Latest Health News
House Passes Extension of Hospital at Home Medicare Program and Childhood Vaccine Updates
The US House passed the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act extending the Medicare Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver for five years. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated the 2025 childhood vaccine schedule, removing universal Hepatitis B birth dose and incorporating latest COVID-19 vaccine formulations and improved immunization strategies, sparking debate among medical groups .
Dengue Outbreak in Tuvalu Continues with Most Cases in Children
Tuvalu's dengue outbreak, declared in June 2025, has recorded 923 suspected cases with 248 lab-confirmed infections predominantly dengue virus type 2. Most cases (73%) affect children under 14 years. Health authorities collaborate with WHO and UNICEF to promote vaccination and community engagement to control spread .
UICC Launches Decade-Long World Cancer Declaration with Ambitious Targets
The Union for International Cancer Control released the World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, aiming to reduce global cancer mortality by 25%, increase early detection by 60%, and ensure 80% of treatment facilities have essential cancer medicines. It focuses on prevention, equitable access, and integration of cancer services into universal health coverage .
PAHO Sounds Alarm Over Pertussis Resurgence in the Americas
PAHO reports a sharp rise in whooping cough cases with Americas seeing a surge from 3,284 cases in 2022 to 66,184 in 2024. Vaccination gaps are blamed, and PAHO urges countries to achieve 95% DTP coverage in children and provide boosters for broader protection, especially in vulnerable groups .
FDA Proposes Reduced Non-Human Primate Testing for Monoclonal Antibodies
The US FDA issued new draft guidance encouraging reduced use of non-human primates in monoclonal antibody safety tests, recommending alternative species and shorter toxicity studies as part of efforts to minimize animal testing while maintaining scientific rigor .
Attack on Health Services in South Sudan Threatens Lives Amid Worsening Crises
Ongoing conflict and funding cuts in South Sudan have led to attacks on healthcare facilities, disrupting malaria treatment amid the largest cholera outbreak in the country's history. Médecins Sans Frontières calls for urgent international support and renewed commitment to humanitarian aid .
Gavi Condemns Attacks on Health Workers and Disruption of Vaccine Access in Conflict Zones
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, strongly condemns targeting of health workers and disruption to immunization in conflict-affected areas, highlighting the critical impact on vaccination of millions of children and global health security efforts .
WHO Hosts Webinar to Update Laboratory Testing Protocols for Diphtheria
WHO convened experts to discuss advances and challenges in diphtheria diagnostic testing during outbreaks, emphasizing improved laboratory methods and lessons learned from different countries, to enhance response capacity .
Influenza Cases Surge in New Caledonia Amid Regional Infectious Disease Alerts
New Caledonia experiences a 2.4-fold increase in influenza cases compared to 2024, surpassing epidemic thresholds, alongside regional outbreaks of measles and pertussis prompting public health advisories for vaccination compliance .
UK Government Plans Tighter Restrictions on Wood-Burning Stoves to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The UK announced enhanced environmental policies aimed at reducing indoor PM2.5 pollution from wood-burning stoves to lower respiratory and cardiovascular health risks, responding to evidence linking indoor air pollution to chronic illnesses and premature deaths globally .