Stay informed with the week’s top health stories, from COP28’s landmark Health Day to breakthroughs in gene therapy.
COP28 Pioneers Health Day Amid Climate Talks:
COP28, the climate conference, marked a historic moment with its inaugural Health Day on December 3. Over 40 million health professionals rallied behind the World Health Organization’s plea to prioritize health in climate negotiations.
A day earlier, 123 countries signed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, emphasizing the severe health implications of climate change. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the long-overdue recognition of the climate crisis as a health crisis.
Over $700 Million Pledged to Tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases:
The United Arab Emirates and various charities pledged over $700 million on Health Day to combat neglected tropical diseases, anticipated to surge due to the climate crisis. This funding aligns with efforts to bolster global health resilience.
Fossil Fuel Air Pollution Linked to 5 Million Deaths Annually:
New research reveals that fossil fuel-related air pollution contributes to a staggering 5 million deaths annually, surpassing previous estimates. Almost two-thirds of the 8.3 million global deaths from outdoor air pollution in 2019 are attributed to fossil fuel pollution.
In Europe, nearly 400,000 deaths in 2021 are linked to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and short-term ozone exposure, according to the European Environment Agency.
Global Health Snapshot:
South Korea experiences its first decline in life expectancy since 1970, attributed to COVID-19 deaths.
The US sees an increase in life expectancy for babies born in 2022 compared to 2021.
Early-onset dementia is found to be three times more likely in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
AIDS infections surge due to a human rights backlash, warns the UN AIDS programme.
Innovations in Healthcare Technology:
A laser camera may soon detect cardiovascular illnesses by capturing a person’s heartbeat from a distance, offering a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool.
The UK approves a CRISPR-based gene therapy, marking a milestone in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia and beta thalassemia.
Global Perspectives on Women’s Healthcare:
A survey by the White Ribbon Alliance highlights the global need for a holistic approach to women’s healthcare, reflecting insights from over a million women and girls.
Stay informed with these crucial developments shaping global health, climate, and medical advancements.
Global Health Community Urges Immediate Action on… In anticipation of COP28, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health community are rallying for heightened attention to the profound impact of climate change on global health. As the world braces for negotiations…
Climate Change Poses Severe Threat to Pregnant Women… Pregnant women, infants, and children are facing severe health risks due to climate catastrophes, demanding immediate attention, according to a recent Call for Action issued by United Nations (UN) agencies. The call comes ahead of…
World Leaders Pledge Historic Commitment to Pandemic… In a momentous development at the United Nations General Assembly, global leaders have made an unprecedented commitment to enhance international cooperation, coordination, governance, and investments aimed at averting the devastating health and socioeconomic impacts witnessed…
Mental Health Challenges in Nigeria: Funding,… The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasized the critical importance of mental health, making it a global concern for the past three years through their World Mental Health Day themes. In 2021, the WHO…
