Latest Health News
US Officially Exits World Health Organization
The Trump administration finalized the US departure from WHO in late January 2026, citing poor COVID-19 response and lack of accountability. This will cut WHO funding significantly, leading to 2,300 job losses and downsizing of divisions by summer 2026.
Experts warn it weakens global health cooperation as germs cross borders.
Nipah Virus Cases Reported in India with Asia-Wide Screenings
Two Nipah virus cases confirmed in India, prompting airport screenings across Asia and monitoring of over 195 contacts. The virus has a fatality rate estimated at 40-75%.
Taiwan proposes reclassification of the virus.
Measles Outbreaks Surge Globally Including US and Mexico
Largest measles outbreak in South Carolina, US, highlights vaccination needs. Mexico reports first fatal case of 2026 with 2025 statistics showing increase.
Sudan sees rising incidence and fatalities in Central Darfur.
WHO Flags 188 Million Children Living with Obesity
Nearly 188 million children and adolescents worldwide are obese, with 390 million overweight, per WHO. Rates rise sharply in low- and middle-income countries due to unhealthy foods and marketing.
WHO urges restrictions on junk food ads and better school nutrition.
Artificial Lungs Save Man's Life Awaiting Transplant
Artificial lungs sustained a man for 48 hours while waiting for a lung transplant, potentially replicable for ARDS affecting 190,000 US patients yearly. This breakthrough offers hope for acute respiratory distress cases.
Avian Influenza H5N1 Spreads in Taiwan Poultry
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu confirmed in poultry in Taichung and Miaoli regions of Taiwan. This marks ongoing spread of the virus in the area.
Dengue Cases Sharply Increase in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Sri Lanka reports sharp rise in dengue cases. Bangladesh provides update on ongoing dengue situation.
WHO Launches Annual Emergencies Appeal
WHO will launch its annual emergencies appeal on February 3, outlining response priorities and funding for global health crises. This aims to protect vulnerable populations facing emergencies worldwide.
Marburg Virus Epidemic Declared Over in Ethiopia
Ethiopia announces end of Marburg virus disease epidemic. This marks successful containment of the outbreak.
Childhood Obesity Drives Global Health Crisis per WHO
WHO warns of fastest-growing public health crisis from childhood obesity fueled by ultra-processed foods and marketing. Calls for policy interventions like front-of-pack labels and healthier school environments.
Plastics Pose Soaring Global Health Threat
Plastic production, use, and disposal threaten human health increasingly without intervention. Reducing unnecessary plastic creation is most effective measure; recycling has little impact.
Updated WHO Guidelines on Female Genital Mutilation
WHO released 2025 guidelines on FGM prevention, management, and survivor care ahead of February 6 Zero Tolerance Day. Over 230 million girls and women affected; 4 million at risk yearly.