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Global Measles Vaccination Coverage Falls Below Herd Immunity Threshold, Leading to Resurgence

Global Measles Vaccination Coverage Falls Below Herd Immunity Threshold, Leading to Resurgence

Global vaccination coverage for measles remains significantly below the 95% threshold required for durable herd immunity, according to WHO/UNICEF estimates. In 2023, global coverage for the second dose of measles-containing vaccine reached only 74%, while first-dose coverage was 83%. This shortfall has contributed to a resurgence in measles cases worldwide. The WHO European Region, for instance, recorded 127,300 cases in 2024, marking its highest total since 1997. In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that nearly three-quarters of measles cases this year occurred among unvaccinated individuals, with only 85% of the regional population having received the two required doses of the MMR vaccine. Additionally, HPV vaccination coverage shows variability across European Union member states, with lower completion rates observed in Southern and Eastern European countries due to differences in regional implementation strategies and parental hesitancy.
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CARICOM Endorses New Action Plan to Address Health Challenges from Climate Change

CARICOM Endorses New Action Plan to Address Health Challenges from Climate Change

Ministers of Health from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have endorsed a new regional framework during the 53rd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development, Health (COHSOD-Health) in Washington, D.C. This Action Plan aims to strengthen the health sector's preparedness, resilience, and sustainability in the face of increasing climate change and environmental hazards. The Caribbean region is particularly vulnerable to these threats, experiencing hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, droughts, and shifting patterns of vector-borne diseases like dengue. These events have damaged health infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and put populations at risk. The new plan, developed through a PAHO/WHO-led consultative process, outlines regional priorities to help countries address current and future health challenges linked to environmental and climate risks. Dr. Daniel Buss, Chief of PAHO’s Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health Unit, noted that the updated plan emphasizes strengt...
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UN agency warns funding crisis could leave 8.3 million people without aid

UN agency warns funding crisis could leave 8.3 million people without aid

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A deepening funding crisis could leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people without access to assistance this year, and push protection systems in some countries towards collapse, the United Nations refugee agency warned on
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Pennsylvania measles cases cross 900 as outbreak grows

Pennsylvania measles cases cross 900 as outbreak grows

Sept 28 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania's measles outbreak continued to worsen, with 68 new infections reported since Wednesday last week, bringing the total to 903 on Monday, health department data showed, as the state grapples with the worst measles resurgence in decades.
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Arizona among top states for brain-eating amoeba cases. See why

Arizona among top states for brain-eating amoeba cases. See why

Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," has been in the spotlight after recent infections. Here's what to know in Arizona.
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US CDC confirms two measles-related deaths in 2026

US CDC confirms two measles-related deaths in 2026

Sept 29 (Reuters) - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday confirmed that there have been two measles-related deaths in the country this year, up from one reported last week.
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US Afghanistan War Commission Seeks Pakistan's Perspective on Two-Decade Conflict Review

US Afghanistan War Commission Seeks Pakistan's Perspective on Two-Decade Conflict Review

The United States Afghanistan War Commission is engaging with Pakistan to gather its perspective on the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. A delegation, including co-chairs Shamila N Chaudhary and Dr. Colin F. Jackson, met with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The commission, established by the U.S. Congress in December 2021, is an independent bipartisan body tasked with reviewing U.S. military, diplomatic, and strategic involvement in Afghanistan from September 2001 to August 2021. This review covers military operations, diplomacy, intelligence assessments, counterterrorism efforts, reconstruction, development aid, political initiatives, and high-level policy deliberations. Pakistan's role is a significant area of interest for the commission, with its second interim report identifying 'Pakistan's pivotal role: leverage and constraints' as a major theme. The commission aims to understand the decisions made over two decades,...
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New Zealand Boosts WTO's STDF with Contribution for Safe and Inclusive Trade

New Zealand Boosts WTO's STDF with Contribution for Safe and Inclusive Trade

New Zealand has made a new contribution to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership aimed at strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). This contribution was welcomed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who noted it would help developing countries implement international standards, enhance transparency, and roll out digital tools like ePing and e-SPS certification. Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, at New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that New Zealand is pleased to support the STDF's work, particularly its efforts with Pacific Island Countries. The funding will assist governments and private sector stakeholders in implementing SPS measures based on international standards, consistent with the WTO's SPS Agreement, and will support projects to strengthen regional risk-based approaches and pilot new digital tools for safe trade.
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U.S. Blocks UN Pandemic Readiness Declaration, Citing Unresolved Issues

U.S. Blocks UN Pandemic Readiness Declaration, Citing Unresolved Issues

The United States has withheld its support for a High-Level Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at the United Nations General Assembly. The U.S. representative stated that critical issues remain unresolved, including the inclusion of 'divisive ideologies that lack definitional consensus' and references to an unfinished negotiation on pathogen access and benefit sharing. This objection has prevented a consensus agreement on the draft text, pushing the decision back to the General Assembly for a potential vote before its annual session concludes in December. Several delegations, including Peru and Cabo Verde, had anticipated the declaration's adoption, while the Netherlands expressed regret over the inability to reach a common political outcome. General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman acknowledged broad support but noted ongoing observations, confirming further consideration by Member States.
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Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed, 32 captured after crossing from Pakistan

Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed, 32 captured after crossing from Pakistan

Afghanistan says its forces have killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others, including alleged Islamic State members crossing from Pakistan
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U.S. Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Decline as Respiratory Illness Season Begins

U.S. Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Decline as Respiratory Illness Season Begins

As the respiratory illness season commences, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that patients receive vaccinations against both the flu and COVID-19 during September or October. However, there is a noticeable decline in vaccination rates across the United States, with some individuals choosing to forgo these shots this year. A study conducted by the University of Chicago revealed that while 77% of American adults acknowledge vaccines as a proven method to protect against serious infectious diseases, less than half of them sought at least one of the four recommended respiratory vaccines this year, which include flu and COVID-19 shots. Doctors in Mid-Michigan are observing increased reluctance among patients to get vaccinated. For instance, Haslett resident Monia Stevenson consistently gets her flu shot, emphasizing her aversion to sickness, while Okemos resident Michelle Shand plans to get the flu shot but not the COVID-19 vaccine due to past adverse reactions. Dr. Adriana Raus ...
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Pakistan's Oil and Gas Reserves Increase Amid Refinery Upgrade Investments

Pakistan's Oil and Gas Reserves Increase Amid Refinery Upgrade Investments

Pakistan's Oil and Gas Reserves Increase Amid Refinery Upgrade Investments