What We're Reading

Every day, we share what we're reading, listening to, and watching in the world of global health — from well-reported news articles and in-depth studies to timely podcast episodes and features

Latest

Ne

In Search of a Platonic Co-Parent

by Alyson Krueger

Platforms that match partners in procreation are experiencing a post-pandemic uptick

Reuters

European Countries Including UK Lose Measles Elimination Status

by Reuters Staff

Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also lost their status on Monday, and the WHO urged countries to boost vaccination rates

NBC News

Dozens of CDC Databases Are Not Being Updated—Most Related to Vaccines, Study Finds

by Aria Bendix

The agency plays a key role in tracking disease spread and vaccination rates. Last year, it seemed to back away from some of that work

Reuters

United States to Expand Anti-Abortion Aid Rule to Cover “Gender Ideology,” Diversity

by Simon Lewis

The Trump administration is set to expand the Mexico City Policy that blocks U.S. assistance to organizations that provide or promote abortions

New York Times

Weight-Loss Drugs Could Save U.S. Airlines $580 Million Per Year

by Gabe Castro-Root

A study by the financial firm Jefferies highlights a surprising perk for carriers: lower fuel costs as slimmer passengers lighten aircraft’s loads

The Guardian

China’s Population Falls Again as Birthrate Drops 17% to Record Low

by Amy Hawkins and agencies

Fourth year of decline deepens concerns over aging, shrinking workforce and long-term economic impact

Rolling Stone

HHS Gave a $1.6 Million Grant to a Controversial Vaccine Study. These Emails Show How That Happened

by Katherine Eban

Two Danish researchers faced accusations of “questionable research practices” as RFK Jr. appointees made their study a “funding priority”

Public Health On Call

Marion Nestle on the New Dietary Guidelines

by Marion Nestle and Josh Sharfstein

Renowned nutritionist Marion Nestle likes the federal recommendation to reduce ultra-processed foods and its emphasis on healthy school meals

The Guardian

Controversial U.S. Study on Hepatitis B Vaccines in Africa Is Canceled

by Melody Schreiber

The $1.6 million project drew outrage over ethical questions about withholding vaccines proven to prevent disease

BBC

“There Wasn’t Even Time for CPR”: Iran Medics Describe Hospitals Overwhelmed With Dead and Injured Protesters

by Soroush Pakzad, Roja Assadi, and Helen Sullivan

Staff at several hospitals in Iran have told the BBC their facilities are overwhelmed with dead or injured patients, as major protests continue

Washington Post

U.S. Lost More Immigrants Than It Gained in 2025, New Estimate Shows

by Lauren Kaori Gurley and Javier Zarracina

Trump policies that slowed migration include the near-closure of the U.S.-Mexico border, visa restrictions, and the end of many migrant programs

Devex

Devex Newswire: U.S. Congress Gives Aid Supporters $50 Billion Boost

by Anna Gawel

The funding bill would provide some $50 billion for U.S. foreign assistance programs in fiscal year 2026