International health news
Research conducted by Aetna International shows that International Private Medical Insurance (PMI) claims for depression have increased by 50% between 2014 and 2016. The research also found that international PMI claims for mental health issues increased by 33% in Europe between the same years.
Young adults taking the latest HIV drugs now have near-normal life expectancy rates as the treatments have improved, according to a study in The Lancet. Doctors say starting the treatment early is crucial to achieve a long and healthy life.
Country updates
The USA might consider its interests regarding climate change policy, according to secretary of state Rex Tillerson. After attending the meeting with the eight Arctic nations in Alaska, he said the US would not rush to make a decision and would consider their views. President Donald Trump said he may pull the US out of the Paris Accord to further express his doubts over the human role in climate change.
Brazil has declared that the Zika virus emergency is over. In the last year, there was a sharp decrease in cases, as much as 95% between January and April in comparison to last year. The World Health Organisation lifted their international emergency in November last year.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least one person has died after contracting the virus. After the biggest Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015 where more than 11,000 people died, and the fact that Congo has fought more Ebola outbreaks than any other country, the country is well practiced in fighting the deadly virus.
Health advice
A recent study by The BMJ found there may be a connection between taking high doses of common anti-inflammatory painkillers and heart attacks. The researchers state that the risk is highest during the first 30 days. However, the findings are not clear cut and other factors could be involved.
A new health and fitness trend uses DNA tests to find out more about how bodies respond to different types of food and exercise. Several DNA kits are on the market and its effectiveness and preciseness can differ per kit.