On the five-year anniversary of the Global Diabetes Compact, WHO has issued a call to manufacturers to submit requests for “prequalification” of generic versions of the GLP-1 weight-control drug semaglutide and newer, fast-acting insulin analogues. The call is part of a broader initiative to accelerate access to life-saving diagnosis and treatment which remains out of […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on governments to strictly regulate nicotine pouches to prevent an imminent epidemic among vulnerable adolescents. These highly addictive products threaten to dismantle decades of global progress in tobacco control if left completely unchecked, health officials warn. Faced with declining cigarette sales, tobacco companies continuously release new product lines, […] Continue reading ->
A joint announcement by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) on microplastics made inaccurate claims about how many plastic particles exist in the brain, while providing an unclear regulatory plan to address this. But a study published in Nature Health found microplastics in nearly every one of its 191 […] Continue reading ->
Bangladesh’s new government has approved a wide-ranging anti-tobacco law that bans advertising, promotion and display across print, electronic, digital and social media, entertainment platforms and points of sale. The Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) (Amendment) Law, 2025 also prohibits corporate social responsibility initiatives from using tobacco brand names, logos or trademarks. Cigarette packs have to […] Continue reading ->
The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) will soon unveil a new Roadmap on Air Quality and Health, following on from a meeting with countries and other stakeholders in February in Mexico.  The PAHO strategy dovetails with an ambitious new regional action plan by the UN Environment Programme – which supports the work of environment ministries.  While […] Continue reading ->
Air pollution increases the risk of diabetes, particularly when exposure is long-term, according to emerging evidence. A 2025 study from China involving 18,606 middle-aged and elderly adults found that long-term exposure to air pollution – both indoor and outdoor – significantly increased their risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes. “This national cohort study shows that […] Continue reading ->
The Trump administration has put forward Luke J Lindberg, the US Department of Agriculture trade and foreign agricultural affairs under secretary, as its pick for executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).  Lindberg would succeed Cindy McCain, who announced her resignation in October due to health issues.  “Throughout his career, Under Secretary […] Continue reading ->