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 refused to back a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The decision sets Washington apart from other member states on global health cooperation and raises questions about the future of international pandemic readiness efforts.

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.

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.

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.

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.