Latest Health News
WHO Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for Circulating Variants
The WHO Technical Advisory Group advises updating COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition as most circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants derive from JN.1, aiming to boost immune responses against current strains. Vaccination remains crucial amid ongoing global circulation causing severe disease, especially in older adults and those with comorbidities, despite reporting gaps.
The group met December 8-9, 2025, reviewing evolution and vaccine performance.
Brazil Achieves Elimination of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
WHO validated Brazil as the most populous country in the Americas to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission on December 18, 2025. This milestone stems from universal free health access via the Unified Health System, strong primary care, and human rights focus.
UNAIDS praised Brazil's approach of prioritizing universal healthcare and tackling social determinants.
New Antibiotics Gepotidacin and Zoliflodacin Combat Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea
Phase 3 trials published December 11 in The Lancet showed gepotidacin and zoliflodacin effectively treat gonorrhea without serious side effects. Gepotidacin, from GSK, targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV; zoliflodacin targets DNA gyrase via a novel mechanism.
These first-in-class drugs address rising antibiotic resistance.
Lithium Discovered as Natural Brain Protector Against Alzheimer's
Harvard researchers found lithium naturally occurs in the brain, shielding against neurodegeneration; its depletion is an early Alzheimer's change accelerating pathology in mice. A novel lithium compound restored memory in mouse models, offering new strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Published in Journal of the American Chemical Society.
HPV Vaccination Goal Achieved: 86 Million Girls Protected by 2025
WHO marked achieving the goal of vaccinating 86 million girls against HPV in Gavi countries by end-2025, accelerating cervical cancer elimination efforts. Global measles deaths reduced 88% since 2000, though outbreaks highlight immunity gaps.
Americas lost measles elimination status due to Canada's transmission.
CRISPR Base Editing Successfully Treats Infant with Rare Genetic Disorder
In a breakthrough, base editing—a CRISPR variant—treated 6-month-old KJ for a genetic disorder causing high ammonia levels, improving protein intake and weight gain. Delivered via lipid nanoparticles, it fixed a single gene mutation after testing in cells and animals.
This case highlights personalized gene therapy potential.
Nerves Transfer Mitochondria to Cancer Cells, Fueling Metastasis
Researchers found nerve cells transfer mitochondria to cancer cells via bridge-like structures, boosting metabolism and metastasis in prostate tumors. In mice, metastatic sites showed up to 46% cancer cells with nerve mitochondria.
Published in Nature, disrupting this could slow cancer spread.
Stanford Advances: Eradicating Liver Tumors and Gentler Stem Cell Transplants
Blocking erythropoietin turned immune-resistant liver tumors 'hot' in mice, leading to complete regression with immunotherapy. Gentler stem cell transplants treated Fanconi anemia in children without toxic chemo or radiation, with all patients well after two years.
Ultrasound nanoparticles enable targeted drug delivery reducing side effects.
New Heart Failure Treatments and Blood Pressure Insights Emerge
Tirzepatide and oral semaglutide reduced cardiovascular risks in heart failure and diabetes patients per NEJM studies. Stem cells re-muscularize failing hearts; DWORF microprotein identified as therapeutic target.
Blood pressure control also lowers dementia risk.
Western Pacific Marks 25 Years Polio-Free; Yellow Fever Campaigns Expand
WHO Western Pacific celebrated 25 years without indigenous wild poliovirus, emphasizing surveillance and immunization. Yellow fever responses deployed 2.8 million stockpile doses; preventive campaigns protected 38 million in Africa.
Routine vaccination scaling up in remaining countries.
WHO Releases First Global Meningitis Guidelines; Group B Strep Vaccine Advances
2025 saw WHO's first meningitis diagnosis, treatment, and care guidelines, advancing Defeating Meningitis by 2030 goals. Momentum builds for Group B Streptococcus vaccine to protect mothers and newborns.
Enhanced surveillance and multisectoral collaboration prioritized.
AI Diagnostician Dr. CaBot Debuts in New England Journal of Medicine
Harvard's AI 'Dr. CaBot' provided detailed reasoning for diagnoses alongside clinicians in NEJM's case series—the first AI-generated diagnosis published there. Designed for medical education and research, it spells out diagnostic logic.
Holds potential to aid complex case handling.