Health Bulletin

Health news you can use · PatientCareLinks
Friday, 6 November 2026
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Every item is selected to help you advise yourself, take action, or protect your health. We link to the original source — we don't republish.

Latest Bulletins

56 items
Outbreak Source of News World Health Organization

Yellow fever transmission continues in WHO African Region with outbreak activity in West Africa

WHO African Region outbreak update with vaccination guidance
Yellow fever cases continue across West Africa including Ghana, with 67 confirmed cases and 18 deaths reported between January and October 2026. WHO recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention measure, particularly for those in affected areas and occupational risk groups.
Why this matters If you live in or travel to affected areas of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire or Liberia, or work in forests/mining, get vaccinated now—one dose provides lifelong protection.
News Source of News Ghana News Agency

British man in DRC to return to UK for Ebola treatment

UK evacuates Ebola patient from DRC as outbreak death toll reaches 5,000
A British citizen in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Ebola and will be medically evacuated to the UK for treatment. The DRC outbreak has now claimed approximately 5,000 lives.
Why this matters This shows that early medical evacuation and specialized treatment are available for Ebola patients; if you suspect exposure, seek care immediately at designated treatment centres.
Research Source of News World Health Organization

Two new candidate vaccines to join Ebola trial as treatment research advances

WHO adds two Bundibugyo-specific vaccine candidates to ongoing trial
WHO expert groups recommend adding two vaccine candidates specifically developed for Bundibugyo virus to ongoing trials: ChAdOx1 BDBV (Oxford/Serum Institute) and Moderna's mRNA-1469. The trial is led by DRC's National Institute for Biomedical Research.
Why this matters New Bundibugyo-specific vaccines are entering trials; if you are in a high-risk area or a healthcare worker, stay informed about vaccine availability and eligibility.
Advisory Source of News World Health Organization

WHO Director-General's opening remarks on Ebola, Sudan crisis and climate health impacts

WHO reports 10,000+ Ebola cases in DRC; emphasizes early care and community engagement
WHO Director-General reports over 10,000 Ebola cases and 5,000 deaths in DRC, with new hotspots emerging. Nine cases confirmed in Kenya and one in Nigeria. Emphasizes proven measures: early care, contact tracing, isolation, safe burials and community engagement.
Why this matters If you suspect Ebola symptoms, seek immediate care at designated treatment centres—early treatment and contact tracing save lives and limit spread.
Advisory Source of News World Health Organization

Request for data on total aflatoxins in cereals and cereal-based foods

WHO seeks data on aflatoxin levels in cereals and infant foods
WHO and Codex Committee issue call for data on aflatoxin contamination in cereals, flour, rice, sorghum and cereal-based foods for infants and young children. Deadline for data submission is 31 March 2027.
Why this matters If you purchase grains, flour or infant cereals, ensure they are from regulated sources to avoid aflatoxin contamination, which can cause liver damage and cancer.
Advisory Source of News WHO

#MedSafetyWeek 2026: Don't ignore side effects. Report them. 2–8 November 2026

Global campaign encourages reporting of medication side effects
WHO is launching the global #MedSafetyWeek campaign from November 2-8, 2026, to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and reporting medication side effects among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Why this matters You should report any unusual side effects from your medications to your healthcare provider or local health authorities, as your feedback helps improve drug safety for everyone.
News Source of News WHO Prequalification

Dolutegravir (sodium) prequalified by WHO for HIV treatment

WHO prequalifies Dolutegravir for HIV treatment access
WHO has prequalified Dolutegravir (sodium) manufactured by Micro Labs Limited as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, expanding access to this important HIV treatment option that meets WHO quality standards.
Why this matters If you are living with HIV, this prequalification means more affordable, WHO-approved treatment options may become available through your healthcare provider or HIV treatment programs.
Research Source of News World Health Organization

Climate change is a growing health emergency, Lancet Countdown warns

Heat-related deaths rising faster than climate action, warns Lancet
The 2026 Lancet Countdown report warns that climate-related health impacts are accelerating, with heat-related deaths increasing 36% since the Paris Agreement. In 2023 alone, heat caused 710,000 deaths globally, with over 70% attributable to human-caused climate change.
Why this matters You should take heat-related health risks seriously—extreme heat is now a major health threat, and you should prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated and seeking cool shelter.
Advisory Source of News WHO Regional Office for Africa

Ebola response: Disinformation kills, care saves lives

Combating false information during Ebola outbreak response
WHO Africa documented how misinformation undermines Ebola response efforts in the DRC. Between May and September 2026, over 34,650 items of online content were analyzed to identify and counter rumors and false information.
Why this matters You should verify health information from official sources like WHO and your health ministry rather than social media, as false information about Ebola can delay life-saving treatment.
Advisory Source of News World Health Organization

WHO Western Pacific Member States agree to urgently accelerate progress on key health priorities

Western Pacific health leaders accelerate action on immunization and chronic disease
WHO Western Pacific regional leaders endorsed action plans to address lagging progress on hypertension control, tobacco control, immunization, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Member states committed to strengthening immunization systems.
Why this matters You should ensure your family is up-to-date with vaccinations, as the region is off-track on immunization targets and measles is making a comeback.
Advisory Source of News World Health Organization

WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter: 2026, No. 2

WHO drug safety updates and regulatory actions for healthcare providers
WHO published its pharmaceutical safety newsletter covering 32 regulatory and safety updates from March to June 2026, including information on antiepileptic drugs, opioids, valproate, and the chikungunya vaccine.
Why this matters You should review medication safety alerts if you take antiepileptic drugs, opioids, or valproate, as regulatory updates may affect your treatment.
Research Source of News WHO/Europe

Alcohol can cause breast cancer, but very few patients get asked about their drinking

WHO launches tool to discuss alcohol and breast cancer risk with patients
WHO/Europe launched an AI-powered digital hub during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help health professionals discuss alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Only 15% of EU residents know alcohol is a breast cancer risk factor.
Why this matters You should reduce alcohol consumption to lower your breast cancer risk, and discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider during check-ups.

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About these bulletins: PatientCareLinks lists health news, events, and advisories from third-party sources such as the Ghana Medical Association, WHO, Ghana Health Service, and the FDA. We do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the content of external sites. Every entry links directly to its original source. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.

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