Latest Health News
More Than Half of WHO European Region Faces Intense Early Influenza Season Driven by New A(H3N2) Strain
Influenza is spreading earlier than usual across the WHO European Region, driven by a new A(H3N2) subclade K strain accounting for up to 90% of cases, pressuring health systems. Vaccination is recommended as it reduces severe outcomes, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with conditions; cases may peak in late December.
Proven measures like health-conscious behavior are urged to protect vulnerable groups.
WHO Hosts Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi
The WHO's Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, with India, opened on December 17 to advance evidence, integration, and innovation per the 2025–2034 strategy. It addresses access gaps for 4.6 billion people, promoting cost-efficient outcomes and UHC through ethical AI and genomics use.
New commitments and a global consortium are expected to boost regulation and community engagement.
Universal Health Coverage and Pandemic Preparedness Must Advance Together
Progress on UHC 2030 is off-track amid outbreaks like Marburg in Ethiopia and Ebola in DRC; pandemic preparedness is key to health security and avoiding setbacks in coverage. Investments in detection and containment are urgent as threats like avian flu rise globally.
Strengthening systems now ensures gains in maternal/child health and NCDs.
COVID-19 Persists in Australia with Nearly 8,000 November Notifications; New Booster Recommended
SARS-CoV-2 continues causing infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and long COVID, with seasonal waves lower than 2024 but ongoing. November 2025 saw nearly 8,000 notifications, underestimating true cases due to reduced testing.
Updated boosters target circulating subvariants like LP.8.1 for vulnerable populations.
Public Health in 2025 Review: Aid Cuts, Agency Dismantling, and Rising Vaccine Hesitancy
Global health faced disruptions from aid cuts, dismantling of public health agencies, and spreading vaccine hesitancy leading to more vaccine-preventable diseases. These challenges marked a tough year for health systems worldwide.
COP30 Advances Gender Equality and Health via Belém Health Action Plan
COP30's Health Day launched the BHAP, endorsed by 80 countries with $300M pledges, integrating health into climate adaptation including SRHR and violence prevention. The voluntary plan focuses on surveillance, policy, and innovation amid climate crises affecting women and girls.
Youth and Parliamentarians Urge Urgent Action on UHC Financial Protection
At the 2025 UHC Day town hall, calls intensify for financial protection amid tightening budgets and shifting global health financing. Emphasis is on preventing billions from lacking coverage.
Effectiveness of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccines Confirmed in US Children
New data shows effectiveness of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines in US children from August 29, 2024–September 2, 2025, per VISION study. This supports ongoing vaccination efforts.
WHO Newborn Health Leader Advocates Resilient, Equity-Driven Global Systems
At Rice360 event, WHO leader calls for resilient global health systems focused on equity for newborn health.
Health Data Protection Concerns Raised Under Kenya–US Health Agreement
Viewpoint highlights governance and data protection issues in the Kenya–US Health Agreement, stressing safeguards.