Category: Health

Sep 12
Influencer’s Death Highlights Rare Risks Of Penis Enlargement Fillers

British-Nigerian influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died after undergoing a penile enlargement procedure in Thailand, with a UK coroner finding that hyaluronic-acid filler caused a fatal pulmonary embolism. The 43-year-old social media personality, also known online as Ego, underwent the cosmetic procedure at a clinic in Bangkok on 5 March 2026 while travelling with his wife, […]

Sep 06
Switzerland Moves Closer To National Conversion Therapy Ban

Switzerland has moved closer to nationwide regulation of so-called conversion therapy after the Federal Council said stronger national protections should be considered. In a report released on 2 September, the Swiss Government acknowledged that conversion practices targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people continue to occur in the country and can cause significant harm. […]

Sep 04
Mpox: A Reminder to Protect Ourselves Before the Next Outbreak 

With mpox cases rising across the Tasman, Liz Gibbs, Chief Executive of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, explains why mpox remains an important health issue in 2026, who should consider vaccination, the symptoms to watch for, and why acting early — without fear, stigma or judgement — is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities. […]

Sep 01
Welsh NHS Pauses Gender-Affirming Surgeries During Independent Review

The Welsh NHS has paused new referrals and scheduled surgeries for gender-affirming procedures while an independent clinical review examines the Welsh Gender Service’s assessment and referral processes. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which runs the service, said the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee ordered the pause with immediate effect. The move affects the surgical […]

Aug 21
Trump Administration Loses Court Fight Over Trans Healthcare Coverage

A US federal judge has struck down part of a Trump administration rule that would have made it harder for some transgender people to access gender-affirming healthcare through Affordable Care Act insurance plans. Senior US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services had exceeded its authority when it attempted […]

Aug 17
JD Vance calls for investigation targeting hundreds of gender-affirming care providers

US Vice-President JD Vance has called for federal investigations into more than 200 hospitals and clinics over allegations relating to the billing of gender-affirming healthcare for young people. The latest move is part of the Trump administration’s wider campaign to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare in the United States, with providers already facing subpoenas, funding […]

Aug 17
Burnett Foundation urges political parties to back zero HIV transmissions by 2030

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is calling on every political party to commit to ending locally acquired HIV transmissions in New Zealand by 2030, arguing the goal is within reach but will require sustained political action. The Foundation, formerly known as the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, has distributed its new Roadmap to Zero to political candidates, outlining […]

Aug 14
New Australian-Backed $8 Million Initiative to Tackle Pacific HIV Crisis Announced

A new Australian-backed programme will support Fiji and neighbouring Pacific nations to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment and community-led care. The 30-month Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action (ASPHA) programme is funded by the Australian Government and will initially focus on Fiji, where new HIV infections have risen sharply. New infections in Fiji increased tenfold […]