disease, it is necessary for the healthcare sector to adopt new strategies to deliver efficient and effective healthcare services. Financial technology (FinTech), a combination of financial services and technology, entails the incorporation of modern, innovative technologies by industries into their financial services. FinTech is an endless array of applications, products, and services which includes mobile banking, cryptocurrency, insurance, and investment apps among many others. Any enterprise that employs technology to enhance or automate financial services and processes is referred to as FinTech. This fast-growing industry serves the interests of both the business sector and the consuming public. There have been many applications and uses of FinTech, however, its employment in the field of health remains to be explored further and maximized, particularly in the developing world like Africa. This paper aims to explore the prospects of FinTech for healthcare in Africa.

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