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[Viewpoint] A public health perspective on assisted dying and its different modalities

Assisted dying (encompassing euthanasia and assisted suicide) has emerged as a legally sanctioned option for end-of-life care in an increasing number of countries. Over 200 million people now live in jurisdictions permitting some form of assisted dying, with at least 12 countries having implemented national or subnational legislation as of May, 2025. Legal frameworks, terminology, and procedures remain highly heterogeneous, affecting how assisted dying is perceived, delivered, and monitored. Terminological variation and the absence of specific ICD codes impede international data comparability, limiting public health surveillance and cross-country learning.

[Health Policy] Comparing US prevention efforts to other high-income countries

Life expectancy in the USA is considerably lower than in most high-income countries, with many deaths considered preventable. The extent by which poor performance on prevention measures and public health policies in the USA could be contributing to this issue is not well understood. To address this issue, we compared publicly available population-based indicators of health care across different levels of prevention in the USA and six high-income countries (ie, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, and the UK) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries between 2010 and 2023.

[Articles] Investigating associations between long-term poverty exposure and premature mortality: evidence from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 prospective cohort

Greater cumulative exposure to poverty across emerging and established adulthood is associated with a greater risk for premature mortality. To inform public health action and policy, future research should evaluate the effects of providing support to individuals who are experiencing financial hardships during these important life stages on health and longevity.

[Articles] The burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region 1990–2021: a cross-country systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050

Our study shows that bacterial AMR has been a serious public health threat in the EMR for more than 30 years, with a substantial fatal and non-fatal burden for priority bacterial pathogens and pathogen–drug combinations. The magnitude of this issue, future projects, and the inadequate response capacity in many countries underscore the need for more stringent regional leadership in this field. The insights gained from this study can direct targeted mitigation strategies for individual countries within the region, aiding in resource allocation and funding decisions, and emphasising the need for collaborative multisectoral endeavours among nations to address this issue.

[Articles] Cirrhosis incidence across socioeconomic and demographic groups in Sweden: a register-based cohort study

Cirrhosis incidence in Sweden is increasing and unequally distributed across income groups. These findings are likely to be relevant beyond Sweden, given similar trends in MASLD-related and ALD-related cirrhosis reported across other high-income countries. Targeted prevention and early detection are needed to reduce the growing burden, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

[Articles] National roll-out of social prescribing in England's primary care system: a longitudinal observational study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data

Social prescribing has expanded rapidly in England, far exceeding initial targets of 900 000 patients by 2023–24, suggesting broad service acceptability. Progress is being made in reaching specific target groups, such as more deprived communities. However, there are still disparities in accessibility and uptake, calling for targeted strategies to address underlying inequalities.

[Correspondence] Reflections on daily steps and health outcomes – Authors' reply

Our recent Article on daily step counts and health outcomes1 has received considerable public interest, given its suggestion of a 7000-step target per day for clinically meaningful health benefits. Although the appeal of a clear, prescriptive number is understandable, we emphasise that scientific evidence rarely offers such definitive conclusions. The aim of our work was never to establish a single magic number, but to synthesise the best available evidence and present a nuanced overview of current knowledge.

[Correspondence] Reflections on daily steps and health outcomes

As researchers and epidemiologists working in physical activity surveillance, we read with great interest the Article by Ding Ding and colleagues.1 Their work has direct implications for informing how surveillance systems interpret steps-based data and informing the development of public health messaging to promote physical activity. Steps are a practical measure of physical activity: they are easy to understand, inclusive of all intensities, and increasingly measured and understood by individuals given the ubiquity of smartwatches capturing steps.

[Correspondence] How gender-based violence undermines women's right to move

Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving physical and mental health, preventing chronic diseases, and enhancing wellbeing.1 Despite these established benefits, the global age-standardised prevalence of insufficient physical activity in 2022 was 31·3%.2 Several barriers hinder participation in physical activity, including insufficient time, financial constraints, poor health, and urban violence.3 However, an often overlooked factor is the impact of gender-based violence on women's ability to engage in safe and consistent exercise routines.

[Comment] Cardiovascular disease in England: a delayed epidemic

Long before the emergence of COVID-19, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) had already established themselves as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.1 Notably, the pandemic added a new dimension to this crisis, disrupting care pathways, delaying diagnoses, and exacerbating chronic conditions.2 The global focus on infection control often overshadowed these secondary effects.

[Comment] Natural history of alcohol-use disorders: not the end of the story

Alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) result from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors, and their onset and persistence can drastically affect an individual's life trajectory. By mapping the natural history of AUD from initiation to risky use, dependence, remission, and relapse, we can identify crucial developmental windows during which individuals are more susceptible to developing, overcoming, and re-experiencing alcohol-related issues and thus identify important intervention opportunities when preventive or therapeutic efforts might be most effective.

[Editorial] Mental health: a public health crisis unfolding

More than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition. One in seven young people. Despite these alarming numbers, the public health response is woefully inadequate. In the words of Dr Tedros, WHO Director General, “Mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of public health and health services delivery”. Indeed, the WHO report World Mental Health Today, published in September, paints a sobering picture with rising incidence rates, persistent service gaps, and a glaring neglect of youth-specific mental health needs.