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This discovery could let bones benefit from exercise without moving
Researchers have discovered a biological switch that explains why movement keeps bones strong. The protein senses physical activity and pushes bone marrow stem cells to build bone instead of storing fat, slowing age-related bone loss. By targeting this “exercise sensor,” scientists believe they could create drugs that mimic exercise at the molecular level. The approach could protect fragile bones in people who are unable to stay active.
Scientists may have been wrong about what causes asthma
Asthma may not be driven by the molecules scientists have blamed for decades. Researchers have identified “pseudo leukotrienes,” inflammation-triggering compounds formed by uncontrolled free-radical reactions rather than normal enzymes. These molecules were found at much higher levels in people with asthma, closely tracking how severe their symptoms were. The finding hints at a new way to treat asthma by preventing the inflammatory spark instead of blocking its aftermath.
Launch of the United Advocacy Working Group for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)
A new United Advocacy Working Group for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) has been officially launched to strengthen coordination and collective voice across global, regional and country levels. Established as a light-touch platform, the Working Group aims to align advocacy efforts, share evidence and political intelligence, and coordinate key messages and moments in support of EWENE-CSA priorities and the broader MNCH agenda.
Report: In Some Urban Districts, Science of Reading Limits ‘Robust Comprehension’
Rather than promoting deeper literacy skills, the phonics-based approach 'may unintentionally encourage teachers to focus on surface-level goals.'
Syria advances a nationally led public health response to substance use through inter-ministerial action
27 January 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic: Syria is taking a significant step forward in addressing substance use as a public health priority, following a high-level inter-ministerial meeting hosted by the...
Cavs star Donovan Mitchell calls out ‘BS’ Minnesota shootings
When it comes to the tragedies in Minnesota, Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is pleading for all of humanity to look inward.
Browns head coaching search narrows to three: Schwartz 'gaining momentum'
Multiple coaches have dropped out of a chance to coach Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell scores 45 points, surging Cavaliers beat Magic again
Donovan Mitchell scored 26 of his 45 points in the first half and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the visiting Orlando Magic on Jan. 26.
Menopause linked to loss of gray matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance
Menopause is linked to reductions in gray matter volume in key brain regions as well as increased levels of anxiety and depression and difficulties with sleep, according to new research from the University ...
Citizen science and the challenge of measuring urban sustainability
Cities are expected to track sustainability progress with data that are often incomplete, outdated, or available only at national level. New research led by IIASA in collaboration with UN-Habitat finds ...
Google Photos takes its photo to video feature to another level
Custom prompts allow for customization
US business borrowing for equipment rises over 5% in December, ELFA says
U.S. companies borrowed 5.9% more to finance equipment purchases in December than a year earlier, reaching the second-highest level ever, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association said on Monday.
These 3 Policy Moves Are Likely To Change Health Care for Older People
By Paula Span | KFF Health News Month after month, Patricia Hunter and other members of the Nursing Home Reform Coalition logged onto video calls with congressional representatives, seeking support for a proposed federal rule setting minimum staff levels for nursing homes. Finally, after decades of ...
'This is a problem!' Children's entertainment performer takes Meta to court; story gains worldwide attention
She calls herself the little lady in Cleveland, but finds herself in a big fight against the social media giant that runs Facebook and Instagram. News 5 was in the courtroom.
The magnetic secret inside steel finally explained
For years, scientists noticed that magnetic fields could improve steel, but no one knew exactly why. New simulations reveal that magnetism changes how iron atoms behave, making it harder for carbon atoms to slip through the metal. This slows diffusion at the atomic level and alters steel’s internal structure. The insight could lead to more efficient, lower-energy ways to make stronger steel.
The health care hiring boom is losing steam
Cuts to federal health programs, AI automation and rising costs are making health systems and other employers level off hiring.
Judge to hear case on Minnesota’s ICE crackdown after killings by federal agents
Suit seeks to reduce the number of agents back to levels before ICE launched its so-called ‘Operation Metro Surge’ last month
Finding Freshwater in Great Salt Lake
Reed-covered mounds exposed by declining water levels reveal an unexpected network of freshwater springs that feed directly into the lake basin.
Browns show significant move to potentially lock down Nate Scheelhaase
The Browns are very interested in talking to Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase a second time.
José Ramírez contract extension being finalized with Cleveland Guardians
José Ramírez is signing another extension with Cleveland that will keep him a Guardian through 2032.
120,000 Ohio families lost health insurance this month. Here’s who to blame
How Republican lawmakers blocked health insurance subsidies while enjoying taxpayer-funded coverage themselves, leaving working Ohioans to suffer the consequences.
OHSU board contemplates closure of primate research center; its scientists plead for support
Scientists at the Oregon National Primate Research Center say their work is driving critical medical advances. But leadership at the federal level has questioned the value of the research model, and committed to ending animal experiments.
NFL: Comeback Player of the Year finalists
The NFL Comeback Player of the Year award recognizes players who overcame adversity to reestablish themselves at a high level. This year’s finalists...
'It's not about party for me': Dem rancher Russell Cleveland rejects identity politics, PAC money, celebrity endorsements
"It's not about party for me. I think that's how I can represent both Republicans and the Democratic side," — Democratic candidate Russell Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns HC search: Another candidate says, ‘no thank you’
Jesse Minter cancels his scheduled interview with Cleveland to explore better head coach options.
Ohio to require teachers to retrain in science of reading every 5 years
New professional development courses will be developed for literacy instruction known as the science of reading, a phonics-intensive approach the state requires in classrooms for Ohio's 1.6 million public school students.
How Stephen Vogt’s leadership landed him among sports’ most admired figures
Here's why Guardians skipper Stephen Vogt ranks alongside established sports icons despite his brief managerial career, highlighting his remarkable ability to connect with players.
Cleveland State to Broadcast Every Home Lacrosse Game on Rock Entertainment Sports Network
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Rock Entertainment Sports Network, a joint venture between Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media, will broadcast all six lacrosse games from inside the Krenzler Bubble on local television.
Cleveland State to Broadcast Every Home Lacrosse Game on Rock Entertainment Sports Network
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Rock Entertainment Sports Network, a joint venture between Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media, will broadcast all six lacrosse games from inside the Krenzler Bubble on local television.
2016 was Cleveland's most unforgettable sports year
An NBA championship, a World Series for the ages and a UFC belt, all in a whirlwind few months.
Players at 'high risk' as tennis chases sun
With high temperatures and very high UV levels at the Australian Open, BBC Sport looks at the effects of playing for hours outdoors.
Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson help Cavaliers hold off Hornets
Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers were solid on defense on the way to beating the host Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 21.
Ben Johnson, Bears look ahead after breakthrough season
The Chicago Bears thrilled the city in coach Ben Johnson's first season. “There is no building off of this,” Johnson said on Wednesday. The Bears are obviously starting from a stronger position, with Caleb Williams on his way to becoming a franchise quarterback after setting the team's single-season passing record in his second year and Johnson looking like the coach to lead him to that next level.
Fewer Ohioans sign up for healthcare coverage after ACA subsidies expire
Fewer Ohioans have signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act this year—and cost appears to be a big reason why.
PCA soaking up Chicago sports scene: 'It's on another level'
CHICAGO -- The video clip quickly made its way across social media platforms on Monday night. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams -- one night after a tough loss to the Rams in the NFL playoffs -- was sitting in the front row at the United Center for a Blackhawks game. As
Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy Services Expand With New Erie Site
The facility is designed to help patients recover from orthopedic injuries, joint replacements and sports-related conditions.
City Earns Family Friendly Business Award
The City was recognized as a Platinum Level leader for implementing family friendly policies in the workplace
More Staff Means Better Health Among Nursing Home Residents, Study Says
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterWEDNESDAY, Jan. 21, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Boosting staffing levels at nursing homes could improve the health of residents, a new study says. Fewer residents wound up with injuries and illnesses after an Illinois program increased staff at nursing homes with ...
Donkey Kong Country Returns keeps on returning, as Nintendo adds Switch 2 upgrades, a new playable character and more
Nintendo has announced a free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Switch and Switch 2.
Tiny doses of THC show big benefits for HIV treatment
A new study suggests that micro-doses of THC could help counter many long-term side effects of HIV treatment without causing intoxication. In animal models, low-dose THC reduced inflammation, improved gut bacteria, boosted serotonin, and lowered harmful cholesterol and bile acids. Surprisingly, it also reduced circulating levels of antiretroviral drugs while maintaining viral suppression, potentially protecting the liver. Scientists say the results point to a promising new approach for managing chronic complications of HIV.
Turkish business mogul Baran Süzer levels up Moxy Miami Wynwood
The 120-room boutique property features dining and nightlife concepts operated in partnership with leading hospitality brands.
Coventry Village rolls out $200,000 in American Rescue Plan small business grants
Individual grants are available in sums from $15,000 to $75,000, for new or existing businesses
Trump-appointed judge tears into Lindsey Halligan’s ‘vitriol’ and calls her leadership a ‘charade’
A federal judge on Tuesday ripped into Lindsey Halligan, President Donald Trump’s personal choice as the top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, after she used unusually sharp language to push back on the judge’s questioning of her authority, saying the “unnecessary rhetoric” had “a level of vitriol more appropriate for a cable news talk show.”
Northeast Ohio sports betting scandals: What we know
Separate FBI cases connect athletes with Northeast Ohio connections to prop bet manipulation schemes spanning MLB, NBA and college basketball from 2023 to 2025.
Tickets on sale for Titanic exhibition at Cleveland science center
The May 21 opening features more than 200 artifacts from the wreck site, life-size reconstructions and stories of passengers with Ohio ties.
Preserving Community Science in the Face of Attacks
Increasingly, the public is being cut out of decisions that impact their health, communities, and livelihoods—and, unfortunately, we are also seeing this play out at the state level.
Former Ambassador Beth Van Schaack discusses international politics
Former Ambassador for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack was in Cleveland, and sat down for a conversation with CWRU's Michael Scharf.
The entry-level squeeze: Small businesses pulling back from hiring new grads
Small businesses are cooling on entry-level hiring—and the Class of 2026 may feel the chill. A national survey reviewed by Fast Company finds that firms with fewer than 500 employees are 30% more likely than larger employers to say they won’t hire recent graduates this year, marking the steepest expected pullback in more than a […]
Miss Manners: Do business owners really expect tips from customers?
In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to the longstanding question of whether barbershop owners should receive tips.
People agreed to be buried face down in snow, for avalanche science
A safety device helped maintain the buried person’s oxygen levels for a half hour or more, which might provide time for an avalanche rescue.
Frontiers | Towards Bidirectional FHIR–OMOP CDM Transformations Using TermX to Support the Secondary Use of Real-World Health Data within a Patient-Centered Digital Health Paradigm
The increasing digitization of healthcare has led to vast amounts of clinical data, much of which remains underutilized for research. While HL7 (Health Level...
Decades of suffering: Long-term mental health outcomes of Kurdish chemical gas attacks
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in trauma, somatic symptoms, and psychopathology in conflict-affected populations. He has worked for over a decade with survivors of massacres in the Kurdistan Region, integrating clinical practice with research. He is also a lecturer at the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok. His current research focuses on validating psychological instruments for Kurdish communities and exploring genetic and phenomic factors related to trauma-related disorders. In a new study in Frontiers in Psychiatry, he and colleagues showed exceptionally high levels of trauma among survivors of a notorious atrocity: the 1988 chemical attack on Halabja in Kurdistan. In this editorial, he summarizes their findings.
Browns bringing youngster Grant Udinski back for second HC interview
After interviewing Grant Undinski Saturday, the Browns wants to bring him in for a second interview.
How the Dolans do Business: Why the Cleveland Guardians Won’t Spend
Why won’t the Dolans spend on the Guardians? An analysis of ownership’s strategy to maximize franchise value over championships as they prepare to sell.
Ambitious Spurs eye Champions League spot after WSL rise
A year ago, Tottenham lived in the shadows of a Women's Super League relegation fight. Today, they sit level on points with third-placed Arsenal after collecting 23 from 12 matches.
Thomas Frank future: Tottenham board hold talks over head coach with Dane under increasing pressure to keep job
Spurs boss Thomas Frank under increasing pressure to keep his job; Talks are believed to have taken place at board level about whether Frank should continue after Saturdays 2-1 home defeat by West Ham; Spurs hierarchy are believed to be looking at all options at this point
Small businesses say they aren’t planning to hire many recent graduates for entry-level jobs
This slowdown is happening nationwide.
Network and share ideas at Richmond Heights’ Business Roundtable event Jan. 22
The city of Richmond Heights is holding a Business Roundtable event Jan. 22 at the Richmond Heights Community Center. The event gives business owners and associates an opportunity to network and share ideas.
Fourth-generation, family-owned business plans $18 million project near Opportunity Corridor
Reese Consumer Health is plotting a move on Cleveland’s East Side, bringing jobs to vacant land overlooking the Opportunity Corridor. Construction on the $18 million project could start in the spring.
Nebraska becomes first NCAA Power 4 team to add women's flag football
Nebraska announced its plans to play women's flag football at the varsity level by 2028, becoming the first NCAA Power 4 program to do so.
Know a business hiring for summer? Check out the BCHS Summer Job & Hiring Fair - Bethlehem Central School District
Bethlehem Central School District invites local businesses to participate in our High School Summer Job & Hiring Fair, connecting employers with students seeking summer, part-time, and entry-level work. The fair is a great way for local companies to support student career readiness while meeting potential future employees. BCHS Summer Job & Hiring Fair is March … Continue reading "Know a business hiring for summer? Check out the BCHS Summer Job & Hiring Fair"
Cavaliers’ 2016 memories to be featured at Greater Cleveland Sports Awards
The 26th annual sports awards will include a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship.
Scientists found hidden synapse hotspots in the teen brain
Scientists have discovered that the adolescent brain does more than prune old connections. During the teen years, it actively builds dense new clusters of synapses in specific parts of neurons. These clusters emerge only in adolescence and may help shape higher-level thinking. When the process is disrupted, it could play a role in conditions like schizophrenia.
Research in Yale Science Building paused due to ventilation failure
A Wednesday email announced that the building — except for Marsh Lecture Hall and concourse-level physics research labs — would be closed until further notice.
Florida State to host Next Level Youth Football League for first time
Florida State will host the Next Level Youth Football League for the first time, bringing flag football to Tallahassee.
Mortgage rates fall to lowest level since 2022
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell this week to 6.06%, according to the latest Freddie Mac data released on Thursday. That is down from last week's reading of 6.16%.
20 people charged in connection to sweeping basketball game fixing scandal
This FBI probe marks the latest gambling scandal to rock high-level sports.
If You Skip Doing Even One of These 3 Things, Your Business Will Never Grow
Focus on these three things to take your business to the next level.
City Earns Family Friendly Business Award
The City was recognized as a Platinum Level leader for implementing family friendly policies in the workplace.
America's top management consulting firms
America's top management consulting firms can help your business move to the next level.
What Teddy Roosevelt has to do with Trump's moves in Venezuela and Greenland
Presidents James Monroe and Theodore Roosevelt helped shape a policy that rationalizes U.S. intervention in Latin America and elsewhere. But Trump has brought that idea to a whole new level.
Kings miss offensive opportunities in overtime loss to Golden Knights
Whatever levels of frustration the Los Angeles Kings had before tonight’s game wildly escalated by the time the game ended.
Sports for People and Planet
The $2.3 trillion global sports economy is experiencing robust growth, with annual revenues projected to reach $8.8 trillion by 2050. However, factors such as rising levels of physical inactivity and escalating environmental challenges could erode up to $1.6 trillion in annual revenue by mid-century. The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, has developed this insight report to highlight the urgent social and economic imperative for coordinated public–private action to secure the sector’s long-term resilience, presenting transformative, multistakeholder pathways and innovative case studies.This approach ensures that the future of sport remains competitive and inspiring, while also being sustainable and inclusive for people and the planet alike.
How everyday foam reveals the secret logic of artificial intelligence
Foams were once thought to behave like glass, with bubbles frozen in place at the microscopic level. But new simulations reveal that foam bubbles are always shifting, even while the foam keeps its overall shape. Remarkably, this restless motion follows the same math used to train artificial intelligence. The finding hints that learning-like behavior may be a fundamental principle shared by materials, machines, and living cells.
National health spending soared for 2nd consecutive year in 2024
The 7.2 percent increase comes as Americans continue to seek out medical care at high levels.
ENTERTAINMENT: ASO Community Orchestra offers ‘Night at the Opera’
The Arkansas Symphony Community Orchestra, area amateur musicians at various experience levels operating under the aegis of the Arkansas Symphony's Education & Community Outreach arm, presents "A Night at the Opera," 7 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church.
The ocean absorbed a stunning amount of heat in 2025
Earth’s oceans reached their highest heat levels on record in 2025, absorbing vast amounts of excess energy from the atmosphere. This steady buildup has accelerated since the 1990s and is now driving stronger storms, heavier rainfall, and rising sea levels. While surface temperatures fluctuate year to year, the ocean’s long-term warming trend shows no sign of slowing.
Did N.J. just take control of your children’s health? What the ‘vaccine bill’ actually does.
The changes come amid heightened debate on the federal level.
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
Everything you need to know about Montana’s rural health windfall
All told, the administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte has said that Montana could receive $1.2 billion in grant money by 2031 if the Trump administration continues to fund the state’s proposed projects at the same level every year. How far will that go toward filling the hole left by Medicaid cuts, and what exactly can the money be used for?
Home Office says illegal-working raids and arrests at record level
Almost 9,000 people arrested and over 1,000 deported in 2025, Home Office says
Yen Tumbles Following Report Japan PM Plans Snap Poll
The yen dropped to its weakest level against the dollar since July 2024, as losses accelerated following speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may soon call a snap election.
Open inquiries probe potential involvement at the ‘highest levels of Minnesota politics’: Manhattan Institute senior fellow
Manhattan Institute senior fellow Chris Rufo discusses the ongoing investigation into the alleged Minnesota fraud scandal and how widespread the issue may be on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’
SPORT BEACH Levels Up: Stagwell (STGW) Announces Creation of SPORT BEACH Business Unit to Advance Sports Marketing
NEW YORK, NY AND LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Stagwell (NASDAQ:STGW), the challenger network
‘Working without a net’: Remembering Bill Livingston’s fiery legacy in Cleveland sports
Former Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston, who passed away at 77, leaves behind decades of passionate, opinionated coverage that helped define Cleveland’s sports narrative.
2026 Best of Business
WBJ’s Best of Business awards are centered around one concept: referrals. Businesses will attract and retain new customers in all sorts of ways, but most will tell you the best way is to get your existing clients to do it for you. A recommendation from a trusted source goes a long way whenever a company leader is looking for a lawyer, an accountant, a place for lunch, a venue for a large event, or a fun place to take employees as a reward for all their hard work. Now in its 13th year, WBJ’s Best of Business awards are essentially recommendations from trusted sources for the organizations to best help your companies succeed. As we do every year, WBJ compiled this list of winners by asking our readers to vote in the various categories. From Nov. 1-28, more than 2,160 votes were cast. The top votegetters are the winners of this year’s 54 categories. To celebrate these winners and to meet the best of the best, I invite you to attend WBJ’s Best of Business awards event at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Part celebration and part hyperactive networking event, the Best of Business awards is a unique experience in the local economic scene. Always a good time, the room is full of potential contacts, who can all help your business achieve that next level of excellence. You can register here. – Brad Kane, editor
Northwood University Launches New MBA in Health Leadership & Innovation
New Program Blends Northwood’s Free-Enterprise Emphasis with Specialized Coursework to Help Professionals Lead System-Level Change as Industry Faces
A new crystal makes magnetism twist in surprising ways
Florida State University scientists have engineered a new crystal that forces atomic magnets to swirl into complex, repeating patterns. The effect comes from mixing two nearly identical compounds whose mismatched structures create magnetic tension at the atomic level. These swirling “skyrmion-like” textures are prized for their low-energy behavior and stability. The discovery could help drive advances in data storage, energy-efficient electronics, and quantum computing.
Have high cholesterol? Follow this science-backed diet, even partially, to lower your level
The Portfolio Diet is a lesser-known but powerful regimen that has been clinically proven to significantly reduce cholesterol
A new entry in the dietary guidelines: advice on maintaining healthy testosterone levels
New U.S. dietary guidelines for the first time include advice for men on maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
Recall of cheese products upgraded to highest danger level over Listeria-causing bacteria: FDA
The FDA announced that a recall of cheese products has been upgraded to the most serious risk category after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
About friends, family, business & the Browns – Terry Pluto’s Faith & You
What happens when you fire a friend/family member?