The global medical community is sounding the alarm over a silent epidemic: chronic liver disease. During the first meeting of the Global Think-Tank on Steatotic Liver Disease, held in Barcelona on 5–6 June, more than 100 international experts warned that millions worldwide—particularly those with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic risks—are going undiagnosed and untreated until…
Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, announced that the majority of his $200 billion personal pledge over the next 20 years will be directed toward Africa, with a focus on innovation, health, and partnerships with governments that prioritize the wellbeing of their citizens. Speaking at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall, Gates addressed more…
A new report, endorsed by 57 civil society organizations worldwide, warns that global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and political conflict have significantly compromised the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). These challenges have contributed to an estimated 95 million additional tobacco users who would have otherwise quit…
Global health leaders gathered in Geneva last week for the 78th World Health Assembly, with a strong call to prioritize women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health (WCAH) amid growing resource constraints. Amid discussions on streamlining aid and maximizing impact, a unifying message emerged: WCAH must move higher on regional political agendas to address glaring inequalities. At…
At a pivotal side event during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, non-governmental organizations Mercy Ships and Operation Smile marked ten years of leadership in advancing equitable surgical care. The gathering brought together health ministers, global leaders, and experts to celebrate progress—and confront the urgent gaps that remain in delivering safe, affordable surgical…
A new vaccine could cut the risk of gonorrhoea by 40%, offering a potential new tool against this increasingly drug-resistant bacteria. 28 May 2025 by Priya Joi In a landmark move for public health, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is set to launch the world’s first vaccination programme against gonorrhoea,…
Scientists hail a new era of HIV vaccine design, as an experimental vaccine triggers the beginnings of a broadly protective antibody response in humans. 16 May 2025 by Linda Geddes In a step toward ending one of the world’s deadliest pandemics, researchers have shown that it’s possible to spark the beginnings of a broadly neutralising…
The strain of the virus found in Dhaka appears to be distinct from better-known lineages, and scientists say more research is needed to understand the true burden of the disease. 27 May 2025 by Mohammad Al Amin After scientists report finding the first proven cluster of Zika virus cases in Dhaka, the country’s densely-populated capital…
Uganda continues to grapple with a significant tuberculosis (TB) burden, with recent data from Epi Week 20, 2025, showing alarming case rates across several districts. Nakapiripirit tops the list with 13.8 cases per 10,000 people, followed by Nabilatuk (10.2) and Kalangala (8.3). Kampala, the capital city, reports 6.7 cases per 10,000, underscoring persistent transmission risks…
Public health surveillance across the Kampala Metropolitan Area (KMA) shows troubling disparities, with Kampala persistently lagging in reporting completeness and timeliness. New weekly surveillance data reveals that while Mukono district maintained reporting completeness above 70% and Wakiso hovered between 60–70%, Kampala’s performance averaged below 35%, underscoring ongoing systemic challenges. Mukono’s strong performance points to effective…