Displaying items by tag: Health

A 52-year-old man has reportedly overcome a fifteen-year cocaine addiction after receiving weight-loss injections containing semaglutide. The drug, commonly used to treat obesity and diabetes, is believed to target the brain’s hunger and reward centres, reducing cravings not only for food but also for addictive substances. This first-of-its-kind case aligns with recent studies suggesting semaglutide could help treat addiction, including reducing alcohol consumption and smoking habits. Some researchers have even dubbed it a 'fountain of youth', as it has been linked to lowered heart attack risk, improved fertility, and slowed ageing markers. The man, who previously struggled with depression,  anxiety, and failed addiction treatments, sought help for both weight and drug dependency. Within twelve weeks, his focus shifted from drug use to exercise, showing improved physical health and self-esteem. Experts suggest semaglutide could be a promising treatment for addiction; however, further long-term studies are needed.

After being admitted to hospital on 14 February, Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, and his condition remains ‘complex’. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling a respiratory infection for over a week. A follow-up CT scan confirmed bilateral pneumonia, prompting adjustments to his treatment. Despite the serious nature of his illness, the Vatican reports that he remains in good spirits, spending time reading, resting, and praying. Francis' history of lung complications, including pleurisy and a partial lung removal in his youth, makes him particularly vulnerable to such infections. His illness has raised concerns over the upcoming Holy Year, a major Catholic ‘jubilee’ event expected to draw millions to Rome in 2025; uncertainty looms over his ability to fulfil his demanding schedule. See

Donald Trump’s reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule (GGR) has sparked widespread concern among activists and NGOs, who warn it will severely restrict healthcare access for women worldwide. The policy bars organisations receiving US funding from providing or advocating for abortion, even with their own funds. Many healthcare groups now face the impossible choice of losing critical financial support or restricting life-saving care. The impact is expected to be devastating. One NGO estimates that there will be 2.4 million unintended pregnancies and increased maternal deaths due to unsafe abortions. In Zimbabwe alone, service cutbacks will result in 460,000 unintended pregnancies and 1,400 preventable maternal deaths. The rule has also led to widespread clinic closures, reducing access to contraception, maternal care, and HIV testing. With US foreign aid frozen and USAID dismantled, the humanitarian fallout is severe.

Hundreds of thousands of women in the UK will be screened for breast cancer using AI technology in a groundbreaking trial designed to reduce waiting times and improve early detection. The £11 million trial will involve nearly 700,000 patients, replacing one of the two radiologists typically used to review mammograms with AI. Experts believe AI could increase accuracy and speed up diagnoses, allowing radiologists to focus on other areas of patient care. The trial will take place in thirty sites nationwide, with different AI technologies being tested to determine the most effective. Smaller studies have already suggested that AI may be better than human doctors at detecting breast cancer from mammograms. However, with a 40% shortfall in consultant radiologists expected by 2028, medical leaders emphasise the need for continued investment in screening services. Health secretary Wes Streeting, himself a cancer survivor, has pledged to prioritise early detection and patient care in the upcoming National Cancer Plan.

Uganda, in partnership with the WHO and other health organisations, has launched its first-ever vaccine trial for the Sudan strain of Ebola. The trial began just days after a nurse succumbed to the virus, with additional cases confirmed among his relatives. Researchers at Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute expedited the process, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. The candidate vaccine, donated by IAVI and funded by international partners, aims to improve pandemic preparedness. Over 2,000 doses are available, though the manufacturer remains undisclosed. Uganda has a history of Ebola outbreaks, including a deadly 2000 epidemic. Contact tracing remains essential in containing the disease. This outbreak comes amid US funding freezes following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO. The region has also faced recent outbreaks of Marburg virus in Tanzania and Rwanda. Officials hope the vaccine will be a breakthrough in combating future Ebola epidemics.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed England’s first human case of bird flu this season. The individual, located in the West Midlands, contracted the virus after close and prolonged contact with infected birds on a farm. They are now in isolation, with contact tracing underway. While no human-to-human transmission has been recorded, concerns remain. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said that the risk to the public is low and emphasised the UK’s preparedness, including stockpiling the H5 vaccine to combat avian influenza. In response to rising bird flu cases, authorities have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in England and Scotland. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss urged bird keepers to implement strict biosecurity, monitor for signs of disease, and report suspected cases immediately.

Health officials have issued an urgent warning about a rapid rise in measles cases across parts of the UK, particularly in south west England: there have been 21 new cases in Bristol alone, making it the worst-affected city. The rise is linked to declining MMR vaccination rates, which have fallen below 90%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Nationwide, nearly 3,000 cases have been recorded since January 2024, almost half of them in London. Measles, which causes flu-like symptoms, fever, and a distinctive rash, can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis and sepsis. Pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk. Doctors urge vaccination as the most effective protection, with two MMR doses providing 99% immunity. The public is advised to stay vigilant, seek medical advice for symptoms, and avoid schools, workplaces, and gatherings if infected.

A new study published in the British Medical Journal has warned that calorie labelling on menus may worsen eating disorders, despite policies focusing primarily on reducing obesity. Findings suggest that calorie labels can trigger harmful behaviour, including food avoidance, increased anxiety, and obsessive calorie tracking. One US study found that individuals with anorexia or bulimia selected meals with an average of 550 calories when calorie labels were visible, compared to 1,615 calories without labels. Another UK study found that 55% of participants with eating disorders reported worsening symptoms due to calorie information. Experts and charities, including Beat, are urging policymakers to consider the mental health impact of such measures. While the Government defends calorie labelling as part of its Ten-Year Health Plan, critics argue that its benefits are minimal and that eating disorder support should be prioritised over ineffective policies. See

A Royal College of Nursing (RCN) report has revealed shocking conditions in NHS hospitals. Based on testimony from over 5,000 nursing staff, the 460-page document highlights widespread 'corridor care' which is now normal in England's hospitals. The report includes alarming accounts: patients soiling themselves due to lack of proper facilities, cardiac arrests in corridors without essential equipment, and elderly patients enduring inhumane conditions. Some patients have died unnoticed in corridors or faced fatal consequences from equipment shortages. Nurses describe the system as 'soul-destroying' and worse than the Covid crisis. The RCN chief executive called the findings 'harrowing,' emphasising the dangerous normalisation of inadequate care. While the chief nursing officer acknowledged the pressures, he stated the NHS remains committed to improving urgent and emergency care to prevent such tragedies. This report underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in healthcare services. See

Several NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents amid a significant rise in flu cases. Hospitals are facing 'exceptionally high' demand, particularly in emergency departments, driven by a surge in respiratory illnesses. NHS data shows that the number of patients hospitalised with flu in England has quadrupled over the past month, exacerbated by cold weather. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest in Merseyside and Cheshire, stated that while it has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges, some patients will experience delays as priority is given to the most critical cases. It is working with partner organisations to discharge medically fit patients promptly to free up space. Non-emergency patients are being urged to use alternative services like GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or the NHS 111 helpline.