International health news

The World Health Organisation is holding a conference this week to bring more awareness to the misuse of antibiotics. The conference will focus on educating patients on how the overuse of antibiotics can cause weak immune systems and antimicrobial resistance.

The Group of 7 (G7) Health Ministers have voiced their concerns on how environmental degradation, antimicrobial resistance and gender inequality are having an effect on healthcare services. A meeting was held last week in Milan, Italy to discuss these issues and what can be done to tackle them.

Country Updates

The United Kingdom and India are conducting research together to gain a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Their second meeting was held this week in India to discuss research plans and mutual priorities.

A lack of preventative measures in Venezuela has led to a deadly outbreak of measles. Most of the patients being treated are children under one year old. So far, 570 cases have been reported and this number is expected to rise.

Health advice

A study by the Pew Research Center based in Washington, D.C. found more and more people are turning to the internet for health advice before seeing a doctor. Healthcare professionals have released advice on how to find accurate medical advice online as a lot of information can be misleading.

It is beneficial for under-5’s to take vitamin tablets despite claims being made in the past that they are unnecessary. The UK’s Department of Health recommends children should be given vitamin A, C and D supplements everyday to support growth.