Actualités : France24

Aujourd'hui

Trump diagnosed with 'benign' vein issue causing leg swelling, White House says

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common and benign vein condition following concerns over swollen legs and hand discolouration, the White House confirmed Thursday. Officials also attributed recent hand bruising to frequent handshaking and

Lundi 14 juillet 2025

The art of napping: How siestas are the key to a more productive life

Napping isn't just for toddlers anymore. Studies show that a daytime sleep can be great for adults too. Afternoon naps have been proven to boost memory, improve job performance, make you more alert, ease stress and lift your spirits! Sébastien Spitzer, a

Netherlands researchers redesign vaginal speculum to ease discomfort

Cold, rigid, and metallic – it’s not a medieval torture device, but the vaginal speculum, a tool used daily in gynecological exams worldwide and often linked to discomfort and fear. Two engineers at Delft University in the Netherlands are now reimagining

Vendredi 11 juillet 2025

Kidneys for cash: Inside Kenya's organ-trafficking network

Back in April, Kenyan authorities launched an investigation into a major kidney-trafficking ring. Wealthy international patients have been travelling to the East African country to obtain life-saving organs, while vulnerable local donors are exploited to

Mercredi 9 juillet 2025

Gaza hospital director’s killing in Israeli strike highlights toll on health sector

Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, the head of Gaza’s Indonesia Hospital, was a renowned figure in the Palestinian territory. When he was killed last week in an Israeli strike, the Gaza Strip was left to cope with just one cardiologist as international groups warn of

Jeudi 3 juillet 2025

The big business behind weight-loss drugs: Global market to hit $150 billion by 2035

They burst onto the scene four years ago and are taking over the pharmaceutical world. New GLP-1-based drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound are said to be a weight-loss game changer and could drive big pharma's revenue for years to come. But they come

How French attitudes to cigarettes are changing

You might picture the stereotypical French person wearing a beret, with a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other. But does France deserve its chain-smoking reputation? While many tourists say large numbers of smokers are one of the first

Mardi 1 juillet 2025

Climate change is changing the geography of infectious disease

Europe isn’t just at risk of the direct effects of climate change, it is also exposed to the indirect effects of infectious disease like dengue, chikungunya and West Nile Virus – which are expanding their territories northward.

US foreign aid cuts could cause 14 million deaths by 2030, Lancet study finds

The Trump administration's cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides 40 percent of humanitarian funding worldwide, could lead to 14 million deaths by 2030, a study in the Lancet found, potentially "halting – and even rev

Lundi 30 juin 2025

Stocamine in Alsace: 'Toxicity of chemical waste won't disappear, nobody knows how to deal with it'

A Strasbourg court has authorised the permanent containment of approximately 42,000 tonnes of highly toxic chemical waste: cyanide, arsenic, mercury, and more, at the former Stocamine potash mine. France is set to inject concrete and seal the mine galler

Vendredi 27 juin 2025

US signals 'powerful shift' in vaccine policy as RFK Jr moves to change guidance

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, June 27: Donald Trump's health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr moves to rescind recommendations for the flu vaccine over a longstanding anti-vaxxer belief that it causes autism. The US will also pull funding for

Mercredi 25 juin 2025

'It's the smallest glasses factory in the world': Head of GoodVision France

A new way of ensuring everyone on the planet has access to glasses is being pushed by a global NGO that has just launched in France. A machine has been developed that can make glasses anywhere on the planet for just one single dollar. This as it is estim

Study finds child vaccination rates are dropping globally, threatening millions

Researchers said on Tuesday that vaccination rates among children are dropping across the world, increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases, as economic inequality, misinformation, and foreign aid cuts threaten to stymie decades of progress

Samedi 21 juin 2025

🌟The Bright Side: French scientists identify new blood type in Guadeloupe woman

French scientists have identified a new blood type, dubbed "Gwada negative", belonging to a French woman from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. The woman is the only known carrier of what is now the world's 48th identified blood group system.

Mardi 17 juin 2025

'Manosphere' influencers prey on the insecurities of young men, expert says

The UN has recently warned about the dangers of online misogyny, specifically in relation to the so-called 'manosphere' - a network of communities that claim to address men’s struggles, but often promote harmful advice and attitudes, as well as false nar

Bhopal disaster 'continues to kill people even today', leading activists warn

The Bhopal gas tragedy, which happened over 40 years ago, continues to kill people even today. That's the message brought to France this week by two leading activists who continue to push for justice. The initial leak, which is still considered the world

Lundi 16 juin 2025

At least 30 Palestinians killed in new shootings near food distribution centers

At least 34 Palestinians were killed Monday in new shootings on the roads leading to Israeli- and U.S.-supported food distribution centers in the Gaza Strip, the local Health Ministry said. Story by Antonia Kerrigan.

Dimanche 15 juin 2025

A British surgeon who recently returned from Gaza speaks to FRANCE 24

Dr Graeme Groom, a British trauma and orthopaedic surgeon recently returned from Gaza. Among the patients he treated during his most recent mission was 11-year-old Adam al-Najjar, the only surviving child of paediatrician Dr Alaa al-Najjar. Since 2009, D

One year after the riots in New Caledonia, a healthcare system in tatters

One year after the riots in New Caledonia, how is the archipelago doing? The territory still bears deep scars from the social uprising of May 2024—especially in the healthcare sector. Many facilities were damaged, but more critically, many healthcare wor

Mardi 10 juin 2025

Sudanese doctors on mission to rebuild Mycetoma Research Centre

The war in Sudan has led to the total or partial destruction of clinics and hospitals, but health professionals are determined to rebuild what has been lost. Among them are scientists researching and treating mycetoma, a rare but devastating fungal disea

'We're better at treating cancer the earlier we detect it,' top specialist says

One of the world’s leading cancer specialists has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the need to detect cancer early and prevent it from ever taking hold, rather than having to treat people later. Professor Alexandra Leary is an oncology specialist in gynaecologi

Robert F. Kennedy fires entire US vaccine panel, citing conflicts of interest

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday dismissed all 17 members of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory panel, accusing them of conflicts of interest in his latest salvo against vaccines. Scientists have denoun

Jeudi 5 juin 2025

Protecting minors from harmful content on-line: France requiring pornographic sites to verify age

French visitors to major adult websites Pornhub, YouPorn and RedTube have been met with a message denouncing privacy risks from government demands that they verify users' ages. "Your government suggests checking your age every time you visit our site --

RNA Covid vaccine was initially 'developed for oncology use and was already in phase 2'

A new treatment nearly halves the risk of disease progression or death from a less common form of breast cancer that hasn't seen major drug advances in over a decade, Results from the study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cli

Trump orders inquiry into 'conspiracy' to cover up Biden's declining cognitive health

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday directed an investigation into Republican claims of a "conspiracy" to conceal Joe Biden's alleged cognitive decline while in office. The move escalates Trump's years-long effort to undermine his Democratic predecess

Mardi 3 juin 2025

'Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare': Award-winning nurse Naomi Ohene Oti

A Ghanaian oncology nurse who has won an international award for her work has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the need to invest in nursing. Naomi Ohene Oti is an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at Ghana's National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nucle

Lundi 2 juin 2025

New Caledonia unrest, one year on: A healthcare system in tatters

France's overseas territory of New Caledonia is facing a growing crisis. The number of healthcare workers has dropped dramatically, particularly since the unrest of May 2024. In response, authorities are offering incentives – such as annual contracts and

Jeudi 29 mai 2025

France to ban smoking on beaches, parks and bus stops from July 1

France will ban smoking in all outdoor places that can be accessed by children, including beaches, parks and bus stops from July 1, French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced Thursday.

UAE grapples with obesity crisis fuelled by fast food, sedentary lifestyle

Behind the skyscrapers and luxurious resorts of the United Arab Emirates, a silent health crisis is looming. According to a study published in The Lancet, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult men in the UAE is set to rise from 84 percent

Sudan 'on brink' of health emergency amid deadly cholera outbreak

A deadly cholera outbreak has killed at least 70 people in just 48 hours in Sudan's war-torn capital, health officials said Thursday, deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis after more than two years of brutal conflict between the army and paramili

Mercredi 28 mai 2025

Right to assisted dying provides 'autonomous choice for patient suffering endlessly, unbearably'

France’s lower house of parliament adopted a bill Tuesday to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication, as public demands grow across Europe for legal end-of-life options. The National Assembly vote is a key step on the long-debated i

Mardi 27 mai 2025

France's lower house backs assisted dying bill in first reading

France's lower house on Tuesday approved a right-to-die bill in the first reading, the initial step in a lengthy process that could grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances. FRANCE 24's Antonia Kerrigan report

French parliament to vote on assisted dying: Patients share their stories

French deputies are set to vote Tuesday on a controversial bill regarding end-of-life options before it moves to the Senate. The proposed “right to aid in dying” has divided politicians and healthcare professionals and reignited heated bioethical debates

Lundi 26 mai 2025

Vegetable Garden World Cup: 'We all need to reconnect with nature and our health'

"It takes a village!" And it takes a vegetable garden! François Picard's guest Henri Landes, Co-Founder of LanDestini, says it's absolutely "fundamental" for kids, especially in urban areas, to learn where food, fruits and vegetables come from. And so, i

Mardi 20 mai 2025

'Original Sin': New book paints damning portrayal of Biden's mental decline

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, May 20: Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's new book "Original Sin" shows that Joe Biden's cognitive decline was far more severe than portrayed. It comes as the Democrats are accused of covering for him during his presidency. Also, re

Rethinking management of natural resources: Filtration of bottled water just the tip of the iceberg

The government of French President Emmanuel Macron covered up decisions over the illegal treatment of mineral water by food industry giant Nestle, including the world-famous Perrier brand, a Senate inquiry commission said Monday. Its report focused on Ne

Lundi 19 mai 2025

Former US President Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer

Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and is reviewing treatment options, his office said Sunday. The Democrat was diagnosed Friday after reporting worsening urinar

Dimanche 18 mai 2025

Former US president Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer

Former US president Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and is reviewing treatment options, his office said Sunday. The Democrat was diagnosed Friday after reporting worsening urinar

Samedi 17 mai 2025

Ghana detains over 2,200 undocumented migrants in crime crackdown

Ghanaian immigration officials said they had detained more than 2,000 undocumented foreign nationals in Accra Friday in an operation to dismantle criminal networks and curb street begging. Of the 2,241 arrested during the early morning raids, 1,332 were

Lundi 12 mai 2025

Trump to sign executive order aimed at lowering medication costs

US President Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order on Monday that could lower the cost of some medications, an effort that will face strong pushback from the pharmaceutical industry.

Vendredi 9 mai 2025

What will Pope Leo XIV mean for Africa?

As the world woke up in a new papal era, the Catholic faithful across Africa joyfully welcomed the election of Leo XIV. We unlock the African perspective with Father Henry Chukwujekwu from the Diocese of Nnewi in Nigeria, now serving a mission in France

Mardi 6 mai 2025

People taking more 'aggressive, negative' stance towards youth identifying as trans, gender diverse

Trump has said the US should recognise only two sexes and has moved to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and bar transgender people from the military. Yet Europe offers no safe haven either, as right-wing populism rises across the old continent.

Vendredi 2 mai 2025

PFAS 'forever chemicals': Citizens take on industrial giants in quest for justice

PFAS, better known as "forever chemicals", are ultra-resistant to water and heat – so much so that they are virtually indestructible in nature. These chemicals are everywhere in our daily lives – in clothes, cosmetics and kitchen utensils – and are poiso

Jeudi 1 mai 2025

RFK Jr alarms medical experts with vaccine 'placebo testing' plans

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, May 1: The Spanish papers continue to wonder what – or who – was responsible for the Great Blackout that plunged Spain and Portugal into darkness this week. Is renewable energy to blame? Also: US Health Secretary Robert F. Kenned

Mercredi 30 avril 2025

MSF warns: USAID’s demise a ‘human-made disaster that will have dire health consequences worldwide'

UN aid agencies warn of deep service cuts as US funding plummets under President Donald Trump. His administration has slashed 83% of programs funded by USAID, which had a $42.8 billion annual budget—42% of all global humanitarian aid. As vital operations

Samedi 26 avril 2025

600 people killed and 263 million cases in 2023 of Malaria

April 25 marks World Malaria Day, a time to draw attention to one of the world's oldest and deadliest diseases. While significant strides have been made in prevention and treatment, malaria still claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually, with Afric

Jeudi 24 avril 2025

'Many people will die' because of funding cuts and vaccine disinformation, expert says

Global aid funding cuts, led by the United States, are disrupting efforts to vaccinate children against deadly diseases almost as much as the Covid-19 pandemic did, the United Nations said on Thursday. Lawrence Gostin, Distinguished Professor at Georgeto

Mercredi 23 avril 2025

World Health Organization announces 'significant' layoffs amid US funding cuts

The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday that operations and jobs would be slashed as US funding cuts had left the UN agency with a budget hole of several hundred million dollars. Morgan Ayre reports.

Vendredi 18 avril 2025

Client left brain-dead after botched cryotherapy session in Paris

A client who was injured during a fatal cryotherapy session that earlier this week claimed the life of another woman is now brain-dead, the prosecutor's office said on Friday. An autopsy on the first victim showed she suffocated due to a lack of oxygen,

Mercredi 16 avril 2025

Biden condemns Trump over social security in first post-presidency speech

In his first major speech since leaving office, former US president Joe Biden slammed his successor Donald Trump's frenetic government overhaul, warning that Trump’s cuts to Social Security risk devastating the lives of millions of retirees who depend on

WHO member states agree to landmark accord on future pandemic responses

Countries united under the World Health Organization on Wednesday agreed to a milestone accord on how to respond to future pandemics and avoid repeating the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis. The agreement comes despite US foreign aid cuts and pos

World Health Organization countries reach deal on pandemics

On Wednesday, members of the World Health Organization have reached a landmark agreement aimed at learning from the COVID-19 pandemic—which claimed millions of lives between 2020 and 2022—and strengthening global preparedness for future health crises. Ke

Jeudi 10 avril 2025

Former France star Sébastien Chabal says he has 'no memories' of rugby career

Retired France international Sébastien Chabal has said he cannot remember "a single second of a rugby match" he played in, becoming the latest former player to speak out about the sport's potential consequences on health.

Dimanche 6 avril 2025

Second Texas child dies of measles amid surging infection rates

A second child in the southwestern United States has died from measles, officials said Sunday, as 22 states report 642 confirmed cases, almost all of them among unvaccinated people.

🌟The Bright Side: Groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis wins 'Oscars of science'

American neurologist Stephen Hauser and Italian epidemiologist Alberto Ascherio were awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize on Sunday for their groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis, the debilitating neurodegenerative disease that affects nea

Samedi 5 avril 2025

Reunion Island launches emergency health plan amid chikungunya epidemic

Health authorities in France's Reunion Island on Friday launched an emergency plan to boost staff in hospitals to deal with the spread of the chikungunya virus. This comes as the Indian Ocean territory reported over 6,000 new cases of the mosquito-borne

Vendredi 4 avril 2025

USAID funding cuts: "We are just realigning foreign aid", says the US

One of the dramatic consequences of Donald Trump's accession to power is the drastic reduction in USAID funding. For the State Department's deputy spokeswoman, these cuts are not a matter of elimination: the United States wishes to “reorient” aid. FRANCE

Lundi 31 mars 2025

Sperm and egg donors: Lifting anonymity in France

In this edition, we find out why France is destroying its old stock of donor sperm, despite long waiting lists for help conceiving a child through IVF and other fertility treatments. Under the nation's latest bioethics law, anonymous sperm donations are

Vendredi 28 mars 2025

Trump's 'sustained campaign of attacks on US universities & science will take years to recover from'

In a major upheaval, the US Department of Health and Human Services, led by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, will lay off 10,000 workers and shut down entire agencies, including ones that oversee billions of dollars in funds for addiction services a

Mercredi 26 mars 2025

USAID cuts deal heavy blow to health programmes for migrants in Mexico

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on March 10 that Washington would slash 83 percent of its USAID-funded international aid projects. The decision is already having serious repercussions. In southern Mexico, the NGO Doctors of the World Switzerl