Healthcare Why Western Europe is rolling back access to puberty blockers Several countries have restricted the use of puberty blockers, citing insufficient evidence on their benefits for gender-questioning youth and potential long-term effects. 13/12/2024
Health news Malaria cases surge to 263 million amid stalled effort to stop spread Access to vaccines and insecticide-treated mosquito nets, as well as new treatments, are needed to combat malaria, experts said. 11/12/2024
Health news What patients who opt for medically assisted dying have in common Patients with ALS or cancer were more likely to choose assisted dying regardless of where they lived, a study found. 09/12/2024
Health news Mystery disease in DRC still undiagnosed despite some clues, WHO says A lack of local lab testing, limited infrastructure, and threats from armed groups are slowing down the public health response. 09/12/2024
Health news Iceland is a model of gender equality but it’s hiding a dark secret Sexual assault was more closely associated with PTSD symptoms than a slew of other stressful life experiences. 07/12/2024
Health news UK scientists develop urine test for lung cancer ‘zombie cells’ The test aims to speed the detection of lung cancer, which often isn’t found until the later stages. 06/12/2024
Health news England to roll out new anti-obesity drug but only for some patients The drug is expected to cost €381.1 million per year within three years. 05/12/2024
Health news What we know about the mystery disease killing dozens in the Congo Health officials are racing to determine the nature of the disease, which has sickened hundreds of people in recent weeks. 05/12/2024
Health news Childhood diabetes rates are rising globally. How does Europe compare? A Nordic country has the world’s highest rate of childhood type 1 diabetes, according to a new analysis. 04/12/2024
Health news Poliovirus found in sewage in three European countries. What now? Health authorities say European countries should ramp up their immunisation and disease surveillance efforts. 04/12/2024
Health news Average adult could live 5 extra years with more exercise The most workout-averse adults had the most to gain. 02/12/2024
Health news Corrupt dictatorships have fewer doctors, study finds Countries with stronger democracies and lower levels of corruption tend to have a stronger physician workforce, the study found. 01/12/2024
Health news WHO: Lebanon’s health needs are ‘huge’ amid Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire Some Lebanese hospitals could be operational within weeks, officials said, but others will take months to repair. 28/11/2024
Health news New HIV cases rose in 21 European countries in 2023 The increase in diagnoses in 2023 is likely due in part to an increase in testing, but health authorities said more work is needed to contain HIV. 28/11/2024
Health news Common drug could be ‘game-changer’ for asthma, COPD patients - study The study authors said the results could lead to an update in how the lung conditions are managed. 28/11/2024
Health news Weight loss drugs could help fight chronic kidney disease, study finds Researchers said the drugs could make a major difference for chronic kidney disease patients by helping to reduce other risk factors. 26/11/2024
Nutrition Calorie labels on menus may not lead to healthier habits, study shows The policy was enacted in 2022 in an attempt to reduce England’s obesity rate but researchers say it may take more time for menu labels to make a difference. 25/11/2024
Health news Why did Europe stop adding fluoride to its drinking water? Few EU countries still fluoridate their water supplies, but there's no evidence that countries in Europe stopped because of health harms. 23/11/2024
Health news How European countries stack up on cancer screening There is wide variation in cancer screening across Europe, but no country scores perfectly across the board. 21/11/2024
Healthcare Italy spent over €1 billion on dozens of ‘drugs to avoid’ in 2022 An independent researcher said the results should spark a re-evaluation of some medicines, but do not necessarily mean patients are being harmed. 20/11/2024