Indian Railways records zero deaths in 2019 for the first year ever
While between 1990-1995 an average of more than 500 accidents took place every year, a decade later between 2013-2018 only an average of around 110 accidents took place every year.
Public health & disease
World Health Organization reports 60% drop in cholera in 2018
“The decrease we are seeing in several major cholera-endemic countries demonstrates the increased engagement of countries in global efforts to slow and prevent cholera outbreaks and shows the vital role of mass cholera vaccination campaigns,” said the WHO Director-General.
Israeli scientists find way to treat pancreatic cancer in 14 days
A new treatment developed by Tel Aviv University could induce the destruction of pancreatic cancer cells, eradicating the number of cancerous cells by up to 90% after two weeks.
The state of New York sees first drop in opioid deaths since 2009
After years of rising opioid-related overdoses deaths among state residents, 2018 finally saw a drop, from 2,170 deaths in 2017, to 1,824 deaths – a 15.9 percent decrease.
Researchers create AI system that predicts epileptic seizures with 99.6% accuracy
The system will give people suffering from epilepsy warning that a seizure is imminent, enabling them to take medication—or alert a friend, relative or medical professional.
14 of the largest US hospitals and health systems are investing $700 million into affordable housing
The new approach marks perhaps the first time that these health systems have acknowledged that impact investment can and should be part of their overall strategy for improving health and well-being in their communities.
First-ever Ebola vaccine approved by European regulators
The drug, which has already been given to hundreds of thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can now be distributed more widely.
E.U. to step up its support to Zimbabwe with a new package of €53 million
The new package will strengthen national health systems and promote equal access to health services, notably from a gender perspective.
Murder rate in India drops steadily to lowest since 1963
The murder rate in India in 2017 was the lowest it has been in the last 54 years. With the exception of 1963, it has never been lower since 1957, the earliest year for which data on this rate is available.
New drugs improve late-stage melanoma survival rate in the U.K. from 5% to 52%
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and kills nearly 2,300 people each year. Doctors said this new intervention marked an extraordinary and rapid transformation in care.