Latest Health News
World Leaders Adopt Historic Global Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
On December 12, 2025, UN world leaders adopted a landmark declaration addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, marking a key step in global health collaboration. The declaration includes measurable targets to combat NCDs, the leading cause of death worldwide.
The World Heart Federation praised the move but urged bolder actions like 50% hypertension control by 2030.
World Heart Federation Welcomes UN NCD Declaration with Calls for Ambitious Targets
The World Heart Federation hailed the Fourth UN Political Declaration on NCDs passed on December 15, 2025, as a watershed for tackling cardiovascular disease, which causes 1 in 3 global deaths. It calls for scaling hypertension treatment to 500 million more people by 2030 to prevent 75 million deaths by 2050.
Stronger fiscal policies on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks are also emphasized.
WHO Report Warns of Global Waste Crisis Driving Public Health Emergency
A new WHO report on December 16, 2025, highlights how poorly managed solid waste fuels a public health crisis amid rapidly growing municipal waste volumes. It urges the health sector to prevent waste, improve treatment, adopt resilient technologies, and advocate for protective policies.
Enhanced surveillance and inclusion of informal waste workers are recommended to build evidence and equity.
UK Nationwide Doctors' Strike to Disrupt Healthcare Services December 17-22
Around 55,000 resident doctors in the UK will strike across National Health Service locations from December 17-22, 2025, demanding better terms after rejecting a government offer. Expect widespread disruptions to non-emergency services, with advice to reconfirm appointments and prepare for delays.
Emergency care remains available during the action.
India-Nepal Cross-Border Meeting Strengthens Vaccine-Preventable Disease Outbreak Response
In November 2025, WHO Surveillance Medical Officers from India and Nepal met in Gorakhpur and Biratnagar for capacity-building on VPD outbreaks like polio and measles. A tabletop simulation exercise tested cross-border strategies along their 1,800 km porous border.
The effort aims to boost collaboration for prevention and control in the region.
French Farmer Protests Continue Over Disease-Related Cow Cull Measures
Ongoing farmer protests in France, including highway blockades in the southwest, stem from a mass cow cull to prevent disease spread, deemed excessive by farmers. Demonstrations are causing localized disruptions nationwide into late December 2025.
Travelers should anticipate continued impacts on roads and services.
WHO Unveils Blueprint for Climate and Health Action in Asia-Pacific
With Asia-Pacific on climate crisis frontlines, WHO released an ambitious plan addressing health impacts from climate change. It builds on regional meetings mapping priorities like HIV resurgence and emergency responses.
Youth photo camps empower storytelling on climate-health links.
Partners In Health Launches arcTB Initiative for Drug-Resistant TB in High-Burden Countries
In May 2025, PIH and Unitaid started the arcTB project to enhance drug-resistant TB detection, treatment access, and care quality in seven countries over three years. Focus includes children and pregnant women, amid global health equity efforts.
Coverage highlighted TB funding needs and USAID concerns.
California Governor Appoints Former CDC Officials to Lead Public Health Innovation
Governor Newsom announced top ex-CDC leaders to head a new public health innovation and collaboration effort in California on December 15, 2025. The move aims to advance state health strategies and responses.
Details emphasize boosting resilience and expertise.
Health Affairs Analyzes US Health Progress Under MAHA Initiative
A December 15, 2025, Health Affairs piece checks if the US is getting healthier via the MAHA initiative, reviewing key metrics and trends. It ties into broader global health discussions on disease burdens.
Analysis questions ongoing improvements amid policy shifts.
Health Affairs Urges States to Mandate Digital Watermarking Against Health Misinformation
To counter mis- and disinformation's health impacts, a December 15, 2025, Health Affairs article recommends state mandates for digital watermarking on content. This targets harms from false health info proliferation.
Policy aims to enhance public trust and safety online.