Latest reporting from the Health desk, in reverse chronological order.
The World Health Organization and Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency called for greater investment in traditional medicine research, regulation and innovation in Africa on Sept. 1, during the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported more than 6,000 confirmed Ebola cases and nearly 2,900 deaths as of September 1, 2026, in the country’s largest recorded outbreak.
The 24th African Traditional Medicine Day was observed across Africa on August 31, with WHO-led discussions focused on integrating traditional medicine into primary care and supporting universal health coverage.
Health officials say South Carolina’s measles outbreak has grown to 789 confirmed cases since September, surpassing last year’s large Texas outbreak and becoming the biggest in the U.S. since measles was declared eliminated. The surge, centered in Spartanburg County, has led to quarantines and heightened concern among public health experts about continued transmission.
CMS selected 15 high-cost drugs for the third cycle of Medicare price negotiations, including Botox and the diabetes drug Trulicity, with talks occurring in 2026 and new prices scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new list of 15 high-cost drugs selected for the third cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations, including Botox and the diabetes drug Trulicity. CMS said negotiations will occur in 2026 and the negotiated prices are slated to take effect on January 1, 2028. CMS also said one previously negotiated drug, Tradjenta, was selected for renegotiation.
Updated CDC figures cited by ABC News show at least 171 measles cases confirmed in nine states so far in 2026, with South Carolina and Utah continuing to manage outbreaks that began earlier.
A study reported that many CDC health surveillance databases were delayed or stopped updating during 2025, including several tracking vaccinations and vaccine-preventable diseases. Researchers warned the breakdown could leave the U.S. less prepared for outbreaks and public health emergencies.
CMS released its 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D advance notice projecting a 0.09% net average payment increase, a headline number that insurers and clinicians say could translate into higher premiums and tighter benefits if finalized.
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and other health professionals walked off the job in California and Hawaii, saying staffing levels, compensation and delays in patient care have reached a breaking point. Kaiser says it is working to maintain operations as talks continue, and the walkout is expected to last until an agreement is reached.
CMS released its 2027 advance notice for Medicare Advantage and Part D, projecting a net average payment increase of 0.09% and detailing methodological updates affecting risk adjustment and quality bonus calculations. The proposal is expected to spark intense insurer feedback as plans prepare 2027 benefits and premiums.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a net average 0.09% year-over-year Medicare Advantage payment increase for 2027, far below what many analysts expected. The proposal sparked sharp moves in health insurer shares as companies warned of tighter margins and potential benefit changes.