https://nairobi.express/c/health Health en-KE https://nairobi.express/a/2026-09-01-national-and-county-governments-agree-to-absorb-uhc-workers-into-perma-46cb5bab18 https://nairobi.express/a/2026-09-01-national-and-county-governments-agree-to-absorb-uhc-workers-into-perma-46cb5bab18 An agreement reached in Nairobi will transfer payroll responsibility for nearly 7,786 Universal Health Coverage workers to county governments from September, with the transition financed through the 2026/27 additional allocations. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:59:01 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/2026-08-31-kindiki-urges-swift-resolution-of-nurses-strike-e20dfc541f https://nairobi.express/a/2026-08-31-kindiki-urges-swift-resolution-of-nurses-strike-e20dfc541f Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for urgent talks between the Council of Governors and the nurses’ union as a nationwide strike continues to disrupt health services. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:15:36 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-south-carolina-measles-outbreak-reaches-789-cases-the-largest-u-s-surg https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-south-carolina-measles-outbreak-reaches-789-cases-the-largest-u-s-surg South Carolina’s measles outbreak has climbed to 789 confirmed cases, surpassing the size of Texas’s 2025 outbreak and raising concerns about the nation’s elimination status. Health officials say most cases are in Spartanburg County, and hospitalizations have been reported as quarantines expand across schools and communities. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:17:17 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-study-finds-unexplained-pauses-in-many-cdc-surveillance-databases https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-study-finds-unexplained-pauses-in-many-cdc-surveillance-databases A research letter reports that nearly half of CDC databases that had been updated at least monthly showed pauses or delays in 2025. The findings raise concerns about weakened real-time health tracking for vaccines, infectious diseases and other public health threats. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:11:04 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-medicare-picks-15-more-drugs-including-botox-and-a-glp-1-for-price-neg https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-28-medicare-picks-15-more-drugs-including-botox-and-a-glp-1-for-price-neg The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has selected 15 high-cost drugs for the next round of Medicare price negotiations, including Botox and the diabetes drug Trulicity. The negotiations will take place in 2026, with any negotiated prices scheduled to start on January 1, 2028, expanding the program to include Part B drugs for the first time. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:06:40 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-why-health-insurance-stocks-plunged-cms-proposal-signals-just-a-0-09-m https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-why-health-insurance-stocks-plunged-cms-proposal-signals-just-a-0-09-m Health insurers sold off sharply after CMS proposed a tiny 0.09% average increase in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027 and outlined related coding changes. The proposal revived margin fears and intensified attention on regulatory scrutiny in the sector. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:04:27 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-cms-proposes-2027-medicare-advantage-payment-updates-aimed-at-accuracy https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-cms-proposes-2027-medicare-advantage-payment-updates-aimed-at-accuracy The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D payment policies, projecting a net average 0.09% payment increase. The proposal signals a tighter environment for plans and has sparked debate over benefits, premiums, and taxpayer spending. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:53:56 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-study-warns-nearly-half-of-cdc-surveillance-databases-paused-or-delaye https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-study-warns-nearly-half-of-cdc-surveillance-databases-paused-or-delaye Researchers reported that many routinely updated CDC health surveillance databases stopped or slowed updates in 2025, with vaccine-related systems disproportionately affected, raising concerns about outbreak detection and public trust. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:48:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-us-health-insurers-slide-after-cms-proposes-just-0-09-medicare-advanta https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-us-health-insurers-slide-after-cms-proposes-just-0-09-medicare-advanta Shares of major insurers fell after CMS proposed a far smaller-than-expected payment increase for Medicare Advantage in 2027, raising concerns about benefit cuts, narrower offerings, or plan exits as medical costs stay elevated. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:43:36 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-about-31-000-kaiser-permanente-health-care-workers-strike-across-calif https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-about-31-000-kaiser-permanente-health-care-workers-strike-across-calif A large group of Kaiser Permanente workers walked off the job in an open-ended strike over staffing and pay, escalating one of the biggest health-care labor fights in the U.S. this year. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:37:20 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-health-insurers-slide-after-proposed-2027-medicare-advantage-payment-i https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-27-health-insurers-slide-after-proposed-2027-medicare-advantage-payment-i A far smaller-than-expected proposed increase in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027 rattled health insurers, raising concerns about benefit design, premiums, and margins in a program serving tens of millions of Americans. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:31:11 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-labels-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-estimated-illnesses https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-cdc-labels-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-estimated-illnesses U.S. health officials say influenza activity remained elevated, with CDC data estimating at least 11 million illnesses so far this season. Public health experts cite holiday travel, low vaccination rates and misinformation as factors that may have helped drive the surge. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:31:19 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccination-guidance-amid-cdc https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-reaffirm-broader-childhood-vaccination-guidance-amid-cdc The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations endorsing vaccinations against 18 diseases, diverging from a CDC childhood schedule that now recommends vaccines for fewer diseases, according to health-policy reporting. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:27:20 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-aap-issues-2026-vaccine-schedule-diverging-from-cdc-guidance-and-urgin https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-aap-issues-2026-vaccine-schedule-diverging-from-cdc-guidance-and-urgin The American Academy of Pediatrics released its 2026 childhood vaccine schedule and maintained broader routine recommendations than the CDC’s updated schedule. Pediatric leaders said the AAP plan is grounded in decades of evidence and better fits U.S. public‑health realities. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:18:30 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-bottled-water-vs-tap-microplastics-pfas-fears-and-what-experts-suggest https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-bottled-water-vs-tap-microplastics-pfas-fears-and-what-experts-suggest Many Americans choose bottled water believing it is safer than tap, but experts say the tradeoffs are more complicated. A Washington Post analysis notes that bottled-water drinkers may ingest far more microplastics annually than people relying on tap, even as concerns about contaminants such as lead and PFAS keep consumers uneasy. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:07:34 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-back-broader-2026-vaccine-schedule-diverging-from-cdc-s- https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-pediatricians-back-broader-2026-vaccine-schedule-diverging-from-cdc-s- The American Academy of Pediatrics released its recommended 2026 vaccine schedule and kept guidance largely intact, continuing to support immunization against 18 diseases for children and adolescents. The updated schedule differs from the CDC’s 2026 schedule, released Jan. 5, which reduced universal recommendations for several familiar vaccines and moved some shots toward risk-based or shared decision-making approaches. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:57:22 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-declares-the-end-of-its-first-marburg-virus-outbreak-after-42 https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-declares-the-end-of-its-first-marburg-virus-outbreak-after-42 Ethiopia announced the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after completing the required 42-day period without new confirmed cases. Officials reported 14 confirmed infections with nine deaths, while WHO supported surveillance, diagnostics and infection control during the response. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:47:09 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-ends-marburg-outbreak-highlighting-ongoing-need-for-outbreak- https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-ethiopia-ends-marburg-outbreak-highlighting-ongoing-need-for-outbreak- Ethiopia’s declaration that its first Marburg outbreak has ended marks a milestone after weeks of surveillance and containment work. Health officials and partners emphasized how infection control, contact tracing, and rapid diagnostics remain essential tools as countries prepare for future flare-ups of high-fatality viral hemorrhagic diseases. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:42:50 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-nears-a-decision-point-on-measles-as-officials-warn-elimination-st https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-u-s-nears-a-decision-point-on-measles-as-officials-warn-elimination-st Public health experts say the United States could lose its measles elimination status if ongoing transmission continues long enough to meet international criteria. A long-running outbreak that began in West Texas in early 2025 has spread to other states, and the next assessment is expected in April 2026, putting renewed focus on vaccination coverage and outbreak control. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:33:48 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-nationwide-chocolate-recall-expands-as-fda-warns-more-flavors-may-be-l https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-nationwide-chocolate-recall-expands-as-fda-warns-more-flavors-may-be-l Spring & Mulberry has expanded a nationwide chocolate bar recall after FDA information flagged potential Salmonella contamination. While no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to check lot codes, avoid eating affected products, and follow refund instructions to reduce foodborne illness risk. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:24:56 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-fda-links-salmonella-outbreak-to-super-greens-dietary-supplement-and-u https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-fda-links-salmonella-outbreak-to-super-greens-dietary-supplement-and-u U.S. regulators say an ongoing Salmonella outbreak has been associated with a powdered greens supplement, with dozens of illnesses reported across multiple states. The FDA is advising consumers to avoid specific lots and follow recall guidance. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:16:26 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-kff-health-news-hospitals-launch-their-own-medicare-advantage-plans-as https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-26-kff-health-news-hospitals-launch-their-own-medicare-advantage-plans-as KFF Health News reports that some hospitals are creating Medicare Advantage plans—pitching lower prices, more tailored benefits, and smoother care coordination—as seniors describe frustration with traditional insurers and as policy and payment pressures reshape coverage choices. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:05:50 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-nears-a-measles-elimination-status-review-as-outbreaks-persist-and https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-nears-a-measles-elimination-status-review-as-outbreaks-persist-and Public health officials warn the U.S. is approaching a key benchmark that could trigger loss of its measles elimination designation, as a long-running outbreak continues and experts point to falling vaccination rates and uneven public health capacity. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:04:16 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-calls-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-u-s-cases-estimated- https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-calls-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-u-s-cases-estimated- U.S. flu activity rose in late December, prompting the CDC to classify the 2025–26 season as “moderately severe” as of early January. Reuters reported CDC estimates of at least 11 million illnesses so far, alongside rising hospitalizations and deaths. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:59:18 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-hhs-says-cdc-accepted-recommendations-to-update-u-s-childhood-immuniza https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-hhs-says-cdc-accepted-recommendations-to-update-u-s-childhood-immuniza The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that CDC leadership accepted recommendations following a review of childhood immunization practices. The move is drawing attention from medical groups and public-health advocates, who are weighing the implications for how guidance is communicated and how states use federal recommendations in school and daycare requirements. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:49:08 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-pediatric-groups-sue-over-cdc-s-revised-childhood-immunization-schedul https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-pediatric-groups-sue-over-cdc-s-revised-childhood-immunization-schedul Medical and public health organizations are challenging the CDC’s revised childhood vaccine recommendations in court, warning of confusion and reduced uptake, while some health systems say they may keep prior guidance. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:38:43 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-ap-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreaks-spread-int https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-ap-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreaks-spread-int Public health officials warn the United States is approaching the threshold for losing measles elimination status amid prolonged transmission, with vaccination gaps and multiple outbreaks driving continued spread. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:31:27 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-guinea-bissau-halts-newborn-hepatitis-b-vaccine-study-for-ethical-revi https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-guinea-bissau-halts-newborn-hepatitis-b-vaccine-study-for-ethical-revi Guinea-Bissau suspended a hepatitis B vaccine study involving newborns pending an ethics review, amid controversy over a trial design that withholds vaccination from some infants. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:20:11 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-investigates-multistate-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-super-greens https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-investigates-multistate-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-super-greens Federal and state health officials are investigating Salmonella infections connected to a recalled greens supplement and urging consumers to discard affected products. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:09:52 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-persists-revie https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-persists-revie Public health officials warn the U.S. could lose its measles elimination designation if ongoing transmission continues, with a Pan American Health Organization review expected in April 2026 amid falling vaccination rates and expanding outbreaks. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:00:09 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-who-prompting-warnings-about-disease-sur https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-who-prompting-warnings-about-disease-sur The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, ending decades of membership. Health experts warn the move could weaken access to global outbreak data and complicate coordination on issues like influenza monitoring and pandemic preparedness. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:40:34 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-measles-surge-continues-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-cases-in-2026-across https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-measles-surge-continues-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-cases-in-2026-across The CDC says 416 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States so far in 2026, with the vast majority associated with outbreaks that began in 2025. Public health officials continue urging vaccination as multiple states report cases and exposures. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:34:22 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-says-flu-remains-elevated-as-pediatric-impact-stays-severe-officia https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-says-flu-remains-elevated-as-pediatric-impact-stays-severe-officia CDC surveillance shows the 2025–26 flu season remains elevated nationally, with pediatric severity classified as high even as overall activity has stabilized. Public health officials emphasize vaccination, early use of antivirals for high-risk patients, and continued monitoring for another post-holiday rise. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:14:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-u-s-measles-cases-so-far-in-2026-mostly-link https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-reports-416-confirmed-u-s-measles-cases-so-far-in-2026-mostly-link The CDC’s latest update shows 416 confirmed measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2026 as of January 22, with most cases associated with ongoing outbreaks that started in 2025. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:08:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-labels-the-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-u-s-cases-pass- https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-labels-the-2025-26-flu-season-moderately-severe-as-u-s-cases-pass- U.S. health officials have classified the 2025–26 influenza season as “moderately severe,” with CDC estimates pointing to at least 11 million illnesses so far. Public health experts cite holiday travel, low vaccination uptake and misinformation as factors that may be contributing to elevated activity. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:04:00 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-cuts-routine-childhood-vaccine-recommendations-physicians-warn-of- https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-cuts-routine-childhood-vaccine-recommendations-physicians-warn-of- U.S. health officials revised the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines broadly recommended for all children. Medical organizations and many doctors criticized the move, warning it could weaken protections and increase outbreaks of preventable illnesses. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:58:39 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-spreads-paho-r https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-risks-losing-measles-elimination-status-as-outbreak-spreads-paho-r A prolonged measles outbreak that began in West Texas in January 2025 has spread across multiple states, pushing the U.S. toward a potential loss of measles elimination status—a designation tied to uninterrupted transmission for 12 months or more. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:54:05 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-updates-the-u-s-childhood-immunization-schedule-after-a-presidenti https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-cdc-updates-the-u-s-childhood-immunization-schedule-after-a-presidenti On Jan. 5, 2026, CDC leadership said it accepted recommendations following a review ordered by President Trump, restructuring the childhood vaccine schedule into categories and narrowing which vaccines are recommended for all children versus high-risk groups or shared decision-making. Officials say all vaccines remain covered without cost-sharing; many physicians warn the shift could undermine protections. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:50:47 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-fda-posts-nationwide-ambriola-cheese-recall-over-listeria-risk-includi https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-fda-posts-nationwide-ambriola-cheese-recall-over-listeria-risk-includi The FDA published a recall notice for multiple grated cheese products tied to a New Jersey facility after testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes, warning higher-risk consumers to avoid affected items and seek care if symptoms develop. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:39:24 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-workplace-road-deaths-remain-a-major-hazard-cdc-s-niosh-review-highlig https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-workplace-road-deaths-remain-a-major-hazard-cdc-s-niosh-review-highlig A CDC NIOSH update summarizes research showing thousands of U.S. worker deaths tied to motor vehicle crashes, with risk concentrated among drivers—especially in transportation and other high-exposure industries. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:53:21 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-cdc-says https://nairobi.express/a/health-2026-01-25-u-s-completes-withdrawal-from-the-world-health-organization-cdc-says Federal agencies announced the U.S. has formally exited the WHO after a yearlong withdrawal process, drawing warnings from global health officials that the move could weaken coordination during outbreaks. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:28:44 GMT