Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has issued his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick 2026, themed 'The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another's pain'. The message, released January 20, calls for compassionate love and care for the suffering, with the observance set for February 11 in Chiclayo, Peru.
Graham Garnett, 66, missing since December 30 in New Zealand's Kahurangi National Park, has been found alive at Venus Hut. Discovered by contractors, he was airlifted to Nelson Hospital, ending a multi-agency search that was recently suspended.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz was discharged from King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh on Friday, January 16, 2026, following routine medical tests. The Royal Court announced that the examinations yielded 'reassuring' and 'satisfactory' results, confirming the monarch's good health.
Germany's Health Minister Nina Warken has sharply refuted claims by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that German doctors face prosecution for issuing Covid-19 vaccine and mask exemptions. Warken stated the accusations are 'factually incorrect' and that legal action only targets fraud.
An EU-backed campaign, 'Right to be healthy', was launched in Moldova in December 2025 to foster healthy lifestyles, regular medical check-ups, and responsible health attitudes among adolescents aged 15-19. The initiative involves webinars, master classes, and a video competition.
Several U.S. states have begun implementing new waivers restricting the purchase of soda, candy, and other specific foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. This initiative, part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' policy, aims to curb chronic diseases, affecting over 1.4 million recipients in the initial phase.
Eswatini's Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, brought Christmas cheer to mothers and newborn babies at Mbabane Government Hospital on December 25, 2025. Gifts valued at over E80,000 (approximately $4,772 USD) were distributed, supported by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, FNB Eswatini, and Pick n Pay Lojaf.
A new NORMO 2025 report reveals that 70% of Icelandic adults are overweight or obese, making Iceland the heaviest nation among Nordic countries. The study highlights concerning dietary trends, low physical activity, and increased consumption of sugary foods and energy drinks.
An international delegation from the École en Santé du Pacifique network has gathered in Wallis and Futuna from December 1st to 6th, 2025. The conference aims to review actions, exchange best practices, and plan future projects focused on student well-being across the Pacific region.
Chaired by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved key initiatives on November 28, 2025, including residential grant transfers, a Healthy Living Strategy, and an Integrated Water Strategy, alongside an earlier AED42 billion Liveability Strategy expansion, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to community wellbeing and sustainable development.
The inaugural Tunis Forum on the Development of Sino-African Medicine commenced on November 21, 2025, in the Tunisian capital. Co-organized by the Tunisian Health Ministry and China's National Health Commission, the two-day event aims to strengthen public health cooperation and deepen medical exchanges between China and African nations, focusing on areas like traditional medicine, digital health, and disease control.
A United Nations report, released on November 10, 2025, places the microstate of San Marino as having the second-highest life expectancy worldwide, with an average of 85.8 years. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of its universal healthcare system and high standard of living.
The Madeira regional government is set to receive an additional €75 million from the Portuguese mainland government, beyond its regular state budget allocation. This extraordinary fund, agreed upon during discussions for the 2026 State Budget, aims to cover extra costs in critical sectors like education and health.
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece was discharged from 'G. Gennimatas' General Hospital on Monday, October 13, 2025, after a brief hospitalization for a mild ischemic episode. Admitted on Sunday for precautionary evaluation, doctors confirmed his stable condition and full recovery.
The World Health Organization and the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies are hosting a webinar to explore how Pacific island countries, including Tokelau, can strengthen their health systems. The event addresses the unique challenges posed by demographic shifts and the high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in the region's ageing populations.
The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO), hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), recently convened a webinar focusing on bolstering health systems and policies for the rapidly ageing populations across Pacific island nations, including Pitcairn. The event highlighted the need for integrated, person-centred care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes for a swift recovery to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, 83, who underwent a successful pacemaker implant procedure at M.S. Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru. Kharge's son confirmed his stable condition, with a return to duties anticipated shortly.
Antigua and Barbuda officially signed the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031 with PAHO/WHO on September 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This strategic agreement underscores the nation's commitment to regional health solidarity, aiming to bolster universal health, address non-communicable diseases, and enhance resilience across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Sweden has launched 'The Swedish Prescription,' a groundbreaking initiative allowing doctors to recommend travel to the country for health benefits. This program, backed by scientific research, focuses on nature, cultural, and social experiences to improve physical and mental well-being, positioning Sweden as the first nation to offer such a medical approach to tourism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared India's commitment to deepen its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to advance holistic health, with a particular emphasis on women's wellness. This announcement coincides with the launch of a major national health campaign, 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan,' aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India.
