Public Health

What we know about the worldwide decline in tobacco use

Almost every country on the planet has reduced its tobacco intake in 2020, according to the WHO’s latest findings.

French influencers snub mystery firm’s offer to smear Pfizer jabs

Social media influencers in France say an advertising agency offered to pay them if they agreed to smear Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine with fake stories.

How Israel’s occupation devastated Gaza’s health system

The latest Israeli offensive has put further strain on Gaza’s crumbling medical infrastructure, which has endured a punishing fourteen year blockade that pushed it to the brink of collapse.

Will intellectual property take precedence over vaccine distribution?

South Africa and India have pushed for a TRIPS waiver to temporarily allow states to produce Covid-19 technologies without fear of IP infringement. But it faces pressure from rich countries, who want to protect their pharmaceutical industries.

US CDC: Vaccinated people need not quarantine post Covid-19 exposure

US public health officials said fully vaccinated persons who do not quarantine should still watch for symptoms for 14 days following an exposure to the coronavirus.

US coronavirus cases surge past two million mark – latest updates

The total number of coronavirus cases around the world has crossed the 7.3 million mark. Here are pandemic-related updates for June 10:

French nursing homes employees protest pay, conditions

Protesters gathered outside homes owned by the Korian group in Paris, Lille and other French cities in response to a call from several far-left unions.

What race and deprivation tell us about the pandemic

Covid-19 is ravaging vulnerable communities, and can be prevented if the root causes of inequality are addressed.

The 'massacre' of Italy's elderly nursing home residents

Covid-19 patients in Italy's virus epicentre of Lombardy were transferred to nursing homes by an official resolution with catastrophic consequences.

What is the World Health Organization and how does it work?

As US President Donald Trump cuts funding to the global health body during a pandemic, we explore how it contributes around the world.

About 74 million in Arab world lack hand-washing facilities – UN

An estimated 26 million refugees and displaced people are at greater risk of contracting the illness region-wide, as they lack adequate access to water and hygiene services, the UN's Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia said.

Is Sweden’s Covid-19 approach effective?

The country's low-level measures against the pandemic have come under global criticism as it continues to take a lenient approach despite having the highest death toll compared to its Scandinavian neighbours.