Global Scans · Health · Weekly Summary

• [New] The implementation of the MDR and IVDR is progressing, but it is recognized that the identified challenges pose significant threats to the proper functioning of the regulatory framework, which is having an impact on the availability of medical devices and IVDs in the EU. Arnold & Porter
• [New] In April of 2025, FDA will issue a final rule on food labeling regarding health claims for soy protein and coronary heart disease. Arnold & Porter
• [New] Despite rising challenges, global leaders emphasize that with coordinated action, innovation, and strengthened health systems, the world can still accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Contagion Live
• [New] Drug resistance threatens progress made over the last two decades and could reverse gains toward ending AIDS and controlling hepatitis and STIs as public health threats. Contagion Live
• [New] The World Health Organization has issued its first global guidance on the use of weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, warning that fewer than one in ten people who could benefit are currently able to access them. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] With over one billion women projected to be in perimenopause or menopause by 2030, insurers and health systems are beginning to integrate menopause-specific care pathways. FemTech World
• [New] Without effective measures, antibiotic resistance will continue to rise, threatening treatment effectiveness and global public health. Arquimea
• [New] Antibiotic resistance is emerging as one of the greatest threats to global health, already causing around 700,000 deaths per year. Arquimea
• [New] Antimicrobial resistance threatens to reverse a century of medical progress, representing a silent pandemic in the 21st century driven by the relentless evolution of bacteria against antimicrobials and the looming prospect of a post-antibiotic era. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Public-sector spending will account for 71% of total health expenditure in 2025. Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
• [New] Health expenditure in Canada is forecast to grow by 4.2% in 2025 and is projected to reach $399 billion. Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
• [New] A reduction in funding and leadership for global maternal health programs threatens to reverse decades of progress, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Insurers have raised premiums by an average of 18% for 2026 due to higher medical costs, increased use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, rising hospital prices driven by workforce shortages and consolidation, and concerns about a sicker risk pool if subsidies expire. MooLoo
• [New] External health assistance is projected to drop by 30-40% in 2025 compared with 2023, causing immediate and even more severe disruption to health services in low- and middle-income countries. EATG
• [New] Nearly 50% of healthcare workers will need significant reskilling by 2025 to work effectively with emerging technologies. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Digital health interventions could save healthcare systems worldwide $100 billion annually by 2025 through improved efficiency and prevention. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] The PETA spokesperson added: Modelling predicts that a UK tax on red and processed meats could result in 22% fewer deaths and save the health service £700 million a year. The Ecologist
• [New] There is enormous potential for a broad, powerful struggle uniting USC nurses with workers across the United States against for-profit medicine. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] The 2030s will witness the maturation of precision medicine and the integration of digital health technologies into mainstream healthcare. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu

Last updated: 05 December 2025