Maine bans toxic ‘forever chemicals’ under groundbreaking new law
Maine has enacted a groundbreaking law that will ban the use of toxic PFAS compounds in all products by 2030, except in instances deemed “currently unavoidable”.
Public health & disease
From disease eradication efforts to advances in vaccination and maternal health, this archive tracks real progress in public health. Stories here focus on what’s working — policies, interventions, and research that are improving and extending lives around the world.
U.S. FDA allows automatic ‘generic’ swap for brand-name insulin
The move will allow pharmacists to automatically substitute the cheaper version, just as they do with generic pills for other kinds of drugs. It could save diabetics and health plans millions of dollars annually.
Bayer to pull glyphosate products, including Roundup, from U.S. home and garden market
In 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Bayer now faces tens of thousands of legal claims from U.S. customers.
Survival rates are improving every year for most of the common cancers in U.S.
The report, appearing in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, reflects good news for 11 of the 19 most common cancers among men, and for 14 of the 20 most common cancers among women.
World’s largest four-day workweek trial is an “overwhelming success”
More than one percent of Iceland’s working population participated in the pilot scheme, which cut the usual 40-hour working week to 35-36 hours with no reduction in overall pay, reports The Independent.
WHO declares China malaria-free after 70 years of efforts
China has become the 40th country to be declared malaria-free. It has not had an indigenous case for four years.
Walmart launching its own low-cost insulin to ‘revolutionize’ affordability for diabetics
The retailer claims its insulin options will save customers between 58% to 75% compared to branded products.
91 countries now offer COVID-19 vaccinations to refugees
To date, refugees and asylum-seekers have begun receiving vaccinations in 91 of the 162 countries that UN High Commissioner for Refugees has been monitoring.
Gambia eradicates trachoma
Gambia has eliminated trachoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, the government has announced, after almost four decades of work to counter the disease.
Cuba is the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission
The country’s efforts include prenatal care, HIV and syphilis testing for pregnant women and their partners, treatment for women who test positive and their babies, cesarean deliveries and breastfeeding substitution.