Friday, 22 May 2026
WHO declares Ebola emergency, RSV vaccination cuts hospitalisations, Nurses could tackle sleep health crisis
- 01
WHO declares global emergency over Ebola outbreak in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, primarily involving the Bundibugyo strain. Experts express concern over the outbreak's potential to overwhelm fragile health systems, particularly as it spreads to urban centres and healthcare workers are infected. The declaration aims to mobilise international support, as the outbreak has already resulted in confirmed cases and deaths, with many more suspected. Notably, there are currently no vaccines or treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain, complicating containment efforts.
- 02
New RSV vaccination program cuts hospitalisations by 43.8%
A new report indicates that Australia's RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program, launched in February 2025, has led to a 43.8% reduction in RSV-associated hospitalisations among infants under three months. The program offers free maternal vaccination to pregnant women, significantly decreasing hospital admissions for RSV. Babies born to vaccinated mothers experienced an 80% lower risk of hospitalisation, while those receiving the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab had a 90% lower risk. The findings underscore the effectiveness of this hybrid immunisation strategy in reducing RSV-related health burdens.
- 03
General practice nurses may address sleep health crisis
Research indicates that general practice nurses could effectively manage insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea, addressing Australia's sleep health crisis. A review from Flinders University analysed 85 studies and found strong support for expanding nurses' roles in sleep assessment and treatment within GP clinics. Despite established evidence for nurse-led care, implementation has stalled due to barriers like funding and integration challenges. The researchers emphasised the importance of co-designing services with patients and clinic staff to ensure successful adoption of these models in routine practice.
- 04
Daniel McCabe shifts to health technology assessment role
Daniel McCabe, a key figure in Australia's digital health transformation, will transition to the health technology assessment and access division within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing digital health initiatives, including the establishment of the Sparked FHIR accelerator and the Sharing by Default legislation. Colleagues express mixed feelings about his departure, acknowledging his significant contributions to the digital health sector. The move comes as the government prepares to implement crucial reforms to the health technology assessment system, aimed at modernising processes for evaluating medicines and medical technologies.
- 05
Insights on COVID Management from Dr Peter Lin
Dr Peter Lin discusses the pathogenesis of COVID-19, highlighting its mediation through the ACE2 cell receptor. He emphasises the importance of antivirals as an essential early treatment option for vulnerable patients. This information is relevant for primary care physicians as they continue to manage COVID-19 cases. The article provides insights into current strategies for COVID management.
- 06
Cohealth Secures Major State Funding Boost from Victoria
Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing announced that Cohealth will receive significant state funding, with allocations expected to reach around $80 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years. This funding marks Cohealth as the recipient of the largest share of community health funding in the state. Minister Shing noted the importance of Cohealth's work in supporting community members with complex care needs. However, she indicated that concerns regarding GP funding for the service fall under Commonwealth jurisdiction, and she refrained from commenting on the future of Cohealth's Collingwood site.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.