UK, EU face significant medicine shortages, study says
LONDON — Patients in the U.K. and European Union are facing shortages of vital medicines such as antibiotics and epilepsy medication, research published Thursday found. The report by Britain’s Nuffield Trust think-tank found the situation had become a “new normal”…
NASA chief warns of Chinese military presence in space
Washington — China is bolstering its space capabilities and is using its civilian program to mask its military objectives, the head of the U.S. space agency said Wednesday, warning that Washington must remain vigilant. “China has made extraordinary strides especially…
Hospitals in eastern DRC face vaccine shortages
Goma — In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the Beni and Butembo region, parents are finding it hard getting vaccines for their children. Health care providers report that vaccines have been in short supply for several months,…
New effort tackles drug overdose epidemic in US
The Biden Administration has launched a new effort to tackle the drug overdose epidemic in the United States, which in 2022 took more than 100,000 lives, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But as VOA’s Veronica…
Report: Decades of progress in sexual, reproductive health being rolled back
GENEVA — Decades of progress in sexual and reproductive health are being rolled back with the poorest, most vulnerable members of society at greatest risk of losing out on lifesaving services, according to the 2024 State of World Population report….
Warming oceans hit coral reefs with 4th massive bleaching event, NOAA says
Coral reefs around the globe are experiencing a massive bleaching event for the fourth time, turning them ghostly white, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, said Monday. The bleaching could impact global economies, ecosystems and livelihoods, according to…
Polish abortion opponents march against steps to liberalize strict law
WARSAW — Thousands of Polish opponents of abortion marched Sunday in Warsaw to protest recent steps by the new government to liberalize the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict laws and allow termination of pregnancy until the 12th week. Many participants in…
With bird flu spreading to more farm animals, are milk, eggs safe?
A bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows has grown to affect more than two dozen herds in eight states, just weeks after the nation’s largest egg producer found the virus in its chickens. Health officials stress that the risk…
Study: Mexico produces tons of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use
MEXICO CITY — A report released by the Mexican government Friday says the country is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use, even as Mexican cartels pump out tons of the illicit narcotic. The paradox was reported in…
Poliovirus resurgence sparks concerns in Pakistan
Islamabad — The recent detection of poliovirus in sewage water samples collected across 30 districts in Pakistan has reignited concerns about a potential surge in polio cases. Among those deeply troubled is Musal Khan, a polio survivor who navigates life…