BBC News

BBC News - Health

A mayor in Japan announced her maternity leave - and got the whole country talking

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:11 GMT

In the face of criticism, Shoko Kawata, 35, says she loves her job and is proud to be taking time off to have a baby.

Why women suffer more in the heat

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:25:03 GMT

A look at evidence that women's bodies suffer more during a heatwave.

Endometriosis groups 'crying out' for cut in diagnosis time

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:15:23 GMT

Two new non-invasive tests available from GPs are being proposed to speed up diagnosis times.

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:05:28 GMT

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

Rollout of Covid vaccines extraordinary feat - inquiry report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:39:07 GMT

Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

People in 50s urged to complete bowel cancer screening

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 03:03:46 GMT

Health officials warn little over half of 54-year-olds completed free at-home test kits.

'Endometriosis tests would have given me years back'

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:29:22 GMT

It has been announced that two new rapid tests for the condition will be made available on the NHS.

What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:40:50 GMT

Only select groups of teenagers and some young people will be eligible for the vaccine. Here's why.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

Why heatwaves hit women harder

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:49:12 GMT

Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.

Inside Health

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher examines the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent.

A country that made huge progress on measles now reports 120,000 cases

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:03:05 GMT

Hundreds of children are dying from measles in Bangladesh, where hospitals are overwhelmed.

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

Why some African nations are turning down Trump aid money

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:49:08 GMT

The Trump administration sees the aid as more transactional - but some say it is not a fair trade.

Islanders' lifestyle views could help shape future

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:09:32 GMT

The results could help the government plan and deliver services in the future, officials say.

Why women suffer more in the heat

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:25:03 GMT

A look at evidence that women's bodies suffer more during a heatwave.

Heat exhaustion or heatstroke: Can you tell the difference?

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:04:39 GMT

During hot weather, it can be easy to overheat, sometimes resulting in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Vaccines a huge success, but public trust must be earned - key findings from Covid report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:02:12 GMT

Immunisation saved hundreds of thousands of UK lives, but vaccine hesitancy remains an issue.

Cycling from Paris to London for Rori

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:07:03 GMT

The cyclists taking part in the Ride for Rori raised £61,000 for the Oxford Hospitals Charity.

Endometriosis could be diagnosed by blood test, research suggests

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:15:59 GMT

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh say people with the condition have a distinct pattern of hormones.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

Motherhood not all warm and fuzzy: Bollywood actor's play spotlights messier side

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:41:08 GMT

As a society, we take mothers for granted and raising children is a thankless job, says actor Kalki Koechlin.

Swim club calls for more school water safety lessons

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:08:04 GMT

From the autumn a new Water Safety Forum is being introduced to primary and secondary schools.

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Loved and loathed: The making of India's viral liver doctor

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:11:12 GMT

Dr Cyriac Abby Philips has built a large online following, but often clashes with India's traditional medicine specialists.

MenB vaccine offers men no protection from gonorrhoea, claims major study

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:06:53 GMT

The Meningitis B vaccine does not prevent gonorrhoea infections despite being offered to at-risk men, scientists say.

Pioneering treatment saves identical twins from rare pregnancy condition

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:37:23 GMT

Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.

Pioneering treatment saves twins in early pregnancy

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:04:37 GMT

Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:20:11 GMT

The fourth report from the inquiry into the pandemic said the vaccine roll-out was an "extraordinary feat".

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

Many fear the NHS will continue to fail mothers and babies unless there's a cultural shift

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:06:11 GMT

Families will continue to be failed unless the NHS makes meaningful changes, BBC's Michael Buchanan writes.

Resident doctors take strike action over pay

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:45:58 GMT

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

Vapes to have less enticing names and flavours to protect children

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:54:49 GMT

People are being consulted about plans to stop vape companies using enticing flavour descriptions that "attract" children into experimenting.

Inside Health

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Are mosquitos biting earlier and how to optimise sperm.

Inside Health

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher is joined by experts to answer key questions on the meningitis outbreak.

Doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:08:16 GMT

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

'People don't realise how at risk they are': A day with an ambulance service in a heatwave

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:18:28 GMT

The BBC join a crew based in Exeter as the UK sizzles in one of its longest-running heatwaves.

Pioneering treatment saves twins in early pregnancy

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:04:37 GMT

Identical twins Nancy and Margo benefitted from the procedure while in the womb as part of a world-first medical trial.

More protein or less? The foods to get you through a heatwave

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:05:56 GMT

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

Surviving in the wild for suicide awareness

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:07:00 GMT

Kit Birks has walked the entire length of Europe to raise money and awareness for suicie prevention.

Inside Health

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher finds out how a hot flush feels - and delves into a new treatment.

Why wellness is booming at festivals in the UK

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 06:09:26 GMT

Organisers say they are seeing more demand for wellness events such as yoga and running clubs.

Why heatwaves hit women harder

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:49:12 GMT

Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.

We are living fewer years in good health: Is the NHS part of the problem?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:42:35 GMT

What is driving the UK's fall in healthy life expectancy?

US pays out $3m to victims of mystery Havana Syndrome condition reported by spies

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:11:52 GMT

US officials and diplomats and their families began reporting a mysterious illness a decade ago.

How to get through World Cup-induced sleep deprivation

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:09:31 GMT

The euphoria from England's dramatic victory over Mexico might not be enough to get you through Monday.

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

Public to be asked who should pay for social care as part of major review

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:05:01 GMT

Baroness Louise Casey, who is leading the review, has called the current system "impossible".

German doctor jailed for murder of 15 patients and suspected of more

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:25:25 GMT

The German palliative care doctor has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 15 of his patients.