Bulletin #110: Ultra-processed foods are fueling a global health crisis

This fortnight

The devastating consequences of Israel’s genocide in Gaza continue to come to light. In recent weeks, health workers and economists have calculated that more than 1 million years of life have been lost just among children. Meanwhile, testimonies from recently freed Palestinian prisoners reveal how Israeli forces routinely use sexual violence as a tool of dehumanization and control.

In the United States, a prolonged government shutdown ended with a temporary spending bill – one that is likely to drive up health costs for millions. Despite claiming to stand with the people, even some members of the Democratic Party supported the proposal, raising concern about bipartisan complicity in undermining healthcare.

On the global level, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continue to fuel a vast epidemic of chronic disease. A new series in The Lancet focuses on the health harms of UPFs, examines policy tools to counter them, and, crucially, exposes how the UPF industry aggressively pushes expansion at the cost of public health.

In a new episode of Access Denied, the Working Group on Access to Medicines – India interviews Dr. Gopal Dabade about the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. He explains how eliminating brand marketing and intermediary margins can make essential medicines significantly more affordable for the public.

The People’s Health Movement is marking its 25th anniversary with a public event on December 6, celebrating more than two decades of global resistance, solidarity, and collective action for health justice. Activists around the world are invited to join.

In focus: Health in Palestine

“On the first day I was raped twice”: PCHR report exposes sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli forces

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights has released new testimonies describing the sexual abuse of Palestinian captives by Israeli forces.

Over 1 million years of children’s lives lost in Gaza during genocide, study finds

A new Lancet study finds Israel’s genocide in Gaza has cut short over 3 million years of life, with children accounting for one-third of the loss.

Gallery: Freedom for Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

Featured articles

Shutdown, capitulation, and austerity: how Democrats failed to defend affordable healthcare

While the Democratic Party claimed to be defending working-class people in the US, its capitulation to a Republican spending bill leaves millions facing skyrocketing healthcare costs and exposes the limits of partisan opposition in the face of billionaire-driven austerity.

Industry remains biggest barrier to tackling ultra-processed food harm

Researchers and activists warn that the UPF industry exerts a powerful chokehold over global food systems, urging urgent action.

Video

Jan Aushadhi Explained: how the scheme works and who it serves

In this episode of Access Denied, the Working Group on Access to Medicines India breaks down the Government of India’s Jan Aushadhi Scheme: how Jan Aushadhi Kendras operate, and why medicines here can cost as little as 25% of regular retail prices.

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The People’s Health Movement: 25 years of struggle for health and justice | People’s Health Movement

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