When Telefónica Mexico and the Myriad Group AG got together with the Mexican Federal Ministry of Health and researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, they were just trying to save lives surrounding the H1N1 outbreak.

Now, their efforts are being recognized on an international scale, as late last week, it was announced that the organizations have been named a finalist for ‘Messaging Application or Service: Social Use’ at the 2010 Global Messaging Awards.

The nomination was earned by their speedy combined effort in conducting a H1N1 flu survey via mobile phones when time mattered most.

After receiving the news of the nomination, Steve Langkamp, Myriad Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We are honoured to be recognized for this prestigious award. Myriad’s participation in this landmark survey in conjunction with Telefónica Mexico, highlights new ways in which proven messaging technologies can be deployed to deliver a beneficial social impact via mobile messaging on mass-market phones.”

To read more, click here.

The University of Queensland recently published a story about one of it’s students, Alison Rae, who recently studied abroad in Mexico at the Tecnologico de Monterrey. Her tale is one of fun, adventure, and cultural understanding, even in the face of the H1N1 health crisis.

According to the student,

“I would definitely recommend Mexico as a place to go on exchange – the culture and way of life is very different to Australia but a great experience.”

With swine flu interrupting her first Mexican adventure, Ms Rae will resume her travels once the end-of-semester exams are complete.

“It happened a week before the assessment period, my brother was just about to arrive and we had plans to travel for about three weeks,” she said.

“I had to leave Mexico a few weeks early, so there were a few places I didn’t get to see and I’m also keen to explore Central America.”

To read the full story, click here.

A recent New York Times article lauds the Mexican government for their praiseworthy handling of the H1N1 crisis, as we look towards another flu season. The article, titled “Experience Guides Mexico as Swine Flu Cases Surge,” highlights Mexico’s ability to handle the growing crisis.

While there is plenty of work left to be done, Marc Lacey and Antonio Betancourt of the New York Times feels that Mexico’s recent brushes with the flu crisis will separate them as a leader in the global health community, and provide an example for other nations to follow this flu season.

To read this article, please click here.

After some initial lag in figures, student travelers are returning to Mexico in droves, according to new findings. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a majority of students feel that there is, indeed, nothing to be afraid of.

To read the full article, please click here.

Today, America’s most widely read newspaper published an article that highlights Mexico’s health care system as a shining beacon, and an example for Americans to follow.

“It sounds almost too good to be true: a health care plan with no limits, no deductibles, free medicines, tests, X-rays, eyeglasses, even dental work — all for a flat fee of $250 or less a year.”

To read the full USA Today article, click here:

Looking at Mexico City now, it’s hard to believe that normal life came to a screeching halt there during the swine flu outbreak a few months ago. To keep the flu from spreading, authorities shut down all non-essential businesses, including restaurants. Tourists fled. But these days, in a bid to lure those tourists back , Mexico City is offering travelers free health insurance.

To read the full article, from KHOU.com, click here: http://www.khou.com/news/health/stories/khou090826_tnt_mexico-city-health-insurance.11b7e15c7.html

With thoughts of health care and vaccines on everyone’s mind USA Today, the most widely circulated newspaper in the United States, published an opinion story regarding the facts of the matter in swine flu - and according to them, there is nothing to panic about.

The article confirms that much of what is held to be true with regards to the H1N1 virus are irrational fears that are played upon by the American mass media. The larger theory behind the article is that armed with the proper facts and knowledge, there is nothing to fear about H1N1, particularly in Mexico.

To read the full USA Today column, please click here.

Aussie actor Hugh Jackman will host the premiere of ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ in Mexico next week. The premiere was originally set for last month, but was cancelled amid the H1N1 virus scare.  Now that all cinemas, business and schools are back open after a brief shut-down and the U.S. government has lifted the travel advisory - the show can go on.  Jackman announced the new premiere date on his Twitter page, “My thoughts and prayers have been with all of those that have suffered directly or indirectly from the swine flu in Mexico.”

“I will bring Wolverine to Mexico City on May 26 to provide a moment of fun, escapism, and a treat for some of the loyal fans of the comic,” he added.

To read the full story, visit http://www.entertainmentandshowbiz.com/hugh-jackman-jackman-will-bring-wolverine-to-mexico-city-on-may-26-2009052016253

Editor of Newsweek International, Fareed Zakaria, says that the H1N1 scare is another example of crying wolf.  Here is an excerpt from his article:

Take swine flu. The virus had crucial characteristics that led researchers to worry that it could spread far and fast. They described — and the media reported — what would happen if it went unchecked. But it did not go unchecked. In fact, swine flu was met by a vigorous response at its epicenter. The Mexican government reacted quickly and massively, quarantining the infected population, testing others, providing medication to those in need. The noted expert on this subject, Laurie Garrett, says, “We should all stand up and scream, ‘Gracias, Mexico!’ because the Mexican people and the Mexican government have sacrificed on a level that I’m not sure as Americans we would be prepared to do in the exact same circumstances. They shut down their schools. They shut down businesses, restaurants, churches, sporting events. They basically paralyzed their own economy. They’ve suffered billions of dollars in financial losses still being tallied up, and thereby really brought transmission to a halt.”

To read the entire story,  click here.