Health

NASA announced the selection of 12 new investigations to support human exploration. Six focus on producing food off‑planet, studying edible plants, microbial communities, resurrection plants, and algae genetics. The other six target astronaut health, examining lunar dust effects, drug repurposing, radiation stressors, and molecular changes. Principal investigators come from 10 institutions; nine are first‑time recipients. Funding of more than $7 million will be distributed through fiscal years 2026‑2030 under the ROSES‑2024 program. The studies aim to enhance life‑support systems, reduce health risks, and develop early‑warning detection for crew. They represent a coordinated effort to apply biological research in space to enable sustainable lunar and Mars missions.

On 25 September 2026, the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa convened a 90‑minute Presidential Dialogue on High‑Threat Pathogens at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event, attended by ministers, national leaders and development partners, focused on transforming Africa’s reactive outbreak response into proactive preparedness intelligence. Delegates discussed political trust across borders, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and the financing of intelligence before emergencies. The programme included a live demonstration of the Preparedness Data Exchange (PDX) platform and Voyage Santé+ border‑screening technology. Organisers emphasized that the goal is not a single centralised database but a federated, trusted ecosystem that lets countries retain control of their data while generating collective security intelligence. The dialogue aims to strengthen cross‑border collaboration, accelerate threat prediction, and guide investment toward anticipation rather than reaction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new malaria vaccine for children, known as RTS,S. This vaccine has been developed by GlaxoSmithKline and has undergone rigorous testing. According to the WHO, the vaccine has shown a significant reduction in severe malaria cases and hospitalizations in young children. The prequalification process involves a thorough evaluation of the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and quality. The WHO's approval is a crucial step towards making the vaccine available in low- and middle-income countries. The vaccine will be distributed through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization. The first shipments are expected to arrive in the coming months.

Zimbabwe’s new Public Health Institute (PHIZ) has completed its first year of operation, marking key milestones that lay the groundwork for full operationalization. The four‑year project, funded by the European Union through the Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative, focused on strengthening governance and advancing the legal framework. PHIZ also expanded regional partnerships and peer‑learning networks, creating a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange. The institute’s governance reforms include the establishment of a national steering committee and the adoption of updated public health regulations. The legal framework updates align with international best practices, ensuring compliance with WHO guidelines. Regional partnerships now cover neighboring countries, facilitating joint surveillance and response initiatives. These achievements establish a solid foundation for PHIZ as it transitions from institutional development toward delivering essential public health functions nationwide.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa has continued to support countries in strengthening health systems through innovative approaches to noncommunicable disease care. The 3rd International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa highlighted significant progress, with 20 countries engaged in implementing the PEN-Plus model and services available in more than 120 district hospitals. Country experiences demonstrate the impact of integrated approaches to care, such as bringing specialized services for conditions like sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes closer to patients in Cameroon. In The Gambia, expanded HPV vaccination efforts are protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer. WHO is also advancing action on mental health and promoting the integration of eye, ear, and oral health services into its platforms.

The WHO São Tomé and Príncipe Newsletter for April‑June 2026 reports that the country has eliminated lymphatic filariasis and malaria and has digitised its immunisation system. Vaccination programmes have been strengthened, and new strategies for non‑communicable disease prevention and health professional capacity building have been introduced. The edition also announces the launch of strategic frameworks and innovative health‑service management approaches, alongside efforts to secure sustainable health financing. The government and WHO celebrated 50 years of partnership, marking five decades of joint work to improve population health and move toward universal health coverage.

The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa released its Week 30 bulletin covering public health emergencies in the African region for 20–26 July 2026. The bulletin reports on cholera outbreaks in the Central African Republic, mpox cases in Angola, and the humanitarian crisis in Mali. The bulletin serves as a concise update for national health authorities and international partners, summarizing the latest situation reports and recommended actions. It is part of WHO’s ongoing effort to provide timely information on emerging health threats across the continent.

The World Health Organization African Region has introduced the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services (WICS) initiative to address the high burden of cervical and breast cancers. Despite available prevention and treatment tools, many women are still diagnosed late, leading to poor survival and severe social and economic impacts. WICS is anchored in primary health care and offers a scalable model that integrates cervical and breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment with other essential health services. By delivering care closer to women’s homes, the program aims to improve access, continuity, and equity, aligning with universal health coverage principles.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim has left the agency after nearly a decade of service, including an eight-month science expedition aboard the International Space Station. He will continue serving as lieutenant commander in the U. S. Navy. Kim's contributions to the space station advanced critical science that will shape NASA's future missions. He oversaw operations across the station's international modules and commanded the Canadarm2 robotic arm during the first capture of Northrop Grumman's new Cygnus XL spacecraft. Kim was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017 and completed two years of astronaut candidate training.

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa has released the Addis Ababa Call to Action, a document aimed at protecting and accelerating multi-disease elimination in Africa. The call to action was issued during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. The document focuses on Neglected Tropical Diseases, which are a significant public health concern in the region. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is working to eliminate these diseases through various initiatives and partnerships. The Addis Ababa Call to Action outlines strategies for protecting and accelerating multi-disease elimination, including strengthening health systems, improving access to healthcare, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. The document also emphasizes the need for increased funding and resources to support disease elimination efforts. The WHO Regional Office for Africa will continue to work with member states and partners to implement the strategies outlined in the Addis Ababa Call to Action.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa published its July 2026 Electronic Surveillance monthly bulletin, which offers standardized updates on the implementation of the eSURV/ISS system and key performance indicators across the region. The bulletin is intended to help stakeholders monitor active surveillance progress, identify gaps, and inform evidence‑based decisions at regional, national, and sub‑national levels. The document is available for download and includes information relevant to polio surveillance.