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Diseases & Treatments

In Panama, poison dart frog move brings hope amid amphibians’ fight with fungus

In Panama, twelve pairs of poison dart frogs have been translocated to combat a deadly fungal disease threatening amphibians, aiming to boost their population and ecological role.

Wildfire smoke could kill 71,000 people per year in the US by 2050, study warns

A new study warns that wildfire smoke could lead to 71,000 excess deaths annually in the U.S. by 2050, with significant economic costs.

Lenacapavir: Landmark deal paves way for cheaper HIV/ Aids protection jab

A new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, will be available at a drastically reduced price in over 100 low-income countries, aiming to enhance access and combat the HIV epidemic.

Spread of diseases overwhelms Khartoum hospitals in war-ravaged Sudan

A dengue fever outbreak in Sudan is overwhelming hospitals, with thousands of cases reported amid ongoing conflict and medical supply shortages.

Vaccine Panel Stacked by RFK Jr. Recommends Delaying MMRV Immunization

The ACIP voted 8-3 to recommend against administering the MMRV vaccine to children under 4, citing risks of febrile seizures, amid concerns over declining vaccination rates.

Regeneron drug reduces errant bone growth in ultra-rare skeletal condition

Regeneron's garetosmab shows promise in treating fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a rare condition causing abnormal bone growth, with regulatory submissions planned.

Higher dose of Wegovy ups both weight loss and side effects

A recent study indicates that a higher weekly dose of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, results in greater weight loss compared to the standard dose, albeit with increased side effects. Participants receiving the higher dose lost an average of 19% of...

Cholera kills more people for second consecutive year, while prevention and treatment available

The World Health Organization reports a 5% increase in cholera cases and a 50% rise in deaths in 2024, with over 6,000 fatalities. The disease, preventable and treatable, is exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and inadequate sanitation....

Smoke from Canada’s wildfires killed nine-year-old Carter Vigh – and 82,000 others around the world

Carter Vigh, a nine-year-old boy, died from an asthma attack exacerbated by wildfire smoke in July 2023. His death is part of a larger trend, with a study revealing that smoke from Canadian wildfires caused 82,000 deaths globally, including 22,000...

WHO updates list of essential medicines to include key cancer, diabetes treatments

The World Health Organization has updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines, adding treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. This revision aims to enhance access to effective therapies globally, particularly in low- and...

Are we ready for another pandemic?

Despite global leaders' promises to strengthen health systems post-Covid-19, negotiations for a new pandemic agreement have stalled. Experts warn that complacency and lack of investment threaten readiness for future health crises, with emerging...

Brain-eating Amoeba Emerges in Kerala

Kerala faces a health crisis as Naegleria fowleri, a deadly brain-eating amoeba, emerges in local water sources. Rising temperatures and unsafe water practices contribute to its spread, leading to multiple fatalities, including children. The...