Browsing: cross border health

China is seeing growing momentum in inbound medical tourism, driven by expanding access to innovative therapies, visa facilitation and the development of internationally oriented healthcare services. China’s leading hospitals serving international patients recorded 1.28 million international patient visits in 2025, up 73.6% from three years earlier. Recent cases at Jiahui Health highlight international patients seeking access to new treatments, positioning Shanghai as a gateway for Chinese medical innovation. Dr. John K. Hsiang called for greater international cooperation on medical travel and visa facilitation, forecasting China’s potential to become a leading global destination for international medical care in the next three to five years.

Temperatures in early August exacerbate wildfire danger across Western Europe. Concerns over environmental health and public safety escalated as extensive plumes of wildfire smoke crossed borders. A fourth heatwave threatens France and Spain, with forecasts predicting extreme temperatures that will worsen fire conditions and trigger large-scale evacuations. Healthcare providers are implementing emergency protocols to manage elevated respiratory risks. Record temperatures pose threats to public well-being, with regional air quality monitoring indicating the dispersion of thick wildfire smoke containing toxic chemicals. Experts warn of severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues, increased hospital admissions, and higher premature death rates among individuals with chronic health conditions.

Congo’s Ebola cases have risen to 1,333 as UNDP warns the outbreak could deepen poverty, threaten jobs and strain health services.

DR Congo reports 689 confirmed Ebola cases as WHO warns that Bundibugyo virus transmission remains active across eastern provinces.

Africa CDC and WHO launched a $518 million plan to support Ebola detection, care and preparedness across affected African countries.