Tobacco companies have helped to engineer ultra-processed food (UPF) and scale up the industry, developing and distributing addictive products that are driving obesity, cancer, dementia and chronic diseases like diabetes.  This is according to one of the most comprehensive reviews of the drivers and impact of UFP, published in the American Journal of Public Health […] Continue reading ->
Global leaders and policymakers must prepare for above-average temperatures until at least August due to El Niño conditions, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned. In a new update, the WMO indicated an 80% likelihood of an El Niño event during June–August, with a 90% probability that this could continue until at least November. Rainfall and […] Continue reading ->
Three investigational vaccine candidates for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus are being “urgently accelerated towards clinical trials”, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced on Monday. There are no licensed vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus, and none are in clinical development. This is the strain of Ebola currently driving the outbreak in the Democratic Republic […] Continue reading ->
Artificial intelligence promises huge efficiency gains for strained health systems, but algorithmic surveillance in long-term care systems also introduces profound ethical dilemmas. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive consultation draft on global long-term care standards to ensure digital innovation is balanced with fundamental human rights. Across the world, countries are […] Continue reading ->
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) was recognized as a “missing piece” of the global noncommunicable disease response in a milestone World Health Assembly resolution last week. With countries making extraordinary progress in combating viral hepatitis, SLD, formerly known as fatty liver disease, is now the fastest-growing chronic liver disease – but far less recognized. Experts and […] Continue reading ->
The recent hantavirus outbreak triggered a wave of disinformation along similar lines to the COVID-19 pandemic: the virus was “fake”, “deliberately engineered”, and could be “cured” by Ivermectin. In the past week, furious community members have attacked and torched tents housing Ebola patients at Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) […] Continue reading ->