Latest Health News
PAHO Calls to Close Vaccination Gaps Amid Whooping Cough Resurgence
The Pan American Health Organization warns of a sharp rise in whooping cough cases, reaching nearly one million globally in 2024. The Americas saw a significant rebound after historic lows in 2022, with some countries reporting vaccination rates below 80%. PAHO urges achieving over 95% coverage of the DTP vaccine and booster doses to curb outbreaks, especially in vulnerable infants under one year old.
Humanitarian Sector Faces Funding Shortages Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence Crises
2025 has seen escalating humanitarian crises with dwindling resources, complicating responses to gender-based violence (GBV). An IRC longitudinal study highlights the need for enhanced prevention and response frameworks, recommending increased investments in survivor support and focused programming.
Global NCD Community Urges Adoption of UN Political Declaration Post-HLM 2025
A coalition of 36 global organizations advocates for the swift adoption of the UN Political Declaration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasizing ambitious targets for cancer, mental health, and health workforce strengthening despite delayed formal acceptance due to some member state objections.
ACIP Updates 2025 US Childhood Immunization Schedule
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has revised the childhood vaccine schedule, including ending universal Hepatitis B birth doses in favor of targeted administration, incorporating updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, and refining recommendations for RSV and meningococcal B immunizations.
US and Uganda Sign $2.3 Billion Health Cooperation Agreement
The United States and Uganda formalized a five-year bilateral health cooperation memorandum focused on strengthening health systems, expanding access to care, and addressing key public health challenges through a $2.3 billion investment.
Germany Allocates €500 Million for Infection-Associated Disease Research
Following cuts to Long COVID funding, Germany launched the National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases, earmarking over €500 million through 2036 to support research on conditions like Long COVID and ME, aiming to improve pathobiology understanding and biomarker development.
New Study Reveals Violence Against Women and Children as Major Global Health Burden
A global study quantifies sexual violence against children and intimate partner violence against women as among the most severe but underrecognized health threats, calling for urgent recognition and targeted intervention strategies.
Health Care Access Crisis Intensifies in South Sudan Amid Conflict and Funding Cuts
South Sudan faces catastrophic health service disruptions due to conflict, attacks on facilities, and declining international funding. The largest cholera outbreak in its history alongside malaria drug shortages exacerbate health risks, particularly for women and children, demanding urgent international action.
WHO and European Commission Strengthen Partnership to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
The WHO and European Commission expanded collaboration efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance through enhanced surveillance, public health innovation, and policy coordination, aiming to curb the spread of resistant infections globally.
WHO Advances Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Emergency Surveillance
WHO is deploying artificial intelligence technologies to improve public health intelligence and emergency response capabilities, enhancing early detection and management of disease outbreaks and other health crises worldwide.