Health

UKHSA priorities in 2026 to 2027

Letter from Health Minister Dame Diana Johnson MP confirming the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) role and priorities for the financial year 2026 to 2027.

More REM sleep linked to lower risk of 83 diseases

A large study tracking more than 95,000 people suggests that how you sleep may be linked to your risk of developing dozens of diseases. People who spent more time in REM sleep had lower risks of 83 conditions, including…

GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes drugs linked to nutritional deficiencies in nearly 1 in 6 children

Children taking GLP-1 medications (such as Victoza, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Ozempic) for weight loss, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes may face an overlooked risk: nutritional deficiencies. A new study found that nearly…

Federal Court Enters Consent Decree Against Gold Star Distribution, Inc. Following Persistent Insanitary Warehouse Conditions

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation resulted in a federal court order, dated Sept. 21, 2026, stopping a warehouse operator from distributing FDA-regulated products including food, drugs, medical devices…

UKHSA expands wastewater surveillance to strengthen ‘early warning system’ for dangerous pathogens

£3 million from the UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF) will enable UKHSA labs to extend surveillance to hospital wastewater sites and high-footfall locations.

Keep Britain Working review update: a national growth opportunity, September 2026

September 2026 update on implementing the independent review of employers' role in tackling health based economic inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces to change outcomes, improve lives and drive…

UKHSA and PACE make new bacteria available to support research into tackling antimicrobial resistance

The collections cover bacteria identified as priority threats by the World Health Organization.

UKHSA and University of Oxford scientists uncover genetic changes in the bacteria causing severe Kent meningococcal disease outbreak

Scientists used genome sequencing to identify genetic changes that may explain the severity of the Kent meningococcal disease outbreak earlier this year.

Annual Report to the Nation: Progress Against Lung Cancer Drives Down Cancer Mortality

Learn the latest U.S. cancer trends, including falling death rates and lung cancer progress.

CDC Data Show Encouraging Progress in Youth Health

FDA Updates Regulations to Advance Innovative Alternatives to Animal Testing

The FDA today issued a direct final rule that updates its regulations to clarify that non-animal methods can be used where appropriate for testing the safety of drugs and biological products intended for human use…

Thousands invited to register for public panel for independent commission on adult social care

Baroness Louise Casey's independent commission on adult social care is inviting people to join public panels as part of the Big Conversation on Care.

Expert team to drive improvements in cancer care

Government announces new National Cancer Board, whose first meeting is today (21 September 2026).

FDA Approves First Gene Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Fayuvi (rebisufligene etisparvovec-hopf), the first treatment for pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA), also known as Sanfilippo…

Minister of State for Social Care and Mental Health speech on dementia

Minister Alison McGovern delivered the keynote speech at the Alzheimer's Society Conference 2026 in London, highlighting the government's action on dementia.

Chair appointed to lead Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Trust inquiry

Chair to the public inquiry into mental health care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) appointed.

Salmonella outbreak update

UKHSA, alongside the Food Standards Agency and other public health partners, continues to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella in the UK.

Six neighbourhood health trailblazers to transform care

New neighbourhood health investment partnership to bring care closer to home and tackle health inequalities.

Government response to the Thirlwall Inquiry

The Secretary of State has apologised to families and set out urgent action following the Thirlwall Inquiry’s findings, published on 15 September.

Government to act on Thirlwall patient safety recommendations

The government outlines plans to strengthen NHS safeguarding, accountability and neonatal safety, including work on 'cot cams'.

FDA Launches Expedited IND Pilot, Begins Accepting Applications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the final design of the Expedited Investigational New Drug (IND) Pilot.

CDC Statement on Increases in Recent Animal Rabies Activity and Associated Human Exposures

Latest figures highlight ongoing Meningitis B risk for students

Freshers urged to get vaccinated with 2 doses before term starts.

Twenty-Five Years After 9/11 - Lessons from the World Trade Center Health Program

Paper examines 9/11-related health outcomes and lessons learned since the disaster.

Over £1.5 billion to help NHS withstand year-round pressure

More than 950 projects will make NHS hospitals safer, more resilient and better equipped to care for patients.