Infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae; can be severe without vaccination.
A convergence of UK maternity reforms is unfolding as ministers pledge a return to national standards, addressing underperformance and racial disparities. The oversight aims to end postcode lotteries, with patient experience and early-warning metrics guiding care. The government faces pressure from reports into Nottingham and Shrewsbury/Telford, and from unions calling for culture change.
The World Food Programme says resources are insufficient to expand aid in Somalia, where 1.9 million children under five face acute malnutrition this year and overall food insecurity affects about 30% of the population. Health centres are closing or strained as funding cuts bite, forcing displaced families to rely on limited services.
UK immunisation coverage shows signs of stabilising among children starting primary school, but latest data reveal uptake for several vaccines remains below the 95% target set by the WHO. The UK Health Security Agency reports small year-to-year declines in several shots, with regional gaps and disparities in deprived areas. NHS continues offering vaccines free of charge from infancy onward.
At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Officials have said the deaths have been sent for medical examination while an intelligence report and survivors point to overcrowding and poor ventilation in the detention facility. Protests and a curfew have followed.