Clinical Investment, Health Systems, Global Risks: Week in Health

Clinical research investment is expanding in Mexico as Roche scales trials and IMSS upgrades diagnostic capacity nationwide, signaling growing demand for specialized health talent and infrastructure. Meanwhile, global health institutions are shaping workforce priorities through new school nutrition guidelines and primary care guidance on tobacco and nicotine cessation. In other news, corporate restructuring in the personal care sector and warnings over aid cuts highlight shifting resource allocation and mounting risks for health systems and the professionals who sustain them worldwide.

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Roche Expands Clinical Research in Mexico, Invests MX$1.2 Billion

Roche is expanding its portfolio of subcutaneous therapies, precision diagnostics, and clinical research activities in Mexico as part of its 2025–2026 strategy, reinforcing its long-term presence in the country and its focus on improving access to diagnosis and treatment. For the 2025–2026 period, the company projects nearly MX$1.2 billion (US$60 million) in clinical research investment, 16 new studies in the first quarter and about 1,200 additional patients who could benefit.

IMSS Invests MX$1.7 Billion in Diagnostic Equipment Upgrade

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) will deploy 123 high-technology medical imaging systems across the country as part of a MX$1.7 billion (US$87.4 million) investment. The project aims to replace obsolete equipment and expand diagnostic capacity in primary and tertiary care units, says Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS.

WHO Issues Guideline on Healthier School Food Policies

Healthy food policies in schools can shape dietary habits and health outcomes across the life course, the World Health Organization (WHO) says in a new global guideline urging countries to adopt evidence-based measures to improve school food environments.

PAHO Releases Primary Care Guide on Tobacco, Nicotine Cessation

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has released a new clinical booklet aimed at strengthening tobacco and nicotine cessation services in primary health care, as countries in the Americas face shifting consumption patterns, rising chronic disease burdens, and renewed policy efforts to reduce preventable health risks.

Edgewell Sells Feminine Care Business to Essity

Edgewell Personal Care has completed the sale of its feminine care business to Essity for US$340 million, closing a transaction that reshapes its portfolio as the company prioritizes debt reduction and investment in shaving, sun and skin care, and grooming.

Aid Cuts Could Reverse Global Health Gains, Study Warns

A sustained reduction in official development assistance could result in nearly 23 million additional deaths by 2030 across 93 low- and middle-income countries, according to a new peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Global Health. The findings suggest that recent and projected cuts by major donor countries risk undoing decades of progress in reducing preventable mortality, with children and fragile health systems facing the highest exposure.