A randomised controlled trial of 550 young people found two doses of CoronaVac to be safe and provoke a strong antibody response. Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate, with pain at the injection site being the most commonly reported symptom.
The Lancet Commission report outlines 10 recommendations to improve health outcomes for millions of women worldwide and achieve the global targets set. The report aims to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular conditions in women, including heart disease and stroke, which account for 35% of deaths.
A study of 55 hospitals in Queensland, Australia found that implementing a minimum ratio of one nurse to four patients resulted in a 7% drop in death and readmission rates, and a 3% reduction in length of stay. The policy also generated significant cost savings, with estimated annual savings of $69 million.
A new study found that non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals have a low risk of severe delayed effects, but still reported increased visits to general practitioners and outpatient clinics. The research highlights the need for clinicians to manage potential long-term conditions.
A new observational study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken prior to hospital admission for COVID-19 do not increase mortality rates. In fact, the use of NSAIDs was similar among patients who had taken them and those who had not. This large-scale study provides reassura...
The LSE-Lancet Commission calls for increased funding to improve health and care in the UK, with a focus on workforce, disease prevention, and integration of services. The report warns of chronic weaknesses in the NHS, including underfunding, poor coordination, and staffing shortfalls, if action is not taken.
Two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provide more than 95% protection against COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, severe illness, and death, including among the elderly. The analysis also reveals a decline in COVID-19 cases following Israel's national vaccination programme.
A large study of over 17 million adults in England found that minority ethnic groups had a higher risk of testing positive, hospitalisation, ICU admissions, and death from COVID-19 compared to white groups. The disparities widened for South Asian groups during the second wave.
A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that nearly one-quarter (23.6%) of children and adolescents were involuntarily admitted to psychiatric hospitals. Involuntary hospitalisation is associated with factors such as race, ethnicity, psychosis, substance misuse, and intellectual disability.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of care for miscarriage, including testing, treatment, pre-pregnancy counselling, and psychological support. The authors estimate that approximately 23 million miscarriages occur every year globally, affecting up to 15% of all pregnancies.
A study of 30,000 adults living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean found significant increases in life expectancy since ART became widely available. The study reveals that life expectancy for people with HIV on ART is now close to that of the general population, mirroring trends seen in higher-income countries.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that past COVID-19 infection does not provide full immunity against reinfection, particularly among young people. Vaccination remains crucial to prevent reinfection and transmission, even among those who have had a previous infection.
New data reveals that mutations in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum may be gaining a foothold in Africa, linked to delayed parasite clearance. The study finds that these mutations are more prevalent than previously reported, raising concerns about further geographical spread of resistance.
New studies published in The Lancet and The Lancet Public Health suggest the B.1.1.7 variant is more transmissible, with higher viral loads, but no association with increased disease severity or death.
A new observational study found that suicide numbers remained largely unchanged or declined in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-income and upper-middle-income countries. However, governments must remain vigilant as the longer-term mental health and economic effects unfold.
A large study found that COVID-19 survivors are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, mood disorders, stroke, dementia, and other neurological conditions. The study analyzed data from over 236,000 patients and estimated that one in three COVID-19 survivors developed a neurological or psychiatric condition within six months.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global increase in stillbirths and maternal deaths, while pre-term births decreased in high-income countries. Women requiring surgery for ectopic pregnancies also saw a significant surge.
A modelling study suggests that vaccination alone may not prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the UK, even with high vaccine uptake and gradual reopening. Gradual easing of measures and high vaccine protection can minimize future waves of infection.
A seroprevalence study of 9,542 residents in Wuhan found that 6.9% had COVID-19 antibodies, including 82% with asymptomatic infections. Neutralizing antibodies developed by 40%, remaining stable for at least 9 months.
A large-scale study in Denmark reveals that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected from catching it again for at least six months. However, elderly patients are more prone to reinfection, with only 47% protection against repeat infection compared to 80% for younger people.
A global survey found that COVID-19 had a significant impact on childhood cancer care, with 78% of hospitals reporting disruptions. Disruptions included reduced clinical staff, unavailable chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and treatment abandonment.
A study of US county-level data finds a strong association between jail incarceration and death rates from various causes, including infectious diseases and chronic respiratory conditions. Reducing jail incarceration is crucial for mitigating its public health harms.
The US is failing to address HIV disparities, with racial and sexual minorities disproportionately affected. The epidemic has shifted from coastal areas to the South and rural regions, where women and minorities are more likely to be infected.
A 3-month gap between doses significantly increases vaccine efficacy, with a single dose providing 76% protection. This extended interval supports current vaccination policies and is consistent with WHO's new advice.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of seasonal flu vaccines among people aged 65 and over in the USA. Among those who received a vaccine, minorities were 26-32% less likely to receive the High Dose Vaccine, which is more effective in older adults.
To ensure an effective global immunization strategy against COVID-19, vaccines must be produced at scale, priced affordably, and allocated globally. The authors assess the potential contribution of leading vaccines using a traffic light system, highlighting production challenges and the need for equitable distribution. Governments and ...
The Lancet Commission reveals devastating impacts on US health under Trump presidency, citing 461,000 unnecessary deaths annually and 40% COVID-19 deaths averted if US had G7 death rates. Sweeping reforms are needed to redress policy failures and address long-standing racism.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the benefits to health if countries adopt climate plans consistent with the Paris Agreement. Adopting such policies could save up to 6.4 million lives due to better diet, cleaner air, and increased exercise per year across nine countries.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rates among French daycare children, indicating minimal transmission within daycare centers. The rate of infection was approximately 3.7%, with positive cases likely infected by an adult household member.
A survey of over 1,900 adults in France found that nearly 30% would outright reject any COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to receive the vaccine depended on its effectiveness and country of origin. Communicating collective benefits of herd immunity reduced hesitancy about vaccination.
A US study published in The Lancet Public Health journal suggests that weekly COVID-19 testing with a two-week isolation period is the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus in high-transmission areas. Monthly testing and one-week isolation are more cost-effective when transmission rates are low to moderate.
A two-dose regimen of the adenovirus-based vaccine offers high efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, with no serious adverse events reported. The vaccine is well-tolerated across different age groups, including older adults.
A study of over 1.1 million adolescents from 140 countries found that cigarette smoking decreased in 80 countries but remained unchanged or increased in 60 countries between 1999 and 2018. Other tobacco products like chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes also showed increased use in many countries.
A new study finds that ethnic health disparities among older adults in England are significant, with certain groups experiencing worse quality of life than White British people. The study highlights the need for policy reform and long-term research to address structural and institutional racism.
A new study estimates that vaccination against 10 major pathogens will have prevented 69 million deaths in low-income and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2030. Vaccination programs are expected to reduce mortality from these diseases by 72% for those born in 2019, with the greatest impact on children under five.
A new modelling study estimates that without vaccination, mortality in children under five would be 45% higher in low-income and middle-income countries. Vaccination has prevented 69 million deaths between 2000-2030.
New estimates reveal that at least 630 million women and children worldwide are affected by armed conflict, contributing to over 10 million child deaths. The international community is called upon to prioritize women's and children's health in conflict zones.
The global demand for cancer surgery is projected to increase by 52% between 2018 and 2040, with the largest relative increase in low-income countries. Improving care systems worldwide is crucial to reduce mortality rates from complications.
A UK modelling study suggests that completing the WHO-recommended 14-day quarantine period after COVID-19 exposure can prevent 59% of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Testing people on the seventh day of quarantine with a PCR or lateral flow antigen test may reduce quarantine time to 7 days without raising transmission risk.
A study of 1,733 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China found that 76% experienced at least one symptom six months after initial infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, and anxiety or depression.
A modelling study suggests that pregnant women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, exposed to poor air quality, are at higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages. The study estimated 349,681 pregnancy losses per year associated with exposure to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding India's air quality standard.
A comparison of data from over 130,000 hospitalised patients found that COVID-19 is associated with a higher death rate and severity of illness compared to seasonal influenza. The study also revealed that COVID-19 patients were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care.
A review of international trial registry data reveals that pregnant women are routinely excluded from most clinical treatment trials for COVID-19, despite being at increased risk of severe illness. The authors argue that this exclusion poses a significant risk to the potential effectiveness and safety of treatments for pregnant women.
A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.
A recent study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis have a 20% greater odds of death compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, 'other' insurance status was associated with increased mortality, and Black and Hispanic children had longer hospital stays.
A new poliovirus vaccine has been developed to combat a mutated strain linked to outbreaks in Africa and Asia. The vaccine, known as nOPV2, has shown similar immune responses and improved genetic stability compared to the licensed Sabin oral vaccine.
The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic disease, with a 70% protection rate based on pooled analysis of phase 3 trials. The vaccine also showed efficacy against asymptomatic infection, and its safety profile was monitored for a median of 3.4 months in all participants.
Research found COVID-19 cases and outbreaks were extremely low in schools and nurseries in England during the summer of 2020. Outbreaks correlated strongly with local infection rates, highlighting the importance of controlling community transmission to protect educational settings.
A modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health found that targeted travel restrictions are effective in controlling local COVID-19 transmission in countries with low numbers of cases or strong travel links to infected countries. Travel restrictions are unlikely to be effective when the virus is spreading rapidly within a country.