Biden administration announces new partnership with 50 countries to stifle future pandemics President Joe Biden's administration is launching a program that will help 50 countries identify and respond to infectious diseases, with the goal of preventing pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak. AP News

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Is smallpox still a threat?

Smallpox, a disease that killed an estimated 500 million people in the 20th century alone, is the only human disease to be eradicated. However, a new report, "Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures," from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) argues that the U.S. and the global community should prepare for smallpox to make a return.

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Many healthcare workers unsure about COVID vaccine boosters for themselves, kids A survey of more than 4,100 healthcare personnel (HCP) at a New York healthcare system from 2021 to 2022 reveals that 17% were hesitant to receive the recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster, and 33% were unsure about vaccinating their children.  CIDRAP

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Many of the HCP polled held unsubstantiated beliefs not only about COVID vaccines but also childhood vaccines.

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U.S. pharmacy database shows record-high shortages of medical drugs - UPI.com Americans are facing more shortages of the drugs they need for medical care than ever before, a national pharmacy database shows. UPI

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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service started tracking drug shortages as far back as 2001.

Ocean heat is driving a global coral bleaching event, and it could be the worst on record | CNN At least 54 countries are experiencing mass coral bleaching as the climate crisis drives ocean temperatures to record-breaking levels Rebecca Wright CNN

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Young nose cells may help children fight off Covid Lab tests show ageing adult nose cells contain 100 times more virus soon after an infection. BBC News

Children are less likely than adults to develop severe Covid, because cells in their nose are better at fighting off the virus, a study suggests.

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H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle: A wake-up call to action Comparisons to seasonal flu management underestimate the unique challenges posed by H5N1 bird flu. Patrick Skerrett STAT

The recent detection of H5N1 bird flu in U.S. cattle, coupled with reports of a dairy worker contracting the virus, demands a departure from the usual reassurances offered by federal health officials. While they emphasize there’s no cause for alarm and assert diligent monitoring, it’s imperative we break from this familiar script.

Global mining investment too low to support energy transition, Rio Tinto chairman says

EU countries to pledge help for solar sector, but no trade curbs on China, draft shows Most European Union countries are set to commit more support to help Europe's ailing solar panel manufacturers on Monday, but steer clear of restrictions on cheap panel imports from China, a draft document showed. Kate Abnett Reuters

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COP28: 124 Countries Commit To Milestone 'Declaration On Climate And Health' - Health Policy Watch DUBAI, UAE - In what is being described as a historic and pivotal moment by top COP28 and World Health Organization (WHO) officials, 124 countries have Health Policy Watch

In what is being described as a historic and pivotal moment by top COP28 and World Health Organization (WHO) officials, 124 countries have endorsed the Declaration of Climate and Health. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President of COP28 in Dubai, made the announcement.

Coal power grew in 2023 driven by China’s expansion and a slowdown of US plant closures | CNN Global coal capacity increased by 2% last year, its highest annual increase since 2016, sparking concerns about the world’s ability to meet climate commitments CNN

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US respiratory virus activity declines, with few hot spots reported Outpatient visits for flulike illness is below the national baseline for the first time since October. CIDRAP

Activity from the three main respiratory viruses continues to decline in the United States, with one of the main flu markers—outpatient visits for flulike illness—now below the national baseline for the first time since October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest updates for flu, COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).