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Sports betting boom raises mental health concerns
ABC News' investigative unit is looking at how the evolution of online gambling and sports betting has triggered a potential public health crisis.
Health Policy Watch: US withdrawal of global health funding is ‘public health emergency of international concern’
The rapid withdrawal of international health aid by the US constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, according to an analysis in the BMJ.
The Health Benefits of Baby Bonds | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Early wealth-building policies are popular and effective.
Authentically Engaged
Public health builds trust through everyday conversations. When people feel seen, it becomes personal — and connection turns into lasting impact.
Wake County teen summit returns this spring with focus on health and empowerment
Wake County Public Health is inviting teens to hit pause on the stress of school, screens, social media and everyday life at the 2026 Teen Spring Kickback on Monday, April 6.
Department of Public Health Sciences celebrates 10th anniversary of undergraduate public health certificate program
The Clemson University Department of Public Health Sciences is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its undergraduate public health certificate program
Providing quality, access to health care in rural Indonesia | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Leni Siagian, MPH ’26, wants to ensure care for those who face challenges getting it.
Glyphosate: A story of science, risk, and nuance
In the summer of 2014, a California groundskeeper named Dewayne Johnson started noticing patches of raw, weeping skin spreading across his body. He had spent years applying Roundup, Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide, for a school district, sometimes drenched in it when equipment malfunctioned. By 2014, he had a diagnosis: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2018, a jury awarded him $289 million in damages, later reduced on appeal. Tens of thousands of lawsuits followed. The story hasn’t quieted down. It’s all over the internet, swinging between “this will kill you, buy organic” and “relax, you’re fear-mongering.” Some of that recent chatter stems from an Executive Order protecting glyphosate and its production, which set off intense infighting within the MAHA movement. Some of it reflects a deeper truth: Americans genuinely care about harmful chemicals in their environment (see poll below). And the conversation isn’t going anywhere, with a Supreme Court case involving Monsanto set for this April. Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. But does glyphosate cause cancer? And how much exposure is actually risky? With so much mistrust in institutions and corporations (and some genuine conflicts of interest), making sense of the actual scientific evidence is genuinely hard. Here is a translation of what the scientific evidence actually says. Does glyphosate cause harm? Glyphosate is an herbicide that kills most plants it contacts rather than targeting specific species. It works by blocking an enzyme pathway (EPSPS) that plants and many microorganisms need to produce essential amino acids. Without those amino acids, the plant can’t grow and dies. Glyphosate was first developed by Monsanto in the 1970s and became ubiquitous after the company introduced “Roundup Ready” crops in the 1990s. In 2024, Bayer removed glyphosate from residential Roundup-branded products due to litigation pressure. But today it is still the most widely used herbicide in the world. Farmers also discovered they could spray it directly on crops like oats, lentils, beans, and peas just before harvest to dry them out faster and make harvesting easier. Because of its widespread use, it’s obviously really important to understand if it’s harmful to humans. The key principle: The dose makes the poison The most important concept in toxicology is that “the dose makes the poison.” Sixteenth-century physician Paracelsus articulated what remains the foundational principle of toxicology: sola dosis facit venenum. Water will kill you if you drink enough of it. Aspirin saves lives at 81 milligrams and causes internal bleeding at higher chronic doses. So, at what dose is glyphosate poisonous? The LD50 in rats (the dose that kills half the test animals) is around 5,600 mg/kg body weight. Table salt is roughly 3,000 mg/kg. By that classic measure, glyphosate is less acutely toxic than salt. But some people are exposed to a lot of glyphosate through their work. And among the general public, there are many questions about low-dose, cumulative exposure from multiple sources over long periods. Does glyphosate cause health problems? Cancer Correlation maps are striking, with one analysis finding that 60% of counties that spray the most glyphosate have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma rates above the national average. But correlation alone doesn’t establish cause, which is why animal and human studies matter. In animals: Rat studies are typically what most fear is rooted in, but most people don’t know the study details on the dosage given to rats. A pooled analysis of the 13 most rigorous rat studies found evidence that very high doses, around 55,000 times greater than typical food residue exposure, can cause certain cancers. In humans: One of the strongest studies followed 55,000 herbicide users over 20 years and found no overall increased cancer risk. There was one signal: among those with the highest use, rates of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) appeared elevated. A broader meta-analysis of 18 human studies also found no overall cancer risk, though a separate meta-analysis focused specifically on non-Hodgkin lymphoma found that people with high cumulative glyphosate exposure faced a 41% higher relative risk compared to those with low or no exposure. These human studies are observational studies (randomized controlled trials would be unethical), and meta-analyses are only as reliable as the studies they pool. But the story seems consistent: at very high exposure levels, there may be some cancer risk. But that’s about as far as the science currently takes us. Emerging research: gut and reproductive health Gut: Because glyphosate targets a pathway that exists in some gut bacteria, scientists have questioned whether it could affect the microbiome. In mice, a 2023 University of Iowa study found that glyphosate altered gut bacterial composition and raised markers of intestinal inflammation. A 2024 systematic review found similar patterns: disrupted gut bacteria and problems with the mucus layer that protects the intestinal wall in mice. Whether this translates to humans is an open question. The human gut is highly variable and resistant, and we don't yet have strong studies confirming the same effects in people. Reproductive health: Animal studies have found that glyphosate-based herbicides can interfere with reproductive hormones, including disrupting egg cell development in mice and reducing the number of eggs available in sheep’s ovaries. However, the doses used in these experiments were high, so it’s not yet clear whether the same effects would occur in humans. On the human side, a 2021 pilot study led by Mount Sinai researchers tested urine samples from pregnant women across the U.S. and found glyphosate in 95% of them. The study also found a possible connection between higher glyphosate exposure during pregnancy and a subtle physical difference measured in female newborns. That said, some connections weren’t statistically reliable and this was a small study. The researchers themselves said more and larger studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions. What do regulators say about glyphosate safety? In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A). The classification is worth taking seriously. But, there’s an important distinction: IARC classifies hazard, meaning the potential to cause harm under some conditions. It does not assess risk, which accounts for actual exposure levels and the real-world probability of harm. The U.S. EPA, the European Food Safety Authority, Health Canada, and regulatory agencies in Australia and Japan have all concluded that glyphosate is “unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans” at realistic exposure levels. They’re asking a different question: given how much of this people actually encounter, what is the probability of harm? Your actual exposure is what determines your actual risk. What does glyphosate mean for your daily life? At the grocery store: Food residues are small. The EPA’s acceptable daily intake is 1.75 mg/kg of body weight per day. To hit that threshold from oatmeal alone, a 150-pound adult would need to eat roughly 50 pounds of oats every day. But this calculation addresses only one pathway (food), and we don’t yet have robust tools to measure people’s actual total exposure. If reducing exposure matters to you, organic certification prohibits synthetic herbicides, and organic oat products generally test at lower or undetectable levels. Either way, a diet rich in whole grains, conventional or organic, is far better for your health than one that omits them out of fear of residues. On the farm: Occupational exposure is orders of magnitude higher than consumer exposure. Farmers and farm workers who mix, load, and apply glyphosate-based herbicides, especially without protective equipment, face meaningfully different risk profiles. Proper PPE isn’t optional. Integrated weed management strategies that rotate chemical modes of action are also worth taking seriously, both for health and for long-term effectiveness. If you live near a farm: Spray drift is real. Concentrations near field edges can spike during and after application, particularly on windy days. This is an area where I think public health could really step up and empower rural communities with buffer zones, rather than placing the onus on individuals. But for now, knowing your local agricultural calendar and keeping windows closed during application are the first steps. Bottom line Dewayne Johnson was exposed to glyphosate at levels most people will never encounter, and a jury decided he deserved compensation. That outcome is not evidence that the oatmeal in your pantry is dangerous. But it is a reminder that the dose, the context, and the person doing the exposing all matter enormously. Glyphosate is a chemical tool with benefits, trade-offs, and genuine open scientific questions. Learning to hold that complexity without collapsing into panic or dismissal is, honestly, one of the most useful and hardest things to do in navigating modern health science. Love, YLE Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) is founded and operated by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist, wife, and mom of two little girls. Hannah Totte, MPH, is an epidemiologist and YLE Community Manager. YLE reaches more than 425,000 people in over 132 countries with one goal: “Translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: Subscribe
How outlawing flavored tobacco saved Massachusetts $70 million in health care costs
GBH's Morning Edition spoke with the state's top public health official about new research on banning flavored tobacco, maternal health, measles and more.
Enhancing laboratory preparedness in Eastern Partnership countries to address respiratory health threats
Workshop under the EU-funded Health Resilience in the Eastern Partnership project aim to help countries turn lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic into practical actions for stronger, more resilient public health laboratories.
Florida company suspended over ‘threat’ to public health and welfare
The company handled claims for Medicare Advantage patients, many of whom have chronic or special needs.
Public health alert issued for this ground beef product. Here's why.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for a ground beef product on March 23, due to metal contamination.
How easing regulations on heavy metals air pollution could impact health | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
A recent repeal of federal environmental regulations aimed at limiting the emission of mercury and other heavy metals from power plants could have serious health impacts, according to Harvard Chan School experts.
The politics of public health from Obamacare to COVID
The last three presidents — Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump — have all had to deal with health care in America. And along the way, they've clashed with how politics works in Washington D.C. This created today’s environment where the understanding of science is scorned, medical disinformation thrives and creating a nation unprepared for the next health crisis.
Chan School of Public Health Department Chair Departs for UCLA
Kari Nadeau, an environmental health leader, will serve as the dean of the Fielding School of Public Health.
Palantir Will No Longer Profit Off of New Yorkers’ Health Data
After The Intercept exposed Palantir’s deal with New York City Health + Hospitals, the public health care system didn’t renew the contract.
Kari Nadeau named dean of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
Nadeau, currently chair of environmental health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, will begin her new role in July.
Public health alert issued for ground beef product; possible foreign material contamination
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a ground beef product. Officials say the R…
Health alert issued for ground beef sold in Pennsylvania
(WHTM) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a ground beef product because it may be contaminated by a fo…
Public Health Alert For Ground Beef—‘Do Not Consume’
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for certain ground beef products.
S.F. public health boss: Hospital staff stopped stabbing, not sheriff
Daniel Tsai said in a private meeting that protocol failures led to a social worker's death, and contradicted sheriff's account of the incident.
Uplifting and Not Ceding Ground on Health Equity Practice Is Critical to Strengthening Public Health and the Health of the Nation
Public health science gains in the last quarter century in the United States have been formidable due to a focus on structural and social determinants of health, thereby enhancing understanding of the role of inequitable policies in shaping health inequities and inequitable access to ameliorative resources.
Data Is at the Heart of What Public Health Does
Data is key to protecting the health and safety of a community, from identifying and tracking disease outbreaks to ensuring that water is safe to drink. Data is also vital to understanding where resources are most needed. This value is especially apparent to the officials charged with protecting public health, such as Dr. Janet Berreman, Kauai’s (Kauaʻi’s)* district health officer.
Across Tanzania, Medical Refrigerators Preserve Life and Health for Kids with Diabetes
The technology Tanzania’s children with diabetes needed most urgently wasn’t a cutting-edge treatment. It was refrigeration. Local public health clinics across Tanzania provide monthly checkups for…
Simona Martin: Colorado’s data center boom needs public health guardrails
As AI infrastructure expands across the state, lawmakers face a choice about who bears the costs and risks.
Lessons from Binghamton led alumni award winner to public health
Clare Biging ’16 is an epidemiologist and public health advocate at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Rising toll: Are NC sports betting protections enough?
With two years of legalized sports betting in the books, public health advocates, researchers and counselors suggest changes.
White House navigates vaccine politics, midterm risks in CDC director search
The Trump administration faces complicated political dynamics as it seeks someone to helm the key public health agency suffering a prolonged leadership vacuum.
White House navigates vaccine politics, midterm risks in CDC director search
The Trump administration faces complicated political dynamics as it seeks someone to helm the key public health agency suffering a prolonged leadership vacuum.
Health officials warn of possible measles spike after Westerville exposure case
Franklin County Public Health officials said they are on high alert after the exposure in Westerville.
Learning by serving: Rose fellows reflect on lessons from the field | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The Rose Service Learning Fellowship funds community-engaged field projects around the globe.
The danger of letting a mystic lead public health
A look at Casey Means shows the weakness of her nomination and the surgeon general position itself.
Rising toll: Are NC sports betting protections enough?
With two years of legalized sports betting in the books, public health advocates, researchers and counselors suggest changes.
NYC health budget plan: More support for children, less for fighting disease
The $2.51 billion spending plan includes increases for early childhood initiatives and a new public health lab - but less funding to fight communicable diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis.
2 measles exposure sites identified at Salem health centers, Oregon officials say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two Salem health centers were identified as the latest measles exposure sites in Oregon, officials said. The Oregon Health Authority and Marion County public health official…
By studying muscle function, student aims to improve others’ physical health—and maybe his own | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Sam Lapp, PhD ’26, delves deep into the biology of how muscles work.
CHOA, Grady Health System CEOs stepping down in major Atlanta public health shakeup
Atlanta healthcare systems are preparing for new leadership transitions in 2027 as the longtime CEOs of Grady Health System and Children's Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) step down.
German Health Minister Nina Warken and WHO Hub in Berlin highlight 2025 achievements
Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, visited the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin today to review progress and launch its 2025 Annual Report. The report highlights advances in using artificial intelligence, data science and pathogen genomics to strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics.In 2025, the WHO Hub in Berlin worked with more than 160 Member States and over 190 partners to help countries and organizations develop new systems and tools to detect and understand new public health threats as quickly as possible, whenever and wherever they occur.BMG to confirm whether they wish to contribute a quote. “Detecting outbreaks early is one of the most effective ways to save lives and prevent epidemics from becoming global crises,” said Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken. “Germany is proud to host and support the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. Its work strengthens our safety at home and helps protect people worldwide.”Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming the detection of outbreaks. In 2025, the Hub launched an upgraded version of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) system, which uses enhanced AI functions to scan global online information in real time and help experts quickly identify unusual health events. The system is now used by 120 countries.To better anticipate health threats, countries need information beyond traditional health data. The Hub supports countries in implementing Collaborative Surveillance, which integrates data on climate, animals, travel, and population movement to provide a more comprehensive and real-time understanding of health threats.The Hub also expanded global access to pathogen genomics, which helps scientists detect new pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, understand how they spread and how dangerous they may become. Through the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), the WHO Hub in Berlin worked with 309 partners in 101 countries to expand access to these technologies.“We are in a new era of global health threats, and we need new tools to face tomorrow’s challenges,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. “The WHO Hub in Berlin helps countries use data and technology more effectively so they can identify risks earlier and respond faster. No country can address these threats alone. Strong cooperation remains our best defence.”“Berlin offers an ideal environment for our work. We collaborate closely with world-leading institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute and the Charité Center for Global Health,” said Dr Oliver Morgan, Head of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. “Germany has supported the WHO Hub since its establishment, and we are pleased to welcome Federal Minister Nina Warken to the Hub today. This strong partnership helps us advance innovation in pandemic and epidemic intelligence and better support countries to prepare for future health threats.”The Hub is expanding the use of advanced analytics and mathematical modelling to forecast how outbreaks may develop and to assess which response measures are most effective. Through its Collaboratory, the Hub connects modelers and analysts with governments to ensure their work addresses real public health needs. In 2025, the community grew to 1300 members from 50 countries and 200 institutions. An AI-powered pandemic simulator, currently in the prototyping phase, will help decision-makers compare outbreak scenarios and help identify effective disease control measures.
A public health professor is bringing the National Bioethics Bowl to Pitt
The competition, organized this year by Cindy McCarthy, gives students a chance to consider challenging questions about health and technology.
Forum on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for health equity
Register to this forumOver the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly evolved in complexity, performance, and utility. Its integration across a wide range of industrial sectors has accelerated, with healthcare emerging as one of the most transformative sectors. In this sector, AI has enabled high-impact applications – from enhancing the speed and accuracy of disease diagnosis and supporting clinical decision-making, to strengthening public health initiatives such as disease surveillance and workforce optimization. Moreover, AI holds immense potential to empower individuals, enabling them to take greater control of their personal health and well-being. Yet the central question remains: Who benefits, who is at risk, and do these innovations close or widen health inequities? While the potential of AI-enabled applications is substantial, many countries have approached their adoption with caution. This hesitancy stems from concerns about risks and benefits, including model bias, data breaches, privacy violations, and the erosion of professional skills due to over-reliance on AI. Additional barriers include inadequate data infrastructure and a lack of robust evidence on the most effective forms and interfaces of AI to enhance service delivery and system performance. Moreover, the rapid rise of Generative AI has introduced a heightened urgency for the development of comprehensive governance and ethical frameworks. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Health Practice Team and Digital Sector, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific, are convening the Forum on Harnessing AI for Health Equity on 25–26 March at ADB Headquarters. Senior health officials from 16 developing member countries (DMCs), alongside leading researchers, innovators, and policymakers from across Asia and the Pacific, will engage in discussions on how AI can be governed, financed, and scaled to deliver healthier lives for all. The forum is funded through the High-Level Technology Fund with support from the Government of Japan. Objectives The two-day forum aims to:Identify high-impact, evidence-based health AI use cases suitable for resource-constrained settings and map out a pipeline for potential supportIntroduce and validate the WHO's policy guidance on minimum necessary ecosystem for countries and institutions to self-assess readiness for AI adoptionObtain initial commitment from participating stakeholders to join a pilot regional initiative focused on data/model sharing for a priority health challengeEndorse a prioritized set of actionable policy recommendations focusing on governance, regulation, and sustainable financing necessary to scale high-impact health AI use cases in resource-constrained settings Target participants The forum will convene participants from 16 ADB DMCs including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam. In addition, health system leaders and practitioners, private sector technologists, academic experts, representatives from civil society organizations, development partners, and philanthropic institutions engaged in AI for Health from Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea will also be invited. SessionsDay 1 (25 March)Session 1: AI Use Cases for the Care Continuum: Improving Access and QualitySession 2: Adopting a risk-based approach for AI use case prioritizationSession 3: Establishing the Minimum Ecosystem for Implementation Risk ManagementSession 4: Future-Ready Health Workforce: Building Competency for Human-AI CollaborationDay 2 (26 March)Session 5: The Political Economy of AI in Health: Understanding Stakeholder Interests and their Impact on EquitySession 6: AI and Health Financing: Supporting Fair Coverage and ProtectionSession 7: AI Regulation and Oversight: Pathways for Different RealitiesSession 8: The Way Forward – Building Alliances and Regional Partnership How to registerThe forum will be held in a hybrid format. In-person attendance is by invitation only, while livestreaming of the forum will be available to the public. To register, please complete this form on or before 24 March 2026.Event organizers / partnersAsian Development Bank (ADB)WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific High-Level Technology Fund (HLTF)ContactAkihito WatabeHealth Specialist, SD3-HSDawatabe@adb.org Jae Kyoun KimHealth Specialist, SD3-HSDjkkim@adb.org
Jonathan Mann Health & Human Rights Memorial Lecture
The Dornsife School of Public Health’s Jonathan Mann Health & Human Rights Memorial Lecture speaks to the importance of health and human rights and honors the legacy of our School's founder, Dr. Mann.
Urgent public health alert as Kent meningitis outbreak grows
Health workers across England are urged to look out for signs of infection as thousands have jabs.
Across the globe, forgiveness is linked with well-being | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Practicing forgiveness may lead to higher well-being over time, according to a new multinational study led by researchers from Harvard Chan School and Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program.
Pursuing a passion for public health
MIT senior Srihitha Dasari has embraced a holistic and community-informed approach to medicine and public health. She also co-founded a social impact venture, PuntoSalud, working with a hospital in rural Argentina.
The Farm Bill, in its current state, is a public health failure
Sadly, those involved in shaping the current legislation seem to be more interested in protecting special interests than advancing the bill’s primary objectives.
HMPV is spreading in Wisconsin. What does that mean for you?
Some respiratory viruses, especially RSV, are seeing a late winter to early spring surge in Wisconsin, public health experts say.
Meet the Public Health Leaders of the 2026 Workforce Advisory Council
Members' insights will help de Beaumont identify and develop practical strategies to support public health professionals and strengthen systems.
The Road Less Considered: The Overlooked Connection Between Infrastructure, Nature And Public Health
Improving infrastructure with nature in mind, including building wildlife crossings that save animal and human lives.
Sharing the power of science through storytelling
On March 24th, Yale School of Public Health researchers, staff, and students — along with residents from the greater New Haven community — will gather at East
Oregon Lays Out Core Public Health Plan Goals for Years Ahead
The plan, while largely conceptual, offers some insight into the thinking inside the state agency responsible for Oregonians’ health outcomes.
Magic mushroom-infused products appear in Colorado gas stations – what public health officials want consumers to know
Hallucinogenic chocolate bars were removed from six Denver-area gas stations.
Federal judge extends order blocking Trump admin's cuts to Illinois public health funding
The loss in grant funding would have wiped out some HIV tracking programs, family planning initiatives and lead poisoning prevention.
Public Health: Gastrointestinal illness outbreak associated with 13 Coins
King County Public Health says they investigated a gastrointestinal illness outbreak associated with the 13 Coins restaurant in SeaTac.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine policy overhaul for now
The judge said the government has undermined its history of recognizing the importance of involving independent experts in setting the national public health agenda.
Strengthening One Health Field Epidemiology Capacity in the WHO South-East Asia Region
Recent public health emergencies—including the COVID-19 pandemic, recurrent zoonotic disease outbreaks, and the high level of antimicrobial resistance—have underscored the urgent need for strong, multisectoral field epidemiology capacities. This reinforces the importance of a workforce equipped with One Health field epidemiology competencies. To address this need, WHO works with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), as part of Quadripartite Alliance for One Health, to strengthen field epidemiology training programmes using a One Health approach.These efforts are aligned with WHO SEARO’s Strategic Framework for Action for Strengthening Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Field Epidemiology and the Regional Roadmap to Advance Field Epidemiology Capacities 2025–2029 emphasize workforce development, multisectoral collaboration, and enhanced preparedness for health emergencies. With funding from the Pandemic Fund, The Competency for One Health Field Epidemiology (COHFE) integration within Field Epidemiology Training Programmes (FETPs) or similar initiatives has been initiated in Bangladesh and India and is planned in Sri Lanka.BangladeshIn Bangladesh, COHFE is being adapted to strengthen the Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Bangladesh (FETP-B) Advanced programme. Initiated in July 2025 and led by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), the process brought together stakeholders from human, animal, and environmental health sectors, academia, and laboratories.A Multisectoral Working Group (MWG) was established to guide implementation, conduct readiness assessments, and identify opportunities to institutionalize One Health collaboration. Through national multisectoral consultations and a competency prioritization workshop held in Dhaka in November 2025, stakeholders identified priority technical competencies for surveillance, outbreak investigation, data analysis, and risk assessment, alongside functional competencies related to leadership, coordination, and the laboratory–epidemiology interface. The process also surfaced systemic barriers—such as challenges in data sharing and limited joint investigations—enabling targeted recommendations. These outcomes are guiding curriculum revision, the introduction of One Health simulations and joint field exercises, and the development of a national multisectoral mentorship pool, with updated training materials expected to be implemented in the upcoming cohort.Figure 1. Competency prioritization involving multisectoral stakeholders“COHFE represents a significant step forward in operationalizing the One Health approach. The collaboration between national institutions and the Quadripartite partners is critical for building resilient systems to address complex health challenges in the region.”, Prof. (Dr) Tahmina Sirin, Director, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh.Aligning India’s One Health Training with COHFEIn India, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has strengthened One Health workforce development through its SectorConnect initiative. WHO supported a comprehensive competency mapping and curriculum review to align the Field Epidemiology Programme in One Health (FEP-OH) with all 14 COHFE domains. The review identified strong foundations while generating actionable recommendations to strengthen One Health learning outcomes, expand joint field-based learning, and enhance competency-based assessment. These improvements are informing programme refinement and phased scale-up across additional states.Figure 2. Strengthening learning outcomes for the SectorConnect FEP OH CurriculumThrough these efforts, WHO SEARO will continue to support countries to move from separate sector-based training toward an integrated, impact-driven One Health field epidemiology workforce capable of addressing complex health threats at human-animal-environment interface.ReferencesFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization, & World Organisation for Animal Health. (2024). Competencies for One Health field epidemiology (COHFE) framework. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240080058World Health Organization. (2023). Strategic framework for action for strengthening surveillance, risk assessment and field epidemiology for health security threats in the WHO South-East Asia Region. WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290210030World Health Organization. (2024). Regional roadmap to advance field epidemiology capacities in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2025–2029. WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789290229544
Venomous Snakes Represent a Serious Public Health Problem. Scientists Are Biting Back With a Grou...
Public health alert issued for frozen meat products sold at popular retailer
The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat meat products sold at a popular retailer.
Public health alert issued for frozen meat products sold at popular retailer
The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat meat products sold at a popular retailer.
Sarah Trone Garriott says she backs public health option in Ottumwa visit
Democratic congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott backed a public health insurance option as she warned of Medicaid cuts closing rural hospitals
Tooth decay with a side of bacterial meningitis: Louisiana GOP rages against public health
Despite a slew of health-related problems facing Louisianans — like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, reduced access to medical care, and high maternal and infant mortality rates — some GOP lawmakers
Iran War Creates a Public Health and Environmental Crisis
The United States and Israel's war against Iran is creating a public health and environmental crisis, as attacked oil depots spew toxins.
Public health alert issued for ready-to-eat turkey products
The misbranded products contain ham and cheese.
This doctor treated migrants’ severe injuries at the US-Mexico wall: ‘Political decisions made it as violent as possible’
Dr Brian Elmore witnessed a public health crisis unfold at the border near El Paso. He reflects on why it was like a ‘perverse Groundhog Day’
Potential measles exposure linked to eastern Iowa hotel
The Illinois Department of Public Health notified Iowa HHS about an Illinois resident that tested positive for measles and traveled to Iowa while infectious.
After firings, funding cuts, and a shooting, can a demoralized CDC workforce recover?
It's been a year since mass firings began at the CDC, the federal public health agency. Then came a shooting, and the government shutdown. Atlanta is still feeling the economic and emotional effects.
Air quality health advisory issued in multiple counties over wildfire smoke
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a health advisory for multiple counties Friday morning, due to wildfire smoke.
How RFK, Jr.’s controversial ideas are shaping Americans’ health
How Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s ideas about public health—from vaccines to seed oils—are shaping Americans’ health
FDA move on flavored vapes rattles public health experts
New FDA guidance suggests mint, coffee, and spice vape flavors could be authorized, raising debate over toxic additives and youth vaping risks.
How Google Earth AI’s planetary intelligence is supporting global public health
An overview of how Google Earth AI is supporting the global health community’s work to predict outbreaks and deliver proactive care.
Department of Public Health forcing Bickford Healthcare Center to close
The Department of Public Health is forcing the Bickford Healthcare Center in Windsor Locks to close.
Millions of military personnel may rely on hospitals facing financial challenges | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
A significant portion of military personnel, veterans, and their families may be relying on health care from hospitals that are on shaky financial footing, largely due to recent cuts to Medicaid, according to a new analysis.
New Parkland Health center planned in southern Dallas County
A new public health clinic is coming to southern Dallas County, on its way to replacing a vacant lot along Interstate 45. Parkland Health’s new Inland Port...
Student-led Africa Health Conference explores innovative development strategies | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The fourth annual Africa Health Conference featured discussions of innovative strategies for driving public health change.
Psychology, public health sciences faculty members receive funding to implement hepatitis C virus research findings in clinical practice
Faculty members in the Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) have received $3.4 million in funding from the
Conflict deepens health crisis across Middle East, WHO says
More than ten days into the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East, health systems across the Region are coming under strain as injuries and displacement rise, attacks on health care continue, and public health risks increase.
Medical Debt Associated with Deferring Dental, Medical, and Mental Health Care | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Deferred care due to medical debt consistently high across all types of insurance, with dental care the most sensitive to medical debt.
Health department: ‘Steep rise’ in uninsured Minnesotans
Rising costs and fewer people on public health insurance programs contributed to the highest rate of uninsured Minnesotans since 2017.
How RFK Jr. is dismantling America’s health policies
On this week’s “More To The Story,” anti-vaxxers, an upside-down food pyramid, and the many ways MAHA is transforming public health in the US.
HCMC doctor says hospital's closure would endanger health database, cause "public health crisis"
The fight to keep Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center open is in full swing, with leaders saying the hospital is in grave danger of closing after Medicaid cuts and budget confusion.
Doctor says Minneapolis hospital closure would cause "public health crisis"
Idaho Legislature considers S1271 to declare rats a public health nuisance
Today, the Idaho Legislature’s House Agricultural Affairs Committee met to further discuss Idaho Senate Bill S1271, aimed at declaring rats a public health nuis
LA County sees drop in homeless deaths, the first in 10 years
While the news was welcomed by Los Angeles County supervisors and public health officials, they agreed that the mortality rate was still too high.
St. Clair County public health gets ‘MAGA’ makeover, from fluoride to vaccines
The medical director of a health department on Michigan’s Thumb is bucking a decades-long trend in public health leadership. Not all are thrilled.
Dallas County Opens $52 Million BSL-3 Public Health Lab
A public-private partnership with Hunt Real Estate, the facility will modernize and enhance Dallas County’s public health infrastructure.
How pollutants interact inside the body to impact health | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Peng Gao studies the “exposome”—the measure of an individual’s total environmental exposures over the course of their life and how those exposures impact biology and health.
South Carolina measles outbreak nears 1,000 cases; most unvaccinated
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported two new measles cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases linked to the Upstate outbreak to 9
Opinion: Youth Incarceration is a Public Health Crisis
Instead of receiving care, incarcerated youth are exposed to violence, isolation, chronic stress and medical neglect, write José Perez and Reggie Chatman.
AFSCME Sues to Stop Politically Motivated Termination of Public Health Grants
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and its Illinois affiliate, AFSCME Council 31, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s directive.
For Healthcare, The Real AI Challenge Has Always Been The Data
AI and blockchain are transforming Healthcare by fixing fragmented data, improving public health analytics, and enabling secure, real time medical insights.
Leading Public Health Experts Urge Federal Court to Block HHS Policy Restricting Immigrants’ Access to Essential Health Programs | Milken Institute School of Public Health | The George Washington University
Amici curiae brief argues July 2025 HHS notice is unlawful, harmful to public health, and economically damaging nationwide
Newsom's fight with Trump and RFK Jr. on public health
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has positioned himself as a national public health leader by staking out science-backed policies in contrast with the Trump administration.
Newsom Picks a Dogfight With Trump and RFK Jr. on Public Health
Scientists are cheering California Gov. Gavin Newsom as he builds a public health bulwark against health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance and President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Still, federal cuts have sapped morale and left local health departments less prepared for outbreaks.
2 mumps cases at Bay Area high school trigger public health advisory
Two cases of mumps have been reported at Berkeley High School, prompting the city to issue a public health advisory.
CA health officials warning beachgoers of bird flu for pets after elephant seals contract virus
People and their canine companions are urged to be extra careful now at the beaches because of a new warning from the California Department of Public Health about bird flu.
Can ‘Suggestion-Box Science’ Make Public Health More Useful? | Science Friday
Skepticism around public health policy, experts and institutions has left some researchers asking basic questions about their role and relationship with the public. Can public health ...
Can ‘Suggestion-Box Science’ Make Public Health More Useful?
An epidemiologist's visit to her hometown helped her understand how to put positive community impact at the center of public health research.
Four more measles cases identified, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says
Four more measles cases were identified in the Denver metro area, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Friday morning.
Public health needs steady budgets – and federal funding uncertainty cause real harms, even if the money is later restored
Public health depends on long-term planning, and when that planning is interrupted, some programs never recover.
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Prove Effective Across Diverse Patient Groups
By Deanna Neff HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, March 6, 2026 (HealthDay News) — As the popularity of medications like Ozempic and Trulicity for losing weight continues to soar, folks may wonder: "Will they work for me?" Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health sought to shed light on ...
Most Americans lack confidence in health info from federal leaders
56% say these leaders aren’t providing trustworthy information on public health, compared with high confidence in their own doctors and the AMA.