96
Global Health NOW: Health Inequities鈥 Lethal Impact; A Closer Look at a Dementia Cluster; and China鈥檚 Unregulated Beauty
May 6, 2025
Older adults exercise in a park. Tokyo, Japan, October 1, 2024. David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty
Health Inequities鈥 Lethal Impact
33 years. That鈥檚 the difference in life expectancy between people in Japan (which has the world鈥檚 highest life expectancy at 84.5 years) and Lesotho (which has the lowest at 51.5), .
Solutions: Addressing income inequality, structural discrimination, and disruptions caused by conflict and climate change could overcome health inequities, per WHO.
The Quote: 鈥淚t is a sad indictment on government leaders that social injustice continues to kill on such a grand scale,鈥 said Michael Marmot, who led the 2008 report, . 鈥樷楾he targets we set to close the health gap in a generation will be missed.鈥欌
Related:
All-Cause Mortality and Life Expectancy by Birth Cohort Across US States 鈥
Study reveals stark differences in life expectancy across US states over the past century 鈥 GLOBAL HEALTH VOICES The Latest One-Liners Aiming to 鈥渕ake Europe a magnet for researchers,鈥 the European Union has pledged 鈧500 million in new money over the next two years and vows to protect scientific freedom to lure foreign scientists; separately, France announced plans to dedicate 鈧100 million to attracting foreign researchers.
Pharmacists in England face inappropriate demands for unnecessary antibiotics despite the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance; according to a National Pharmacy Association survey, 79% of pharmacists report having to refuse requests for antibiotics from patients at least once a day.
Teens with anxiety and depression spend ~50 more minutes per day on social media than their peers, and report more dissatisfaction with aspects of the experience, such as the number of their online friends, per a of 3,340 adolescents in the UK.
Study participants given the shingles vaccine showed a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease for up to 8 years compared to those who did not receive the vaccine, of 1 million+ people ages 50 and up. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Trump restricts funding for 'gain-of-function' research 鈥 calling it dangerous 鈥
More than a dozen states, DC sue Trump administration over 'dismantling' of federal health agencies 鈥
US scientist who touted hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid named to pandemic prevention role 鈥
The Trump administration's approach to extreme weather will damage health 鈥
Key reports addressing violence against Indigenous women are gone from federal sites 鈥
鈥業t鈥檚 been a tough period鈥: NIH鈥檚 new director speaks with Science 鈥 ALZHEIMER'S A Closer Look at a Dementia Cluster
In Starr County, near the border of Texas and Mexico, 鈥渆verybody has somebody in their family鈥 with dementia, said neuroepidemiologist Gladys Maestre.
GLOBAL HEALTH VOICES SURGERY China鈥檚 Unregulated Beauty
In China, an estimated 80,000 cosmetic surgery venues operate without a license, and 100,000 practitioners are not qualified鈥攁 result of increased demand in the country for plastic surgery. But without enough qualified professionals botched surgeries and dangerous complications are on the rise.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Dossier of alleged Sudan war crimes handed to Metropolitan police 鈥
New salmonella outbreak is linked to backyard poultry, CDC says 鈥
Forgotten disease ravaging Kampala, Wakiso 鈥
Why midwives are worried 鈥
A decade of change: maternal mortality trends in Sudan, 2009鈥2019 鈥
More babies are being admitted to NICUs 鈥
Gloves do not replace hand hygiene 鈥 reminder from WHO 鈥
Popemobile to become health clinic for Gaza children 鈥 Issue No. 2720
Global Health NOW is an initiative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Contributors include Brian W. Simpson, MPH, Dayna Kerecman Myers, Annalies Winny, Morgan Coulson, Kate Belz, Melissa Hartman, Jackie Powder, and Rin Swann. Write us: dkerecm1@jhu.edu, like us on and follow us on Instagram and X .
Please send the Global Health NOW free sign-up link to friends and colleagues:
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . -->
Copyright 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All Rights Reserved. Views and opinions expressed in Global Health NOW do not necessarily reflect those of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health or Johns Hopkins University.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can or .
33 years. That鈥檚 the difference in life expectancy between people in Japan (which has the world鈥檚 highest life expectancy at 84.5 years) and Lesotho (which has the lowest at 51.5), .
- The publication follows a 2008 initial report that set targets to reduce life expectancy disparities between and within countries by 2040. Those targets are not likely to be met.
- Children born in poorer countries are 13X more likely to die before age 5 than those born in wealthier countries.
- 94% of maternal deaths occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- 3.8 billion people lack adequate social protections, such as child/paid sick leave benefits鈥攊mpacting health outcomes.
Solutions: Addressing income inequality, structural discrimination, and disruptions caused by conflict and climate change could overcome health inequities, per WHO.
The Quote: 鈥淚t is a sad indictment on government leaders that social injustice continues to kill on such a grand scale,鈥 said Michael Marmot, who led the 2008 report, . 鈥樷楾he targets we set to close the health gap in a generation will be missed.鈥欌
Related:
All-Cause Mortality and Life Expectancy by Birth Cohort Across US States 鈥
Study reveals stark differences in life expectancy across US states over the past century 鈥 GLOBAL HEALTH VOICES The Latest One-Liners Aiming to 鈥渕ake Europe a magnet for researchers,鈥 the European Union has pledged 鈧500 million in new money over the next two years and vows to protect scientific freedom to lure foreign scientists; separately, France announced plans to dedicate 鈧100 million to attracting foreign researchers.
Pharmacists in England face inappropriate demands for unnecessary antibiotics despite the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance; according to a National Pharmacy Association survey, 79% of pharmacists report having to refuse requests for antibiotics from patients at least once a day.
Teens with anxiety and depression spend ~50 more minutes per day on social media than their peers, and report more dissatisfaction with aspects of the experience, such as the number of their online friends, per a of 3,340 adolescents in the UK.
Study participants given the shingles vaccine showed a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease for up to 8 years compared to those who did not receive the vaccine, of 1 million+ people ages 50 and up. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Trump restricts funding for 'gain-of-function' research 鈥 calling it dangerous 鈥
More than a dozen states, DC sue Trump administration over 'dismantling' of federal health agencies 鈥
US scientist who touted hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid named to pandemic prevention role 鈥
The Trump administration's approach to extreme weather will damage health 鈥
Key reports addressing violence against Indigenous women are gone from federal sites 鈥
鈥業t鈥檚 been a tough period鈥: NIH鈥檚 new director speaks with Science 鈥 ALZHEIMER'S A Closer Look at a Dementia Cluster
In Starr County, near the border of Texas and Mexico, 鈥渆verybody has somebody in their family鈥 with dementia, said neuroepidemiologist Gladys Maestre.
- The condition affects about 1 in 5 adults on Medicare there鈥攎ore than 2X the national rate.
- ~1 in 3 people live in poverty and a quarter lack health insurance.
- The community is almost entirely Hispanic鈥攁 population that faces a significantly higher risk of dementia, yet remains one of the most under-studied groups in dementia research in the U.S.
GLOBAL HEALTH VOICES SURGERY China鈥檚 Unregulated Beauty
In China, an estimated 80,000 cosmetic surgery venues operate without a license, and 100,000 practitioners are not qualified鈥攁 result of increased demand in the country for plastic surgery. But without enough qualified professionals botched surgeries and dangerous complications are on the rise.
- 20 million people pay for cosmetic procedures annually.
- 80% are women.
- The average age to undergo surgery is 25.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Dossier of alleged Sudan war crimes handed to Metropolitan police 鈥
New salmonella outbreak is linked to backyard poultry, CDC says 鈥
Forgotten disease ravaging Kampala, Wakiso 鈥
Why midwives are worried 鈥
A decade of change: maternal mortality trends in Sudan, 2009鈥2019 鈥
More babies are being admitted to NICUs 鈥
Gloves do not replace hand hygiene 鈥 reminder from WHO 鈥
Popemobile to become health clinic for Gaza children 鈥 Issue No. 2720
Global Health NOW is an initiative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Contributors include Brian W. Simpson, MPH, Dayna Kerecman Myers, Annalies Winny, Morgan Coulson, Kate Belz, Melissa Hartman, Jackie Powder, and Rin Swann. Write us: dkerecm1@jhu.edu, like us on and follow us on Instagram and X .
Please send the Global Health NOW free sign-up link to friends and colleagues:
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . -->
Copyright 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All Rights Reserved. Views and opinions expressed in Global Health NOW do not necessarily reflect those of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health or Johns Hopkins University.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can or .
Categories: Global Health Feed
Midwives are vital frontline workers who can provide up to 90 per cent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services 鈥 from safely delivering babies to caring for survivors of sexual violence.
Categories: Global Health Feed
Aid teams in South Sudan warned on Tuesday that repeated attacks on healthcare including the bombing of a hospital in eastern Jonglei state at the weekend are just the latest of the 鈥渕ultiple vulnerabilities鈥 the country鈥檚 people face.
Categories: Global Health Feed
Where you're born could be the difference between living over three decades longer than someone else from a poorer country lacking safe housing, good educational opportunities and access to decent jobs, a new UN report revealed on Tuesday.
Categories: Global Health Feed
96
Global Health NOW: Striking on New Antivenom Potential; April Recap; and Sweltering Conditions in Cambodia鈥檚 Sweatshops
May 5, 2025
A Jameson's mamba, one of Kenya's 13 medically relevant snakes due to a significant rate of deadly snakebite cases, at the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre. Nairobi, March 7. Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty
Striking on New Antivenom Potential
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in antivenom development, thanks to an unusual research partner: an American snake collector who allowed himself to be bitten hundreds of times, .
Background: In hopes of developing a universal antivenom, lead study author Jacob Glanville had wanted to study antibodies in a person exposed to multiple snake venoms, .
Ecuador has confirmed three yellow fever cases with a fourth case under investigation, per the nation鈥檚 health minister; yellow fever outbreaks continue to be reported across South America.
Men die younger across different global regions for a range of reasons often related to increased prevalence of diseases and risk factors and lower access to care, .
The animal sedative medetomidine is increasingly turning up in illegal drugs in the U.S., ; it is being mixed with other illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, and has been reported in overdose clusters in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs 鈥
RFK Jr. calls for CDC plan for alternative measles treatments 鈥
Trump's cuts to contraception will kill 'tens of thousands' of women 鈥
NIH cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know 鈥
Will America be 鈥渇lying blind鈥 on bird flu? A key wastewater-tracking program may soon end 鈥
V.A. Mental Health Care Staff, Crowded into Federal Buildings, Raise Patient Privacy Alarms 鈥 APRIL RECAP: MUST-READS A Squirrel鈥檚 Link to Mpox
Scientists have identified the fire-footed rope squirrel as a potential mpox reservoir host鈥攁 discovery that could help researchers understand cross-species spillover.
Japan Ramps up Regenerative Medicine
Japan is rapidly expanding its biotechnology sector, investing heavily in regenerative medicine.
In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka discovered that adult cells could be reprogrammed into an embryonic-like state known as iPS cells, allowing them to become any kind of tissue.
Protective Paint in South Africa
In Cape Town, informal homes made of metal and wood can reach 95掳F (35掳C) and remain hot overnight鈥攄isrupting sleep and increasing stress levels.
In a simple intervention, researchers are testing UV-resistant reflective paint on roofs, a practice that has already been used to reduce temperatures in chicken coops.
SIVAKASI, India鈥擡xplosions at fireworks factories are not uncommon in this Southern Indian city that produces nearly 90% of the country鈥檚 fireworks, that describes the toll on the tens of thousands of workers employed by these factories.
Ed. Note: Our thanks go to Padmavathy Krishna Kumar who shared the idea for this topic and received an honorable mention in the , co-sponsored by Global Health NOW and the . APRIL'S BEST NEWS Hope for Fistula Survivors in Nigeria
Free fistula repair surgery will soon be available at clinics throughout Nigeria, health officials announced earlier this month鈥攁 鈥済roundbreaking move鈥 in a country that sees ~12,000 new cases a year of vesicovaginal fistula, which can be a debilitating and highly stigmatizing condition.
Decades after promised reforms in Cambodian sweatshops that produce goods for companies like Nike, workers still frequently fainted and required medical intervention due to high heat and long hours, employees and medics say.
Bigger picture: 57,000+ people produce Nike goods at garment factories in Cambodia. Fainting has been a commonly reported problem, with the Cambodian government reporting 4,500+ occurrences in factories between 2017 and 2019.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Meet The Scientist Warning The World About The Next Pandemic 鈥
Chilean woman with muscular dystrophy becomes face of euthanasia debate as bill stalls in Senate 鈥
How vaccine hesitancy may be driving a spike in pediatric flu deaths 鈥
Cannabis Could Be Bad for Your Heart 鈥
Samoa becomes the first Pacific Island country to launch National Action Plan for Health Security 鈥
Well, That鈥檚 One Way to Address America鈥檚 Vaping Problem 鈥
Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection 鈥 Issue No. M-5-2025
Global Health NOW is an initiative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Contributors include Brian W. Simpson, MPH, Dayna Kerecman Myers, Annalies Winny, Morgan Coulson, Kate Belz, Melissa Hartman, Jackie Powder, and Rin Swann. Write us: dkerecm1@jhu.edu, like us on and follow us on Instagram and X .
Please send the Global Health NOW free sign-up link to friends and colleagues:
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . -->
Copyright 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All Rights Reserved. Views and opinions expressed in Global Health NOW do not necessarily reflect those of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health or Johns Hopkins University.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can or .
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in antivenom development, thanks to an unusual research partner: an American snake collector who allowed himself to be bitten hundreds of times, .
Background: In hopes of developing a universal antivenom, lead study author Jacob Glanville had wanted to study antibodies in a person exposed to multiple snake venoms, .
- He found his man in Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist who has allowed himself to be bitten ~200 times by more than a dozen venomous snakes over two decades.
- By combining them with an existing drug, they made a cocktail that allowed mice to survive venom from 19 species of dangerous elapid snakes, which include cobras, mamba, and taipans, .
- Not covered: Venom from vipers, which make up about half of venomous snakes.
- Developing effective antivenoms has long been a struggle, as most work for just one or a few snakes of one region, .
Ecuador has confirmed three yellow fever cases with a fourth case under investigation, per the nation鈥檚 health minister; yellow fever outbreaks continue to be reported across South America.
Men die younger across different global regions for a range of reasons often related to increased prevalence of diseases and risk factors and lower access to care, .
The animal sedative medetomidine is increasingly turning up in illegal drugs in the U.S., ; it is being mixed with other illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, and has been reported in overdose clusters in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs 鈥
RFK Jr. calls for CDC plan for alternative measles treatments 鈥
Trump's cuts to contraception will kill 'tens of thousands' of women 鈥
NIH cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know 鈥
Will America be 鈥渇lying blind鈥 on bird flu? A key wastewater-tracking program may soon end 鈥
V.A. Mental Health Care Staff, Crowded into Federal Buildings, Raise Patient Privacy Alarms 鈥 APRIL RECAP: MUST-READS A Squirrel鈥檚 Link to Mpox
Scientists have identified the fire-footed rope squirrel as a potential mpox reservoir host鈥攁 discovery that could help researchers understand cross-species spillover.
- DNA from the squirrel matched virus samples taken from mpox-infected sooty mangabey monkeys during an outbreak in Ivory Coast. Researchers believe the monkeys were infected after eating squirrels with the virus.
Japan Ramps up Regenerative Medicine
Japan is rapidly expanding its biotechnology sector, investing heavily in regenerative medicine.
In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka discovered that adult cells could be reprogrammed into an embryonic-like state known as iPS cells, allowing them to become any kind of tissue.
- Since then, Japan has led the field globally, hosting nearly one-third of iPS-cell clinical trials鈥攁nd may soon approve the first iPS-cell treatments for diseases like Parkinson鈥檚.
Protective Paint in South Africa
In Cape Town, informal homes made of metal and wood can reach 95掳F (35掳C) and remain hot overnight鈥攄isrupting sleep and increasing stress levels.
In a simple intervention, researchers are testing UV-resistant reflective paint on roofs, a practice that has already been used to reduce temperatures in chicken coops.
- The study will measure potential temperature changes and effects on residents鈥 sleep and health.
SIVAKASI, India鈥擡xplosions at fireworks factories are not uncommon in this Southern Indian city that produces nearly 90% of the country鈥檚 fireworks, that describes the toll on the tens of thousands of workers employed by these factories.
- 91 workers were killed in the most recent year鈥攂ut only those killed at the explosion site are counted鈥攏ot those who die later.
- Employers typically pay only for injured workers鈥 initial care.
Ed. Note: Our thanks go to Padmavathy Krishna Kumar who shared the idea for this topic and received an honorable mention in the , co-sponsored by Global Health NOW and the . APRIL'S BEST NEWS Hope for Fistula Survivors in Nigeria
Free fistula repair surgery will soon be available at clinics throughout Nigeria, health officials announced earlier this month鈥攁 鈥済roundbreaking move鈥 in a country that sees ~12,000 new cases a year of vesicovaginal fistula, which can be a debilitating and highly stigmatizing condition.
- In 2022, 600+ women with VVF were abandoned by their families in the state of Borno.
- Advocates say comprehensive counseling services are also needed to support VVF survivors with the psychological trauma associated with the condition.
Decades after promised reforms in Cambodian sweatshops that produce goods for companies like Nike, workers still frequently fainted and required medical intervention due to high heat and long hours, employees and medics say.
Bigger picture: 57,000+ people produce Nike goods at garment factories in Cambodia. Fainting has been a commonly reported problem, with the Cambodian government reporting 4,500+ occurrences in factories between 2017 and 2019.
- In one factory, Y&W Garment鈥攚hich employed ~4,500 people making clothes in 2023鈥攆ormer employees reported two to three people fainting daily as temperatures inside soared above 100掳F.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Meet The Scientist Warning The World About The Next Pandemic 鈥
Chilean woman with muscular dystrophy becomes face of euthanasia debate as bill stalls in Senate 鈥
How vaccine hesitancy may be driving a spike in pediatric flu deaths 鈥
Cannabis Could Be Bad for Your Heart 鈥
Samoa becomes the first Pacific Island country to launch National Action Plan for Health Security 鈥
Well, That鈥檚 One Way to Address America鈥檚 Vaping Problem 鈥
Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection 鈥 Issue No. M-5-2025
Global Health NOW is an initiative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Contributors include Brian W. Simpson, MPH, Dayna Kerecman Myers, Annalies Winny, Morgan Coulson, Kate Belz, Melissa Hartman, Jackie Powder, and Rin Swann. Write us: dkerecm1@jhu.edu, like us on and follow us on Instagram and X .
Please send the Global Health NOW free sign-up link to friends and colleagues:
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . -->
Copyright 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All Rights Reserved. Views and opinions expressed in Global Health NOW do not necessarily reflect those of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health or Johns Hopkins University.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can or .
Categories: Global Health Feed
96
Global Health NOW: Striking on New Antivenom Potential; April Recap; and Sweltering Conditions in Cambodia鈥檚 Sweatshops
May 5, 2025
A Jameson's mamba, one of Kenya's 13 medically relevant snakes due to a significant rate of deadly snakebite cases, at the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre. Nairobi, March 7. Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty
Striking on New Antivenom Potential
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in antivenom development, thanks to an unusual research partner: an American snake collector who allowed himself to be bitten hundreds of times, .
Background: In hopes of developing a universal antivenom, lead study author Jacob Glanville had wanted to study antibodies in a person exposed to multiple snake venoms, .
Ecuador has confirmed three yellow fever cases with a fourth case under investigation, per the nation鈥檚 health minister; yellow fever outbreaks continue to be reported across South America.
Men die younger across different global regions for a range of reasons often related to increased prevalence of diseases and risk factors and lower access to care, .
The animal sedative medetomidine is increasingly turning up in illegal drugs in the U.S., ; it is being mixed with other illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, and has been reported in overdose clusters in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs 鈥
RFK Jr. calls for CDC plan for alternative measles treatments 鈥
Trump's cuts to contraception will kill 'tens of thousands' of women 鈥
NIH cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know 鈥
Will America be 鈥渇lying blind鈥 on bird flu? A key wastewater-tracking program may soon end 鈥
V.A. Mental Health Care Staff, Crowded into Federal Buildings, Raise Patient Privacy Alarms 鈥 APRIL RECAP: MUST-READS A Squirrel鈥檚 Link to Mpox
Scientists have identified the fire-footed rope squirrel as a potential mpox reservoir host鈥攁 discovery that could help researchers understand cross-species spillover.
Japan Ramps up Regenerative Medicine
Japan is rapidly expanding its biotechnology sector, investing heavily in regenerative medicine.
In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka discovered that adult cells could be reprogrammed into an embryonic-like state known as iPS cells, allowing them to become any kind of tissue.
Protective Paint in South Africa
In Cape Town, informal homes made of metal and wood can reach 95掳F (35掳C) and remain hot overnight鈥攄isrupting sleep and increasing stress levels.
In a simple intervention, researchers are testing UV-resistant reflective paint on roofs, a practice that has already been used to reduce temperatures in chicken coops.
SIVAKASI, India鈥擡xplosions at fireworks factories are not uncommon in this Southern Indian city that produces nearly 90% of the country鈥檚 fireworks, that describes the toll on the tens of thousands of workers employed by these factories.
Ed. Note: Our thanks go to Padmavathy Krishna Kumar who shared the idea for this topic and received an honorable mention in the , co-sponsored by Global Health NOW and the . APRIL'S BEST NEWS Hope for Fistula Survivors in Nigeria
Free fistula repair surgery will soon be available at clinics throughout Nigeria, health officials announced earlier this month鈥攁 鈥済roundbreaking move鈥 in a country that sees ~12,000 new cases a year of vesicovaginal fistula, which can be a debilitating and highly stigmatizing condition.
Decades after promised reforms in Cambodian sweatshops that produce goods for companies like Nike, workers still frequently fainted and required medical intervention due to high heat and long hours, employees and medics say.
Bigger picture: 57,000+ people produce Nike goods at garment factories in Cambodia. Fainting has been a commonly reported problem, with the Cambodian government reporting 4,500+ occurrences in factories between 2017 and 2019.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Meet The Scientist Warning The World About The Next Pandemic 鈥
Chilean woman with muscular dystrophy becomes face of euthanasia debate as bill stalls in Senate 鈥
How vaccine hesitancy may be driving a spike in pediatric flu deaths 鈥
Cannabis Could Be Bad for Your Heart 鈥
Samoa becomes the first Pacific Island country to launch National Action Plan for Health Security 鈥
Well, That鈥檚 One Way to Address America鈥檚 Vaping Problem 鈥
Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection 鈥 Issue No. 2719
Global Health NOW is an initiative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Contributors include Brian W. Simpson, MPH, Dayna Kerecman Myers, Annalies Winny, Morgan Coulson, Kate Belz, Melissa Hartman, Jackie Powder, and Rin Swann. Write us: dkerecm1@jhu.edu, like us on and follow us on Instagram and X .
Please send the Global Health NOW free sign-up link to friends and colleagues:
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . -->
Copyright 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All Rights Reserved. Views and opinions expressed in Global Health NOW do not necessarily reflect those of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health or Johns Hopkins University.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can or .
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in antivenom development, thanks to an unusual research partner: an American snake collector who allowed himself to be bitten hundreds of times, .
Background: In hopes of developing a universal antivenom, lead study author Jacob Glanville had wanted to study antibodies in a person exposed to multiple snake venoms, .
- He found his man in Tim Friede, a self-taught herpetologist who has allowed himself to be bitten ~200 times by more than a dozen venomous snakes over two decades.
- By combining them with an existing drug, they made a cocktail that allowed mice to survive venom from 19 species of dangerous elapid snakes, which include cobras, mamba, and taipans, .
- Not covered: Venom from vipers, which make up about half of venomous snakes.
- Developing effective antivenoms has long been a struggle, as most work for just one or a few snakes of one region, .
Ecuador has confirmed three yellow fever cases with a fourth case under investigation, per the nation鈥檚 health minister; yellow fever outbreaks continue to be reported across South America.
Men die younger across different global regions for a range of reasons often related to increased prevalence of diseases and risk factors and lower access to care, .
The animal sedative medetomidine is increasingly turning up in illegal drugs in the U.S., ; it is being mixed with other illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, and has been reported in overdose clusters in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. U.S. and Global Health Policy News Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs 鈥
RFK Jr. calls for CDC plan for alternative measles treatments 鈥
Trump's cuts to contraception will kill 'tens of thousands' of women 鈥
NIH cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know 鈥
Will America be 鈥渇lying blind鈥 on bird flu? A key wastewater-tracking program may soon end 鈥
V.A. Mental Health Care Staff, Crowded into Federal Buildings, Raise Patient Privacy Alarms 鈥 APRIL RECAP: MUST-READS A Squirrel鈥檚 Link to Mpox
Scientists have identified the fire-footed rope squirrel as a potential mpox reservoir host鈥攁 discovery that could help researchers understand cross-species spillover.
- DNA from the squirrel matched virus samples taken from mpox-infected sooty mangabey monkeys during an outbreak in Ivory Coast. Researchers believe the monkeys were infected after eating squirrels with the virus.
Japan Ramps up Regenerative Medicine
Japan is rapidly expanding its biotechnology sector, investing heavily in regenerative medicine.
In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka discovered that adult cells could be reprogrammed into an embryonic-like state known as iPS cells, allowing them to become any kind of tissue.
- Since then, Japan has led the field globally, hosting nearly one-third of iPS-cell clinical trials鈥攁nd may soon approve the first iPS-cell treatments for diseases like Parkinson鈥檚.
Protective Paint in South Africa
In Cape Town, informal homes made of metal and wood can reach 95掳F (35掳C) and remain hot overnight鈥攄isrupting sleep and increasing stress levels.
In a simple intervention, researchers are testing UV-resistant reflective paint on roofs, a practice that has already been used to reduce temperatures in chicken coops.
- The study will measure potential temperature changes and effects on residents鈥 sleep and health.
SIVAKASI, India鈥擡xplosions at fireworks factories are not uncommon in this Southern Indian city that produces nearly 90% of the country鈥檚 fireworks, that describes the toll on the tens of thousands of workers employed by these factories.
- 91 workers were killed in the most recent year鈥攂ut only those killed at the explosion site are counted鈥攏ot those who die later.
- Employers typically pay only for injured workers鈥 initial care.
Ed. Note: Our thanks go to Padmavathy Krishna Kumar who shared the idea for this topic and received an honorable mention in the , co-sponsored by Global Health NOW and the . APRIL'S BEST NEWS Hope for Fistula Survivors in Nigeria
Free fistula repair surgery will soon be available at clinics throughout Nigeria, health officials announced earlier this month鈥攁 鈥済roundbreaking move鈥 in a country that sees ~12,000 new cases a year of vesicovaginal fistula, which can be a debilitating and highly stigmatizing condition.
- In 2022, 600+ women with VVF were abandoned by their families in the state of Borno.
- Advocates say comprehensive counseling services are also needed to support VVF survivors with the psychological trauma associated with the condition.
Decades after promised reforms in Cambodian sweatshops that produce goods for companies like Nike, workers still frequently fainted and required medical intervention due to high heat and long hours, employees and medics say.
Bigger picture: 57,000+ people produce Nike goods at garment factories in Cambodia. Fainting has been a commonly reported problem, with the Cambodian government reporting 4,500+ occurrences in factories between 2017 and 2019.
- In one factory, Y&W Garment鈥攚hich employed ~4,500 people making clothes in 2023鈥攆ormer employees reported two to three people fainting daily as temperatures inside soared above 100掳F.
OPPORTUNITY QUICK HITS Meet The Scientist Warning The World About The Next Pandemic 鈥
Chilean woman with muscular dystrophy becomes face of euthanasia debate as bill stalls in Senate 鈥
How vaccine hesitancy may be driving a spike in pediatric flu deaths 鈥
Cannabis Could Be Bad for Your Heart 鈥
Samoa becomes the first Pacific Island country to launch National Action Plan for Health Security 鈥
Well, That鈥檚 One Way to Address America鈥檚 Vaping Problem 鈥
Woman's eyesight saved by cutting-edge test after mystery infection 鈥 Issue No. 2719
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Greater awareness and action are needed as Europe and parts of the Middle East grapple with fresh outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) which can have devastating impacts on both animal health and regional economies, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Monday.
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