WHO sets up panel to combat loneliness

US Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence in America a ‘Public Health Crisis’

US Surgeon General , Declares Gun Violence in America , a ‘Public Health Crisis’. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made the declaration in a new advisory released on June 25, CNN reports. It is the first time that a surgeon general has focused on gun violence's "profound consequences" in a national publication. . Over the last decade or two, this problem has been worsening and we have now reached the point where gun violence is the leading cause of death among kids and teens – the leading cause of death. , Dr. Vivek Murthy, to CNN's John Berman. That is something that we should never take as the new normal. There’s nothing normal about that, Dr. Vivek Murthy, to CNN's John Berman. According to Murthy, the advisory is intended to take the polarizing issue of firearms "out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.". According to Murthy, the advisory is intended to take the polarizing issue of firearms "out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.". The advisory highlights measures that Murthy believes can have an impact on gun violence. just as steps to address vehicle crashes and tobacco-related illnesses have in the past. . just as steps to address vehicle crashes and tobacco-related illnesses have in the past. . Historically, we have seen how the release of Surgeon General reports on public health issues such as the dangers of smoking ignited a wave of policy, legal, and public health initiatives.., Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair and chief medical officer, via CNN. ... that saved countless American lives and in this case led to deprogramming our nation from the tobacco industry’s lies. , Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair and chief medical officer, via CNN. We hope this report will have the same resounding impact on the gun violence epidemic, Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair and chief medical officer, via CNN. In 2022, over 48,000 people in America died from gun-related injuries, according to CDC data. In the new advisory, Dr. Murthy said, "It is up to us to take on this generational challenge with the urgency and clarity the moment demands.". The safety and well-being of our children and future generations are at stake, Dr. Vivek Murthy, via advisory

Surgeon General Wants Social Media to Include Warning of Mental Health Risks

Surgeon General Wants, Social Media to Include , Warning of Mental Health Risks. On June 17, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require social media platforms to give users a tobacco-style warning. . On June 17, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require social media platforms to give users a tobacco-style warning. . NBC reports that Murthy warned that the mental health crisis among young Americans has become an urgent problem, citing social media as "an important contributor.". NBC reports that Murthy warned that the mental health crisis among young Americans has become an urgent problem, citing social media as "an important contributor.". According to Murthy, the warning would include language that alerts users to potential mental health harms associated with using social media. A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe, Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, via NBC. Evidence from tobacco labels shows that surgeon general’s warnings can increase awareness and change behavior, Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, via NBC. Murthy reportedly went on to acknowledge that a warning alone has limitations and fails to make social media safe. In an op-ed published in 'The New York Times,' Murthy linked the amount of time spent using social media with an increased risk for children to develop anxiety and depression. In an op-ed published in 'The New York Times,' Murthy linked the amount of time spent using social media with an increased risk for children to develop anxiety and depression. According to the American Psychological Association, teens spend around five hours a day on popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. . In his 'NYT' op-ed, Murthy called on all social media platforms to "proactively enhance and contribute to the mental health and well-being of our children.". One 2019 study found that the number of teens with suicidal thoughts increased 47% between 2008 and 2017, a period which also saw social media use soar.

Watch: Medical supplies being transferred in the Gaza Strip

Footage has been released by the World Health Organisation showing the delivery of supplies to two hospitals in northern Gaza

New European-funded initiative set to increase Africa's vaccine production

The new initiative was launched at a summit co-hosted by France, the African Union, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.