Health

Better public healthcare is a key demand for GenZ 212, the protest movement that has been out in force in Morocco since mid-September. The state of Morocco’s public hospitals – which are rife with shortages of medical supplies, corruption and absenteeism – has become a symbol for Moroccans frustrated with a decline in state services. Our team spoke to two doctors and a patient. ]

It’s a promising medical discovery that could help researchers fight cancer. New research published in the journal “Nature” found that patients with some forms of advanced cancer who received a COVID mRNA vaccine lived significantly longer than those who didn’t. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Christiano Marconi, cancer researcher at the University of Florida. ]

Uruguay’s senate passed a law decriminalising euthanasia on Wednesday, putting the Latin American nation among a handful of other countries where seriously ill patients can legally obtain help to end their lives. It makes Uruguay the first country in predominantly Catholic Latin America to allow euthanasia via legislation. Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised the practice through Supreme Court decisions. ]

It's an industry tipped to be worth more than a trillion dollars in the coming decade. Femtech refers to technology-driven solutions for women's health, covering areas such as reproductive health, pregnancy care and menopause management. Marina Gerner, the author of "The Vagina Business", joins Annette Young to discuss the rapidly growing industry that's revolutionising women's health. Also, marking the 30th anniversary of a groundbreaking UN conference on women's rights, China touts its progress on gender equality. But its approach to feminist activism paints a very different picture. ]

After two years held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza, Israel’s last living hostages were freed on Monday and reunited with their families. Frail but finally home, they are now beginning the difficult process of healing their deep physical and mental wounds, as medical teams develop new ways to help them rebuild their lives.  ]

Police rained tear gas on crowds and several demonstrators and riot police were injured in the southern Tunisian city of Gabes as thousands of people marched Wednesday to protest worsening air pollution from a phosphate-processing plant. The protest descended into clashes with police who attempted to disperse protesters trying to reach the plant in an industrial complex, which is a designated military zone. Gabes, home to more than 400,000 residents, lies at the heart of Tunisia’s phosphate industry, one of the key sources of export revenue for the North African country. Report by Lilia Blaise and Hamdi Tlili. ]

Since the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas started, both sides are carrying out Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza. Israel is releasing the bodies of Palestinians killed during the conflict in exchange for the Israeli hostages being handed back. Israel however remains cautious, threatening to resume the war if Hamas does not comply with the terms of the American proposed peace plan. Story by France 2 and Liza Kaminov. ]

Florida plans to scrap vaccine mandates, becoming the first US state to end long-standing requirements protecting schoolchildren and adults from infectious diseases. State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the move Wednesday, denouncing existing rules as “immoral” intrusions on parental rights that restrict families’ ability to make health decisions. ]

In this edition of Entre Nous we speak to author Gretchen Rubin. Her latest book "Secrets of Adulthood" came out earlier this year. The number one New York Times bestselling author of "The Happiness Project" and "Better Than Before" also hosts the "Happier with Gretchen" podcast. We asked her about adulthood and how to make our adult lives that little bit easier.  ]

Since arriving emaciated in Italy from Gaza, little Shamm Qudeih has celebrated her second birthday and gained weight on a new diet — progress welcomed by doctors treating her for severe malnutrition worsened by a genetic metabolic disease. Story by Catherine Viette. ]