All articles tagged with #global health
In northern Cameroon, patients with drug-resistant TB are kept in an isolation ward for months under a policy deemed obsolete in wealthier nations, reflecting resource gaps that prevent updating practice and separating families from care.
One year after the Trump-era dismantling of USAID, a Lancet study projects that ongoing global aid cuts could cause about 9.4 million more deaths by 2030 (about 2.5 million under age 5) vs maintaining 2023 funding; deeper cuts could raise deaths to 22.6 million. Using data from 93 low- and middle-income countries, the analysis credits overseas aid with major declines in child mortality and infectious diseases, while warning that current and planned cuts are already weakening health systems as clinics close and mortality data gaps emerge. Some donors argue for reform of the aid system and route funds through recipient governments; the study notes it doesn’t fully account for philanthropic or national countermeasures that could mitigate harms.
Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene died in Abuja after a snakebite, highlighting a broader, preventable crisis in snakebite treatment driven by antivenom shortages and delays. She was first treated at a hospital without antivenom, then at FMC where she received some treatment but died from severe complications as advocates warn that underfunding and supply gaps impede timely care; the FMC denies a lack of antivenom at its site.
A Lancet Global Health modelling study links abrupt official development assistance (ODA) cuts to up to 22.6 million excess deaths by 2030 under severe defunding, including about 5.4 million among under-fives, with milder defunding causing about 9.4 million more deaths. The analysis—covering 2002–2021 data and projecting three scenarios—says the US, UK and other donors’ reductions could reverse decades of gains against infectious diseases and malnutrition, risking the collapse of health systems in some countries.
The Carter Center reports that human Guinea worm infections dropped to a historic low of 10 cases in 2025, signaling the world is closing in on eradication of the disease.
A six-month trial in western Uganda found that babies carried in permethrin-treated wraps had about a two-thirds reduction in malaria cases (0.73 vs 2.14 per 100 babies per week) compared with untreated wraps; safety signals showed a slightly higher rash rate but no withdrawals, and researchers see potential for local production and broader testing before rollout.
Trump unveils an $11.1 billion, five-year “America First Global Health Strategy” to replace USAID by sending money directly to foreign governments, health organizations, and drug makers—primarily in Africa—with a focus on HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and maternal health, aiming to boost U.S. influence while bypassing NGOs, though critics warn of corruption and data-tracking risks.
Bill Gates warns that the world regressed in child mortality progress last year due to reduced aid from rich countries, and he predicts a difficult five years ahead before we can enter a new era of progress, despite his optimism fueled by AI innovation. He announced a $200 billion donation to his foundation to address global issues and urges wealthy individuals to increase philanthropy to bridge funding gaps.
In his 2026 letter, Bill Gates expresses cautious optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of innovation in health, climate, and education, while highlighting challenges such as rising child mortality, economic disparities, and the disruptive potential of AI. He advocates for increased generosity, scaling technological solutions for equality, and careful management of AI risks to ensure long-term progress.
Global cancer cases and deaths have surged over the past three decades, driven mainly by population growth and aging, with low- and middle-income countries facing the fastest increases. Despite advances in treatment, disparities persist, and behavioral risk factors like tobacco use significantly contribute to cancer mortality. The study emphasizes the urgent need for equitable cancer prevention and control efforts worldwide to reduce future burdens, especially in resource-limited settings.
The International Diabetes Federation has officially recognized a fifth form of diabetes, called type 5 diabetes, which is linked to malnutrition and affects millions worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This recognition aims to improve diagnosis and treatment, as type 5 diabetes is distinct from other types and often misdiagnosed, with current treatments potentially harmful. The move is seen as long overdue, with efforts underway to establish diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidelines.
In 2025, WHO achieved significant milestones including the first Pandemic Agreement, disease elimination efforts, progress in vaccination and health system equity, and strengthened global preparedness for health emergencies, despite funding challenges and ongoing health threats worldwide.
The abrupt US aid cuts through USAID have led to a power vacuum in global health, which anti-rights groups are exploiting by promoting conservative policies and alternative services that threaten reproductive rights and health, especially in developing countries. These efforts include the Geneva Consensus Declaration and the Protego project, aiming to restrict access to abortion and comprehensive sexuality education, potentially increasing maternal mortality and unsafe abortions worldwide.
Despite progress in reducing TB incidence and deaths, global efforts are threatened by stagnant funding and inequitable access to care, risking reversal of gains in the fight against TB, which remains a major health threat with over 1.2 million lives lost annually.
The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 provides an updated assessment of the TB epidemic worldwide, highlighting progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment based on data from 184 countries, covering over 99% of the global population affected by TB.