RSV Vaccine, Climate Change, Child Safety: The Week in Health

The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) is building a universal electronic medical record (EMR) that aims to provide doctors with seamless access to healthcare information. Meanwhile, experts highlighted rising mental health issues linked to climate disasters, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced the distribution of an affordable RSV vaccine in 2025 to protect infants, and UNICEF urged businesses to improve child safety online.

This Week in Health:

Mexico 

IMSS Advances Electronic Medical Record System

The IMSS is strengthening its EMR, aiming to turn it into the foundation of a national platform that will store the medical histories of the entire population. This universal system will be accessible to all in the medical field, regardless of which healthcare institution a person visits. 

Trends

Climate Change Fuels Growing Mental Health Concerns

As the frequency of climate-related disasters increases globally, experts are raising alarms about the rising mental health challenges linked to climate change. Natural disasters and constant exposure to related news have contributed to an increase in climate-related psychological distress.

Apple Tests App to Help Prediabetics Manage Blood Sugar

Apple developed an app to help prediabetics manage blood sugar by tracking diet using available devices, helping to show how food choices impact blood sugar and prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes. While the project has been paused, its findings could inform future health tech.

International Cooperation

PAHO to Provide RSV Vaccine in the Americas in 2025

Starting in the 1Q25, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will offer countries in the Americas access to an affordable vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and death in the first six months of life. This move aims to improve public health by tackling a major contributor to respiratory illnesses in young children.

UNICEF Urges Businesses to Prioritize Child Safety Online

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is urging businesses to integrate child rights into their digital operations, emphasizing that children under 18 account for one-third of global internet users. In collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNICEF is offering training programs to help companies address online risks and create safer digital environments for children.