WHO chief convenes expert meeting on mpox spread

In light of the situation, and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus convened an Emergency Committee to advise him on whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern. The designation is the UN agency’s highest level of alert. “The committee will meet as […]

Continue Reading

WHO regional chief voices grave concern over Middle East escalation

The past two weeks have seen a variant of poliovirus type 2 detected in sewage samples in Gaza, deadly military strikes in several neighbouring countries, and the confirmation of famine in Sudan’s North Darfur state, among other challenges. Rebuild health systems WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy voiced grave concern over the ongoing escalation across […]

Continue Reading

COVID-19 making worrying comeback WHO warns, amid summertime surge

The UN health agency is also concerned that more severe variants of the coronavirus may soon be on the horizon. “COVID-19 is still very much with us,” and circulating in all countries, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO told journalists in Geneva. Testing positive “Data from our sentinel-based surveillance system across 84 countries reports that the percent […]

Continue Reading

More support for breastfeeding could save 820,000 young lives annually, UN agencies say

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the appeal in a joint statement to mark the start of World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from 1-7 August. “When mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits. Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children’s lives each […]

Continue Reading

Psoriasis drug shows promise for treating childhood diabetes – UKRI

The new study has shown that Ustekinumab, an established immunotherapy that has been used to treat psoriasis since 2009, is effective in preserving the body’s ability to produce insulin in type 1 diabetes. The results bring the goal of managing type 1 diabetes without insulin a step closer. The study was funded by a Medical […]

Continue Reading

Healthcare in Sudan ‘hanging by a thread,’ warns UN agency

In one particularly appalling attack, a hospital was struck last Friday alongside residential areas and a livestock market in North Darfur state that killed or injured at least 97 civilians. Attacks against medical facilities, personnel and supplies, which violate international human law and have left healthcare system in Sudan “hanging by a thread”, the UN […]

Continue Reading

Silent speech: Tel Aviv’s thought-powered communication for paralyzed

It sounds like science fiction. People who are completely paralyzed due to brain injury, brainstem stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease), and express words with their mouths can “speak” artificially using only the power of thought.  Loss of speech due to injury or disease is devastating. Now, this scientific breakthrough by researchers from […]

Continue Reading

Wearable sensor tracks steps to detect neurological disorders

It might be a good idea to start watching your steps – at least how long they are. The length between your paces can provide evidence of early signs of a variety of neurological diseases and monitor their exacerbation. Step length is generally reduced as people get older and also among people with neurological disorders. […]

Continue Reading

Leading hospitals in Israel revealed in newest report

The health ministry recently released its annual quality metrics report for hospitals in Israel for 2023. This report is published yearly and reflects the level of care in medical centers across Israel for a wide range of life-threatening medical conditions. Dr. Anat Ekka Zohar initiated the national quality metrics program about 11 years ago. […]

Continue Reading

‘Endless nightmare’ of death and destruction in Gaza, UN officials tell Security Council

Muhannad Hadi, Deputy UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and Antonia De Meo, Deputy Commissioner-General of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, briefed the Security Council on the dire situation. “For nearly 10 months now, Palestinians and Israelis have lived through untold suffering, grief, sorrow, and loss. More than two million […]

Continue Reading