Global Scans · Good Health and Well-being · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• [New] The federal government's rapid changes and unnecessary swirl around vaccine policy is harmful for Marylanders and all Americans, and could result in disastrous public health outcomes. Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template
• [New] As federal government uncertainty around vaccine policy has raised questions for many, Maryland public health officials will continue to use science-based guidance to be a trusted resource for people to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. Maryland.gov Enterprise Agency Template
• [New] The CDC emphasized that the overall public health risk remained low due to the lack of concerning virologic changes, with the highest risk among individuals who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry, or cows. AJMC
• [New] Health inequities account for $320 billion in annual healthcare spending and if left unaddressed, could reach $1 trillion by 2040. Medical Guardian
• [New] 62% of healthcare leaders say GenAI will hold the highest potential value in improving patient engagement. Medical Guardian
• [New] In 2025, patient engagement will continue to be an area of focus for healthcare organizations and technology will play a vital role. Medical Guardian
• [New] The global health implications are critical: lapsed COVID-19 preparedness, limited surveillance, and low vaccine uptake threaten effective responses. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Background: The US population of older adults is expected to rapidly increase in the coming years and the prevalence of dementia will increase proportionally, putting an enormous strain on the health care system. Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium
• [New] In 2026, federal and state governments must enact measures that protect scientific guidance from political pressure, rebuild systems that were weakened, fund public health workforce pipelines, and protect reproductive health data from misuse. Time
• [New] In 2026, we need federal protections that prevent states and health systems from dismantling disparity reduction programs for political purposes. Time
• [New] America is entering 2026 with a health system that is more politically exposed, more unequal, and more unstable than at any time in recent memory. Time
• [New] Major changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, maintained by the CDC, could result in a deeper balkanization of state public health policies. STAT
• [New] A possible Trump administration effort to change the childhood vaccine schedule has left hospital leaders, health policymakers, and paediatricians scrambling to navigate what could be the most significant changes to the American vaccine program in decades. STAT
• [New] As healthcare moves into 2026 and beyond, organizations that invest in skilled, well-trained scribes will better manage documentation demands, support clinician well-being, and deliver high-quality patient care. Scribe.ology
• [New] As global populations continue to age, healthcare systems will increasingly rely on geriatric-focused documentation support, positioning scribes as essential contributors to senior-focused care delivery. Scribe.ology
• [New] Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is one of the main health threats of the 21st century. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance reached $17,496 per employee in 2025, and is expected to increase another 6.7% in 2026, which would bring the average cost above $18,500 per employee. Tim McDaniel
• [New] WHO will support efforts to ensure that genomic research reflects the diversity of global populations and public health needs. World Health Organization: WHO
• [New] The Trump Administration and its allies in Congress are doing all that they can to reduce Americans' access to health insurance, a decision that will result in misery and physical harm to millions of Americans. WAMC
• [New] The Health Ministry has repeatedly warned that rising food prices could lead to people's malnutrition, because even middle and higher income deciles under current conditions have reduced their consumption of dairy and protein. NCRI
• [New] Bactiguard's infection prevention solutions decrease patient suffering, save lives, and unburden healthcare resources while also fighting against antimicrobial resistance, one of the most serious threats to global health and modern medicine. News Powered by Cision
• [New] Almost 20% of Kiwis are projected to be 65 or older by 2028, and like many other countries around the world, Aotearoa faces a shortage of healthcare and care workers to look after the elderly. RNZ
• [New] For all health systems, flexibility and managing through uncertainty will be paramount as many of the top stories from 2025 will continue to play out in the year ahead. Healthcare Advisory Services and Analytics | Chartis

Last updated: 28 December 2025