On 20 January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed a group of parliamentarians to its Geneva headquarters for an important exchange focused on women’s health, enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and discussing the path forward for global health cooperation. The meeting was organized in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health. Participants

Common Names: Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair tree, Fossil tree, Japanese silver apricot Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba Background • Ginkgo is a very old tree species, often referred to as a “living fossil” because it is the only surviving representative of an ancient plant group. Traditionally, it has been used in Chinese medicine to treat health issues like coughs and diarrhea. • Today, ginkgo leaf extract is commonly used and marketed as a supplement, believed to support various health

Understanding the Side Effects of Cancer Treatments Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, making it hard for the body to manage them. Chemotherapy, often referred to as chemo, involves using medications designed to destroy these fast-growing cancer cells or stop their growth. However, since chemo targets rapidly dividing cells, it can also affect healthy ones, leading to a variety of side effects. Researchers are actively working on ways to minimize these effects on

Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy Wave of Neural Activity Inside your brain is a highly intricate web of nerve cells known as neurons. These neurons transmit signals that govern your senses, movements, and emotions, allowing your body to function and interact with your surroundings. Occasionally, this system can malfunction. Large numbers of neurons may send excessive signals all at once, causing an unusual spike in brain activity called a seizure. Experiencing even a single seizure warrants

Joint Statement from UN Leaders on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation In 2026 alone, approximately 4.5 million girls—many of them under five—face the threat of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). At present, more than 230 million girls and women live with the enduring impact of this harmful practice. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we renew our shared commitment to eliminate FGM completely. We stand united to

Image: Sample of an insulated joint on display at the Institute of Railway Infrastructure Design, TU Graz. Credit: Schoklitsch - TU Graz Insulated joints might not be widely recognized, but they are essential for railway operations. These joints electrically separate sections of the rail network, allowing systems to detect when trains enter or leave a specific segment. Only once a section is confirmed clear can the next train proceed. Austria currently has about 33,000 of these joints, but on

Highlighted Resource Explore comprehensive articles that delve into the National Institutes of Health's groundbreaking work in biomedical science. Discover the latest developments across various research areas and gain insight into their future directions. The publication "NIH Research in Context" is released every quarter. The most recent edition focuses on nutrition during the early stages of life. To learn more, visit the official NIH site.

Common Name: Ginger Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Background • Ginger originates from tropical regions of Asia and is now widely cultivated in Africa, South America, and parts of the Middle East. The plant’s underground stem, known as the rhizome, is commonly used in cooking and for health-related purposes. • Historically, ginger has played a prominent role in traditional remedies. It has been used for centuries to manage conditions such as respiratory issues, colds, digestive

Image: Artistic reconstruction of Foskeia pelendonum Illustration by Martina Charnell Fossils belonging to at least five individuals were discovered by Fidel Torcida Fernández-Baldor from the Dinosaur Museum in Salas de los Infantes. “From the outset, we realized these remains were unusual because of how tiny they were. What’s more, studying this species has changed our broad understanding of ornithopod dinosaur evolution,” he remarked. The new dinosaur was named Foskeia, a term inspired by

2025 Global Health Simulation Exercises In 2025, countries within three regions under the World Health Organization (WHO) actively engaged in large-scale simulation exercises designed to evaluate and enhance their implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR). These drills were designed to strengthen their capacity to detect, notify, and manage public health events that could pose international concerns. The simulations — known as SAPHIRE in South-East Asia, JADE in the European

Health Capsule Many people in the United States are not getting enough physical activity. Not moving enough can increase the risk of long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Recent research shows that the way your neighborhood is built may influence how much you walk each day. Walking is a great way to stay healthy. However, not all communities are designed to support walking. Some areas may not have sidewalks, green spaces, or convenient shops that

Understanding GERD and Complementary Treatments What’s the Bottom Line? If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest or throat, speak to your doctor. • Your provider may recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments based on your individual symptoms. • If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, talk with your doctor before using any additional complementary remedies or therapies. How Well Do Complementary Methods Work for GERD? New

Ocean Oxygenation Study Image: Scanning electron microscope visualization of fossilized planktonic foraminifera. Image Credit: Anya Hess Key Discoveries Oxygen levels in the Arabian Sea were significantly higher 16 million years ago compared to present, even during a warmer global climate. Regional climate systems like monsoons, water movement, and sea pathways affect how oxygen circulates in the ocean, adding layers of complexity to future predictions. In the long-term geological future,

Providing nutritious meals in schools can play an essential role in helping children establish lifelong healthy eating habits, according to a new global guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO). For the first time, WHO calls on governments to adopt a comprehensive school-wide strategy to ensure that all food and beverages offered in and around schools are wholesome and supportive of good health. As childhood obesity rates climb around the world and problems of undernutrition continue,

The United States, as one of the founding nations of the World Health Organization (WHO), has played a pivotal role in many of the organization’s major public health successes. These include the eradication of smallpox and significant progress in combating polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety challenges. Given this longstanding collaboration, WHO expresses concern over the United States’ formal notice of

Immediate steps are needed to improve national water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems in order to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 and safeguard public health, particularly as climate-related threats and disease outbreaks increase. The latest report, titled State of systems for drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene: Global update 2025, offers fresh insights into obstacles to effective WASH services. This UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and

Common Name: garlic Scientific Name: Allium sativum Background • Garlic has been grown and used around the world for centuries. Historical records from civilizations like Egypt, India, and Greece document its application in cooking and in treating ailments such as digestive issues, respiratory infections, and headaches. • Today, garlic is often taken as a supplement for various health reasons including managing high cholesterol, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels, supporting the

Common Names: garcinia cambogia, garcinia, Malabar tamarind, brindle berry Scientific Name: Garcinia gummi-gutta Background • Garcinia cambogia is a tropical species native to regions of India and Southeast Asia, found primarily in moist, evergreen areas. Traditionally, its fruit has been brewed into teas in folk remedies to alleviate digestive discomfort and reduce inflammation. Additionally, its rind has been valued as a natural food preservative. • The rind of the fruit contains

Common Names: flaxseed, flax, linseed Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum Background • Flaxseed has been used for centuries both for medicinal and practical reasons. First cultivated in regions around the Middle East, flax was later valued in ancient Egypt for producing linen, served in dishes in Ethiopia, and used as a laxative in Greece. Early European settlers in North America used flaxseed in poultices for minor wounds and burns, and its oil for making paint. • In modern times, flaxseed

Leprosy Treatment Access Crucial to Global Elimination Efforts Ensuring access to leprosy treatment remains a pivotal step in the global push to end the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in the lead-up to World Leprosy Day on January 25. Leprosy, a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is one of the world's oldest known infections. It mainly targets the skin and peripheral nerves. If not treated, it can lead to lasting damage and disability, often