Health professionals meet minds on better service delivery

One tiny Pacific nation has begun the new year with a ban on sunscreens that contain chemicals that affect the health of coral reefs and fish. "Environment is the nest of life," Palau's president said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc has dropped its longstanding opposition to curbs on tobacco advertising. Health advocates welcome the breakthrough, warning Germany needs to do more to protect young people.

More than 80% of global teens don't get at least one hour of daily exercise, according to a UN health agency study. The findings have implications for physical and mental health as well as youth education.

Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail sentence for corruption, has been temporarily freed amid concerns his health is deteriorating. The 69-year-old three-term prime minister has a history of heart disease.

Lead of Merck for Mothers, Mary-Ann Etiebet, says Nigeria is nowhere near where it needs to be in terms of meeting its health care goals. On the side-lines of the Future of Health in Nigeria Summit held by Forbes Africa and Phillips Health, CNBC Africa's Christy Cole spoke to Mary-Ann.

The president of the World Organization for Animal Health has called it the "biggest threat to any commercial livestock of our generation." The global price of pork and pig-based products is expected to skyrocket.

A journalist involved in the fight against the Ebola virus in Congo has been stabbed to death. Health experts blame violence and distrust in some areas for worsening the spread of the deadly disease.

A proposed new highway is stoking health fears because it may cross a nuclear waste dump. Authorities say there is no risk of contamination, but locals have taken to the streets to protest.

A study by the German Environment Ministry has found almost all children tested have traces of plastic by-products in their bodies. Some of the chemicals found could affect health and development.

Africa's population is growing rapidly. The high birth rates present the continent with an enormous challenge. However, a study found that the number of children is declining as education, health, and jobs rise.

As Ebola health workers in DR Congo battle mistrust and attacks on hospitals, the number of deaths has exceeded 1,000. WHO's emergencies chief Mike Ryan said its vaccination program will be expanded with a new vaccine.