Health news clusters

Research from The George Institute for Global Health indicates that switching to potassium-enriched salt could prevent 2.96 million annual deaths and millions of cardiovascular cases globally.

Air pollution in New Delhi has spiked to over 30 times WHO recommended limits, reaching toxic levels despite government restrictions on traffic and construction ahead of the Diwali festival.

A study in Nature Medicine reports a global resurgence of measles, with 15.6 million cases and 118,000 deaths estimated in 2023 due to declining vaccination rates and pandemic-related disruptions.

German medical associations have formed a roundtable to tackle systemic power abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination in hospitals, calling for better reporting channels and leadership standards.

South Korea has approved new medical schools at Sunchon National University (60 spots) and Gyeongguk National University (40 spots), targeting a 2030 opening to improve regional healthcare.

Severe air pollution is affecting Delhi and Lucknow, with Delhi's AQI exceeding 400 in several areas and Lucknow reporting significant increases in PM10 and PM2.5 levels in industrial and residential zones.

A THL report warns of widening regional inequalities in Finland's healthcare services, despite an overall decrease in the wellbeing services deficit and positive service improvements in Pirkanmaa.

Shortages and high costs of psychiatric drugs in Iran are forcing patients to reduce medication, risking disease relapse and straining hospital capacity.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has caused over 5,000 deaths. The Bundibugyo variant is proving difficult to contain due to high lethality and limited surveillance.

Servier's vorasidenib won the Prix Galien Italia 2026 for its role as the first oral targeted therapy for specific grade 2 gliomas.

Anvisa has approved five new injectable GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity in Brazil, alongside the country's first oral version of Wegovy.

Cocaine treatment cases in Croatia have nearly doubled from 165 in 2020 to 309 in 2024, according to public health experts.

Greece's Deputy Health Minister announced a 50% response rate to the “Prolamvano” program, with plans to launch new breast and lung cancer screening initiatives.

A US-based study of over 16,000 children examines how excessive screen time before age five may impact language and communication development.

A Nature Medicine study predicts global cervical cancer cases will rise 20.2% and deaths 39.3% by 2050, driven by significant healthcare inequalities and high burdens in sub-Saharan Africa.

Researchers at King’s College London are testing KCL-286, an experimental drug that repairs DNA damage and reduces inflammation to potentially slow Alzheimer’s disease progression.

INGESA reports that over 95% of the 11,089 migrant emergency visits in Ceuta since July involved minor ailments, prompting the use of fast track circuits to manage hospital resources.

A study by San Raffaele researchers suggests that brain response variability, once considered noise, could predict a patient's ability to reorganize and recover after a stroke.

Swedish authorities report a trend of increasing availability for estrogen medications following years of shortages caused by rising demand, despite higher costs for patients.

Researchers warn that the online sale of ancient human mummies on social media poses biological risks, including exposure to dangerous fungal spores like Aspergillus.

The University of Birmingham is leading a government-funded trial in England involving 20,000 patients to test if multi-cancer blood tests can improve early detection of various abdominal cancers.

Ghana's Health Minister is enforcing strict nursing school admission quotas to reduce a massive backlog of trained but unemployed healthcare workers.

Researchers have identified potential blood-clot prevention benefits of the diabetes drug sotagliflozin, while a new phase III trial shows a three-drug combination improves glycemic control in Indian patients.

HZJZ found PFAS contamination in a well near an illegal landfill in Lika-Senj County, though public water supplies remain safe.

Traders at the Phandi Chhak market in Balasore, Odisha, are allegedly using prohibited chemicals to artificially ripen bananas overnight, sparking food safety concerns.

Czech authorities have issued food safety warnings following salmonella detections in Romanian chicken at Lidl and botulism risks in various almond and chocolate products.

Hanoi will offer 1 million VND to couples for premarital health screenings to promote early detection of hereditary and infectious diseases.

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy oral tablets have launched in Spain, offering a non-injectable semaglutide option for obesity treatment at private cost.

Kenya's Ministry of Health is warning against the misuse of cetirizine following a viral social media trend involving claims that the allergy medication can suppress sexual desire.

Ho Chi Minh City education officials have ordered schools to strictly monitor food origins for student meals following a major crackdown on livestock using banned substances like Salbutamol.

A US study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests HSV-1 may link to Alzheimer's by altering microglia immune cells in the brain.

An Oxford University study of nearly one million people finds that consuming very hot beverages is linked to a significantly higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo is urging pharmacists to partner with the state government to crack down on counterfeit drugs and strengthen pharmaceutical regulation.

A long-term study of over 52,000 women suggests that hormone therapy for menopause does not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in middle-aged women.

The Punjab government has allocated over Rs. 37 billion for free specialized medical treatments, including cancer care, heart surgeries, and stroke management, to reduce patient waiting lists.

The INMO is urging the Irish government to fast-track public health nurse recruitment after reports revealed nearly 8,000 infants missed vital developmental checks last year due to staffing shortages.

Over 70% of daily patients at Penang Hospital's emergency department are non-critical, contributing to facility congestion. Officials are looking to extend clinic hours to manage the load.

A new study finds that children consuming more ultra-processed foods show increased brain reward activity, which is linked to higher body fat levels over time.

New research highlights two innovative cancer treatment strategies: using synthetic DNA to target specific genes and utilizing carbon monoxide produced by tumors to trigger internal drug production.

Studies indicate that vegetarian diets and increased fruit and vegetable intake may reduce the risk, progression, and hospitalization rates associated with chronic kidney disease.

Health officials warn of rising measles risks in Mexico and Chile as vaccination coverage falls below necessary levels to prevent outbreaks and maintain disease elimination.

Ophthalmologist Jana Hrnková warns that diabetic retinopathy can be asymptomatic in early stages, urging regular eye screenings for diabetics to prevent vision loss.

Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital is validating an AI-powered mobile app that uses wearable device data and genomic info to predict and manage chronic kidney disease risks.

ETH Zurich researchers have created a wireless implant that uses electricity to convert excess glucose into gluconate, potentially treating diabetes and obesity without drugs.

UKC Maribor has opened a 59-bed nursing hospital at Slivniško Pohorje to provide post-acute care and relieve pressure on its main clinical complex.

Free men's health screening events are being held in Gdańsk and Rzeszów this November to promote cancer prevention.

North Macedonia's Health Insurance Fund is increasing audits of medical facilities to prevent double billing and ensure patients are not charged for services covered by mandatory insurance.

Research shows smoking increases the death risk by 17.1 times for fatty liver patients who also consume alcohol, highlighting the critical need for smoking cessation and alcohol abstinence.

German health experts emphasize the benefits of flu vaccinations for pregnant women and offer guidance on managing frequent seasonal respiratory infections in families.