◉ HEADLINES

World Health Organisation

WHO declares highest alert level for mpox outbreak in Africa

UN health agency’s decision comes after spike in cases in DRC, spread to neighbouring countries

Health Ministry turns to WHO amid rising streptococcal infection cases in Japan

Minister emphasises urgency of obtaining updates to implement necessary control measures against disease, which has yet to affect Malaysia

Covid-19 cut global lifespan by nearly two years: WHO 

In its peak between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy fell to 71.4 years, similar to 2012 levels, wiping a decade of progress

AstraZeneca acknowledges rare Covid-19 vaccine side effects amid legal battle 

However, company emphasises regulators worldwide agree benefits outweigh risks of extremely rare potential risks

H5N1 bird flu found in raw milk of cows, goats: WHO

The H5N1 bird flu virus strain has been detected in very high concentrations in the raw milk of infected animals, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

◉ Popular

Worrying number of youth spending 18 hours on social media daily: MCMC 

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has drawn attention to the substantial number of young individuals who spend extended periods online, expressing concerns about harmful aspects of specific social media platforms. 

Penang’s shores in peril: a deadly mix of climate change and coastal development”

Rising sea levels, erratic weather, and unchecked development are driving coastal erosion to alarming new heights in Penang, threatening both nature and livelihoods.

Short-lived La Niña expected in early 2026, but stable weather to follow

MetMalaysia forecasts cool conditions and brief shifts in rainfall patterns before returning to normal