Global health briefs

November/December 2023 | Volume 22 Number 6

Global preparedness board releases annual report

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board's report, A Fragile State of Preparedness, reveals global pandemic preparedness inadequacies despite post-COVID progress. The report emphasizes the need for political commitment and increased resources to bolster global readiness. The board recommends improvements in monitoring, financing, and supply chains.

Lancet calls for health-centered climate action

The 2023 Lancet Countdown report underscores the escalating health risks of climate change, revealing the impacts of global temperature increases on rising health inequities and economic losses, and projects dire consequences of further inaction. The report urges policymakers to take a transformative, health-focused approach to climate action for the future.

Clean cooking alliance launches digital magazine

The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) launched a new digital magazine, Vantage Point: Perspectives on Clean Cooking. This interactive publication aims to shed light on women's crucial role in shaping the clean cooking landscape and explore financial and policy solutions needed to increase access to clean cooking around the world.

TDR unveils 2024-2029 strategy

The WHO's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) released its 2024-2029 strategy emphasizing the critical role of implementation research in public health emergencies and overall system resilience. TDR will also focus on supporting country-led research, improving access to health interventions, and strengthening health systems.

USAID expands Feed the Future program

USAID is investing $79 million to expand the Feed the Future Innovation Labs network, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to global food security. These efforts aim to empower small-scale farmers, foster resilience to climate change, and enhance agricultural productivity in vulnerable regions promoting One Health strategies for livestock and human well-being.

WHO TB report shows positive trends

The WHO 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report reveals a positive trend in TB diagnosis, treatment, and recovery after COVID-19 disruptions and a historic high of 7.5 million global TB diagnoses in 2022. While some countries have progressed, economic barriers persist, and TB research and funding remain inadequate.

Lancet updates cancer surgery commission

The Lancet recently updated its Global Cancer Surgery Commission, calling for pragmatic solutions to globally improve cancer surgery access and outcomes. The commission found that while progress has been made in some settings, only marginal gains have been made worldwide, with all surgical services, including in cancer care, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated December 11, 2023

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