Gun violence continues to plague the United States, with 47 school shootings reported so far in 2025. The recent firing of over 150 CDC violence and injury prevention specialists has left a void in research efforts to stem violence across the country. The need for such research has never been clearer, especially in the wake of a recent shooting spree on the CDC campus in Atlanta, where more than 500 bullets were fired, resulting in one fatality. Without the expertise of these researchers and practitioners, the CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention is struggling to fill the gap.
On a global scale, cholera deaths have been on the rise for the second consecutive year, with reported cases increasing by 5% and deaths by 50% compared to the previous year. The World Health Organization attributes this increase to factors such as conflict, displacement, climate change, and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. The majority of cases occurred in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, highlighting the urgent need for improved prevention and treatment strategies for this neglected disease.
In a controversial move, the CDC announced its intention to fund research on the debunked link between vaccines and autism, at the urging of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This decision has sparked concerns among experts who fear that promoting such unfounded claims could undermine public trust in vaccines and lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases.
Hospitals in the United States are bracing for significant Medicaid cuts that will go into effect in 2027, resulting in nearly $1 trillion in reduced spending over the next decade. Hospital leaders are exploring innovative solutions to offset the financial impact of these cuts, with some institutions considering service cutbacks while others see opportunities for growth in new technologies and care models.
Despite facing legal challenges and funding cuts, Planned Parenthood remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential healthcare services to women across the country. The recent court decision allowing the Trump administration to block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood clinics has only strengthened the organization’s resolve to continue fighting for women’s reproductive rights.
In other news, the U.S. is once again facing a resurgence of monkeypox, Texas has dropped a lawsuit against a doctor accused of providing care to transgender youth, and FDA leaders are considering abandoning advisory committee reviews of new drugs. These developments underscore the complex and ever-changing landscape of healthcare and public health in the United States and around the world.
