Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the countries set to benefit in 2026 from a new single-dose treatment for sleeping sickness, raising hopes of eliminating the disease.
Global efforts to develop new tuberculosis vaccines are nearing a breakthrough, raising the prospect of finally ending one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
South Africa is using AI-powered chat companions to boost HIV prevention, helping more people start and stay on life-saving medication through accessible, real-time digital support.
The United Kingdom has seen cancer death rates fall to their lowest level on record, reflecting major long-term advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
India has launched the world’s largest HPV vaccination programme, offering free jabs to around 11.5 million 14-year-old girls each year to prevent cervical cancer.
In Japan, a newly approved stem cell therapy is offering fresh hope for people with Parkinson’s disease by aiming to replace the brain cells responsible for movement.
The United Kingdom reported promising 2026 trial results for a new drug that significantly reduces seizures in children with Dravet syndrome, improving quality of life for patients and families.
The United States reduced adult smoking rates to below 10% for the first time in 2024, marking a major public health milestone and lowering long-term disease risks.
Chile has become the first country in the Americas verified to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem, marking more than three decades without locally transmitted cases.
Denmark has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, becoming the first European Union country to ensure babies are born free of both infections.
