health

Study Reveals Addictive Use—Not Screen Time Alone—Is the Real Threat to Youth Mental Health

New research shows that it’s not just the amount of screen time that affects young people's mental health, but how compulsively they use digital devices, with addictive behaviors linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Why a Top Vaccine Expert Resigned from the CDC: ‘Americans Are Going to Die’

A leading vaccine official has resigned from the CDC, warning that political interference and delayed vaccine decisions are putting American lives at risk. Her departure signals growing concern about the agency's direction and effectiveness.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Measles Outbreaks in Canada and Mexico Signal Alarming Global Resurgence

Rising measles outbreaks in Canada and Mexico have triggered public health alarms, with experts warning of a grim prognosis if vaccination rates continue to fall and containment measures lag.

By Roy J. Miles

health

California's Life Expectancy Stalls Post-COVID: Experts Raise Alarms Over Lingering Health Impacts

Despite advancements in healthcare access and vaccine distribution, California’s life expectancy has failed to rebound to pre-COVID levels. Experts point to widening health disparities, mental health crises, and socioeconomic stressors as key barriers to recovery.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Medical Societies File Lawsuit Against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and HHS Over 'Dangerous' Vaccine Misinformation

Major U.S. medical organizations have filed a federal lawsuit against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), alleging that their promotion and tolerance of vaccine misinformation has led to preventable harm, public distrust, and declining immunization rates.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Anthrax Outbreak Sparks Mystery in Africa as Health Officials Race to Trace Origins

A sudden outbreak of anthrax in parts of East and Central Africa has left health officials scrambling to contain the disease and uncover its origins. The unusual spread pattern, involving both human and livestock infections, has raised fears of environmental triggers, poor surveillance, and even potential biosecurity breaches.

By Roy J. Miles

health

The Forgotten Virus: Zika-Affected Families and Scientists Left Behind as Support Wanes

Years after the Zika virus outbreak shook Latin America and the world, families caring for children with congenital Zika syndrome and researchers studying the virus say they are being left behind. With attention and funding diverted to newer crises, Zika’s long-term victims are struggling in silence.

By Edwin V. Christopher

business

South Africa’s Aspen Nears Licensing Deal to Sell J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Across Africa

Aspen Pharmacare is on the brink of securing a landmark license from Johnson & Johnson to manufacture and market a locally branded COVID‑19 vaccine for all African Union nations, a pivotal move toward vaccine sovereignty on the continent.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Cameroonian Virologist John Nkengasong Takes Helm at PEPFAR to Reinforce Global AIDS Fight

Dr. John Nkengasong, former director of Africa CDC, has officially become U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and PEPFAR head. His appointment brings African leadership and decades of public health experience to a program that has saved tens of millions of lives.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Major Setback as Experimental HIV Vaccine Fails in Large African Trial

A promising HIV vaccine candidate has failed to show protection in a large-scale clinical trial across five African countries, dealing a major blow to decades-long efforts to find a reliable HIV vaccine. The result underscores the virus’s unique challenges and the urgent need for new approaches.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Oxygen Access: The Overlooked Lifesaver in Global Covid-19 Response

As Covid-19 surges in low- and middle-income countries, a basic yet critical medical need—oxygen—is proving to be the difference between life and death. Advocates and global health experts argue that investing in reliable oxygen access could save millions of lives now and in future pandemics.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

C.D.C. and W.H.O. Offers of Covid Support Ignored by China Amid Surge

Despite escalating Covid-19 cases and overwhelmed hospitals, Chinese authorities have remained silent on repeated offers of aid from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The lack of cooperation raises global health concerns.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Another HIV Vaccine Fails in Global Trial, Deepening Scientific Frustration

A major clinical trial for an HIV vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson has been halted after researchers found it failed to prevent infection. The result marks another setback in the decades-long effort to find a reliable vaccine against the virus that causes AIDS.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Experts Warn Wuhan Coronavirus Has Pandemic Potential as Global Spread Accelerates

As infections surge and containment efforts falter, global health experts say the novel coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan may be evolving into a full-fledged pandemic. With cases detected on multiple continents, the virus's spread now challenges international preparedness systems.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Panic Buying of Masks Could Undermine U.S. Coronavirus Response, Experts Warn

As fear of the coronavirus spreads, panic-driven hoarding of medical masks by the public is creating dangerous shortages for frontline healthcare workers. Experts warn that this behavior may increase the overall risk of outbreak in the U.S. rather than prevent it.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Hospitals That Skip Surgical Safety Checklists Risk Patient Lives, Study Finds

Despite evidence showing that surgical safety checklists save lives, a troubling number of hospitals and surgeons still fail to use them consistently. Experts warn that this resistance may be putting patients at unnecessary risk and undermining modern standards of care.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

China Confirms Discovery of Novel Coronavirus Behind Mysterious Pneumonia Cases

Chinese health authorities have identified a new coronavirus as the source of a cluster of pneumonia-like illnesses in Wuhan. The announcement marks a critical moment in tracing the origins of what could become a global health concern.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

U.S. Government Claims Ownership of Key H.I.V. Prevention Drugs in Patent Dispute With Pharma Giant

In a landmark legal and ethical challenge, the U.S. government asserts that it holds the patent rights to PrEP, a life-saving HIV prevention method, arguing that taxpayer-funded research laid the foundation for the drug's development. The move has sparked fierce debate over drug pricing, access, and pharmaceutical accountability.

By Roy J. Miles

health

CDC Warns of Potential Surge as Flu Season Shows Signs of Worsening

After a relatively mild start, the U.S. flu season may be entering a more dangerous phase, according to the CDC. Public health officials are urging vaccinations and renewed vigilance as hospitalizations rise and multiple strains begin to circulate widely.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Breakthrough Oral Drug Offers Hope in Global Fight Against Scabies

Scabies, a painful and often stigmatized skin condition affecting hundreds of millions globally, may finally meet its match. Researchers say a simple oral pill—ivermectin—could transform treatment and prevention efforts, especially in impoverished and overcrowded communities.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Polio Resurgence Alarms Health Officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan

A recent surge in polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan is raising global concern. Despite years of eradication efforts, the virus continues to circulate in vulnerable communities, posing a threat to regional and global health security.

By Roy J. Miles

health

After Decades of Neglect, Drug Companies Shift Focus Toward Global Poor

Pharmaceutical giants are increasingly turning their attention to low-income populations, launching initiatives to develop and distribute affordable treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poor. Advocates hail this as long overdue, while critics remain wary of motives and sustainability.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Africa Adopts New Ebola Vaccine Strategy Using Smaller Doses to Boost Immunity Access

Health officials in Africa are embracing a novel Ebola vaccination strategy involving smaller doses to stretch supplies and reach more people. The shift could redefine how the continent responds to future outbreaks of one of the world’s deadliest viruses.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Measles Makes a Global Comeback, Defying Elimination Hopes

Once considered nearly eradicated in much of the world, measles is resurging at alarming rates. Experts warn that a mix of vaccine hesitancy, weakened health systems, and pandemic disruptions have allowed the virus to regain ground.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Innovative Tactics in Remote Villages Are Saving Children From Malaria

In isolated communities where malaria was once a death sentence for children, new low-tech interventions and smarter logistics are producing unexpected success. Health workers, often with little more than mobile phones and motorbikes, are changing the odds.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Breakthrough Sickle Cell Treatment Shows Remarkable Success Across Africa

After years of neglect and limited access, a low-cost treatment for sickle cell disease is transforming care for thousands of children in Africa. The results are reshaping the outlook for a disease long considered a death sentence in the region.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Former U.S. Surgeons General Reveal Intense Political Pressures Behind Public Health Messaging

Several former U.S. surgeons general have broken their silence about how political interference, censorship, and partisan agendas repeatedly challenged their ability to provide unbiased public health guidance during national crises.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Why We Don’t Have Vaccines for Every Disease: The Science, Challenges, and Hope Ahead

Despite the success of vaccines in fighting diseases like polio and COVID-19, many deadly or chronic illnesses still lack effective vaccines. Scientists explain why some pathogens are far harder to defeat — and what breakthroughs could change that.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

Global Malaria Progress Stalls as Funding Gaps, Climate Change, and Drug Resistance Threaten Gains

After years of steady progress, the global fight against malaria is faltering due to drug resistance, climate change, and stagnant funding. Health experts warn that without urgent intervention, decades of hard-won gains may be reversed, putting millions of lives at renewed risk.

By Lisa F. Keith

health

Rise of HIV Prevention Pill in Australia Coincides With Sharp Decline in Condom Use

Australia’s rollout of PrEP, a highly effective HIV prevention drug, has led to a notable decline in new infections—but it’s also been accompanied by a steep drop in condom use, raising concerns about other sexually transmitted infections.

By Roy J. Miles

health

Guinea Worm Makes a Comeback—This Time in Dogs, Threatening Global Eradication Goals

Once on the brink of eradication in humans, the parasitic Guinea worm is now infecting dogs in alarming numbers. Scientists fear this unexpected animal reservoir could derail one of the world’s most ambitious disease elimination campaigns.

By Edwin V. Christopher

health

New Ebola Response Strategies Offer Promise — and Potential Pitfalls

Innovative tools like vaccines and mobile diagnostics are transforming Ebola outbreak response, offering fresh hope. But experts warn that inconsistent application and mixed messaging could confuse communities and undermine trust.

By Lisa F. Keith