Euronews Next Looks Back at Biggest Health Stories of 2023
As the holiday season approaches, Euronews Next takes a look back at some of the biggest health stories that dominated the headlines in 2023.
Among the notable health stories was the global diabetes drug shortage caused by a TikTok weight loss trend. The popular social media platform promoted the diabetes drug, Ozempic, as a “wonder” weight loss hack, leading to shortages of the medication and raising concerns about its health effects.
Additionally, experts explored the potential of AI to help address the health workforce shortage in Europe. While AI is not meant to replace health workers, it could automate administrative tasks, freeing up more time for medical professionals to focus on patient care.
In France, retired doctors stepped in to address medical professional shortages in rural areas by opening a unique medical practice, a first of its kind initiative aimed at addressing healthcare crises through innovative solutions.
German scientists also made a significant discovery in 2023, potentially unlocking the secrets of ageing and how to potentially slow or reverse the ageing process, offering hope to countless individuals around the world.
However, it wasn’t just positive advancements that marked the health news of 2023. The worsening drugs shortage in pharmacies across Europe was a cause for concern, leaving pharmacists and patients in the dark.
Furthermore, experts warned that climate change is contributing to the spread of a deadly virus carried by ticks, posing a significant health risk in the region.
The findings of the Lancet Countdown project also raised alarm about the potential human health catastrophe that could result from unchecked climate change, underlining the urgent need for climate action.
On a more positive note, a patient in Geneva became the first person to be cured of HIV after undergoing a stem cell transplant, offering hope to individuals suffering from the disease.
Other significant health stories from 2023 included the prevalence of long COVID symptoms across Europe, the success of a controversial trial of mitochondrial donation treatment, and the ethical questions raised about the funding of the World Health Organization.
Finally, cutting-edge AI technology that can translate thoughts into text captured the imagination and curiosity of people across the globe, showcasing the rapid advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.
As 2023 comes to a close, these significant health stories will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the global health landscape.