Latest Health News
World Asthma Day 2026: Focus on Access to Anti-inflammatory Inhalers
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) marks World Asthma Day with the theme 'Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need'. The campaign emphasizes that all people with asthma, including most pre-school children, should receive evidence-based inhaled corticosteroid-containing medications
. Healthcare professionals are called upon to ensure prescribed access to these essential inhaled medications for disease control and attack treatment
.
Global Pre-eclampsia Summit Convenes to Combat Maternal Deaths
The WHO and HRP are hosting a Global Pre-eclampsia Summit to address a condition accounting for 16% of maternal deaths and half a million fetal and newborn deaths annually worldwide. The multi-stakeholder summit brings together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and global health agencies to align priorities on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pre-eclampsia
. Participants will develop a coordinated Global Roadmap through 2030 to guide research, policy, and implementation efforts, with particular focus on low- and middle-income countries
.
Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Highlighted at World Health Assembly
The International Diabetes Federation is co-hosting high-level sessions at the 79th World Health Assembly addressing childhood obesity and its link to type 2 diabetes. According to latest estimates, 589 million adults were living with diabetes in 2024, with projections exceeding 850 million by 2050
. The discussions will examine early-life interventions and policy solutions ranging from healthier school food environments to urban planning that promotes physical activity
.
Gestational Diabetes Positioned as Entry Point for Integrated Health Care
A coalition including Tanzania, Kenya, and Guatemala is collaborating with international organizations at the World Health Assembly to strengthen primary care for gestational diabetes management. The session, titled 'Gestational Diabetes and Beyond: Strengthening Primary Care for Integrated Reno-Metabolic Health Across the Life Course,' focuses on integrating maternal health services with long-term prevention of noncommunicable diseases
. This approach is particularly targeted at low- and middle-income countries where the burden of these diseases is rising fastest
.
Humanitarian Groups Condemn Rising Attacks on Healthcare Facilities Worldwide
The Red Cross, WHO, and Médecins Sans Frontières have jointly denounced a 'failure of political will' to stop attacks on healthcare in armed conflicts. In 2025, the WHO recorded 1,348 attacks on medical facilities resulting in 1,981 deaths, with Sudan being most affected at 1,620 deaths
. As of 2026, the WHO has already registered 521 attacks in 13 countries, killing 408 people, showing no sign of slowing
.
Sudan Faces Severe Healthcare Crisis Due to Conflict-Related Attacks
Sudan has experienced the highest number of healthcare-related deaths from attacks, with 1,620 people killed in 2025 according to WHO surveillance data. The country faces unprecedented challenges to medical care infrastructure amid ongoing conflict
. Healthcare workers, facilities, and patients continue to be caught in attacks that result in death and injury
.
Ukraine Reports 20% Surge in Healthcare Attacks
Ukraine has reported a nearly 20% increase in attacks on healthcare facilities compared to 2024. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, the WHO has documented at least 2,881 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, affecting health workers, facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses
. The pattern reflects escalating threats to medical care infrastructure in conflict zones
.
World Pulmonary Hypertension Day Raises Global Awareness
World Pulmonary Hypertension Day on May 5 aims to raise awareness about a life-threatening condition affecting millions globally. The observance highlights the need for better understanding and management of this serious pulmonary condition
. The day serves as a platform for advocacy and education about pulmonary hypertension as a significant global health concern
.
GINA 2026 Clinical Guidelines Updated with Latest Evidence
The 2026 update of GINA guidelines incorporates several years of new clinical trial data, real-world evidence, and evolving treatment paradigms. These updated guidelines provide clinicians globally with current evidence-based recommendations for asthma management
. The comprehensive update reflects advancements in asthma care over recent years
.
World Health Assembly Addresses Progress Stall in Noncommunicable Disease Prevention
The 79th World Health Assembly discussions reflect concerns raised at the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, which warned that progress in reducing premature deaths has stalled. Global health leaders are focusing on strengthened integration of prevention into national health strategies
. The emphasis is on translating global guidance into practical, person-centered primary healthcare solutions across low- and middle-income countries
.