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] The greatest burden is observed in the health-system failure scenario, predicting 8327 AMR-attributed deaths in 2050 (approximately 281.4% growth), an approximately 3.81 -fold increase compared to 2024. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Antimicrobial Resistance is an emerging global health threat with profound consequences for under-resourced nations with fragile health systems. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The UAE's healthcare bill for obesity is expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2035, with an estimated 7.5 million people in the UAE expected to be obese by then. SecneNow
• [New] Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the predicted timeframe, due to a rising number of healthcare facilities and a rise in preventative diagnostics. Precedence Research
• [New] Intelligent oxygen management offers a transformative opportunity to enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities worldwide by optimizing usage and reducing dependency on manual oversight. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The global business for smart respiratory devices is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by digital health adoption. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR between 2026 and 2035, supported by rising employer awareness and expanding workplace health programs. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Healthcare is often the best-performing sector historically in midterm election years, and there are specific reasons to think that pattern could hold in 2026. IG
• [New] Crucially, the US Medicare health insurance programme will start covering GLP-1 medications for the first time from April. The Guardian
• [New] Despite other health benefits such as reduced risk of strokes and heart attacks, GLP-1 injections fell well short of standard benchmarks for cost-effectiveness for governments because of their high cost. The Guardian
• [New] Implementation would save approximately $23 billion in healthcare costs the first year and prevent more than 2.6 million hospitalizations per year from complications related to diabetes, heart disease and cancer and per-patient savings could be as much as $6,299. American Society of Employers
• [New] Private health insurance premiums will rise at their fastest rate in almost a decade after the Albanese Government approved a 4.41% average increase from April. CathNews
• [New] UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent global action to address the growing risk of extreme heat worldwide, which takes a heavy toll on health in South Asia - the world's most populated region. World Meteorological Organization
• [New] Rising temperatures due to climate change are a public health threat, endangering people's lives and livelihoods throughout the world. World Meteorological Organization
• [New] Travelers should stay vigilant in Charlotte Amalie, avoiding isolated areas and being cautious in crowded spots to minimize crime risks. Gangwaze.com
• [New] Travelers in San Juan should stay in well-populated areas and remain aware of their surroundings to minimize risks of petty theft. Gangwaze.com
• [New] Health system mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are expected to intensify in 2026 as providers, payers, and tech-enabled platforms pursue geographic expansion, economies of scale, and regional synergies - often across state lines. Ankura.com
• [New] Far from a passing fad, people will continue to prioritize living well for longer in 2026-48% believe they will be healthier in the next five years thanks to new wellness priorities. Philips
• [New] The size of the U.S. digital mental health marketplace recently exceeded $9 billion (USD) and is expected to grow more than five times to more than $45 billion by 2035. The Minds Journal
• [New] With the Association of American Colleges predicting a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036, AI is poised to make a practical difference in both productivity and retention across the wider health-care field. Diagnostic Imaging
• [New] Emerging regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, present significant opportunities as healthcare infrastructure improves, aging populations grow, and demand for innovative, accessible treatments to manage osteoporosis and prevent fractures rises. Precedence Research
• [New] The global shortage of medical professionals will increasingly require individuals to become more proactive in managing their own health, guided by the vast volumes of data generated by emerging health technologies. World Governments Summit
• [New] Bridging the gap in women's health data and research represents one of the most untapped opportunities in the global healthcare sector. Ours Abroad News

Last updated: 22 February 2026