Study Identifies Virus Lineages with Potential to Cause Global Pandemic
A recent study highlights the potential of certain virus lineages to cause a global pandemic, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of viruses related to known human pathogens. Understanding the ancestry of virus families may assist researchers in pinpointing which variants possess the potential to become Disease X, the elusive pathogen responsible for the next worldwide pandemic. The findings are expected to support ongoing efforts to monitor and prepare for future pandemics, including guiding vaccine and diagnostic development.
WHO Releases New Guidance on Ethics and Governance of Large Multi-Modal Models of AI
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance on the ethical and governance considerations for large multi-modal models of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. The guidance aims to promote the responsible use of AI and protect public health, highlighting potential risks and offering recommendations for governments, technology companies, and healthcare providers.
Cape Verde Declared Malaria-Free by World Health Organization
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Senegal, has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against malaria. The World Health Organization has declared Cape Verde as malaria-free, making it the third African country to achieve this status, following…
Cancer Risk and Mortality Rates in India Compared to US and Canada
The risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 in India is significantly lower than in the US and Canada, with a likelihood of 10.6% compared to 34.3% and 32.2% respectively. However, the risk of death from cancer in…
International Health Leaders and Disease X
International health leaders have learned nothing from COVID failures By Daniel Nuccio January 29, 2024 8:36 am What are you doing to prepare for Disease X? If you are like most people, probably nothing. This is likely the first you…
Health Leaders Gather at WHO to Reaffirm Commitment to Eradicating Polio
Health leaders and Ministers of Health at the WHO Executive Board (EB) have gathered at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to reaffirm their commitment to eradicating polio and building resilient health systems. The focus is on…
Global Cancer Burden Growing, Amidst Mounting Need for Services
Global Cancer Burden Growing, Amidst Mounting Need for Services 1 February 2024 Ahead of World Cancer Day, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), released the latest estimates of the global burden…
The Interconnected Crises: Global Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT The Interconnected Crises: Global Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change By: Salman Akhtar Published: January 16, 2024 at 8:42 pm EST | Updated: Jan 17, 2024 at 8:36 am EST In a powerful plea echoed across 200 health…
Benin Receives First Doses of Malaria Vaccine, Signaling Progress in Combatting Disease
Benin Republic has recently received its first doses of a vaccine for malaria, a significant step in combating the leading cause of infant mortality in the country. Health Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin announced the arrival of 215,900 doses of the RTS,S…
World Economic Forum’s Davos meeting to feature session on ‘Preparing for Disease X’
The World Economic Forum’s upcoming annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is attracting attention with a session titled ‘Preparing for Disease X.’ The term ‘Disease X’ has gained traction after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about the possibility of a…