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Global Health Round-Up: WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak No Longer a Public Health Emergency, Preterm Births Remain a Major Challenge, and Brazil Declares Animal Health Emergency
The latest health stories from around the world showcase the progress made in combating infectious diseases and the need for action to prevent premature births and improve animal health.
WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak No Longer a Public Health Emergency
The outbreak of the Mpox virus, which started around a year ago, is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The infection had spread to 111 countries, causing 87,000 cases and 140 deaths. Despite this positive update, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized that the response required proactive and sustainable measures. The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. The outbreak has decreased recently, with 90% fewer cases reported than the previous three months. The WHO praised the rapid action of countries and community groups to spread information and awareness.
152 Million Babies Born Preterm in the Past Decade
A new report from the WHO and UNICEF demonstrated that 152 million babies worldwide were born preterm in the past decade, and every 40 seconds, one preterm baby dies. Preterm births are now the leading cause of child deaths, accounting for over a fifth of deaths in children under age five. Preterm birth rates have not decreased in the past decade, and the effects of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 exacerbate the situation. Preterm babies that survive face lifelong health complications, and researchers call for more action to prevent prematurity.
Brazil Declares Animal Health Emergency
Brazil declared a 180-day animal health emergency after discovering highly contagious bird flu in wild birds for the first time. Brazil is the world’s largest chicken meat exporter, with $9.7 billion in sales last year. Eight cases of the avian influenza have been confirmed in wild birds, and the suspected human infection is still under investigation. The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health suggested that governments should vaccinate poultry against bird flu to prevent a pandemic.
More Health Stories from Around the World
The FDA is set to give more gay and bisexual men the opportunity to donate blood by finalizing new risk-based eligibility recommendations.
The cholera vaccine shortage is expected to last until 2025, and the WHO predicts the short-term outlook for controlling the disease is poor.
A WHO advisory group recommends targeting the COVID-19 booster shots at one of the dominant XBB variants, discarding the original COVID-19 strain from vaccines.
The US Surgeon General has released an advisory detailing the risks and benefits of social media use on youth mental health.
Conclusion
The world has made progress in tackling infectious diseases, but with underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing concern about detecting and combating new outbreaks. As for premature births, this crisis requires immediate action to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Finally, the animal health emergency in Brazil serves as a significant reminder of the need for preventive measures to contain the spread of infections to humans.
