Children and adolescents with disabilities experience physical, sexual, and emotional violence at higher rates than those without disability. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness of all forms of violence against children with disabilities.
A new study found that severe COVID-19 illness is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse mental health effects. Non-hospitalized patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to experience depressive symptoms up to 16 months after diagnosis, with those bedridden for seven days or more having higher rates of depress...
The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused 18.2 million excess deaths globally, more than three times the official reported figure of 5.9 million. The highest number of estimated excess deaths occurred in South Asia, with India accounting for 22% of global total deaths.
A modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health suggests that continuing to use face masks for at least two weeks after hitting COVID-19 vaccination targets is cost-effective and saves lives. The study found that maintaining mask use saves billions of dollars in societal and healthcare costs and greatly reduces hospitalisations...
A large US study found that 92% of reported adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were non-serious, with most side effects being mild and decreasing substantially after one day. The study also found that less than 1% of participants reported seeking medical care after vaccination.
A new study published in The Lancet found that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social and economic disparities between men and women. Women reported higher rates of employment loss, school dropouts, and perception of gender-based violence compared to men.
A new study estimates that over 5.2 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver as a result of COVID-19. The number of affected children has nearly doubled in the six months from May 2021 to October 2021, with adolescents aged 10-17 years being disproportionately affected.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.
A new study published in The Lancet found that over one in four women (27%) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with recent violence affecting nearly one in seven (13%) women. The study highlights high levels of violence among adolescent girls and young women, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent ...
The Lancet Commission highlights the need for concerted efforts to improve mental health care and prevention globally. Experts stress that depression is a common yet undertreated condition with significant social and economic impacts.
The study found significant gaps in naloxone access and distribution across the US, with state-specific needs varying by epidemic type and distribution pathways. Community-based and pharmacy-initiated access points were more effective in reducing fatal opioid overdoses.
The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
A qualitative study found that industry arguments against alcohol health warning labels were cited by World Trade Organization representatives, despite not being explicitly stated as industry demands. This highlights the need for greater transparency and curbing the alcohol industry's influence on global policy implementation.
The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.
A randomised controlled trial found that most young children treated with peanut immunotherapy achieved desensitisation after two and a half years of treatment, while one in five remained in remission. Younger children under one year old were more likely to achieve remission, suggesting early interventions may provide better outcomes.
A new report estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections caused over 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, with the greatest impact on lower respiratory and bloodstream infections. The study highlights the urgent need to combat antimicrobial resistance and provides immediate actions for policymakers to save lives.
The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.
A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.
The Lancet infographic reviews COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The study suggests that improved test accuracy could aid in pandemic control measures.
A modelling study suggests COVID-19 certification increases vaccine uptake in countries with below-average vaccination coverage. In six countries, certification was linked to a significant uptick in anticipation of restrictions and continued increases after introduction.
A new model of autism care and treatment prioritizes personalized, stepped approaches tailored to individuals' unique needs throughout their lives. The Lancet Commission calls for global coordination between governments, healthcare providers, and families to reform research, care, and treatment.
A UK trial shows six different COVID-19 boosters are safe and stimulate strong immune responses in people who have previously received a two-dose course of ChAdOx1-nCov19 or BNT162b2, according to the first randomised trial of boosters given after two doses. The study found varying levels of protection against COVID-19 infection and ho...
A national analysis found that children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to require hospitalisation than those with well-controlled asthma or without asthma. Vaccinating this group can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and associated illness.
A real-world study of BBV152 found that two doses resulted in 50% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in hospital workers. The study's findings support the importance of a second dose for maximum protection, but highlight limitations in estimating vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes.
The BBV152 COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated robust antibody response and induced 77.8% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in a phase 3 trial. No severe vaccine-related adverse events or deaths were reported among participants.
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that HPV vaccination has led to a significant reduction in cervical cancer rates in England. Women who were vaccinated between the ages of 12-13 had an 87% lower incidence of cervical cancer compared to previous generations.
A nationwide study of over 1 million births in England found large inequalities in pregnancy outcomes between ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The study suggests that addressing racism, discrimination, and improving women's social circumstances can reduce disparities in birth outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection with the delta variant, but vaccinated people can still spread the virus in household settings. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease and deaths from COVID-19.
The largest trial to date shows that fluvoxamine treatment for high-risk outpatients with early-diagnosed COVID-19 reduces the need for prolonged observation or hospitalization. The study found an absolute reduction in risk of prolonged hospitalization and a relative risk reduction of 32% compared to the control group.
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the urgent need for globally coordinated action to mitigate climate change and address health inequities. Countries are under-prepared for the health effects of climate change, with only 49% having a national plan or strategy.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a stark increase in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide, affecting 246 million cases globally in 2020. Women were disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 35 million additional cases, while younger people were also more severely affected.
New estimates suggest nearly half (47%) of the global population has limited or no access to key tests and services for diagnosing common diseases. The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics calls for urgent investment and training to improve access to testing in primary care, especially point-of-care testing.
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are 90% effective against COVID-19 hospitalizations for all variants, including delta. Effectiveness against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalizations.
A new study by The Lancet found that over 55% of police killings in the USA are unreported and Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to experience fatal police violence than white Americans. Researchers estimate an additional 32,000 deaths from police violence between 1980-2019.
A recent expert review published in The Lancet concludes that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy against severe disease is high, but booster doses for the general population are not necessary. Vaccination remains highly effective against severe disease, including variants like delta and alpha.
Health professionals call for world leaders to take emergency action to transform societies and limit climate change, restore biodiversity, and protect health. The editorial urges governments to intervene with short-term plans to reduce emissions, conserve nature, and support low-income countries.
A nationwide study of transgender individuals in the Netherlands found a significantly increased mortality risk compared to cisgender people. The analysis of national data from 1972 to 2018 revealed that transgender women and men faced higher risks of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, infection, and non-natural causes of death.
A large-scale UK study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe illness and hospitalisation. The study found that people who received one or two vaccine doses had lower odds of severe disease or hospitalisation than unvaccinated individuals, with a significant reduction in long COVID cases.
A new UK study has confirmed that people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant have approximately double the risk of hospitalization compared with those infected with the alpha variant. The study found a 1.45-fold increase in risk and over two-thirds of new COVID-19 cases were caused by the delta variant.
A study of 1,276 hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, found that around half still experienced at least one persistent symptom after one year. Health problems persisted in some patients, especially those who had been critically ill during their hospital stay.
The number of people living with hypertension has doubled from 331 million in 1990 to 626 million women and 652 million men in 2019. Despite being diagnosable and treatable, nearly half of those with hypertension remain unaware or untreated.
The Lancet reports that extreme heat is becoming a major health issue, with over 356,000 deaths in 2019 related to heat. Effective cooling strategies are needed to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate climate change.
A large-scale population-based study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risk of Bell's palsy. The study found a small increased risk of Bell's palsy associated with CoronaVac vaccination, but not with BNT162b2.
An analysis of 15 years of phase 1 clinical trial data found that removing race factors during kidney function evaluation may decrease the proportion of Black patients recommended to receive full doses of anticancer drugs. This could ultimately affect their clinical outcomes. The study used the CKD-EPI equation, which calculates a high...
A new three-paper series published in The Lancet calls for immediate action to prioritize research and public health measures to improve physical activity worldwide. The authors highlight the need to address inadequate support for adolescents and people living with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by physical inactivity.
A new study estimates that 1.5 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent, custodial grandparent, or other relative who cared for them as a result of COVID-19. Children who have lost a parent or caregiver are at risk of profound short- and long-term adverse effects on their health, safety, and wellbeing.
A comprehensive study of over 70,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the UK found that one in two developed at least one health complication. Common complications included renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues, affecting people across all age groups.
A global study estimates that 4% of all newly diagnosed cancers in 2020 are associated with drinking alcohol, with men accounting for more than three-quarters of those cases. Moderate drinking was found to be problematic, contributing to over 103,000 cases.
The CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated an efficacy of 83.5% against symptomatic disease in a phase 3 trial, with a robust antibody response and mild adverse events reported. The vaccine uses an inactivated whole virus and has been approved for emergency use in 22 countries.