Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Why The Viral 'Natural Nightmare' Drink Feel Free Is Sending People Into Addiction And Rehab

How a Wellness Drink Turned Into a Nightmare: Why Feel Free Is Sending People Into Addiction And Rehab

A trendy “plant tonic” that promises focus and relaxation is quietly becoming a public health concern. Walk into a gas station or vape shop in many parts of the United States and you’ll see them lined up near the counter little blue bottles with the words Feel Free printed on the label. Marketed as a natural way to boost mood, productivity, and focus, the two-ounce shots look as harmless as kombucha or an energy drink. But behind their wellness branding lies an ingredient that doctors, regulators, and recovering users say can wreak havoc: kratom.

What began as a boutique herbal tonic has grown into a nationwide phenomenon. And for some people, that harmless-looking bottle has led to cycles of dependency, debt, and even rehab.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/kissing-bug-epidemic-in-us-what-you-need-to-know-about-chagas-disease-is-it-contagious-article-152662104" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">What Is Chagas Disease? What Are the Symptoms? Is This 'Kissing Bug' Infection Deadly?</a>

Feel Free is made by Botanic Tonics, a Texas-based company that launched the product in 2020. Its formula blends two herbal ingredients: kava root, traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures for relaxation, and kratom, a Southeast Asian plant with stimulant and opioid-like properties.

At first glance, it seems to fit right into America’s booming functional beverage market. The company advertises it as a caffeine-free energy boost and stress reliever “plant ingredients for productivity and focus.” It’s now sold in more than 24,000 convenience stores, smoke shops, and health food outlets across the country. Priced between $8 and $13 a bottle, the drink has become popular among students, young professionals, and even parents looking for a “natural” alternative to alcohol or coffee.

But what the label doesn’t highlight is the risk of dependence. Feel Free comes with a serving suggestion of one ounce, half a bottle, and a warning that it “may be habit-forming.”

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries. Laborers chewed its leaves for energy, while traditional healers brewed it as a tea for pain or diarrhea.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/covid-symptoms-are-different-in-2025-how-long-after-exposure-should-you-get-tested-article-152656657" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">COVID Symptoms Are Different In 2025—How Long After Exposure Should You Get Tested?</a>

In the US, kratom began appearing in the late 1990s and quickly developed a following among people looking for alternatives to opioids or antidepressants. Today, nearly 2 million Americans are estimated to use kratom in some form — powders, capsules, extracts, or beverages like Feel Free.

The problem lies in how kratom interacts with the brain. Its alkaloids, primarily mitragynine, bind to the same receptors as opioids. At low doses, kratom can act like a stimulant. At higher doses, it produces sedative and euphoric effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified it as an opioid, citing risks of dependence, withdrawal, liver damage, and — in rare cases — overdose.

Despite these warnings, kratom remains unregulated at the federal level. Only a handful of states, including Alabama, Indiana, and Rhode Island, have banned it outright. In much of the country, it can be purchased legally by anyone, including minors, from gas stations and corner shops.

<h2>Why Has Social Media Sparked Alarm on <span rel="noindex">Feel Free Drink</span>?</h2>

Awareness of Feel Free’s addictive potential gained traction on TikTok, where users shared cautionary tales of dependency. In one viral video, Texas resident Misha Brown recounted being approached by a teenager who tried to convince him to buy Feel Free from a Circle K store. When he refused, the boy attempted to grab his wallet.

Inside the store, Brown said the attendant explained that customers came in “six times a day” for the product. The video, which garnered more than 23 million views, ignited a wave of comments from young people describing their own struggles with Feel Free — from financial strain to full-blown withdrawal symptoms.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/world-sexual-health-day-2025-theme-significance-and-what-you-can-do-to-make-sexual-wellness-everyday-health-article-152655970" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">World Sexual Health Day 2025: Theme, Significance And What You Can Do To Make Sexual Wellness Everyday Health</a>

For many, what started as an occasional pick-me-up quickly escalated into a daily habit.

<h3>Feel Free: How A Wellness Drink Turned Into A Nightmare With Major Health Risks?</h3>

Addiction medicine specialists are now sounding the alarm. Dr. Robert Levy, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, has treated numerous patients for kratom dependency. Withdrawal symptoms can mirror those of opioids: nausea, sweating, insomnia, irritability, and severe cravings.

The risk is compounded by Feel Free’s formula. While kratom stimulates, kava depresses the nervous system. Each herb acts on different receptors in the brain, kava on the same ones as benzodiazepines like Xanax, and kratom on opioid receptors. Combined, they can create an overstimulating and destabilizing effect that heightens the likelihood of dependence.

Some users report drinking multiple bottles a day, far exceeding the recommended limit. The cost alone can lead to financial stress, while abrupt attempts to quit often result in withdrawal that drives people back to the drink.

The FDA has repeatedly warned against kratom use, but it remains stuck in regulatory limbo. In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed classifying kratom’s compounds as Schedule I drugs, alongside heroin and LSD, but backed down after intense lobbying from advocacy groups.

More recently, the FDA recommended tighter control of products containing 7-OH, a synthetic kratom derivative with even higher abuse potential. But Feel Free contains natural kratom leaf extract, which falls outside those recommendations.

Meanwhile, Botanic Tonics has faced lawsuits over claims that its marketing misled customers about potential risks. In 2024, the company agreed to a class-action settlement, though it did not admit wrongdoing. It has since updated labels to emphasize warnings — but insists the drink is safe when used as directed.

<h2>Why Is Kratom-Based Drinks Growing Public Health Debate?</h2>

The popularity of Feel Free highlights a larger issue: the booming U.S. market for “natural” supplements that skirt the edges of regulation. Unlike prescription medications, products like kratom tonics are not required to undergo rigorous clinical trials or FDA approval before hitting shelves.

That leaves consumers with little reliable information about safety, dosage, or long-term effects. And when a product is packaged like an energy shot, sold next to candy and soda, and advertised as a wellness aid, it’s easy for people — especially young ones — to underestimate its risks.

<h2>Should Gas Station Wellness Drinks Feel Free With Kratom Be Better Regulated?</h2>

Experts say more research is urgently needed. While some studies suggest kratom may have therapeutic potential for pain management or opioid withdrawal, the risks of dependence and misuse cannot be ignored.

For now, consumers are largely left to navigate the market on their own. Health officials advise those struggling with Feel Free or other kratom products to seek professional help, either through their primary care provider or addiction treatment programs.

Parents are encouraged to talk openly with their children about kratom and similar substances. Signs of use may include mood swings, social withdrawal, digestive issues, or unexplained financial strain.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/legionnaires-outbreak-canada-94-sick-so-far-ontario-food-manufacturers-cooling-tower-could-be-source-of-the-deadly-disease-article-152530684" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Legionnaires’ Outbreak Canada: 94 Sick So Far, Ontario Food Manufacturer's Cooling Tower Could Be Source Of The Deadly Disease</a>

Feel Free was launched as a lifestyle drink for relaxation and focus, but its addictive potential has become impossible to ignore. It sits at the intersection of America’s appetite for quick fixes, the booming supplement industry, and gaps in regulation.

What looks like a harmless blue bottle can, for some, become the start of a struggle with dependence. Until stronger oversight and clearer science emerge, consumers are left with a difficult truth: “natural” does not always mean safe.

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A trendy “plant tonic” that promises focus and relaxation is quietly becoming a public health concern. Walk into a gas station or vape shop in many parts of the United States and you’ll see them lined up near the counter little blue bottles with the words Feel Free printed on the label. Marketed as a natural way to boost mood, productivity, and focus, the two-ounce shots look as harmless as kombucha or an energy drink. But behind their wellness branding lies an ingredient that doctors, regulators, and recovering users say can wreak havoc: kratom.What began as a boutique herbal tonic has grown into a nationwide phenomenon. And for some people, that harmless-looking bottle has led to cycles of dependency, debt, and even rehab.Also Read: What Is Chagas Disease? What Are the Symptoms? Is This 'Kissing Bug' Infection Deadly?Feel Free is made by Botanic Tonics, a Texas-based company that launched the product in 2020. Its formula blends two herbal ingredients: kava root, traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures for relaxation, and kratom, a Southeast Asian plant with stimulant and opioid-like properties.At first glance, it seems to fit right into America’s booming functional beverage market. The company advertises it as a caffeine-free energy boost and stress reliever “plant ingredients for productivity and focus.” It’s now sold in more than 24,000 convenience stores, smoke shops, and health food outlets across the country. Priced between $8 and $13 a bottle, the drink has become popular among students, young professionals, and even parents looking for a “natural” alternative to alcohol or coffee.But what the label doesn’t highlight is the risk of dependence. Feel Free comes with a serving suggestion of one ounce, half a bottle, and a warning that it “may be habit-forming.”What Are Kratom's Effects?Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries. Laborers chewed its leaves for energy, while traditional healers brewed it as a tea for pain or diarrhea.Also Read: COVID Symptoms Are Different In 2025—How Long After Exposure Should You Get Tested?In the US, kratom began appearing in the late 1990s and quickly developed a following among people looking for alternatives to opioids or antidepressants. Today, nearly 2 million Americans are estimated to use kratom in some form — powders, capsules, extracts, or beverages like Feel Free.The problem lies in how kratom interacts with the brain. Its alkaloids, primarily mitragynine, bind to the same receptors as opioids. At low doses, kratom can act like a stimulant. At higher doses, it produces sedative and euphoric effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified it as an opioid, citing risks of dependence, withdrawal, liver damage, and — in rare cases — overdose.Despite these warnings, kratom remains unregulated at the federal level. Only a handful of states, including Alabama, Indiana, and Rhode Island, have banned it outright. In much of the country, it can be purchased legally by anyone, including minors, from gas stations and corner shops.Why Has Social Media Sparked Alarm on Feel Free Drink?Awareness of Feel Free’s addictive potential gained traction on TikTok, where users shared cautionary tales of dependency. In one viral video, Texas resident Misha Brown recounted being approached by a teenager who tried to convince him to buy Feel Free from a Circle K store. When he refused, the boy attempted to grab his wallet.Inside the store, Brown said the attendant explained that customers came in “six times a day” for the product. The video, which garnered more than 23 million views, ignited a wave of comments from young people describing their own struggles with Feel Free — from financial strain to full-blown withdrawal symptoms.Also Read: World Sexual Health Day 2025: Theme, Significance And What You Can Do To Make Sexual Wellness Everyday HealthFor many, what started as an occasional pick-me-up quickly escalated into a daily habit.Feel Free: How A Wellness Drink Turned Into A Nightmare With Major Health Risks?Addiction medicine specialists are now sounding the alarm. Dr. Robert Levy, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, has treated numerous patients for kratom dependency. Withdrawal symptoms can mirror those of opioids: nausea, sweating, insomnia, irritability, and severe cravings.The risk is compounded by Feel Free’s formula. While kratom stimulates, kava depresses the nervous system. Each herb acts on different receptors in the brain, kava on the same ones as benzodiazepines like Xanax, and kratom on opioid receptors. Combined, they can create an overstimulating and destabilizing effect that heightens the likelihood of dependence.Some users report drinking multiple bottles a day, far exceeding the recommended limit. The cost alone can lead to financial stress, while abrupt attempts to quit often result in withdrawal that drives people back to the drink.Regulation and Legal Gray AreasThe FDA has repeatedly warned against kratom use, but it remains stuck in regulatory limbo. In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed classifying kratom’s compounds as Schedule I drugs, alongside heroin and LSD, but backed down after intense lobbying from advocacy groups.More recently, the FDA recommended tighter control of products containing 7-OH, a synthetic kratom derivative with even higher abuse potential. But Feel Free contains natural kratom leaf extract, which falls outside those recommendations.Meanwhile, Botanic Tonics has faced lawsuits over claims that its marketing misled customers about potential risks. In 2024, the company agreed to a class-action settlement, though it did not admit wrongdoing. It has since updated labels to emphasize warnings — but insists the drink is safe when used as directed.Why Is Kratom-Based Drinks Growing Public Health Debate?The popularity of Feel Free highlights a larger issue: the booming U.S. market for “natural” supplements that skirt the edges of regulation. Unlike prescription medications, products like kratom tonics are not required to undergo rigorous clinical trials or FDA approval before hitting shelves.That leaves consumers with little reliable information about safety, dosage, or long-term effects. And when a product is packaged like an energy shot, sold next to candy and soda, and advertised as a wellness aid, it’s easy for people — especially young ones — to underestimate its risks.Should Gas Station Wellness Drinks Feel Free With Kratom Be Better Regulated?Experts say more research is urgently needed. While some studies suggest kratom may have therapeutic potential for pain management or opioid withdrawal, the risks of dependence and misuse cannot be ignored.For now, consumers are largely left to navigate the market on their own. Health officials advise those struggling with Feel Free or other kratom products to seek professional help, either through their primary care provider or addiction treatment programs.Parents are encouraged to talk openly with their children about kratom and similar substances. Signs of use may include mood swings, social withdrawal, digestive issues, or unexplained financial strain.Also Read: Legionnaires’ Outbreak Canada: 94 Sick So Far, Ontario Food Manufacturer's Cooling Tower Could Be Source Of The Deadly DiseaseFeel Free was launched as a lifestyle drink for relaxation and focus, but its addictive potential has become impossible to ignore. It sits at the intersection of America’s appetite for quick fixes, the booming supplement industry, and gaps in regulation.What looks like a harmless blue bottle can, for some, become the start of a struggle with dependence. Until stronger oversight and clearer science emerge, consumers are left with a difficult truth: “natural” does not always mean safe.

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Federal health officials are taking a closer look at the safety of <span>COVID-19</span> vaccines in pregnant women and children, while also weighing updates to recommendations for older adults.

According to U.S. News, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing reports of possible birth defects following vaccination during pregnancy and is preparing data on deaths in children after receiving <span>COVID</span> shots.

The review will be presented during a September 18-19, 2025, meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee, CNN reported. Experts emphasise that the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), one of the primary tools being used in the review, is a monitoring system meant to detect potential safety signals. It does not establish that vaccines directly caused the reported health problems.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is designed to act as an early-warning tool, flagging potential safety signals that may warrant further study. “VAERS is a system that generates hypotheses,” explained Dr Demetre Daskalakis, who recently stepped down as director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, in an interview with CNN.

So far, large-scale studies have continued to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy. The CDC has tracked outcomes in more than 23,000 pregnant women through one registry and more than 45,000 in another database, finding no increased risk of miscarriage, major birth defects, or other complications. Similarly, <span>Pfizer</span> reported that rates of birth defects in vaccinated participants during a clinical trial were comparable to those in the general population.

The CDC advisory committee is also expected to discuss whether vaccine guidance for older adults should be revised. While COVID vaccines are currently approved for adults 65 and older, as well as younger adults at high risk of severe illness, the panel may consider recommending them mainly for those 75 and older, or for younger individuals with underlying conditions.

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<h2>New <span rel="noindex">COVID Variant</span> ‘Stratus’ Dominates U.S. Cases</h2>

COVID-19 activity remained high across the United States during the first week of September, according to fresh data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the confusion around emerging strains, shifting vaccine guidelines, and cuts to vaccine development funding, the agency continues to track cases, hospitalisations, and deaths on a weekly basis.

For the four weeks ending August 30, projections show that a new variant called XFG. nicknamed “Stratus” accounted for 78 percent of infections nationwide. The next most common strains were NB.1.8.1 at 14 percent and LP.8.1 at 3 percent.

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<h2>What Is the ‘Stratus’ Variant?</h2>

XFG is a late-summer Omicron offshoot and a recombinant strain, formed by blending two earlier lineages: F.7 and LP.8.1.2. Scientists say the variant may carry mutations that help it slip past parts of the immune system more effectively, though there is no evidence yet that it spreads faster than previous strains.

The CDC advises people to watch for familiar COVID-19 symptoms, which continue to include:

<ol><li>Fever or chills</li><li>Cough</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Loss of taste or smell</li><li>Congestion</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Headache</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li></ol>

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Federal health officials are taking a closer look at the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women and children, while also weighing updates to recommendations for older adults.According to U.S. News, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing reports of possible birth defects following vaccination during pregnancy and is preparing data on deaths in children after receiving COVID shots.The review will be presented during a September 18-19, 2025, meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee, CNN reported. Experts emphasise that the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), one of the primary tools being used in the review, is a monitoring system meant to detect potential safety signals. It does not establish that vaccines directly caused the reported health problems.What Is VAERS?The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is designed to act as an early-warning tool, flagging potential safety signals that may warrant further study. “VAERS is a system that generates hypotheses,” explained Dr Demetre Daskalakis, who recently stepped down as director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, in an interview with CNN.So far, large-scale studies have continued to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy. The CDC has tracked outcomes in more than 23,000 pregnant women through one registry and more than 45,000 in another database, finding no increased risk of miscarriage, major birth defects, or other complications. Similarly, Pfizer reported that rates of birth defects in vaccinated participants during a clinical trial were comparable to those in the general population.The CDC advisory committee is also expected to discuss whether vaccine guidance for older adults should be revised. While COVID vaccines are currently approved for adults 65 and older, as well as younger adults at high risk of severe illness, the panel may consider recommending them mainly for those 75 and older, or for younger individuals with underlying conditions.ALSO READ: Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms? New COVID Variant ‘Stratus’ Dominates U.S. CasesCOVID-19 activity remained high across the United States during the first week of September, according to fresh data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the confusion around emerging strains, shifting vaccine guidelines, and cuts to vaccine development funding, the agency continues to track cases, hospitalisations, and deaths on a weekly basis.For the four weeks ending August 30, projections show that a new variant called XFG. nicknamed “Stratus” accounted for 78 percent of infections nationwide. The next most common strains were NB.1.8.1 at 14 percent and LP.8.1 at 3 percent.ALSO READ: Ozempic Users Found To Age Back By More Than 3 Years, Finds New Trial; Peer Review PendingWhat Is the ‘Stratus’ Variant?XFG is a late-summer Omicron offshoot and a recombinant strain, formed by blending two earlier lineages: F.7 and LP.8.1.2. Scientists say the variant may carry mutations that help it slip past parts of the immune system more effectively, though there is no evidence yet that it spreads faster than previous strains.The CDC advises people to watch for familiar COVID-19 symptoms, which continue to include:Fever or chillsCoughFatigueSore throatLoss of taste or smellCongestionMuscle achesShortness of breathHeadacheNausea or vomiting

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World Patients Safety Day 2025: WHO Calls For A Safer Care Of Children And Newborn

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Every year on September 17, the world pauses to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, <span>patient safety</span>. Since its launch by the <span>World Health Organization</span> (<span>WHO</span>) in 2019, <span>World Patient Safety Day</span> has become a global campaign calling for stronger collaboration, awareness, and action to prevent avoidable harm in healthcare systems.

In 2025, the <strong>theme </strong>is “<strong><em>Safe care for every newborn and every child</em></strong>”, with the slogan “<strong><em>Patient safety from the start!</em></strong>”. The message is clear: children are not just fragile as they do not have the same levels of immunity as adults, they require special attention, protection, and tailored medical care from the very beginning of life.

Patient safety is not an isolated goal; it is the very foundation of healthcare. Without safe practices, no system can achieve universal health coverage or progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO emphasizes that unsafe care remains one of the top ten causes of death and disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as newborns and children.

<h3>The objectives of World Patient Safety Day include:</h3>

<ul><li>Increasing public awareness and commitment to safety.</li><li>Promoting global solidarity for safer healthcare.</li><li>Addressing specific issues that put patients at risk.</li><li>Empowering families and communities to play an active role.</li></ul>

Children are particularly vulnerable to risks in healthcare. Unlike adults, they cannot decide which clinic to visit or which treatment to accept. They must rely entirely on parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Their smaller bodies, developing immune systems, and emotional needs mean they often respond differently to illness and medical interventions.

The German Coalition for Patient Safety (APS) stresses that children should not be treated through an “adult lens.” Its slogan for 2025: “Patient safety from childhood onwards, an investment for life", captures the long-term importance of safe care for the youngest patients. APS is also encouraging parents, pediatricians, obstetricians, and nurses to share their experiences and identify both strengths and gaps in healthcare delivery.

The urgency of this year’s theme is evident in global statistics. WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, recently highlighted that poor quality care, rather than lack of access, accounts for 60% of maternal deaths and 56% of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

While access to hospitals has improved in many regions, unsafe practices, such as inadequate infection prevention, misdiagnosis, or insufficiently trained staff, continue to harm patients. Encouragingly, 21 African countries have already introduced National Quality Policies and Strategies that include patient safety measures like infection control, but more progress is needed.

World Patient Safety Day campaigns in previous years have focused on areas such as safe childbirth, medication safety, health worker safety, and diagnostic safety. This year’s emphasis on paediatric and newborn care builds on those efforts, recognizing that safety at the start of life shapes long-term health outcomes.

<h3>The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 provides a roadmap to strengthen safe practices through:</h3>

<ul><li>Safer clinical processes.</li><li>Improved training and workforce competencies.</li><li>Stronger patient and family engagement.</li><li>Advocacy and education beginning from childhood.</li></ul>

<span>World Patient Safety Day 2025</span> is not just about raising awareness, it is also about mobilizing concrete action. Governments, hospitals, professional associations, and civil society organizations are being urged to implement sustainable strategies to safeguard children’s health. Parents and caregivers, too, are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s medical journey by asking questions, understanding treatment plans, and advocating for safe care.

Around the world, awareness activities will include advocacy campaigns, technical discussions, and the illumination of landmarks in orange, the signature color of the campaign. These symbolic gestures serve as powerful reminders that safe healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege.

This year’s slogan, “Patient safety from the start!”, underscores that ensuring safe care from birth is not optional, it is essential. Protecting children from avoidable harm is both a moral responsibility and an investment in healthier societies.

World <span>Patient Safety Day 2025</span> is a reminder that safe care is achievable when everyone, from policymakers to frontline nurses, and from parents to international organizations, works together. After all, safeguarding the health of children today ensures a stronger, healthier world tomorrow.

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Every year on September 17, the world pauses to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, patient safety. Since its launch by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, World Patient Safety Day has become a global campaign calling for stronger collaboration, awareness, and action to prevent avoidable harm in healthcare systems.In 2025, the theme is “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, with the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. The message is clear: children are not just fragile as they do not have the same levels of immunity as adults, they require special attention, protection, and tailored medical care from the very beginning of life.Why Patient Safety MattersPatient safety is not an isolated goal; it is the very foundation of healthcare. Without safe practices, no system can achieve universal health coverage or progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO emphasizes that unsafe care remains one of the top ten causes of death and disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as newborns and children.The objectives of World Patient Safety Day include:Increasing public awareness and commitment to safety.Promoting global solidarity for safer healthcare.Addressing specific issues that put patients at risk.Empowering families and communities to play an active role.Focus on Children’s HealthChildren are particularly vulnerable to risks in healthcare. Unlike adults, they cannot decide which clinic to visit or which treatment to accept. They must rely entirely on parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Their smaller bodies, developing immune systems, and emotional needs mean they often respond differently to illness and medical interventions.The German Coalition for Patient Safety (APS) stresses that children should not be treated through an “adult lens.” Its slogan for 2025: “Patient safety from childhood onwards, an investment for life", captures the long-term importance of safe care for the youngest patients. APS is also encouraging parents, pediatricians, obstetricians, and nurses to share their experiences and identify both strengths and gaps in healthcare delivery.A Global Call for ActionThe urgency of this year’s theme is evident in global statistics. WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, recently highlighted that poor quality care, rather than lack of access, accounts for 60% of maternal deaths and 56% of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.While access to hospitals has improved in many regions, unsafe practices, such as inadequate infection prevention, misdiagnosis, or insufficiently trained staff, continue to harm patients. Encouragingly, 21 African countries have already introduced National Quality Policies and Strategies that include patient safety measures like infection control, but more progress is needed.Building on Past EffortsWorld Patient Safety Day campaigns in previous years have focused on areas such as safe childbirth, medication safety, health worker safety, and diagnostic safety. This year’s emphasis on paediatric and newborn care builds on those efforts, recognizing that safety at the start of life shapes long-term health outcomes.The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 provides a roadmap to strengthen safe practices through:Safer clinical processes.Improved training and workforce competencies.Stronger patient and family engagement.Advocacy and education beginning from childhood.From Awareness to ActionWorld Patient Safety Day 2025 is not just about raising awareness, it is also about mobilizing concrete action. Governments, hospitals, professional associations, and civil society organizations are being urged to implement sustainable strategies to safeguard children’s health. Parents and caregivers, too, are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s medical journey by asking questions, understanding treatment plans, and advocating for safe care.Around the world, awareness activities will include advocacy campaigns, technical discussions, and the illumination of landmarks in orange, the signature color of the campaign. These symbolic gestures serve as powerful reminders that safe healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege.Patient Safety From the StartThis year’s slogan, “Patient safety from the start!”, underscores that ensuring safe care from birth is not optional, it is essential. Protecting children from avoidable harm is both a moral responsibility and an investment in healthier societies.World Patient Safety Day 2025 is a reminder that safe care is achievable when everyone, from policymakers to frontline nurses, and from parents to international organizations, works together. After all, safeguarding the health of children today ensures a stronger, healthier world tomorrow.

world patients safety day 2025: who calls for a safer care of children and newborn

Ebola Outbreak Update: Vaccines Continue To Arrive As Congo Yet Again Becomes Disease Hotspot

Congo Ebola Outbreak Caused By The Zaire Strain So Far Has 28 Deaths, Confirms WHO

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Just 10 days after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an <span>Ebola virus</span> outbreak in Kasai province, health authorities have rolled out a vaccination drive targeting frontline workers and contacts of patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in its latest update.

The first consignment of 400 doses of Ervebo (VSV-EBOV) was dispatched to Bulape health zone from a national stockpile of 2,000 doses stored in Kinshasa. Some frontline health workers in the capital had already received the vaccine. The WHO said additional shipments are expected in the coming days to sustain the response effort.

Health teams are deploying a “ring vaccination” strategy, which prioritizes those at the highest risk of infection, including patient contacts and health workers directly exposed to cases.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-is-babesia-that-could-block-your-lyme-disease-recovery-article-152840230" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">What Is Babesia That Could Block Your Lyme Disease Recovery?</a>

<h2>Global Support for Vaccine Supply</h2>

To ensure adequate coverage, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has approved an additional 45,000 doses to be sent to the DRC. The WHO is assisting the Ministry of Health in formalizing a request for these doses and has also worked with partners to draw up a detailed immunization plan. Training sessions for vaccination teams are underway to streamline the rollout.

Alongside vaccines, treatment options are being reinforced. Courses of the monoclonal antibody therapy MAb114 (ansuvimab-zykl, commercially known as Ebanga) have already been dispatched to treatment centers in Bulape to support patient care.

<h2>Rising Case Numbers and Death Toll</h2>

Despite these interventions, the outbreak continues to grow. At a meeting of the provincial <span>Ebola</span> emergency committee on September 13, officials reported a sharp increase in infections and fatalities. According to the DRC’s National Public Health Laboratory (INRB), total cases have now risen to 81, with 28 deaths recorded, marking a case-fatality rate of 34.6%.

The latest figures represent a significant jump from a few days earlier, when authorities reported 68 suspected cases (including 20 confirmed) and 16 deaths.

<strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/congo-ebola-outbreak-caused-by-the-zaire-strain-so-far-has-28-deaths-confirms-who-article-152829214" data-type="tilCustomLink">Congo Ebola Outbreak Caused By The Zaire Strain So Far Has 28 Deaths, Confirms WHO</a>

Of seven new suspected cases detected in the Bulape health zone, five have been confirmed through laboratory testing. This highlights both the rapid spread of the virus and the crucial role of diagnostic capacity in containing the outbreak.

Efforts to trace and monitor contacts are also being scaled up. Health officials identified 58 new contacts in recent days, bringing the total to 716. Contact tracing is a cornerstone of the response, enabling teams to vaccinate and monitor individuals most likely to have been exposed.

In a further boost to local capacity, another 360 vaccine doses have arrived in Tshikapa, the provincial capital of Kasai. This shipment is expected to support wider vaccination efforts in neighboring areas.

With Ebola continuing to claim lives in Kasai, health authorities in the DRC and their global partners are racing to contain the outbreak. Vaccines, therapeutic drugs, and intensive contact tracing remain at the heart of the strategy. However, the rising case count underscores the urgent need to maintain momentum and secure sufficient supplies before the virus spreads further.

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ebola virus vaccination

Just 10 days after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola virus outbreak in Kasai province, health authorities have rolled out a vaccination drive targeting frontline workers and contacts of patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in its latest update.First Vaccines Arrive in BulapeThe first consignment of 400 doses of Ervebo (VSV-EBOV) was dispatched to Bulape health zone from a national stockpile of 2,000 doses stored in Kinshasa. Some frontline health workers in the capital had already received the vaccine. The WHO said additional shipments are expected in the coming days to sustain the response effort.Health teams are deploying a “ring vaccination” strategy, which prioritizes those at the highest risk of infection, including patient contacts and health workers directly exposed to cases.Also Read: What Is Babesia That Could Block Your Lyme Disease Recovery?Global Support for Vaccine SupplyTo ensure adequate coverage, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has approved an additional 45,000 doses to be sent to the DRC. The WHO is assisting the Ministry of Health in formalizing a request for these doses and has also worked with partners to draw up a detailed immunization plan. Training sessions for vaccination teams are underway to streamline the rollout.Alongside vaccines, treatment options are being reinforced. Courses of the monoclonal antibody therapy MAb114 (ansuvimab-zykl, commercially known as Ebanga) have already been dispatched to treatment centers in Bulape to support patient care.Rising Case Numbers and Death TollDespite these interventions, the outbreak continues to grow. At a meeting of the provincial Ebola emergency committee on September 13, officials reported a sharp increase in infections and fatalities. According to the DRC’s National Public Health Laboratory (INRB), total cases have now risen to 81, with 28 deaths recorded, marking a case-fatality rate of 34.6%.The latest figures represent a significant jump from a few days earlier, when authorities reported 68 suspected cases (including 20 confirmed) and 16 deaths.Also Read: Congo Ebola Outbreak Caused By The Zaire Strain So Far Has 28 Deaths, Confirms WHOOf seven new suspected cases detected in the Bulape health zone, five have been confirmed through laboratory testing. This highlights both the rapid spread of the virus and the crucial role of diagnostic capacity in containing the outbreak.Expanding Contact TracingEfforts to trace and monitor contacts are also being scaled up. Health officials identified 58 new contacts in recent days, bringing the total to 716. Contact tracing is a cornerstone of the response, enabling teams to vaccinate and monitor individuals most likely to have been exposed.In a further boost to local capacity, another 360 vaccine doses have arrived in Tshikapa, the provincial capital of Kasai. This shipment is expected to support wider vaccination efforts in neighboring areas.With Ebola continuing to claim lives in Kasai, health authorities in the DRC and their global partners are racing to contain the outbreak. Vaccines, therapeutic drugs, and intensive contact tracing remain at the heart of the strategy. However, the rising case count underscores the urgent need to maintain momentum and secure sufficient supplies before the virus spreads further.

ebola outbreak update: vaccines continue to arrive as congo yet again becomes disease hotspot

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