Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

You Don’t Have To Smoke To Get Lung Cancer—Air Pollution May Be Just As Dangerous

For decades, <span>lung <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> has been synonymous with smoking. But the data is shifting—and fast. Today, 10–20% of lung <span>cancer</span> cases in the U.S. are found in people who have never smoked a single cigarette. A new large-scale international study has now unearthed some of the strongest evidence yet that <span>air pollution</span> may be a major culprit—and it’s leaving a genetic trail behind.

Researchers have discovered that fine particulate matter in polluted air, commonly from traffic, industrial emissions, and smog, is strongly associated with <span>DNA mutations</span> that are also found in smokers’ lung tumors. These mutations may be key drivers of lung cancer development in never-smokers.

The research, involving whole-genome sequencing of lung tumors from 871 never-smokers across 28 regions in four continents, found that individuals living in highly polluted environments had significantly more driver mutations—the kind that directly trigger cancer.

The investigators matched tumor samples with long-term air pollution exposure estimates, using ground and satellite data for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). They found that non-smokers exposed to high levels of pollution were nearly four times more likely to exhibit the SBS4 mutational signature—a genetic fingerprint commonly linked to tobacco smoke.

Additionally, they identified a 76% increase in a separate signature associated with accelerated biological aging. This is alarming, considering these were individuals with no direct tobacco exposure.

What makes this finding even more significant is that researchers discovered TP53 and EGFR mutations—both known to be aggressive lung cancer markers—more frequently in people living in polluted areas. These genetic changes are typically hallmarks of cancers in smokers.

This implies that air pollution could be triggering similar molecular pathways to those activated by cigarette smoke.

But there was a twist: a new mutational signature, SBS40a, was found in 28% of never-smokers but not in smokers. The origin of this marker remains unclear, but it suggests that pollution may not be the only hidden risk.

<h2>Rise of Environmental Carcinogens</h2>

The study adds to a growing body of evidence that air pollution is not just an irritant—it’s a carcinogen. Fine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they may damage DNA directly or trigger chronic inflammation that promotes tumor growth.

Even more surprising, another carcinogen showed up in the data: aristolochic acid, found in some traditional Chinese herbal remedies. This compound was associated with a distinct mutational signature in patients from Taiwan, hinting at a possible secondary environmental risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers.

The rise of lung cancer in non-smokers is especially noticeable in East Asia, where rates remain disproportionately high—particularly among women. While genetic predisposition may play a role, this new evidence points clearly to environmental exposures as a key contributor.

And it’s not just an Asian problem. In Western countries, urban dwellers are also exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds safe pollution thresholds. This means the risk is truly global.

The power of this new research lies in its use of whole-genome sequencing to link pollution to DNA changes. These mutational signatures act as a kind of molecular journal, recording every environmental insult a cell has endured.

The ability to map those changes and match them to known pollutants gives researchers a more precise way to trace cancer origins—not just infer them from epidemiological studies.

While this study can’t definitively prove causation, the strong correlation between pollution exposure and cancer-driving mutations makes it clear that dirty air is more than just a nuisance—it's a potential trigger for deadly disease.

Researchers acknowledge some limitations. Pollution estimates were regional, not personal, meaning it’s unclear how much exposure each participant had. Self-reported smoking histories can also be unreliable.

Still, the pattern is unmistakable. Air pollution behaves like a mutagen, leaving behind signatures that align with known cancer mechanisms. And it appears to affect never-smokers in a strikingly similar fashion to tobacco users—down to the very DNA damage.

This study raises serious public health questions: If environmental exposure to polluted air can cause DNA mutations tied to cancer, what safeguards are in place to protect those most vulnerable?

Governments and public health agencies may need to reconsider air quality regulations, urban zoning, and access to clean air—especially in densely populated cities where pollution levels remain dangerously high.

Healthcare systems might also need to adapt. Traditional lung cancer screenings focus on long-time smokers, but this research could shift how we think about early detection in non-smokers, especially those living in high-risk environments.

Lung cancer has long been viewed through the lens of personal responsibility: if you smoked, you knew the risks. But this research changes that narrative. The air we breathe—something no one can fully avoid—is now emerging as a significant threat.

For non-smokers around the world, especially women and urban residents, this is a wake-up call. Your lungs may be at risk not because of personal choices, but because of public ones—decisions about pollution control, urban planning, and clean energy.

The future of lung cancer prevention may lie not just in quitting cigarettes, but in cleaning up the air we all share.

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For decades, lung cancer has been synonymous with smoking. But the data is shifting—and fast. Today, 10–20% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are found in people who have never smoked a single cigarette. A new large-scale international study has now unearthed some of the strongest evidence yet that air pollution may be a major culprit—and it’s leaving a genetic trail behind.Researchers have discovered that fine particulate matter in polluted air, commonly from traffic, industrial emissions, and smog, is strongly associated with DNA mutations that are also found in smokers’ lung tumors. These mutations may be key drivers of lung cancer development in never-smokers.The research, involving whole-genome sequencing of lung tumors from 871 never-smokers across 28 regions in four continents, found that individuals living in highly polluted environments had significantly more driver mutations—the kind that directly trigger cancer.The investigators matched tumor samples with long-term air pollution exposure estimates, using ground and satellite data for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). They found that non-smokers exposed to high levels of pollution were nearly four times more likely to exhibit the SBS4 mutational signature—a genetic fingerprint commonly linked to tobacco smoke.Additionally, they identified a 76% increase in a separate signature associated with accelerated biological aging. This is alarming, considering these were individuals with no direct tobacco exposure.What makes this finding even more significant is that researchers discovered TP53 and EGFR mutations—both known to be aggressive lung cancer markers—more frequently in people living in polluted areas. These genetic changes are typically hallmarks of cancers in smokers.This implies that air pollution could be triggering similar molecular pathways to those activated by cigarette smoke.But there was a twist: a new mutational signature, SBS40a, was found in 28% of never-smokers but not in smokers. The origin of this marker remains unclear, but it suggests that pollution may not be the only hidden risk.Rise of Environmental CarcinogensThe study adds to a growing body of evidence that air pollution is not just an irritant—it’s a carcinogen. Fine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they may damage DNA directly or trigger chronic inflammation that promotes tumor growth.Even more surprising, another carcinogen showed up in the data: aristolochic acid, found in some traditional Chinese herbal remedies. This compound was associated with a distinct mutational signature in patients from Taiwan, hinting at a possible secondary environmental risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers.The rise of lung cancer in non-smokers is especially noticeable in East Asia, where rates remain disproportionately high—particularly among women. While genetic predisposition may play a role, this new evidence points clearly to environmental exposures as a key contributor.And it’s not just an Asian problem. In Western countries, urban dwellers are also exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds safe pollution thresholds. This means the risk is truly global.The power of this new research lies in its use of whole-genome sequencing to link pollution to DNA changes. These mutational signatures act as a kind of molecular journal, recording every environmental insult a cell has endured.The ability to map those changes and match them to known pollutants gives researchers a more precise way to trace cancer origins—not just infer them from epidemiological studies.While this study can’t definitively prove causation, the strong correlation between pollution exposure and cancer-driving mutations makes it clear that dirty air is more than just a nuisance—it's a potential trigger for deadly disease.Researchers acknowledge some limitations. Pollution estimates were regional, not personal, meaning it’s unclear how much exposure each participant had. Self-reported smoking histories can also be unreliable.Still, the pattern is unmistakable. Air pollution behaves like a mutagen, leaving behind signatures that align with known cancer mechanisms. And it appears to affect never-smokers in a strikingly similar fashion to tobacco users—down to the very DNA damage.This study raises serious public health questions: If environmental exposure to polluted air can cause DNA mutations tied to cancer, what safeguards are in place to protect those most vulnerable?Governments and public health agencies may need to reconsider air quality regulations, urban zoning, and access to clean air—especially in densely populated cities where pollution levels remain dangerously high.Healthcare systems might also need to adapt. Traditional lung cancer screenings focus on long-time smokers, but this research could shift how we think about early detection in non-smokers, especially those living in high-risk environments.Lung cancer has long been viewed through the lens of personal responsibility: if you smoked, you knew the risks. But this research changes that narrative. The air we breathe—something no one can fully avoid—is now emerging as a significant threat.For non-smokers around the world, especially women and urban residents, this is a wake-up call. Your lungs may be at risk not because of personal choices, but because of public ones—decisions about pollution control, urban planning, and clean energy.The future of lung cancer prevention may lie not just in quitting cigarettes, but in cleaning up the air we all share.

you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer—air pollution may be just as dangerous

Ishita Roy

Kang Seo-ha dies at 31 due to stomach cancer

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South Korean actress <span>Kang</span> Seo-ha, known for her performances in K-dramas like <em>First Love Again</em> and <em>The Flower in Prison</em> passed away at the age of 31 after a long battle with <span>stomach cancer</span>. Her family also confirmed the news on Monday. 

Kang's family took to Instagram, and posted a video along with a long note in remembrance of her.

“I still can’t believe it, unnie. Even while enduring such immense pain, you worried about those around you and about me. Even though you couldn’t eat for months, you insisted on paying for my meals with your own card and never let me skip a meal. My angel, who left us far too soon. Even as you endured everything with painkillers, you said you were grateful that it wasn’t worse, and I felt truly ashamed. My dear sister, you went through so much. I hope you are only happy and free from pain where you are now,” the note read.

A memorial service is also being organized at Seoul St Mary's Hospital and the funeral procession is scheduled at 7.40am on July 16 (KST).

<h4>Kang Seo Ha's <span rel="noindex">Cancer</span></h4>

It was in 2024 that Kang was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. As per reports, she had stage IV stomach cancer and underwent treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, while she continued to fulfill her professional commitments. However, in mid-2025, her health rapidly declined, leading to her death. 

As per the National Cancer Institute, US, cancer stage describes the extent of cancer in the body, which includes the size of the tumor, whether it has spread, and how far has it spread from where it was first formed.

In stage IV stomach cancer, which Kang too was suffering from, the cancer spreads to other body parts, mostly lungs, liver, distant lymph nodes, and the tissue that lines the abdomen wall. 

Stage IV stomach cancer, also known as metastatic stomach cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread from the stomach to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. The new tumors are still made up of stomach cancer cells, not cells from the organs they’ve reached. So, if the cancer spreads to the lungs, it's still considered stomach cancer — not lung cancer — and is referred to as metastatic stomach cancer.

The National Cancer Institute, US, notes that stomach cancer starts in the cells lining the stomach. There are various types of stomach cancers including:

<strong>Adenocarcinoma </strong>of the stomach, which begins in the mucus-producing cells in the innermost lining of the stomach. Nearly all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.

<strong>Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma </strong>(GEJ) is a cancer that forms in the area where the esophagus meets the gastric cardia. GEJ may be treated similarly to stomach cancer or esophageal cancer.

<strong>Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors </strong>are cancers that begin in neuroendocrine cells (a type of cell that is like a nerve cell and a hormone-making cell) that line the gastrointestinal tract.

<strong>Gastrointestinal stromal tumors </strong>(GIST) begin in nerve cells that are found in the wall of the stomach and other digestive organs. GIST is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. 

<strong>Primary gastric lymphoma</strong> is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that forms in the stomach. Most primary gastric lymphomas are either mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) gastric lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the stomach. 

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South Korean actress Kang Seo-ha, known for her performances in K-dramas like First Love Again and The Flower in Prison passed away at the age of 31 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Her family also confirmed the news on Monday. Kang's family took to Instagram, and posted a video along with a long note in remembrance of her.“I still can’t believe it, unnie. Even while enduring such immense pain, you worried about those around you and about me. Even though you couldn’t eat for months, you insisted on paying for my meals with your own card and never let me skip a meal. My angel, who left us far too soon. Even as you endured everything with painkillers, you said you were grateful that it wasn’t worse, and I felt truly ashamed. My dear sister, you went through so much. I hope you are only happy and free from pain where you are now,” the note read.A memorial service is also being organized at Seoul St Mary's Hospital and the funeral procession is scheduled at 7.40am on July 16 (KST).        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by 은 (@feb.eun)]]> Kang Seo Ha's CancerIt was in 2024 that Kang was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. As per reports, she had stage IV stomach cancer and underwent treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, while she continued to fulfill her professional commitments. However, in mid-2025, her health rapidly declined, leading to her death. As per the National Cancer Institute, US, cancer stage describes the extent of cancer in the body, which includes the size of the tumor, whether it has spread, and how far has it spread from where it was first formed.In stage IV stomach cancer, which Kang too was suffering from, the cancer spreads to other body parts, mostly lungs, liver, distant lymph nodes, and the tissue that lines the abdomen wall. Stage IV stomach cancer, also known as metastatic stomach cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread from the stomach to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. The new tumors are still made up of stomach cancer cells, not cells from the organs they’ve reached. So, if the cancer spreads to the lungs, it's still considered stomach cancer — not lung cancer — and is referred to as metastatic stomach cancer.Stomach Cancer And Its TypesThe National Cancer Institute, US, notes that stomach cancer starts in the cells lining the stomach. There are various types of stomach cancers including:Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, which begins in the mucus-producing cells in the innermost lining of the stomach. Nearly all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ) is a cancer that forms in the area where the esophagus meets the gastric cardia. GEJ may be treated similarly to stomach cancer or esophageal cancer.Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors are cancers that begin in neuroendocrine cells (a type of cell that is like a nerve cell and a hormone-making cell) that line the gastrointestinal tract.Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) begin in nerve cells that are found in the wall of the stomach and other digestive organs. GIST is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Primary gastric lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that forms in the stomach. Most primary gastric lymphomas are either mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) gastric lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the stomach. 

kang seo-ha, south korean actress dies at 31 after battling stage iv stomach cancer

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With the world coping with various bacterial infections, in Australia, it is the season of <span>meningococcal</span> disease. Last month, two Tasmanian women were hospitalized with invasive meningococcal disease, which has brought the numbers to 48.

The cases are showing an uptick, and health authorities are now urging people to watch for symptoms and to check whether they are eligible for vaccination.

According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, meningococcal disease is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which is also known as the meningococcal bacteria. It can develop quickly and could be fatal if not treated. Anyone with a suspected meningococcal infection needs to see their doctor immediately.

The official government website of Australia notes: "Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. It can kill within hours, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Do not wait for the purple rash to appear, as that is a late stage of the disease"

However, the ray of hope is that this disease is vaccine-preventable.

The Australian Government's Healthdirect notes that the common symptoms of this disease include:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Purple rash</li><li>Meningitis</li><li>Sepsis</li><li>Headache</li><li>Neck stiffness</li><li>Light sensitivity</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Drowsiness and confusion</li><li>Leg pain or other muscle or joint aches and pains</li></ul>

In babies or young children, the following can be the symptoms:

<ul><li>difficulty feeding or reduced feeds</li><li>irritability</li><li>tiredness and floppiness</li><li>seizures</li><li>having a high-pitched cry</li><li>having a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of their head)</li><li>pale or mottled skin</li></ul>

The disease can live in the nose and throat of many healthy people and could spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, and by kissing.

Complication with the disease can also lead to:

<ul><li>limb differences, or losing a limb</li><li>skin scarring</li><li>hearing loss</li><li>blindness</li><li>learning difficulties</li><li>brain damage</li></ul><h4>Vaccination</h4>

There are different vaccines that treat the different types of this disease, including A, B, C, W, and Y. The vaccination meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY can be taken at 6 weeks of age.

The MenACWY vaccine is a conjugate vaccine, which means it combines sugars from the outer coating of the bacteria with a protein. This helps trigger a stronger immune response, particularly in young infants.

In contrast, the MenB vaccine doesn’t use the sugar capsule. Instead, it contains four different proteins taken from the surface of the meningococcal B bacteria.

One should speak to a doctor if they have not been vaccinated at a younger age. The vaccination is recommended for:

<ul><li>babies, children, teenagers and young adults</li><li>Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people</li><li>young adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokers</li><li>travellers</li><li>people who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease</li><li>laboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease</li></ul>

However, as Healthdirect, an Australian Government's website notes that even with the administration of vaccine, meningococcal disease laboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease symptoms may still may linger. In such a case, go visit the hospital for further checks.

Meningococcal

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With the world coping with various bacterial infections, in Australia, it is the season of meningococcal disease. Last month, two Tasmanian women were hospitalized with invasive meningococcal disease, which has brought the numbers to 48.The cases are showing an uptick, and health authorities are now urging people to watch for symptoms and to check whether they are eligible for vaccination.What Is Meningococcal Disease?According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, meningococcal disease is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which is also known as the meningococcal bacteria. It can develop quickly and could be fatal if not treated. Anyone with a suspected meningococcal infection needs to see their doctor immediately.The official government website of Australia notes: "Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. It can kill within hours, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Do not wait for the purple rash to appear, as that is a late stage of the disease"However, the ray of hope is that this disease is vaccine-preventable.What Are The Common Symptoms?The Australian Government's Healthdirect notes that the common symptoms of this disease include:FeverPurple rashMeningitisSepsisHeadacheNeck stiffnessLight sensitivityNausea and vomitingLoss of appetiteDrowsiness and confusionLeg pain or other muscle or joint aches and painsIn babies or young children, the following can be the symptoms:difficulty feeding or reduced feedsirritabilitytiredness and floppinessseizureshaving a high-pitched cryhaving a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of their head)pale or mottled skinThe disease can live in the nose and throat of many healthy people and could spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, and by kissing.Complication with the disease can also lead to:limb differences, or losing a limbskin scarringhearing lossblindnesslearning difficultiesbrain damageVaccinationThere are different vaccines that treat the different types of this disease, including A, B, C, W, and Y. The vaccination meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY can be taken at 6 weeks of age.The MenACWY vaccine is a conjugate vaccine, which means it combines sugars from the outer coating of the bacteria with a protein. This helps trigger a stronger immune response, particularly in young infants.In contrast, the MenB vaccine doesn’t use the sugar capsule. Instead, it contains four different proteins taken from the surface of the meningococcal B bacteria.One should speak to a doctor if they have not been vaccinated at a younger age. The vaccination is recommended for:babies, children, teenagers and young adultsAboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peopleyoung adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokerstravellerspeople who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal diseaselaboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal diseaseHowever, as Healthdirect, an Australian Government's website notes that even with the administration of vaccine, meningococcal disease laboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease symptoms may still may linger. In such a case, go visit the hospital for further checks.

australia sees rise in meningococcal disease: what you need to know about symptoms and vaccination

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More than 14 million children worldwide did not receive a single routine vaccine last year, according to a joint report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The number remains unchanged from 2023, highlighting a worrying stagnation in global immunization efforts.

The annual estimate of global vaccine coverage found that 89% of children under one year received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024 — the same as in the previous year. However, only 85% completed the full three-dose series, a slight rise from 84% in 2023.

Despite modest gains, officials warn that progress is faltering due to geopolitical shifts, humanitarian crises, and rising vaccine misinformation.

<h4>Foreign Aid Cuts Threaten Vaccine Programs</h4>

The report comes amid a sharp pullback in international health funding, particularly from the United States. Earlier this year, President Trump officially withdrew U.S. membership from the WHO, suspended most humanitarian aid, and moved to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

<h4>Further compounding the issue, U.S. Health </h4>

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, recently announced the withdrawal of billions of dollars pledged to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance. He accused the group of “ignoring the science,” despite overwhelming evidence that vaccines are safe and effective.

These decisions are expected to significantly impact global vaccine rollouts, especially in low-income countries.

Nine countries accounted for 52% of all unvaccinated children in 2024. These include:

<ul><li>Nigeria</li><li>India</li><li>Sudan</li><li>Democratic Republic of Congo</li><li>Ethiopia</li><li>Indonesia</li><li>Yemen</li><li>Afghanistan</li><li>Angola</li></ul>

Among them, Sudan reported the lowest coverage for DTP vaccines — a reflection of the country’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. WHO officials said war, displacement, and weak health systems are major barriers to <span>vaccination</span>.

“Access to vaccines remains deeply unequal,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about vaccine safety, threaten to unwind decades of progress.”

<h4>Measles on the Rise Amid Lagging Coverage</h4>

The report showed a slight improvement in global measles vaccination rates, with 76% of children receiving both doses — up from previous years. But experts warn this is far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks of this highly contagious disease.

In 2024 alone, 60 countries reported large measles outbreaks. The United States is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, while Europe recorded 125,000 cases, more than double the 2023 count.

Last week, a child in Liverpool, UK, died of measles. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, only 84% of children in the U.K. are vaccinated against the disease.

<h4>“It’s Never Too Late to Be Vaccinated”</h4>

Experts are urging families and governments to act. “It is hugely concerning, but not at all surprising, that we are continuing to see outbreaks of measles,” said Helen Bradford, a children’s health professor at University College London. “The only way to stop measles spreading is with vaccination. It is never too late to be vaccinated — even as an adult.”

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14 million children unvaccinaed

More than 14 million children worldwide did not receive a single routine vaccine last year, according to a joint report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The number remains unchanged from 2023, highlighting a worrying stagnation in global immunization efforts.The annual estimate of global vaccine coverage found that 89% of children under one year received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2024 — the same as in the previous year. However, only 85% completed the full three-dose series, a slight rise from 84% in 2023.Despite modest gains, officials warn that progress is faltering due to geopolitical shifts, humanitarian crises, and rising vaccine misinformation.Foreign Aid Cuts Threaten Vaccine ProgramsThe report comes amid a sharp pullback in international health funding, particularly from the United States. Earlier this year, President Trump officially withdrew U.S. membership from the WHO, suspended most humanitarian aid, and moved to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).Further compounding the issue, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, recently announced the withdrawal of billions of dollars pledged to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance. He accused the group of “ignoring the science,” despite overwhelming evidence that vaccines are safe and effective.These decisions are expected to significantly impact global vaccine rollouts, especially in low-income countries.Who's Being Left Behind?Nine countries accounted for 52% of all unvaccinated children in 2024. These include:NigeriaIndiaSudanDemocratic Republic of CongoEthiopiaIndonesiaYemenAfghanistanAngolaAmong them, Sudan reported the lowest coverage for DTP vaccines — a reflection of the country’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. WHO officials said war, displacement, and weak health systems are major barriers to vaccination.“Access to vaccines remains deeply unequal,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about vaccine safety, threaten to unwind decades of progress.”Measles on the Rise Amid Lagging CoverageThe report showed a slight improvement in global measles vaccination rates, with 76% of children receiving both doses — up from previous years. But experts warn this is far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks of this highly contagious disease.In 2024 alone, 60 countries reported large measles outbreaks. The United States is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, while Europe recorded 125,000 cases, more than double the 2023 count.Last week, a child in Liverpool, UK, died of measles. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, only 84% of children in the U.K. are vaccinated against the disease.“It’s Never Too Late to Be Vaccinated”Experts are urging families and governments to act. “It is hugely concerning, but not at all surprising, that we are continuing to see outbreaks of measles,” said Helen Bradford, a children’s health professor at University College London. “The only way to stop measles spreading is with vaccination. It is never too late to be vaccinated — even as an adult.”

over 14 million children miss out on vaccines amid aid cuts and rising misinformation

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You Don’t Have To Smoke To Get Lung Cancer—Air Pollution May Be Just As Dangerous

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Kang Seo-ha, South Korean Actress Dies At 31 After Battling Stage IV Stomach cancer

Australia Sees Rise In Meningococcal Disease: What You Need To Know About Symptoms And Vaccination

Over 14 Million Children Miss Out On Vaccines Amid Aid Cuts And Rising Misinformation

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Kang Seo-ha, South Korean Actress Dies At 31 After Battling Stage IV Stomach cancer

Australia Sees Rise In Meningococcal Disease: What You Need To Know About Symptoms And Vaccination

Over 14 Million Children Miss Out On Vaccines Amid Aid Cuts And Rising Misinformation