Global Scans · Good Health and Well-being · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• [New] Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced they will roll out 9 additional electronic health record (EHR) systems, bringing the total to go live in 2026 to 13, with complete deployment of the EHR system at all VA medical facilities as early as 2031. Impact Federal Health
• [New] The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading digital transformation; Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes a $20 billion investment in AI and big data for smart cities and healthcare. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The Global Virus Network is a worldwide coalition comprising 90+ Virology Centers of Excellence and Affiliates across 40+ countries, whose mission is to facilitate pandemic preparedness against viral pathogens and diseases that threaten public health globally. EurekAlert!
• [New] With increasing use of informal instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp for commercial dealings, staff may not always appreciate the risk of being found to have made a legally binding agreement - because they associate that with a formal, written document. Travers Smith
• [New] 16.4% of the world population is projected to be 65 years or older by 2050, nearly doubling the current share, which is likely to push demand for health services even further. Cambridge Core
• [New] By end-use industry, the healthcare segment is expanding at the fastest CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Precedence Research
• [New] Physical inactivity contributes to more than five million deaths annually and generates $53.8 billion in global healthcare costs each year, placing its mortality risk on par with smoking and obesity. Urban Health Today
• [New] Approximately 80% of adolescents and 1 in 3 adults globally fail to meet the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines, and the WHO's own target of a 15% relative reduction in inactivity by 2030 appears out of reach in most nations. Urban Health Today
• [New] Expert Opinion: By 2026, experts predict that the FDA will approve more health-focused wearables, making them integral tools for preventive health care. Tech Shopping Zone
• [New] Dive into the top wearable technology trends for 2026, exploring innovations that will enhance daily life and health. Tech Shopping Zone
• [New] With FDA approvals for psychedelic medicine candidates expected in 2027, the need for psychedelic-informed healthcare workers to treat patients before, during and after psychedelic therapy means that training and education is already underway. Global Wellness Institute
• [New] Congress has made early 2026 progress on healthcare policy, including extending Medicare telehealth coverage through 2027, preserving rural payment protections, and advancing prior authorization reform efforts. OpenLoop Health, Inc.
• Droughts exacerbate antibiotic resistance in bacteria, posing a dual threat from environmental shifts and public health. Coaio Limited
• As 2026 unfolds, the decisions made by small businesses will play a key role in shaping how health coverage evolves, not just for employers, but for the broader workforce as well. Breaking AC
• Precision health offers one of the clearest pathways to reducing waste and avoidable harm in modern healthcare systems, but it will require a concerted effort by governments, health systems, regulators, academia and the private sector. Pulse+IT
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 12.55% through 2026-2035 driven by the critical need for resilient supply chains to ensure uninterrupted delivery of medical products globally. Yahoo Finance
• Newly identified individuals classified as obese according to the updated criteria are at greater risk for an array of adverse health outcomes. www.PhysiciansWeekly.com
• Dominant Disaster Type: Natural disasters are projected to account for about 68% revenue share in 2026, whereas public health emergencies are expected to grow the fastest through 2033, driven by epidemic preparedness and medical supply chain investments. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 05 April 2026