Last year, US authorities approved the first at-home test capable of detecting three common infections in women — gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis — as well as the first home-based kit for the virus that causes cervical cancer. Experts say these new options for testing and treatment could help reduce infection rates nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved two new drugs for gonorrhea in 2025, marking the first new treatment options for the disease in decades. Gonorrhea has been increasingly resistant to antibiotics, and the new oral medications provide an alternative to the standard injectable treatment. Nuzolvenc, developed through a public-private partnership, comes in granules that dissolve in water, while Bluejepa, produced by GlaxoSmithKline, is a tablet also approved for urinary tract infections.

“Sexual health can be stigmatised, and people can be hesitant about testing,” said Dr. Ina Park, a sexual health specialist at the University of California. “Now we have a lot of options for patients who may be wary of going into a provider’s office.”

The new home-based tests aim to make testing more convenient and faster. Visby Medical launched its three-in-one test for women following FDA approval in March 2025. The urine-based kit includes a vaginal swab and a small electronic device that processes the results and sends them to an online app. A telehealth consultation with a medical provider is included, allowing patients to discuss results and receive prescriptions within hours. The entire process can take as little as six hours, compared with several days under traditional lab-based testing, said Dr. Gary Schoolnik, Visby’s chief medical officer.

In May, the FDA approved Teal Health’s home-based HPV test. The Teal Wand allows women to collect samples at home and ship them to a laboratory for processing. Updated federal guidelines now endorse self-collection for HPV screening for the first time.

Provisional CDC data for 2024 showed a third consecutive year of declining gonorrhea cases, along with decreases in adult chlamydia and infectious syphilis. Experts attribute the trend to a combination of factors, including changes in sexual activity, increased use of preventative antibiotics, and the rise of at-home testing.

Some experts, however, caution that home testing could make national infection tracking more challenging. High costs may also limit access: Visby’s test costs $150 and is not covered by most insurance. Public health funding cuts may further restrict access to testing and treatment for underserved populations.

“I’m optimistic that more testing options and new drugs will help reduce infection rates,” Dr. Park said. “The risk is that cuts to public health could prevent the people who need these tools most from accessing them.”

The new approvals mark a shift toward patient-centered sexual health care, combining convenience, speed, and broader access to treatment options, even as challenges remain in ensuring equitable availability.

Researchers in the United Kingdom have proposed new guidelines for safer cannabis consumption, aiming to reduce health risks as the drug becomes increasingly used and available across Europe.

A study conducted by the University of Bath, published in the journal Addiction, recommends a weekly threshold based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. The approach is similar to alcohol intake guidelines, focusing on both potency and quantity rather than solely frequency of use.

“The ultimate goal of our new guidelines is to reduce harm. The only truly safe level of cannabis use is no use,” said Rachel Lees Thorne, lead researcher in Bath’s Department of Psychology. “However, for those who don’t want to stop or are unable to, we still want to make it easier for them to lower their risk of harm.”

The researchers suggest that adults should not exceed eight THC units per week, equivalent to around 40 mg of THC or roughly one-third of a gram of herbal cannabis. Each THC unit corresponds to five milligrams. Tom Freeman, a senior researcher on the Bath team, said that focusing on THC units can help users understand their consumption and make informed choices. He added that public health bodies and healthcare providers could use the thresholds to communicate risks and monitor reductions in use.

The recommendations were informed by data from the CannTeen study at University College London, which followed 150 cannabis users for one year to track weekly THC intake and assess cannabis use disorder (CUD). The Bath team found that the risk of CUD increases above eight THC units per week, with severe cases rising above 13 units. CUD is estimated to affect 22 percent of regular users and can cause cravings, dependence, and disruptions to daily life.

Cannabis use has been linked to physical and mental health problems, including chronic respiratory symptoms, dependence, and psychotic episodes. Risks are higher for early onset use, high-potency products, and long-term consumption patterns.

Freeman emphasized the importance of the guidance as legal markets expand worldwide. “As cannabis becomes increasingly available, it is more important than ever to help consumers make informed choices about their use,” he said.

Cannabis remains the most widely consumed illicit drug in Europe. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, about 8.4 percent of adults aged 15 to 64—roughly 24 million people—used cannabis in the past year, with an estimated 4.3 million using it daily or almost daily.

Cannabis laws across Europe remain strict, though some countries have eased regulations. Malta legalized adult use in 2021, permitting possession of small amounts, home cultivation, and non-profit distribution associations. Luxembourg and Germany allow limited private use and home cultivation, while the Netherlands and Switzerland are piloting controlled sales of flowers, resin, oils, and edibles.

The Bath study’s guidelines aim to provide a clear framework for adults to manage cannabis consumption and reduce associated health risks in a changing European market.

Shifts in global health leadership, climate change, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are expected to dominate the international health agenda in 2026, experts say. Funding constraints, workforce shortages, and emerging threats will shape policy decisions and determine how countries respond to ongoing and future crises.

Last year, U.S. cuts to humanitarian and development aid sent shockwaves through global health programs. Other countries have since scaled back funding, creating uncertainty for initiatives aimed at preventing disease and supporting vulnerable populations. Anja Langenbucher, Europe office director at the Gates Foundation, said these pauses could slow progress and have lingering effects, particularly as child mortality rates rise for the first time this century.

Despite these challenges, Langenbucher highlighted reasons for cautious optimism. AI-driven tools, next-generation vaccines, and climate-smart agriculture could strengthen resilience and efficiency in healthcare delivery. She noted that stable funding platforms, particularly in the European Union, could help turn long-term possibilities into practical solutions.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria pointed to malaria as a priority for 2026. Stalled progress in malaria control and growing drug resistance illustrate the consequences of underfunded and fragmented health systems, including prevention, primary care, and community delivery networks. A spokesperson said the year ahead would be defined by “hard choices,” but also an opportunity to refocus on impact, integration, and national leadership.

Technological innovation is expected to be a key driver of change. AI applications could ease the workload of healthcare professionals, enabling clinicians to dedicate more time to patient care. Philips, a global health technology company, said AI can enhance efficiency and improve decision-making in increasingly complex systems. Biotechnology is also gaining prominence, particularly in Europe, where the new EU Biotech Act is set to influence policy. HIPRA, a Spanish biotech firm, emphasized that advances in diagnostics, vaccines, and medical countermeasures are crucial for pandemic preparedness and national security.

Healthcare systems face additional pressure from workforce shortages, rising demand, ageing populations, and declining mental health among staff. Katherine de Bienassis, a health policy analyst at the OECD, said shortages of nurses, physicians, and specialists reduce system capacity and worsen inequities. Policymakers are likely to focus on improving productivity while maintaining care quality.

Climate change will introduce new health risks, including faster spread of vector-borne diseases, pollution-related illnesses, and biodiversity loss. Génon K. Jensen of the Health and Environment Alliance urged that climate adaptation policies prioritize health, including nature-based solutions to prevent disease and enhance resilience.

Pharmaceutical competitiveness, gender health gaps, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance are also expected to shape global health discussions. Experts warn that continued cross-border collaboration, strategic investment, and political commitment will be critical to prevent another year of “neglect” in global health priorities.