Public Health
WHO Declares the New Coronavirus Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The second meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019 in the People’s Republic of China, with exportations to other countries, took place on…
Microplastic Pollution Is Raining Down on City Dwellers
Microplastic pollution is raining down on city dwellers, with research revealing that London has the highest levels yet recorded. The health impacts of breathing or consuming the tiny plastic particles are unknown, and experts say urgent research is needed to…
By 2020, WHO projects there will be 10 million fewer tobacco users
For the first time, the World Health Organization projects that the number of males using tobacco is on the decline, indicating a powerful shift in the global tobacco epidemic. The findings, published today in a new WHO report, demonstrate how…
Global Food Producers ‘Failing to Face Up to Role’ in Climate Crisis
The world’s biggest producers of meat, dairy and seafood are failing to tackle the enormous impact they are having on the planet through deforestation, the routine use of antibiotics and greenhouse gas emissions, a report warns. The Coller Fairr index…
This Is Why Denmark, Sweden and Germany Are Considering a Meat Tax
Carnivores are in the firing line, with nations including Germany, Denmark and Sweden considering a tax on meat. Advocates of such a plan say the environmental impact, health ramifications and concerns about animal welfare underpin the need for such a…
Weak Systems and Funding Gaps Jeopardize Drinking-Water and Sanitation in the Poorest Countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UN-Water sounded the alarm for an urgent increase in investment in strong drinking-water and sanitation systems. The call came as the international water sector meets in Stockholm for its annual conference during World Water…
Nearly 170m Under-10s Unvaccinated Against Measles Worldwide
Nearly 170 million children in the world under the age of 10, including half a million in the UK and 2.5 million in the US, are unprotected from measles in the face of growing outbreaks of the disease, Unicef is…