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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.

The alarming drop in childhood vaccination rates is raising fresh fears of infectious disease resurgence in Thailand and around the world. According to recent research highlighted by international health experts, the downward trend in routine immunizations is leaving populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable illnesses such as measles and polio, marking a pivotal moment for public health systems globally, including Thailand (WIRED).

This issue is especially crucial for Thai families and policymakers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted health services and shifted public attention away from routine childhood immunizations. Historically, Thailand has celebrated strong immunization coverage, credited with eradicating diseases such as polio within its borders and sharply reducing cases of measles and diphtheria. However, the latest developments suggest these hard-won gains may now be at risk should the pattern mirror the global decline.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive new guideline aimed at significantly reducing adolescent pregnancies and improving the overall health and well-being of girls worldwide—a move that holds substantial relevance for Thailand and the broader region. The updated recommendations, announced in April 2025, target several root causes of early pregnancies, with a strong emphasis on preventing child marriage, extending girls’ access to education, and strengthening adolescent-friendly health services. These actions, according to the WHO, must be top priorities for governments and civil society striving to improve outcomes for young women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released groundbreaking new recommendations to curb the growing trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen care for survivors, a move hailed by global health experts as an essential step toward eliminating this harmful practice worldwide. This updated guidance is particularly relevant as rising evidence suggests that, despite global efforts to end FGM, a concerning number of procedures are being performed by healthcare professionals—a development with complex health, legal, and ethical implications.

A recent study has sounded the alarm over the nutritional quality of widely used baby food pouches, revealing that many of these convenient products are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients critical for infant development. With their growing popularity among busy parents in Thailand and around the world, these findings are likely to raise important questions about the health impacts of processed baby foods and the need for clearer regulations and better consumer awareness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued urgent new recommendations aimed at stopping the dangerous trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and ensuring robust support for women and girls who have undergone the practice, according to a recent release. This latest guidance, announced on April 28, 2025, is seen as a pivotal step in the global fight to eradicate FGM, a deeply harmful practice affecting millions worldwide.

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, poses severe health risks and violates fundamental human rights. In response to mounting evidence that a growing share of FGM procedures are now performed by healthcare professionals—a process known as “medicalization”—the WHO is calling for stricter measures to discourage this troubling shift while intensifying care for survivors.

A recent BBC investigation has found that many of the most popular baby food pouches on the UK market are worryingly low in key nutrients, raising alarms about their suitability as a major part of infants’ and toddlers’ diets. The revelations come amid increasing global reliance on packaged baby foods, including in urban Thai households, as parents seek convenience during the busy years of early childhood.

Laboratory testing of 18 products from leading brands, such as Ella’s Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, uncovered a pattern: many pouches were low in critical nutrients like vitamin C and iron, while some contained more sugar than an infant should consume in one day. This investigative report echoes similar concerns previously voiced by nutritionists in Thailand and supports growing evidence from peer-reviewed studies on the nutritional deficits of commercial baby foods (BBC News).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just unveiled an ambitious new policy guideline aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancies and enhancing the overall health of girls globally, a move that could reshape the landscape of maternal and reproductive health in countries like Thailand. With teenage pregnancy rates posing persistent risks for young people’s health, education, and socioeconomic prospects, these latest guidelines come at a crucial moment for Thai society, where the challenge remains deeply rooted and multilayered [WHO - New guideline to prevent adolescent pregnancies].

In the ceaseless debate about fitness and health, a core question remains: How much exercise should a person really do every day? Recent guidance from leading global health authorities and respected experts, alongside new research summarized by The Independent and reinforced by fresh scientific evidence, offers surprisingly flexible – and encouraging – answers for Thais at every age and fitness level. The bottom line is clear: less can be more, and every move counts (The Independent).

How much exercise is truly enough for good health? For busy Thais juggling work, family, and social life, knowing exactly how much movement is needed can make the difference between doing nothing and taking that first, critical step. Now, a new wave of expert-backed advice and landmark research clarifies just how simple – and how impactful – adding regular movement can be, whether you’re a gym enthusiast or a “ชาวออฟฟิศ” (office worker) struggling for time.

Three more US states—Louisiana, Virginia, and Missouri—confirmed their first measles cases of 2025 over the weekend, pushing the current outbreak to over half of all US states and marking one of the most significant resurgences in recent years. According to a report by UPI, the total number of confirmed cases across at least 27 states has climbed to 800, with the vast majority being either unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. This growing crisis reflects deeper global trends in vaccine coverage and highlights crucial public health lessons for Thailand, where measles cases have also risen sharply over the last two years (UPI, CDC).

A recent case in the United States is raising alarm among health experts worldwide—including here in Thailand—after a controversial physician contracted measles yet continued to practice medicine, treating children who were never vaccinated against the highly infectious disease. The case, originally reported by Ars Technica, underscored the troubling intersection of vaccine hesitancy and public health, as well as the ongoing risks posed by declining immunization rates among children.

The incident involved an American doctor known for her opposition to vaccine mandates, who was diagnosed with measles after caring for unvaccinated pediatric patients during a local outbreak. Despite clear recommendations from health authorities that infected individuals remain isolated to avoid further transmission, the doctor allegedly kept treating her young patients—many of whom were especially vulnerable to the virus due to their unvaccinated status (source).