Resilient Media for Democracy Observatory

Covid-19 Pandemic

Global health is important and challenging for all. Pandemic lock down showed that world need to unite to fight endemic threats to our societies. Media serves as mediator between public and authorities in verifying and spreading independent and trustworthy news.

Earlier posts:

Understanding the health issues set to dominate 2026

Euronews surveys experts who say global health leadership and financing will be pivotal in 2026 amid aid cuts and uncertainty, with implications for outbreak readiness and essential programs. It flags malaria setbacks and drug resistance, plus workforce shortages across health systems as compounding vulnerabilities. The article also points to biotech and biodefence capabilities—advanced diagnostics and next‑generation vaccines—as central to rapid response in future pandemics and biological threats. Climate change and antimicrobial resistance are described as cross-border accelerants of health crises that can amplify outbreak risk.

Date: January 10, 2026. Source: euronews.com

Flu season surged in the US over the holiday and already rivals last winter’s harsh epidemic

U.S. flu infections surged over the holidays, and officials warned the season is severe and likely to worsen, with 45 states reporting high or very high activity during the week of Christmas. The report highlights influenza A(H3N2) dominance and notes that 90%+ of analyzed H3N2 infections were a subclade K variant differing from this season’s vaccine strain, raising concern about mismatch. The CDC estimated at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths from flu so far this season. Public-health experts still recommend annual influenza vaccination, even as federal guidance changes are discussed in parallel.

Date: January 5, 2026 Source: apnews.com

Global health’s defining test

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reflects on the progress and challenges of 2025, arguing that international cooperation is essential to protect global health in 2026 and beyond. He highlights major milestones like the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and advancements in immunisation, which have significantly reduced global under-five mortality and measles deaths. However, he warns that progress remains fragile, with 4.6 billion people still lacking essential health services and ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine straining resources. Looking ahead, Dr. Tedros calls for a commitment to universal health coverage and the integration of digital innovations, such as AI, to bridge healthcare gaps in rural and remote settings.

Date: January 9, 2026 Source: aljazeera.com

US cuts the number of vaccines recommended for every child, a move slammed by physicians

The Trump administration issued a memo directing a comprehensive review of the CDC’s recommended childhood vaccine schedule, a move led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The review aims to evaluate the scientific evidence behind each vaccine and investigate potential links to chronic health conditions, which Kennedy has long questioned. Public health experts have expressed deep concern, warning that such a move could undermine parental confidence and lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases.

Date: January 6, 2026 Source: apnews.com

Hard to digest: we still live in Fast Food Nation

Eric Schlosser reflects on the 25th anniversary of his book Fast Food Nation, arguing that the industrial food system’s dangers have intensified through corporate consolidation and a lack of transparency. Schlosser criticizes the “corporate capture” of government agencies, noting that while the new administration promises to “Make America Healthy Again,” its proposed budget cuts to the CDC and FDA could cripple essential public health oversight. Ultimately, he calls for “true-cost accounting” to expose the hidden health and environmental expenses of cheap food, which he estimates are nearly triple the price paid at the register.

Date: January 6, 2026 Source: theguardian.com

Face masks ‘inadequate’ and should be swapped for respirators, WHO is advised

A group of experts urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to update its guidelines to recommend respirator-grade masks, such as N95 or FFP2, as the standard for healthcare workers. The signatories argue that traditional surgical masks are “obsolete” and provide inadequate protection against airborne pathogens like Covid-19 and the flu. The proposal suggests that switching to respirators would significantly reduce infection rates, staff absences, and burnout among medical professionals. While the WHO is currently reviewing its infection prevention guidelines, the experts emphasize that even in poorer countries, respirator access should be prioritized to ensure worker safety.

Date: January 9, 2026 Source: theguardian.com

Flu cases continue to rise sharply in Switzerland

Swiss health authorities reported the flu epidemic started earlier than last year and lab-confirmed influenza cases have nearly doubled compared with the prior year. In the last week of 2025, Switzerland and Liechtenstein recorded about 2,900 lab-confirmed cases, up roughly 22% week-on-week. The highest incidence was reported in Basel-Stadt, with notable regional variation.

Date: December 31, 2025. Source: swissinfo.ch

South Carolina measles outbreak grows to 185 cases amid vaccination worries

South Carolina officials reported the measles outbreak rose to 185 cases, with most infections in unvaccinated people and only one case in a fully vaccinated person. The report stresses measles’ extreme contagiousness and notes that vaccine hesitancy is contributing to renewed spread despite the U.S. having declared measles eliminated decades ago. It also links the surge to broader challenges to vaccination policy and public trust.

Date: January 2, 2026. Source: aljazeera.com

Canadian officials say US health institutions no longer dependable for accurate information

Canadian health officials and experts are warning that U.S. health institutions, such as the CDC, can no longer be relied upon for accurate medical information due to an influx of misinformation from the Trump administration. Health Minister Marjorie Michel stated she no longer considers the U.S. a “reliable partner,” particularly as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promotes an anti-vaccine agenda. There are significant concerns that this U.S. rhetoric is already eroding public trust in Canada, potentially worsening childhood vaccination rates and fueling measles outbreaks. Consequently, Canada is seeking closer collaboration with other global health systems to establish independent surveillance and information networks.

Date: January 4, 2026. Source: theguardian.com

Flu patient numbers in English hospitals fall for second straight week

Despite fears of a “twindemic,” the number of flu patients in English hospitals has fallen for the second consecutive week, offering some relief to the NHS. Data shows daily average flu cases dropped by 13% compared to the previous week, although health chiefs warn against complacency as a cold snap could drive numbers back up. The decrease is partly attributed to a successful vaccination campaign that saw half a million more people vaccinated than the previous year.

Date: January 2, 2026 Source: theguardian.com

US sees spike in flu cases in December, after most severe season since 2018

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant spike in influenza cases across the US in December 2025, following what was already the most severe flu season since 2018. Over 3,100 people died from the virus in the year leading up to August 2025, and pediatric deaths reached a record high. Experts are urging the public to get vaccinated, citing the emergence of a new variant and a decline in vaccination uptake.

Date: January 3, 2026. Source: theguardian.com

The Guardian view on mRNA vaccines: they are the future – with or without Donald Trump

The Guardian argues that mRNA technology remains the future of medicine despite the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to defund research and undermine public confidence. Under the influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US has pivoted toward an anti-vaccine agenda, leading to a “coordinated wind-down” of federal funding for dozens of critical mRNA projects. While this hostility threatens American scientific leadership, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on “untouched” areas like personalized cancer vaccines to bypass political interference. Ultimately, the editorial suggests that the UK and EU must now seize the opportunity to become the new global hubs for mRNA innovation as the US becomes an unreliable partner.

Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com

Five big global health wins in 2025 that will save millions of lives

The article highlights five major global health breakthroughs in 2025: rapid scale-up of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, a new class of malaria treatment approaching approval, more countries/regions eliminating measles and rubella, a twice‑yearly HIV-prevention injection (lenacapavir) reaching sub‑Saharan Africa quickly, and accelerating TB progress in vaccines, diagnostics and new drugs.

Date: December 22, 2025. Source: theguardian.com

Southern Switzerland hardest hit by the flu

Over 2,000 Swiss residents were sidelined by the flu during Christmas, with cases doubling compared to the previous year. Canton Ticino in the south is the hardest-hit region, recording the country’s highest infection rates. While flu cases rose 30% in a single week, medical consultations for high fevers and coughs have also surged. Health officials added that while RSV is beginning to circulate, coronavirus levels have already peaked.

Date: December 26, 2025. Source: swissinfo.ch

Officials suspect bird flu after 12 swans die at Orlando’s Lake Eola

A dozen of Orlando’s iconic swans at Lake Eola have died over recent days, and city officials suspect bird flu but say the deaths do not appear suspicious. Before the die-off, the park had about five dozen swans, and the last known bird flu outbreak there was in February 2024. Because the deaths occurred during the holiday season, the city’s specialized veterinarians were not immediately available to evaluate the birds. The dead swans are being kept in a secure location so necropsies and tests can determine the exact cause, which officials say is still unconfirmed until results come back.

Date: December 29, 2025. Source: apnews.com

Could bird flu spread among humans? Scientists show how it might happen

Scientists have identified mutations that could allow H5N1 bird flu to bind to human respiratory receptors, increasing the risk of a pandemic. The virus is evolving in ways that mirror previous pandemic strains, especially as it spreads among mammals like dairy cows. Experts warn that these adaptations provide the virus more chances to jump to humans, necessitating urgent global surveillance. Preemptive vaccine development is now considered vital to prevent a potential global health crisis.

Date: December 19, 20205. Source: euronews.com

Warning further waves of flu could follow as deaths double in just a week

The Scotsman reports that Scotland’s flu deaths doubled week-on-week, even as lab-confirmed cases showed a “reassuring” decline. It cites official statistics indicating deaths can lag behind case trends, raising concern that additional waves may still follow. The piece frames the situation as part of a severe winter respiratory season requiring continued vigilance and health-system readiness.

Date: December 19, 2025. Source: scotsman.com

Medical experts are pushing back on new US vaccine policy

DW describes a growing clash between US health agencies under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and major medical groups over childhood vaccination guidance. It notes that dozens of professional organizations protested ACIP recommendations that would make the newborn hepatitis B shot optional for most infants and adjust other vaccine scheduling, amid concerns about misinformation and public confusion. The piece highlights fears that weakened vaccine messaging could worsen outbreaks (including measles) and further undermine trust in federal health guidance.

Date: December 15, 2025. Source: dw.com

Experts push back on UK’s ‘superflu’ narrative as doctors set to strike

Health experts are pushing back against sensationalist “superflu” headlines in the UK, clarifying that current influenza levels are typical for the winter season. While the media has raised alarms about a potential “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19, doctors emphasize that the strains circulating are not unusually severe. However, the NHS remains under significant pressure due to a massive backlog of patients and planned industrial action by junior doctors. Experts argue that the real crisis stems from chronic underfunding and staffing shortages rather than a particularly dangerous new virus.

Date: December 15, 2025. Source: politico.eu

Health experts criticise NHS chief’s remarks that people with flu symptoms ‘must wear face masks’

Health experts have raised concerns after an NHS leader stated that people with flu symptoms “must” wear masks in public, contradicting official guidance which only suggests they “consider” it. Critics warned that such conflicting messages could undermine public trust, drawing parallels to communication challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The debate comes as hospitals in England face rising flu cases and implement their own mask policies in high-risk areas.

Date: December 10, 2025. Source: theguardian.com

Strikes could collapse flu-hit NHS amid worst crisis since Covid, says Streeting

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that upcoming strikes by resident doctors could be the “Jenga piece” that causes the NHS to collapse during a severe winter flu season. Hospital admissions for flu have risen by 55% in a single week, creating pressure comparable to the worst periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials are urging doctors to accept the latest government pay offer to avoid compromising patient safety during this critical period.

Date: December 12, 2025. Source: theguardian.com

Experts discover cause of bird flu outbreak across Europe

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported an unprecedented and early surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) across Europe, driven largely by wild birds rather than farm-to-farm spread. Between September and November, nearly 3,000 cases were detected across 29 countries, with significant mortality observed in species like common cranes. While human infections remain rare, authorities are concerned about the virus’s potential to mutate and affect mammals more broadly.

Date: December 11, 2025. Source: independent.co

Hundreds are quarantined in South Carolina as measles spreads in 2 US outbreaks

A measles outbreak in South Carolina has led to the quarantine of hundreds of people, primarily students, following a cluster of cases centered around a church and several schools. The outbreak highlights the dangers of declining vaccination rates, with health officials working to contain the highly contagious virus. This event contributes to a growing number of measles cases across the US, threatening the country’s elimination status for the disease.

Date: December 11, 2025. Source: apnews.com

FDA plans to put a ‘black box’ warning on COVID vaccines: report

Reports indicate that the FDA, under pressure from the incoming Trump administration, plans to add a “black box” warning—the agency’s most serious safety alert—to COVID-19 vaccines. The warning would highlight potential severe health effects, a move that has shocked medical experts who cite the vaccines’ strong safety record.

Date: December 12, 2025. Source: independent.co

England health officials identify newly evolved variant of mpox

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a new “recombinant” variant of the mpox virus in an individual who recently traveled to Asia. This new strain contains genetic material from both the more severe clade 1 and the less virulent clade 2, highlighting the virus’s continued evolution. Health officials emphasized that while the emergence of such variants is expected, ongoing genomic surveillance is crucial to understand its potential impact.

Date: December 8, 2025. Source: theguardian.com

US health panel ditches guidance to give hepatitis B vaccine to newborns

A US government advisory committee has voted to rescind the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The decision breaks with decades of public health consensus and has drawn sharp criticism from medical experts who warn it will lead to increased infections and liver disease. The move is seen as part of a broader shift in vaccination policy under the new administration.

Date: December 5, 2025. Source: aljazeera.com

‘Contaminated sausage sandwich’ blamed for swine fever outbreak in Spain

Spanish authorities have deployed the military to contain an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) near Barcelona, believed to have been triggered by a contaminated sausage sandwich discarded by a traveler. Drones and sniffer dogs are being used to track infected wild boars to prevent the virus from spreading to commercial pig farms. The outbreak poses a significant threat to Spain’s pork industry and highlights the risks of transboundary animal diseases.

Date: December 2, 2025. Source: independent.co

Aid cuts have shaken HIV/Aids care to its core – and will mean millions more infections ahead

Significant global aid cuts, estimated to be up to 40% lower, are devastating the fight against HIV/Aids, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. These funding reductions have forced clinic closures, caused shortages of test kits, and are already linked to a rise in Aids-related deaths in some regions. UNAids warns that this crisis could lead to 3.3 million more new HIV infections by 2030 without urgent, renewed political commitment and investment in prevention and community services.

Date: December 1, 2025. Source: theguardian.com

RFK Jr’s vaccine advisory panel to weigh delaying hepatitis B shots for newborns

The advisory committee, assembled under the current US Health Secretary, convened to discuss dramatically altering established childhood immunization practices, specifically targeting the Hepatitis B shot for newborns. Critics view this effort as the latest move by anti-vaccine advocates to undermine federal health policy. The panel previously recommended restricting access to other childhood vaccines, signaling a significant threat to the US immunization schedule. Public health officials are concerned that these actions will make it harder for families to access essential preventative care, potentially leading to increased outbreaks of preventable diseases like whooping cough.

December 4, 2025. theguardian.com

Congo declares its latest Ebola outbreak over, after 43 deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially declared its latest Ebola outbreak over on December 1, following a rapid and successful containment effort. This achievement comes after 43 deaths were confirmed during the most recent flare-up of the deadly hemorrhagic fever. The government and international health agencies celebrated the end of the outbreak, highlighting the effectiveness of localized response strategies. The DRC remains highly vigilant, however, as it has experienced over a dozen Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the 1970s.

December 1, 2025. apnews.com

NHS braces for ‘unprecedented flu wave’ as hospitalised cases in England rise

Official figures released by NHS England show that the number of flu patients in hospitals across England has spiked by 56% compared with the same period last year. The early onset of the flu season means that an average of 1,717 flu patients occupied beds daily last week, putting immense pressure on healthcare services. Health leaders warn that this surge, which includes dozens of critical care patients, has not yet peaked. These statistics confirm that the NHS is entering a challenging winter period compounded by early viral activity.

December 4, 2025. theguardian.com

Ireland unveils new AMR strategy as EU antibiotic resistance rises

Ireland unveiled its third national action plan, iNAP3, aimed at aggressively tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a phenomenon often referred to as a “silent pandemic.” This resistance crisis occurs when bacteria evolve to resist antibiotic drugs, threatening to make common infections untreatable. The strategy adopts a comprehensive “One Health” approach, focusing on strengthening antibiotic surveillance and usage control across human health, agriculture, and the environment between 2026 and 2030. Irish authorities emphasized the urgency, noting that antibiotic resistance is accelerating and requires significant public health investment to mitigate future catastrophe.

Nov 20, 2025. euractiv.com

Toxic No 10 culture, unnecessary deaths and failed children: Key takeaways from the Covid inquiry report

The inquiry report emphasized that the “toxic culture” in Downing Street, coupled with major policy errors like the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, led to unnecessary deaths and undermined public confidence. The report found that school closures, while saving lives, “failed” children by bringing ordinary childhood to a halt and exacerbating existing societal inequalities. It stressed that critical decision-making was plagued by an absence of clear strategy and accountability. The findings serve as a stark warning about the devastating social and economic scars left by the pandemic.

Nov 20, 2025. independent.co

‘Too little, too late’: damning report condemns UK’s Covid response

A devastating official report into the United Kingdom’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic concluded the government’s response was “too little, too late.” The report stated that the failure to introduce a lockdown even a week earlier than it happened could have saved over 20,000 lives. It condemned the UK’s overall preparedness, highlighting early inaction that allowed the virus to spread unchecked. This damning assessment confirmed major failures in timely decision-making and government leadership at the start of the crisis.

Nov 20, 2025. theguardian.com

Huge staff cuts at WHO will leave world ‘less healthy and safe’, experts warn

Experts are cautioning that the World Health Organization (WHO) will be significantly less effective at tackling disease outbreaks due to massive staff reductions. The WHO is planning to lose nearly a quarter of its workforce, totaling over 2,000 jobs, by mid-2026. These cuts are largely aimed at global and Africa-based staff, directly reducing the agency’s ability to coordinate responses to future pandemics. Critics argue that this diminished capacity severely impacts global health security at a time of increasing health threats worldwide.

Nov 19, 2025 theguardian.com

UK Warned That 15% Cut to Health Fund Will Force ‘Impossible Choices’ on Africa

The UK government’s decision to cut its contribution to the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria by 15% has provoked strong criticism from health advocates. Campaigners fear this reduction risks triggering similar cuts from other donor nations, severely undermining global disease control efforts. Experts argue the move will force African countries to make “impossible choices” regarding essential health services. This reduction is projected to lead to fewer medical supplies and diagnostics reaching vulnerable populations.

November 15, 2025 https://www.theguardian.com

New Drug Could Be a Breakthrough in Treatment for Killer TB, Trial Suggests

A new antibiotic named Sorfequiline has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials as a potent treatment for Tuberculosis (TB). The drug is shown to be stronger than existing treatments and could potentially be effective against drug-resistant strains of the deadly bacteria. If approved, a Sorfequiline-based regimen could simplify and streamline the initial treatment process for newly diagnosed patients. This medical advancement arrives at a critical time when global progress toward eliminating TB is threatened by aid cuts.

November 15, 2025 theguardian.com

H5N1 Bird Flu Cases Are on the Rise in Europe: How Concerned Should You Be?

Spain has mandated the indoor confinement of free-range poultry to curb the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus, currently classified as a panzootic (a pandemic in the animal kingdom). The virus is spreading massively among bird and mammal species globally and is moving closer to humans. Experts stress that H5N1 has not yet mutated enough to spread easily between people. Monitoring the animal world through a “One Health” approach is critical to preventing a future human pandemic.

November 17, 2025 https://www.independent.co.uk

Ethiopia Confirms Three Marburg Deaths in Outbreak Sparking Regional Alarm

Ethiopia confirmed its first Marburg virus disease outbreak after nine cases were identified in the Omo region, near the border with South Sudan. The viral hemorrhagic fever has an average fatality rate of around 50 percent, which has previously surged as high as 88 percent. International health teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have arrived to support containment efforts. The outbreak underscores the risk of contagious diseases in regions with fragile healthcare systems.

November 17, 2025 https://www.aljazeera.com

Health Pandemics

November 5, 2025 No Comments

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Covid-19 Pandemic

Global health is important and challenging for all. Pandemic lock down showed that world need to unite to fight endemic threats to our societies. Media serves as mediator between public and authorities in verifying and spreading independent and trustworthy news.

Earlier posts: