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Latest Health News

📅December 31, 2025 at 1:00 AM
2025 ends with major US-Ivory Coast health funding deal amid aid cuts, WHO public health review, and breakthroughs in Alzheimer's tests, gene therapies, and genomics.
1

US Commits $480M to Ivory Coast Health Under 'America First' Deal

The US and Ivory Coast signed a $480 million health pact covering HIV, malaria, maternal health, and global security, with Ivory Coast contributing $292M by 2030.Source 3Source 5 This follows US aid cuts impacting African health systems, shifting to trade and self-sufficiency models.Source 3Source 5 The Trump administration aims to eliminate waste from prior USAID agreements.Source 3

2

WHO Reviews 2025 Public Health Milestones Amid Challenges

WHO highlighted 2025 achievements like the Pandemic Agreement, expanded medicine access, and climate health efforts despite funding cuts.Source 1 The year featured threats to science but reaffirmed evidence-based global health leadership.Source 1 Dr. Sylvie Briand discussed the Global Traditional Medicine Research Agenda, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge.Source 1

3

First Blood Test Developed for Alzheimer's Diagnosis

2025 saw the first blood test to aid Alzheimer's diagnosis, among top medical breakthroughs.Source 2 This innovation promises earlier detection and better management of the disease.Source 2 Other advances included remote robotic surgery performed 7,000 miles away.Source 2

4

CRISPR Gene Therapy Enables Baby's First Steps

A baby named KJ received tailored CRISPR treatment for a genetic mutation, allowing him to walk after months in hospital.Source 2 This gene-editing breakthrough treated a rare condition effectively.Source 2 KJ reached the milestone of taking first steps before Christmas.Source 2

5

CU Anschutz Team Creates Detailed Human Pangenome

Scientists including CU Anschutz researchers built one of the most complete human genome maps from 65 diverse individuals.Source 4 This pangenome reveals thousands of structural differences, improving genetic testing and precision medicine.Source 4 It advances research on complex diseases for all backgrounds.Source 4

6

AI Study Reveals NF1 Tumor Growth Mechanisms

CU Anschutz used AI and imaging to show how NF1 gene loss alters cells, driving tumors in Neurofibromatosis type 1 patients.Source 4 Affecting 1 in 3,000, this lays groundwork for diagnostics and drugs.Source 4 The findings map subtle cellular changes for potential prevention.Source 4

7

No Country Achieves Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis

Despite challenges, 2025 global health shone with progress toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.Source 9 No nation met the triple goal, but efforts highlighted high points.Source 9 This reflects ongoing steep challenges in the year.Source 9

8

Breakthroughs in Pediatric Heart Transplants and Blood Cancer Cure

2025 innovations included major improvements to pediatric heart transplants and a potential cure for a deadly blood cancer.Source 6 These minimally invasive advances mark key health progress.Source 6 The list underscores transformative medical developments.Source 6

9

Gene Therapy Trial Success for Rare Telomere Disorders

First clinical trial results for gene therapy in rare telomere biology disorders offer new hope to patients.Source 10 This breakthrough opens doors for treating these genetic conditions.Source 10 It features among 2025's top research stories.Source 10

10

US DHS Rule Bars Asylum Over Public Health Risks

A new DHS rule effective December 31, 2025, considers public health risks as a security bar to asylum and withholding.Source 13Source 16 Modified from a 2020 draft, it impacts applicants with health-related threats.Source 16 The rule aligns security and health in immigration policy.Source 13

11

WHO Launches Global Traditional Medicine Research Agenda

Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, promoted integrating undervalued traditional knowledge for new challenges while protecting Indigenous rights.Source 1 This initiative addresses evolving global health needs.Source 1 It forms part of 2025's public health turning points.Source 1

12

Brain Implants Restore Independence, Reduce Opioids in 2025

Scientists developed brain implants restoring independence for some patients and preventing opioid needs for others.Source 2 These innovations tackle organ shortages and pain management.Source 2 They rank among the year's biggest medical advances.Source 2