#WHO

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its Global Polio Alert, issuing Level 2 “Practice Enhanced Precautions” travel notices for five widely visited European countries after environmental surveillance found poliovirus in wastewater. The move does not close borders but urges travellers and health systems to check and update polio vaccination before travel, and highlights how wastewater surveillance is revealing silent spread of vaccine-derived polioviruses in places previously thought low-risk (CDC Travel Health Notices).

Swimming is being touted anew as one of the most accessible, low‑impact ways to boost cardiovascular health, improve body composition and sharpen blood‑lipid profiles — and a recent consumer guide from an experienced swimmer‑editor has repackaged those benefits into a practical starter checklist for people who want to make the pool part of a routine. The CNN Underscored feature by a long‑time swimmer stresses that you only need a few tried‑and‑true items to begin; at the same time, a large international systematic review and meta‑analysis published in 2024 found that recreational swimming was associated with a 24% lower risk of all‑cause mortality and measurable improvements in body composition and blood lipids, findings that are relevant to Thais seeking safe, effective ways to exercise and to reduce chronic disease risk (CNN Underscored; systematic review and meta‑analysis).

A new clinical case report describes how a 60-year-old man developed bromism—an archaic psychiatric syndrome rarely seen since the early 20th century—after replacing table salt with sodium bromide based on information he said he gleaned from a chatbot. The case, published this week in Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases, underscores the dangers of relying on unvetted artificial intelligence (AI) advice for health decisions and arrives as Thailand accelerates efforts to reduce population salt intake to curb hypertension and heart disease. Investigators said the man mistakenly treated a chemical substitution used in cleaning and pool treatment as if it were a safe dietary swap, leading to psychosis, hospitalization, and weeks-long treatment for bromide toxicity. The report has triggered global debate over AI safety guardrails in consumer health and the practical, safer paths Thais can take to cut sodium without risking harm (acpjournals.org; 404media.co; arstechnica.com).

A shocking clinical case report reveals how a 60-year-old man developed bromism—an archaic psychiatric syndrome rarely documented since the early 20th century—after replacing table salt with industrial sodium bromide based on information he claimed to receive from artificial intelligence chatbot consultation. The extraordinary case, published in Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases, underscores profound dangers of utilizing unvetted AI advice for health decisions while arriving at a critical juncture as Thailand accelerates population-wide salt reduction efforts to combat hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Medical investigators documented that the patient mistakenly treated a chemical compound used for cleaning and pool maintenance as if it were safe dietary replacement, leading to severe psychosis, emergency hospitalization, and weeks-long treatment for life-threatening bromide toxicity. This unprecedented case has triggered global debates over AI safety protocols in consumer healthcare while highlighting practical, safer pathways Thai families can pursue for sodium reduction without risking catastrophic health consequences according to Annals of Internal Medicine case documentation, 404 Media investigative reporting, and Ars Technica expert analysis.

A new wave of science-backed thinking argues that scaring people about disease won’t get them off the sofa — but making movement feel fun just might. A recent commentary in New Scientist crystallised this pivot in approach, noting that fear of illness hasn’t motivated people to exercise, and proposing that it may be time to emphasise the enjoyable aspects of moving our bodies. The argument lands as fresh global data show physical inactivity is rising, with nearly one in three adults not meeting recommended activity levels in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners in The Lancet Global Health. If trends continue, inactivity could climb to 35% by 2030, putting the world further off track from agreed targets to reduce inactivity and fuelling the burden of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and some cancers. As WHO’s chief put it, the numbers represent a “lost opportunity” to improve health that requires bolder action and innovative motivation — including making physical activity accessible, affordable and enjoyable. For Thailand, where office work is expanding and sedentary time is high even as many adults still meet movement guidelines, the evidence points toward a simple cultural truth: sanuk — doing things in a way that feels enjoyable — may be our most powerful lever to build lifelong active habits that stick (New Scientist; WHO news release; The Lancet Global Health study).

Groundbreaking research is fundamentally challenging decades of health messaging by demonstrating that fear-based exercise promotion fails to motivate sustained physical activity, while joy-centered approaches could unlock unprecedented participation rates across global populations struggling with rising inactivity. A comprehensive New Scientist analysis crystallized this paradigm shift in exercise psychology, arguing that traditional disease-prevention messaging has proven ineffective at encouraging movement, while strategies emphasizing enjoyable physical activity show remarkable promise for creating lifelong healthy habits. This scientific revolution arrives at a critical moment as World Health Organization data reveals physical inactivity affecting nearly one in three adults globally, with projections indicating 35 percent inactivity rates by 2030 unless dramatic interventions occur. For Thailand, where office work expansion creates increasing sedentary time despite many adults still meeting basic movement guidelines, emerging evidence points toward a profound cultural advantage: sanuk—the Thai emphasis on making activities enjoyable—may represent the nation’s most powerful strategy for building sustainable physical activity habits that prevent chronic diseases while enhancing quality of life.

As rates of anxiety and related mental health issues continue to climb globally and locally, new research backed by the University of Cambridge and echoed by Thai mental health authorities points to novel coping strategies that may benefit the Thai public. Drawing on the latest international findings, actionable recommendations—like embracing imperfection, self-forgiveness, and fostering social connection—are gaining traction for their real-world impact on building mental strength and reducing anxiety’s grip.

Groundbreaking research from the University of Cambridge, combined with innovative approaches validated by Thai mental health authorities, has identified transformative strategies for managing anxiety that promise to revolutionize treatment approaches throughout Thailand. These science-backed interventions—emphasizing imperfection acceptance, self-compassion cultivation, and community connection—offer practical solutions for the growing mental health crisis affecting millions of Thai citizens across all demographics and socioeconomic levels.

Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent worry, panic episodes, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal, affect the majority of individuals at some point during their lives, but become clinically significant when symptoms interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or professional productivity. For Thai communities, this represents an escalating concern with far-reaching implications: the Department of Mental Health reports that over 8% of the population experiences high stress levels, nearly 10% face depression risks, and more than 5% encounter suicide ideation, with youth demographics showing particularly alarming rates of psychological distress.

A new nationwide survey published in June 2025 has revealed a remarkable reduction in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand—a development hailed by public health leaders as evidence that the country’s decades-long prevention and screening efforts are working. The research, conducted in four regions of Thailand among over 6,000 participants, found that the current rate of hepatitis C infection is just 0.56%, down from 2.15% in 2004 and 0.94% in 2014. This progress comes even as the World Health Organization warns globally that viral hepatitis deaths are rising, with 1.3 million fatalities each year according to its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report (healio.com), making Thailand’s performance uniquely encouraging (nature.com).

As Thailand enters the heart of its rainy season, concern over mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria is once again on the rise. Each year, thousands of Thais fall ill from diseases carried by these tiny but dangerous insects, making effective mosquito prevention tips critical for every household. New research and expert advice published in July 2025 emphasize practical strategies that can help reduce your risk of mosquito bites, whether you’re enjoying an outdoor som tam meal or hiking in Chiang Mai’s lush forests. By understanding what attracts mosquitoes—and how to minimize their allure—you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from itchy bites and serious illness.

A groundbreaking new report by the World Health Organization has revealed an alarming truth: loneliness is claiming lives at a rate of roughly 100 people every hour—outpacing some of the world’s deadliest diseases and amounting to more than 871,000 deaths per year globally. Despite living in the most connected era in human history, the persistent reality of social isolation has emerged as a severe threat to physical and mental health on a global scale, an issue that resonates deeply for Thai society grappling with rapid digital change and demographic shifts.

South Asia has achieved a remarkable public health milestone in 2024, reaching its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, according to newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The news marks a turning point not only for the region but also offers valuable lessons for countries like Thailand as they strive to strengthen child health and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the heart of this achievement lies a powerful collaboration between governments, frontline health workers, international donors, and the communities themselves. Early results released by WHO Thailand on July 16, 2025, highlight the collective push across South Asia – which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – that led to a dramatic increase in vaccine coverage. According to UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, “This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors’ and partners’ support and the unwavering trust of families.”

A growing body of research reveals that vaccines may deliver far more than protection against specific infectious diseases; they can also trigger broader immune system responses that benefit general health and survival, especially among children. These “non-specific effects”—sometimes called “bonus shots”—recently made headlines in a detailed feature on Salon.com, which highlighted a wave of new scientific findings and renewed international debate. For Thailand, where high childhood immunisation rates have underpinned rising life expectancies for decades, these revelations add new urgency and context to national vaccine policy.

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.

A federal advisory committee to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all Americans—including children, pregnant women, and adults—receive single-dose influenza vaccines that do not contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative long scrutinized despite decades of safe use. This move, which could soon lead to an official CDC policy, reflects an ongoing international spotlight on vaccine ingredients and the public’s persistent concern over vaccine safety—a topic with direct relevance for Thailand’s immunization practices and public confidence.

A new comprehensive study published in The Lancet has sounded a worldwide alarm: after five decades of progress, childhood vaccination coverage is stagnating or even retreating, leaving millions of children increasingly vulnerable to deadly yet preventable diseases. The analysis, released this week and drawing on 50 years of country-level data, warns that the number of “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines—remains distressingly high, with global immunisation efforts hampered by growing inequalities, the lasting shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation (Washington Post; The Lancet).

Sperm, the key driver of human reproduction, has fascinated scientists for almost 350 years—yet much about this microscopic “explorer” remains tantalisingly unclear and continues to confound researchers even today. Despite their crucial role in the survival of humanity, recent research reveals that sperm is far more mysterious and complex than once believed, leaving many fundamental questions unanswered and opening new frontiers for scientific inquiry.

For Thai readers, whose concerns span from personal fertility to national demographic trends, the continuing enigma of sperm research is not just a matter for scientific curiosity—it touches on health, society, and the future wellbeing of families across the nation. The paradox is striking: even as advances have been made in reproductive technologies such as IVF and fertility treatments, global evidence indicates that sperm counts are on a worrying decline, and male infertility remains unexplained in the majority of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023).

A new analysis in medical research has illuminated a crucial aspect of the battle against mental health stigma: there are two very different—and deeply misunderstood—types of stigma affecting people with mental illnesses, each requiring distinct approaches to overcome. The findings, published this week in STAT News, call for nuanced strategies in advocacy and policy to ensure that the global response to mental health challenges is both effective and compassionate.

For Thailand, where mental health issues have traditionally been shrouded in silence and misconceptions, these insights could be game-changing for healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers striving for a more inclusive and supportive society.

A new wave of international research underscores that when it comes to health risks, no alcohol is “safe”—and the difference between beer, wine, and spirits may matter less than most Thai drinkers think. According to a recent expert round-up in The New York Times, scientists are united in saying that “alcohol is alcohol.” No category emerges as a healthier choice: All forms, from red wine to clear spirits, carry significant risks for a range of diseases, including cancer and heart issues [nytimes.com].

A new wave of international research is challenging widespread beliefs about alcohol, warning that no type of alcoholic drink is inherently “safer” or “healthier” than others. Thai readers who might have heard that red wine is somehow beneficial, or that clear spirits are less damaging than dark liquors, should take note: experts now agree, alcohol in any form poses risks to health, and moderation—or abstention—is the best strategy for reducing harm (NYT).

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed a staggering 33-year difference between the highest and lowest life expectancies globally, underscoring persistent and widening health inequities across nations and within societies. The findings, released on 6 May 2025, highlight that one’s health and longevity are shaped less by biology than by where one is born and raised, the opportunities available, and the degree to which social and economic structures expose individuals to disadvantage and discrimination (UN News).

As increasing numbers of smokers look for ways to finally quit amid a confusing landscape of old habits and new pressures, the latest research and advice suggest that both traditional methods and new perspectives are making a difference—even as Thailand and the world face persistent tobacco use. A recent advice column in Slate by A.J. Daulerio reignited debate over the most effective paths to smoking cessation, especially highlighting the resurgence of Allen Carr’s Easy Way method alongside standard medical and behavioral approaches. The relevance of this discussion is heightened for Thai readers, given Thailand’s long struggle with high smoking rates and ongoing public health campaigns to reduce tobacco use (Slate).

A surge of global and local research is putting the spotlight on a critical issue affecting Thai children: far too few are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, sparking concerns among health experts and educators about the long-term health consequences for the nation’s youth. International health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long maintained that children and adolescents aged 5–17 should accumulate at least one hour per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise, predominantly through aerobic activities like running, cycling, and playing sports. Yet, recent figures suggest that a majority of Thai kids are falling below this crucial benchmark, with implications for their physical well-being, academic performance, and future medical costs.

A growing body of global and local research is highlighting a worrying trend: the vast majority of children in Thailand, much like their peers in Hong Kong and around the world, are failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This shortfall—revealed by the latest studies and echoed by Thai education and health officials—raises concerns about the lasting impacts on academic performance, physical health, and mental wellbeing among the nation’s youth.