Global health briefs - December 2016
November / December 2016 | Volume 15, Number 6
Global life expectancy rises by 10 years
Improvements in sanitation, immunizations, indoor air quality and nutrition have enabled people in poor countries to live longer, helping to boost global life expectancy to 72 years, according to a new analysis that is part of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study. However, data suggest progress is threatened by obesity, high blood sugar and substance abuse.
WHO releases air pollution data
A new WHO air quality model confirms that 92 percent of the world’s population lives in places where air pollution levels exceed WHO limits. Information is presented via interactive maps and is based on data derived from satellite measurements, air transport models and ground station monitors.
Malaria map shows progress in Africa
The burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa dropped by 57 percent in 25 years, a detailed analysis shows. Researchers made the finding by mapping malaria deaths between 1990 and 2015, using data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study and the Malaria Atlas Project. The results of the analysis are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Scientists plan human cell atlas
A global initiative has been launched to create an open-access Human Cell Atlas, which would chart the types and properties of all human cells, across all tissues and organs, to build a reference map of the healthy human body. The atlas could revolutionize how doctors and researchers understand, diagnose and treat disease.
HHS expands clinical trials website
HHS has announced it is expanding the information to be included on the Clinicaltrials.gov website. A new rule increases reporting requirements of trial results, expands the number of data elements and requires additional adverse event information.
NIH releases plan for nursing science
The NIH’s National Institute of Nursing Research has issued a strategic plan detailing priorities for nursing science in four areas - symptom science, wellness, self-management, and end-of-life and palliative care.
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