global health

Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks killed seven Palestinians over a 48-hour period in central and northern Gaza. The casualties add to the territory's mounting death toll as strikes continue across the enclave despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a negotiated end to the conflict.

The United Nations General Assembly convened its second High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, bringing member states together to strengthen global defences against future health emergencies. The World Health Organization is highlighting the meeting as a key moment for international coordination, three years after the first such session and amid ongoing negotiations over a global pandemic agreement.

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The decision puts Washington at odds with international efforts to strengthen global coordination on outbreak preparedness, and it is likely to draw criticism from public health advocates and questions about the U.S. role in future global health emergencies.

A World Health Organization pandemic agreement has been signed by countries, yet it remains in limbo over unresolved details, notably financing and how nations will share vaccines and pathogen data. Questions are being raised about what is holding up its implementation, with observers pointing to political and logistical obstacles ahead of countries actually putting the treaty into effect.

An Ebola outbreak is dominating discussions as world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly. Health officials and governments are facing questions over containment efforts, funding and cross-border preparedness, with the outbreak expected to feature in leaders' speeches and side meetings during the annual gathering.

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness, preventing its adoption by consensus. The move blocks a unified international statement on coordinating responses to future global health emergencies. Details on the US objections and possible next steps at the UN remain limited as outlets pick up the story.

New reporting highlights that the global heatwave season has quietly expanded by 39 days, with high-temperature periods now starting earlier in the year and ending later than they once did. The finding is being shared as fresh evidence of shifting climate patterns, prompting discussion about longer exposure to dangerous heat and the growing strain on health systems, infrastructure and summer planning.

The United States and the European Union have rejected a UN General Assembly initiative on international pandemic collaboration, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. The move is likely to fuel ongoing debate over global cooperation on pandemic preparedness and the balance between national sovereignty and international health governance.

World Rivers Day is drawing attention to the worsening state of the world's rivers, with many suffering from shrinking flows, drought and overuse. Coverage is focusing on why waterways are 'running on empty' and what declining river health means for ecosystems, agriculture and the communities that depend on them.

French lawmakers have adopted a law banning children under 15 from social media, making France one of the first European countries to impose such a restriction. The move is part of growing global concern over the effects of social platforms on young people's mental health and safety, and other governments are watching closely as they consider similar measures.

PBS NewsHour reports on scientists developing new ways to control mosquito populations as rising global temperatures expand the habitats where the insects and the diseases they carry can spread. The segment examines research approaches to targeting mosquitoes as warming climate conditions push the public health threat into previously unaffected regions.

Future Health convened global health leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss transforming health systems at scale. The gathering focused on how countries can restructure and strengthen health care delivery to meet growing demands, bringing together policymakers and health experts to align on priorities for large-scale reform.

Bill Gates appeared on CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS to discuss what governments and society should do about artificial intelligence right now. He addressed how quickly the technology is developing and the need for sensible rules and oversight while still capturing its benefits in health, education and work. The interview adds a prominent business voice to the growing global debate over AI regulation.

A new commentary argues that the United States and China should approach advanced AI risk the way public health authorities handle pathogens, through shared monitoring, transparency and cooperation, rather than framing it as a missile-style military threat to be deterred. The piece contends that a disease-control model better fits AI's global, borderless spread and could reduce the chance of a destabilizing arms race between the two powers.

A global health summit is being held in Saranac Lake, New York, focused on dengue fever and how the threat it poses is changing. The gathering brings attention to the mosquito-borne disease's shifting spread, a growing concern for health experts as cases expand into new regions.

Healthcare systems are being called on to rethink how care is delivered in order to reduce their environmental impact. The discussion focuses on making hospitals, supply chains and treatment models more sustainable, as health services account for a notable share of global emissions. Industry observers say sustainability is becoming a core consideration in healthcare planning and investment.

Chad's Minister of Public Health addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate. The appearance puts Chad's health priorities before the international community, in line with the annual tradition where member states outline national positions on global issues. Further details of the minister's remarks were not immediately available.

Researchers are highlighting efforts to combat infectious diseases and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, according to a science news release. Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health concern, as bacteria increasingly evade existing drugs, prompting calls for new treatments and better stewardship of current antibiotics.

A new market forecast projects the psychedelic drugs market to expand through 2035, driven by rising demand for mental health treatments and regulatory breakthroughs in approving psychedelic-based therapies. Industry analysts say growing acceptance of substances like psilocybin and MDMA for conditions such as depression and PTSD is attracting investment, though clinical and legal hurdles remain ahead of widespread adoption.

The World Sauna Congress has convened in Oslo as interest in sauna culture grows worldwide, according to NPR reporting. The gathering brings attention to sauna traditions, health claims, and the rapid spread of sauna culture beyond its Nordic heartland. Details on attendees, agenda and specific outcomes remain limited in the available coverage.