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North Carolina's medical debt cancellation program, launched 15 months ago, has helped nearly a quarter of residents, erasing an average of $2,600 per person. The initiative, part of broader Medicaid incentives, has surpassed initial estimates, with hospitals removing debt from credit reports and aiding millions in financial recovery.
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As of November 2025, US schools and universities face escalating conflicts over antisemitism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. California confronts a federal lawsuit challenging a new law aimed at combating antisemitism in schools. Universities like UVA and UCLA negotiate with the federal government over DEI bans and antisemitism probes, while K-12 schools report rising antisemitic harassment since 2023.
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Liberia's government announced a significant increase in medicine procurement, with $10 million allocated for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to reduce drug shortages, improve accountability, and strengthen healthcare access nationwide, supported by government leadership and community involvement.
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As of December 2025, the WHO has issued its first guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The US government has negotiated significant price cuts for these drugs, expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to more patients. However, concerns remain about drug accessibility, side effects, and weight regain after stopping treatment.
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The Biden administration proposes new rules to cut federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries. The move aims to restrict access nationwide, facing legal challenges and opposition from medical groups. The rules are not yet final and will undergo a public comment period.
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On January 5, 2026, the US CDC, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting director Jim O’Neill, reduced the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children from 18 diseases to 11. Vaccines for hepatitis A, B, influenza, meningitis, RSV, and rotavirus are now recommended only for high-risk groups or via shared clinical decision-making. The move, aligned with President Trump’s directive to match European schedules, bypassed usual expert review and drew widespread criticism from medical groups and public health experts.
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Five Democratic-led states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—sued the federal government over a funding freeze targeting social programs. A judge temporarily blocked the freeze, citing potential harm to low-income families and ongoing legal questions about the administration's justification for withholding over $10 billion in aid.