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Health news

US health officials urge all travellers to get measles vaccinations

The vaccination guidance comes as countries face an uptick in measles cases this year, including Europe.

Health news

UK ban on single-use vapes comes into force to stop children's use

The UK's move follows e-cigarette restrictions by countries like Belgium and Australia.

Europe News

France to enact smoking ban in public spaces with children from 1 July

A breach of the ban — which is part of France's wider National Tobacco Control Programme, announced in November 2023 — could be punishable with a €135 fine.

Health news

Spain plans to extend smoking ban to bar and restaurant terraces

The ban would not only apply to traditional tobacco in public spaces, but also to electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.

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France

France's National Assembly backs assisted dying bill on first reading

The bill, which received 305 votes in favour and 199 against, will be sent to the Senate for further debate but a definitive vote on the measure could take months.

Health news

Is Europe doing enough to prepare for bird flu risks to humans?

Public health risks remain low, but experts in Europe are calling for more surveillance given the virus is so widespread among birds.

Health news

West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in the UK for the first time

The virus has emerged in northern and western Europe in recent years as a result of warmer temperatures.

Health news

WHO chief makes plea to fill budget gap by comparing 'costs to war'

The UN health agency is asking for the equivalent of €3.7 billion for the next two years to fill a funding shortfall.

Health news

Countries sign off on global pandemic treaty at WHO meeting

The agreement will be legally binding, but it won’t enter into force right away.

Health news

Polio outbreak declared in Papua New Guinea

The situation is “serious but manageable,” the country’s top health official said.

Health news

US overdose deaths fell 27% last year, but remain far above EU levels

An estimated 80,000 people in the US died from drug overdoses in 2024.

Health news

Bill Gates pledges to donate entire fortune over next 20 years

The billionaire philanthropist had previously planned for his fortune to keep funding global health initiatives decades after his death.

Health news

Progress has stalled on global health issues, WHO officials warn

Gaps in life expectancy, child mortality, and maternal health have narrowed between the wealthiest and poorest countries, but gains have slowed in recent years.

Living

How more trees in cities could have saved 400,000 lives in Europe

‘Expanding greenness’ could save millions of lives, a comprehensive new study finds.

Health news

Higher cigarette taxes could save 281,000 children’s lives in a year

The analysis shows children from the poorest families would benefit the most from higher cigarette tax rates in lower-income countries.

Health news

Decades after Vietnam War, Agent Orange-linked health issues persist

April 30 will mark 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, but the battle with Agent Orange, a chemical used by US forces during the conflict, continues.

Health news

Where has the new more contagious mpox strain been detected in Europe?

Most European cases have been reported in people who had travelled to parts of Africa with ongoing mpox outbreaks.

Europe News

Traces of 'forever chemical' found in European wines

PFAS are called 'forever chemicals' because they don't naturally break down in the environment.

Healthcare

Why is the world’s deadliest infectious disease on the rise in the UK?

Tuberculosis (TB) cases rose 13 per cent in England last year, with increases among both immigrants and people born in the UK.

Healthcare

What 'dangerous chemicals' found in EU products mean for your health

A banned fragrance, lead, and restricted "forever chemicals" were found in products in the EU last year, a new report has found.