Global Scans · Health · Weekly Summary

• [New] Combining all measures in a full system change was shown to be the most effective method, reducing the global health burden of plastics by 43% in 2040. EurekAlert!
• [New] Under a business as usual scenario, by 2040 the negative health impacts from plastics could double, with greenhouse gas emissions and associated rising global temperatures accounting for 40% of the health harms. EurekAlert!
• [New] The CDC revisions undermine decades of public health progress, complicate clinical care, and risk a resurgence of preventable diseases. AJMC
• [New] Experts raise concerns that CDC childhood immunization changes could reduce vaccine uptake and weaken trust in public health guidance. AJMC
• [New] Medical licensure and telehealth are expected to draw significant attention in 2026. Managed Healthcare Executive
• [New] With more treatments entering the workforce and more diagnoses occurring, cancer care will disrupt health care spending in 2026 and beyond. Moreton
• [New] Healthcare support occupations are projected to be the fastest-growing occupational group in the U.S. from 2023 to 2033. The Seniors Center
• [New] Diabetes is the fourth major condition expected to drive medical plan costs, while poor nutrition and obesity sit among the top five global risk factors and contribute directly to diabetes. Benefits and Pensions Monitor
• [New] CDC's work to reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer's, promote brain health, and support state and community responses is a critical complement to biomedical research. UsAgainstAlzheimer's
• [New] AI will accelerate research breakthroughs in 2026 by automating data analysis and hypothesis generation across health and technology domains. StudyFinds
• [New] 2026 will be the year that 'social prescribing' becomes a standard intervention for medical professionals. StudyFinds
• [New] In 2026, healthcare organizations will shift from basic form generation to policy-aware document automation that integrates with EHRs, revenue cycle systems, and other key platforms. TechFinitive
• [New] Health risks linked to night work and rotating shifts are drawing increased attention in Mexico as lawmakers, regulators and employers reassess labour practices ahead of broader reforms set to take effect in 2026. Mexico Business
• [New] As the global climate continues to change, failure-intolerant systems such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities must revise their emergency preparedness plans, acknowledging that a climatic emergency defying all projections will eventually occur. Nature
• [New] The rising cost of prescription drugs is expected to remain one of the defining financial challenges for the healthcare system in 2026. Definitive Healthcare
• [New] Regional programs and healthcare focused immigration streams will also benefit as Canada targets key labour shortage sectors. Thunder Gourds
• [New] Health care AI is expected to soar from $20 billion in 2024 to $500 billion by 2033, buoyed by rapid rate. The Real Economy Blog
• [New] Looking ahead, CMS expects spending to reach $5.6 trillion in 2025, a 7.1% increase, and climb to $8.6 trillion by 2033, when health care is projected to make up 20.3% of GDP. The Real Economy Blog
• [New] Scaling Food Is Medicine initiatives through Medicaid and Medicare pilots could reduce chronic disease and lower long-term health costs. Think Global Health
• [New] Investments in workforce mental health promise to unleash human potential, yet depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders alone still cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative
• [New] New research reveals why Zero Trust and real-time healthcare interoperability will define compliance, safety, and AI readiness in 2026. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] The proposal to lower drug pricing will help open up conversations about requiring hospitals and providers to slash their prices - which can be a top driver of health insurer premiums. Health Care News for Insurance Brokers | J&R Report

Last updated: 30 January 2026