Latest Health News
Preventive Cholera Vaccination Resumes Globally After Supply Milestone
Global cholera vaccine supply has reached levels allowing resumption of preventive campaigns for the first time in over three years, starting in Mozambique. Over 600,000 cases and 7,600 deaths were reported last year, with stocks now supporting proactive efforts alongside sanitation improvements.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized breaking reactive cycles through vaccines from EUBiologics.
Guinea Worm Disease Nears Eradication with Only 10 Cases Last Year
Guinea worm infections dropped to just 10 worldwide last year, nearing eradication as the second human disease after smallpox. Challenges persist due to animal reservoirs like dogs and fish, requiring continued efforts beyond zero human cases.
This progress highlights the 'last mile' difficulties in disease elimination.
New York City Joins WHO Outbreak Network Post-US Withdrawal
New York City has joined WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) despite US withdrawal. This move bolsters local health security through international collaboration.
It underscores city-level commitments to global health amid national shifts.
Korea Conducts Landmark Pandemic Simulation Exercise
The Republic of Korea is running a pioneering fictional pandemic simulation with CEPI to enhance outbreak readiness. The exercise involves whole-of-government and biotech sectors to identify strengths and gaps.
CEPI CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett praised it for preventing repeats of COVID-19 mistakes.
US Funding Standoff Over Thimerosal in Gavi Vaccines
The Trump administration demands Gavi phase out thimerosal-containing vaccines for US funding, tied to debunked claims. Critics like Dr. Peter Hotez call it pseudoscience risking children's immunizations.
Gavi faces potential impacts on global vaccine access in poorer countries.
OU Health Offers FDA-Approved TIL Therapy for Advanced Melanoma
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is first in Oklahoma providing TIL therapy, using patients' immune cells against refractory melanoma. FDA-approved in 2024, it shows long-term remissions up to 20 years in some cases.
The complex treatment involves multidisciplinary teams for tumor removal and cell expansion.
Bristol Myers Squibb-Microsoft AI Partnership for Lung Cancer Detection
BMS partners with Microsoft using AI radiology tools via Precision Imaging Network for early lung cancer detection from X-rays and CTs. Focuses on hard-to-detect nodules, targeting underserved and rural areas.
Aims to improve outcomes through earlier intervention and oncology advancements.
OU Researchers Develop Aurniosove for Efficient mRNA Cancer Delivery
University of Oklahoma created aurniosoves with gold nanoparticles to boost mRNA delivery into cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. Tested successfully in lab and mouse models of ovarian and liver cancer, slowing tumor growth.
Adaptable for chemo or siRNA, with patent pending for improved efficiency.
Cancer Research Hits 70% Five-Year Survival Rate Milestone
For the first time, combined cancer five-year survival reaches 70%, driven by advances like single-cell epigenetics and immune therapies. Highlights include DNA organizers, ovarian cancer atlases, and dietary impacts on immune cells.
New paths target inflammation, soundwaves, and viral mimicry against tumors.
Pipeline Drugs to Watch in 2026: Breast Cancer, Allergies, Weight Management
Key drugs include camizestrant for targeted breast cancer mutations, Anaphylm oral allergy treatment, and expanded weight management options. These offer first oral specifics, less frequent dosing for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Susan G. Komen notes progress in reducing US breast cancer deaths via screening.
Chile on Alert After Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Found in Santiago
Chile heightens alert over Aedes aegypti mosquito detection in Santiago, vector for diseases like dengue. Absent from much of the country, its presence threatens expansion.
Reported by El Mercurio, prompting public health measures.
Wyss Institute Advances Bioinspired Cancer Treatments and Clot Prevention
ARPA-H funded project accelerates IND for hard-to-treat cancers using bioinspired engineering. New tech identifies early clot risk in mesothelioma patients post-surgery, where 33% develop fatal complications.
Aims to enable timely interventions.