Global Health Initiatives: Key Updates and Developments

Nigeria receives mpox vaccines from USAID; UK's Starmer supports tighter smoking rules; FDA mandates photo IDs for tobacco buyers; FDA approves smallpox vaccine for mpox; Trump promises IVF coverage; Merck ends Keytruda trials; WHO seeks rapid mpox test access; Listeria outbreak update; Catalent beats revenue estimate; Israel-Hamas agree on Gaza polio vaccinations.

Nigeria has received 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This marks the first delivery of the vaccine to the country, where 40 cases have been confirmed with no fatalities. Muyi Aina, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, hailed the donation as a 'critical step' for Nigeria.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for banning smoking in certain outdoor spaces, like pub gardens, as a strategy to reduce pressure on the National Health Service. Starmer highlighted that 80,000 annual deaths are linked to smoking, emphasizing the need to combat preventable diseases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires photo identification for tobacco buyers under 30, up from the previous age of 27. This age verification mandate aims to curb underage tobacco sales and usage.

In other FDA news, Emergent BioSolutions' ACAM2000 smallpox vaccine has received approval for expanded use in individuals at high risk for mpox. This decision follows WHO's recent declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency.

On the political front, Republican candidate Donald Trump has promised to ensure government or insurance companies cover IVF fertility treatments if he is elected, aiming to attract female and suburban voters.

Merck announced the discontinuation of two late-stage trials for its cancer drug Keytruda, following unsuccessful outcomes in patients with skin and lung cancers. The company has been exploring new applications for Keytruda as it approaches patent expiration.

Seeking to expedite diagnostic access, the WHO has called on manufacturers to submit their mpox tests for emergency review, particularly to serve low-income populations.

The CDC reported that a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has resulted in five more deaths, bringing the total to eight fatalities among 57 cases, all requiring hospitalization.

In financial news, Catalent exceeded revenue expectations for the fourth quarter, driven by its biologics segment involved in cell and gene therapy production.

Lastly, a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas will enable polio vaccinations for 640,000 children in Gaza. The vaccination initiative, facilitated by the WHO, will be conducted during three-day pauses in fighting scheduled to start on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)