Latest Health News
Universal Health Coverage and Pandemic Preparedness Linked for Global Security
Ministers gathered in Tokyo for UHC Forum, emphasizing integration of pandemic prevention with UHC goals to build resilient systems. Pandemic Fund supports $7B portfolio in 75 countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia amid outbreaks of Marburg, Ebola, and dengue.
Strengthening detection is vital to avoid setbacks in maternal/child health and NCDs.
Global Health Funding Crisis Projects Rise in Under-5 Child Deaths
First rise in child mortality in a century, estimating 4.8M deaths from pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea due to aid cuts. US closure of USAID disrupted HIV, malaria programs, shuttering clinics worldwide.
Global Fund short $5.7B, delaying end to HIV, TB, malaria.
NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP Launch Public Health Alerts on Flu and Mpox
New series provides rapid data on emerging threats; first alerts cover DoD flu strains supporting WHO 2025-26 vaccine selections. Mpox report details clade Ib community transmission in unvaccinated LA individuals.
Aims to enable swift global responses.
WHO Backs Landmark Disease and Mental Health Declaration
UN declaration offers 'once-in-a-generation' chance to improve global health via stronger policies, services, funding. Commits to tackling diseases and mental health with regular progress reviews.
WHO chief Tedros highlights potential for quality of life gains.
Afghanistan Hunger Crisis Deepens, Raising Child Death Risks
Over 2M more people hungry than last year; WFP sees families skipping meals, child deaths rising amid winter, earthquakes, returns. Aid shrinking despite $468M need for 6M; mothers turned away from health centers.
Drought, job losses exacerbate malnutrition.
DR Congo Conflict Displaces 110,000, Halts Aid Operations
Fighting in South Kivu suspends ops in Fizi/Baraka; displaced shelter without aid, some flee to Burundi/Tanzania. Access fragile in Uvira/Bukavu as needs rise.
Panic and looting reported.
WHO Europe Faces Intense Early Flu Season from New Strain
Over half of region hit early by dominant strain, pressuring health systems; peaks expected late Dec/early Jan. Recommends protective measures; most recover but severe cases need care.
Transmission curbing advised.
US Policy Shifts Jeopardize Global Health Programs and WHO Funding
US withdrawal causes billion-dollar WHO shortfalls, restructuring; disrupts programs, research worldwide. Aid cuts dismantle public health agencies, spread vaccine hesitancy.
Impacts HIV, malaria, TB efforts.
WHO Global Summit Advances Traditional Medicine Integration
Summit in New Delhi (Dec 17-19) announces commitments, calls for evidence-based consortium. Promotes safer, integrated use in health systems.
Builds on global evidence.
COVID-19 Persists with Seasonal Waves; New Booster LP.8.1 Queried
November 2025 saw ~8,000 notifications; 2025 levels lower but ongoing mini-waves. Effectiveness data for 2024-25 vaccines in US children released.
Incomplete Dec data noted.
Kenya-US Health Agreement Raises Data Protection Concerns
New framework targets HIV, malaria, TB elimination, system strengthening. Viewpoint urges robust governance for health data shared.
Advances US-Kenya ties.