A comprehensive snapshot of the stories and events shaping the medical world.

Amended International Health Regulations Enter Into Force

What’s new: As of 19 September 2025, the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) have become active globally. These updates include a new “pandemic emergency” alert level, requirements for National IHR Authorities in member states, and strengthened provisions for equitable access to medical products and funding. World Health Organization
Implication: These changes are designed to improve coordination and response for future global health threats, ensuring earlier detection, shared risk-mitigation, and stronger global solidarity during emergencies.

Global Health Funding at a 15-Year Low, Childhood Mortality May Rise
What’s new: The Gates Foundation warns that global health funding has dropped to its lowest point in 15 years. This decline threatens recent gains in reducing childhood mortality, potentially reversing progress made over the past two decades. Barron’s
Implication: Countries, donors, and institutions may need to re-prioritize funding allocations, especially for preventive services, vaccines, and essential health systems, to avoid backsliding on health outcomes.

Lenacapavir Injection to Prevent HIV Offered at ~$40/year in 120 LMICs
What’s new: A long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, will be made available for $40/year in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, via generics (such as from Indian manufacturers). This is a move from very high costs in high-income countries. The Guardian+2Reuters+2
Implication: This could be a game-changer for HIV prevention (PrEP) in settings where daily pills or adherence is challenging. It also represents a model for equitable access to medical innovations.

WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Turns Four
What’s new: The WHO’s Berlin-based Hub (established September 2021) has become a major center for global surveillance, data science, AI, and innovation around epidemic and pandemic threats. pandemichub.who.int
Implication: Strengthened surveillance systems and collaborative intelligence capabilities are crucial for early detection of new health threats. Efforts via this hub help nations prepare more proactively rather than reacting late.

UNGA High-Level Week to Address NCDs & Mental Health with New Political Declaration
What’s new: During the UN General Assembly High-Level Week (September 2025), countries are set to adopt an ambitious political declaration, reaffirming the goal to reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by one third by 2030, also expanding mental health service access and addressing well-being. EMRO
Implication: This strengthens international commitment to NCD prevention, signaling increased policy and resource attention to risk factors (diet, tobacco, physical activity), behavioral health, and system reforms globally.