France has recorded around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the record-breaking heatwave that has swept across Europe, according to the country’s public health agency. Officials warned that the figure remains preliminary and is expected to increase as additional information is collected from residential care facilities, nursing homes and private households across the country. Sante Publique […]
public health
France reports 1,000 excess deaths during historic heatwave
France has recorded approximately 1,000 excess deaths during the record-breaking heatwave that has swept across Europe, according to the country’s public health agency. Officials warned that the preliminary figure is likely to increase as additional reports from hospitals, residential care facilities and private homes continue to be reviewed. Sante Publique said most of the reported […]
India: 59 people fall ill after eating street food, hospitalised
MUMBAI: At least 59 people were hospitalised after falling sick from eating contaminated street food sold at a roadside stall in the city of Bhiwandi in India’s Maharashtra state, local media reported on Friday. According to reports, the affected individuals consumed food from a street vendor the previous day before developing symptoms of food […]
Pakistan lags behind South Asia in key health indicators
Pakistan continues to trail the South Asian region in several major health indicators despite gradual improvements in healthcare services and outcomes, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the government. The survey shows that Pakistan’s public spending on health remains below one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the Public Sector […]
President forwards petition on higher taxes for ultra-processed foods
President Asif Ali Zardari has forwarded a petition calling for higher taxes on ultra-processed foods and beverages to the finance secretary and Federal Board of Revenue chairman for further review. The move brings renewed attention to growing concerns over dietary risks and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan. The petition was submitted to […]
Expert warns Karachi’s heat crisis is becoming a public health threat
Karachi’s worsening urban heat is emerging as a serious public health challenge, with experts warning that rising temperatures, pollution and unchecked urban development could have severe consequences for residents, particularly vulnerable communities. Read More: NDMA issues heatwave alert for multiple regions in Pakistan Speaking ahead of World Environment Day, Prof. Zafar Fatmi, Head of Environmental […]
WHO says hantavirus response remains ongoing
World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said efforts to contain a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship are still ongoing, despite the successful evacuation of passengers and crew. Speaking at a joint press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Tedros said the situation remains under close monitoring and warned […]
Bangladesh measles outbreak kills hundreds of children
Bangladesh is facing its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, with more than 300 children reported dead as the highly contagious disease spreads across the country and overwhelms parts of the healthcare system. Read More: Bangladesh measles outbreak kills 194 children Hospitals in Dhaka and other regions have reported a sharp rise in admissions, with thousands of […]
Pakistan proposes higher tax on cigarettes in federal budget
A proposal has been put forward to significantly increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes in Pakistan upcoming federal budget for 2026–27, aiming to boost government revenue and discourage smoking, especially among young people. Read More: Pakistan budget plan promises relief for salaried class The recommendation has been submitted by the non-governmental organisation Society for […]
2015 karachi heatwave death toll still disputed, seminar told
A seminar held in Karachi on World Labour Day highlighted ongoing disputes over the death toll from the 2015 heatwave, with speakers arguing that official figures significantly understate the human impact, particularly on low-income and working-class communities. Read More: 64 die due to heatstroke in Karachi The event, organised by the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education […]