Global Scans · Good Health and Well-being · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• [New] The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations have garnered widespread acceptance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where they are regarded as the paramount global agenda for enhancing population health and well-being by 2030. LWW
• [New] The projected decline in the workforce could affect U.S. demographics and make it harder to revive manufacturing jobs or attract workers in key sectors such as health care, agriculture, and energy, especially as the population ages. Caliber.az
• [New] Better health could add US$ 12 trillion to global GDP by 2040 - an 8% boost. ShareAction
• [New] Healthcare providers are increasingly investing in evidence-based probiotic interventions, with the probiotic infant formula segment alone projected to reach USD 1,285 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.3%. Emergen Research
• [New] As health research confirms respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, expect specific occupational exposure limits for common nanomaterials by 2031, particularly affecting manufacturing, 3D printing, and recycling operations. Astutis
• [New] With musculoskeletal disorders accounting for 28% of workplace injuries in the UK, passive and powered exoskeletons will reach critical mass adoption in logistics and healthcare by 2030 as costs drop below £3,000 per unit. Astutis
• [New] Asia Pacific is forecast as the fastest-growing region, driven by rising healthcare expenditure, expanding hospital networks, medical tourism, and increasing awareness of minimally invasive surgery benefits in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Vantage Market Research
• [New] A new trial will evaluate whether integrating autonomous AI screening for diabetic retinopathy into U.S. federally qualified health centers can boost screening completion and accelerate early detection. News-Medical
• [New] Biodiversity collapse and climate-related disasters could cost trillions of dollars in lost productive capacity, and have wide-reaching consequences for public health, economic stability, and global security. Project Syndicate
• [New] Road traffic noise pollution in the UK can significantly impact public health, contributing to stress, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Transport + Health
• [New] Reducing methane emissions will protect the health of Australians and mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change. Healthy Futures
• [New] Pakistan will aim to advance AI in healthcare through its National AI policy, though we anticipate both AI implementation and broader digital health initiatives will face significant adoption challenges. Fitch Solutions
• [New] Medicaid: Proposed cuts to states that fund Medicaid through provider taxes and that expanded their coverage under the Affordable Care Act, as well as a proposed work requirement for adults 18-64 receiving Medicaid, will result in nearly 11 million people losing access to health insurance by 2034. AAMC
• [New] The year 2026 will see heightened uncertainty for international healthcare specialists (e.g., physicians, nurses, physical therapists) due to a perfect storm of geopolitical tensions, evolving immigration policies, and domestic protectionist pressures. Syncx
• [New] In 2026, the competition for temporary clinical talent will intensify, forcing healthcare organizations to adopt more sophisticated, loyalty-based rewards programs traditionally reserved for permanent employees. Syncx
• [New] The healthcare sector in 2026 will confront the accelerated and mass retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. Syncx
• [New] U.S. employers and workers are being squeezed by the steepest run-up in health insurance costs in years, with average family premiums nearing $26,993 in 2025 and pressure building for even sharper increases in 2026. Fortune
• [New] Closing the 25% gap in health outcomes for women will add $1 trillion in annual global GDP by 2040. Hello Tomorrow
• The FDA has announced it is initiating a label change process for acetaminophen to alert health care providers of a possible association between its use during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children. Pharmacy Times
• Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries, causing prolonged illnesses, heightened antimicrobial use, increased healthcare expenses, and avoidable deaths. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Ageing Australia's Continuum of Ageing 2050 sets a bold vision for reimagining ageing - integrating aged care, healthcare, seniors housing and community services. Ageing Australia
• Every euro invested in PA would save around €1.7 in NCDs health expenses and the global cost of inaction on physical inactivity was calculated to reach approximately €44.3 billion per year, up to 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)

Last updated: 26 October 2025