Researchers in Tanzania and Zambia found that a low-cost intervention combining community support and screening for cryptococcal meningitis reduced HIV-related deaths by 28%. The trial suggests that this approach could close the gap in HIV deaths between Africa and wealthier regions.
The study found that school is now the main source of information for both young men and women, but many feel they are not getting all the information they need. Young people also expressed a demand for greater involvement of parents and health professionals in supplying sexual information.
A large survey of trafficking survivors found high rates of physical and psychological abuse, mental health problems, and hazardous living conditions. The study highlights the urgent need for access to healthcare and mental health support for survivors of human trafficking.
A new research published in the Journal of Public Health found that bisexual women are more likely to self-harm and experience eating problems compared to lesbians. Bisexual women reported 64% higher rates of eating problems and 37% higher rates of deliberate self-harm than lesbians.
A lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in birth settings is killing mothers and newborns in the developing world, a new publication reports. The World Health Organization and other organizations are calling on governments to take action to save lives and enable skilled health workers to do their jobs.
Research reveals that four out of five Maasai households face severe food insecurity and nearly 60% of Maasai children are chronically malnourished. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address the health needs of marginalized Maasai communities.
A study published in International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity found that later sunsets may lead to increased children's physical activity. The research examined associations between sunset time and physical activity levels across 23,000 children in nine countries, with findings suggesting that children's tot...
A clinical trial in Sub-Sahara African countries shows a four-month TB treatment is well-tolerated and works for subsets of patients, but is not an alternative to the standard six-month treatment. The new regimen was beneficial for patients without lung cavitation, undernourished individuals, and those living with HIV.
A new study suggests that vaccines developed for adolescents and adults could have a significant impact on tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. The researchers found that these vaccines could provide dramatic levels of control needed to eliminate TB by 2050. However, the current BCG vaccine given to infants is not enough to achieve this goal.
A new study analyzing the first outbreak of Ebola in 1976 found that reducing community transmission and changing behavior were crucial to controlling the outbreak. The study suggests that if communities had not changed their behavior, the outbreak could have been much larger, with potentially devastating consequences.
The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa requires a rapid global response to contain the virus, which has already killed nearly 2000 people and may infect up to 20,000. Experts warn that fear, mistrust, and lack of resources are exacerbating the situation.
A study found that measles illness lasts for almost 14 days and causes people to miss nearly 10 days at work or school on average. The analysis also showed that the average number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to measles is 0.019 per patient, equivalent to 6.9 QALYs.
Researchers have devised a genetic barcode that can identify different types of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, allowing doctors to track the spread of the disease more effectively. The study found that just 62 mutations are needed to code the global family of strains, making it easier for scientists to map how TB moves around the world.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found young men often prioritize anal sex over consent, while women report repeated requests and a culture of coercion. The study calls for open discussion to challenge these attitudes and promote healthier relationships.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that reducing alcohol consumption, even for light-to-moderate drinkers, could be linked to improved cardiovascular health. Individuals carrying a genetic variant associated with lower alcohol consumption had a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease and other health issues.
The new estimates of neonatal infections highlight the high burden of sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia in regions. The study's findings support the urgent need for more investment and action to reduce newborn deaths due to severe infection through prevention and treatment with antibiotics.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has found that five UK charities are funded by the alcohol industry and influence alcohol policy. The research highlights concerns over potential conflicts of interest, with two charities receiving significant funding from industry sources.
A new genetic 'barcode' for malaria parasites has been found, enabling the tracking and containment of disease spread. The barcode can identify the geographic origin of infections and monitor the spread of drug-resistant parasites.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine urge officials to invest in prevention measures to keep women and girls safe from all forms of violence. A recent study found that 33% of women in Côte d'Ivoire reported an experience of sexual violence, with 29% reporting their husband or partner as the perpetrator.
Scientists urge travelers to use insect repellents containing DEET to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which can be transmitted by insects. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine launches Bug Off campaign for Insect Repellent Awareness Day.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function. Researchers analyzed blood and hair samples from infants born to mothers who conceived during rainy or dry seasons, revealing higher rates of methyl groups linked to nutrient levels and BMI.
New research found that interactive training programmes for health workers can reduce overdiagnosis of malaria by half and prevent the wastage of valuable drugs. The study suggests that comprehensive training packages should be implemented alongside the roll-out of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in endemic countries.
A pilot scheme allowing patients to visit GPs outside their area was most popular among younger commuters and those who had moved house but didn't want to change their GP. The scheme was generally well-received, with little increase in costs for primary care trusts.
A new £7.1 million grant will support the Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, which aims to tackle avoidable blindness and improve quality of eye care across the Commonwealth. The programme will deliver fellowships, research, and technology to strengthen health systems and provide accessible care.
Researchers have found that warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations in highland regions of Ethiopia and Colombia, with significant consequences for densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a substantial increase in malaria cases globally unless disease monitoring and control efforts are strengthened.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that opening a new supermarket in a low-income community did not lead to significant changes in diet or reduced obesity rates. Despite improvements in residents' perceptions of food accessibility, only 27% of residents adopted the new supermarket as their main food store.
A major South African trial failed to reduce TB cases or deaths among gold miners. Researchers highlight the need for a combination prevention approach with better tests and prompt treatment to control the disease.
A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.
A new study reveals the BCG vaccine is highly protective against pulmonary TB globally, including in tropical regions. The key to its effectiveness lies in early vaccination before prior infection, suggesting a crucial role for BCG in controlling TB's major burden and transmission.
A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
Researchers found that lower doses of primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, and may play a crucial role in malaria elimination. The study suggests that low-dose primaquine is safe in G6PD-normal individuals and could be used to block malaria transmission.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University of York reveals that foreign private patients bring in nearly a quarter of total private income to NHS trusts. Meanwhile, UK residents travel abroad for treatment at an estimated 63,000 times per year.
The PsA-TT vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and eliminate serogroup A meningococcal meningitis in vaccinated regions. Carriage of the disease-causing bacteria was also significantly reduced.
A Cochrane review found that interventions improving water quality and hygiene practices resulted in an average 0.5cm increased height growth in children under five. Access to clean water and soap was associated with reduced microbiological and parasitic infestations, positively impacting child development.
New research highlights the risks of austerity measures on Spain's healthcare system, particularly for elderly, disabled, and mentally vulnerable individuals. The study reveals increased rates of depression, alcohol-related disorders, and suicides since the financial crisis began.
A new study from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that bed sharing with breastfed babies under 3 months increases the risk of cot death by fivefold, even if parents do not smoke. The study suggests that promoting room sharing could save up to 40% of cot death cases in the UK.
A new LAMP test kit can detect even the lowest levels of malaria parasites in under an hour, improving diagnosis for imported UK cases and field use in Uganda. The simple test requires minimal equipment and training, making it accessible to non-specialist health workers.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites are significantly more attracted to human odour than uninfected mosquitoes. The team aims to identify the chemical compounds in human odour that attract infected mosquitoes, which could help develop improved mosquito traps.
Researchers found that the alcohol industry distorted international evidence on effective alcohol control measures to influence Scottish Government's policy. The study shows how the industry ignored and misrepresented scientific evidence to promote weak survey-based evidence and unsubstantiated claims.
The European Commission needs to reform its science funding programme by reducing red tape, improving data mapping and linking, promoting open data, and ending inegalitarian salary policies. The current programme aims to bring €70 billion of research funding, but reforms are necessary to unlock its full potential.
A study of over 310,000 bowel cancer patients in six countries found that UK patients were more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than others, resulting in lower survival rates. Improved diagnostic investigation and treatment are seen as key factors to increase UK survival rates.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that free bus travel has improved the independent mobility and social lives of young Londoners. The research discovered a 'code of honour' among young people, where traveling together is seen as a sign of loyalty, and traveling alone is perceived as a betrayal.
A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.
A new Cochrane systematic review finds starch-based IV fluids used by the NHS cause unnecessary deaths. Researchers conclude that these fluids are more expensive than saline-based crystalloid fluids and increase the risk of death.
A national salt reduction campaign in the UK led to a decline in adults adding salt at the table, from 32.5% to 23.2%, over five years. The campaign showed a greater reduction after its introduction, with differences found among demographic groups, including women and younger age groups.
Poverty in older age poses significant risks to the UK's health system. The authors highlight poor performing pensions, taxation changes, and social care funding as key factors contributing to this issue. They also express concerns about the potential for private for-profit providers to impact vulnerable individuals' care.
The annual UK Flusurvey aims to collect data from men and women of all ages on flu symptoms, trends, and risk factors. Researchers hope to uncover if 'man flu' is real and explore the impact of pets on reported flu-like illnesses.
A new report from the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene confirms that microbial exposure is crucial for regulating the immune system. Losing touch with these 'old friends' may be behind rises in allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine emphasizes that NCD prevention requires significant economic changes across populations and industries to reduce premature deaths by 25% by 2025. Effective policies must consider the broader macro-economic picture, not just micro-economic approaches.
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine create comic to highlight life-saving benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) for trauma patients. The comic aims to appeal to doctors, nurses, and paramedics on the front-line of medicine, promoting awareness about the latest research findings.