The FDA on Friday authorized the first over-the-counter at-home test that can detect both the flu and COVID-19.
Driving the news: The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the Lucira COVID-19 & Flu Test, a single-use test kit “that provides results from self-collected nasal swab samples in roughly 30 minutes.”
A group of Democratic state attorneys general on Friday filed a lawsuit challenging dispensing restrictions on a key pill used in medication abortion, throwing a new wrinkle into the national battle over drugs used to end pregnancies.
Driving the news: The AGs' suit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington contends that the restrictions are "burdensome" and "unnecessary" since the Food and Drug Administration has deemed the drug, mifepristone, safe and effective.
The majority of Americans surveyed in the new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index say businesses and the government don't make citizens' health and well-being a priority.
The big picture: Mental health is a top concern for Americans — as parents, employers and leaders.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday called the lawsuit challenging the FDA's approval of abortion pills an "attack on the very foundation of our public health system."
The big picture: The vice president's comments come ahead of a ruling —expected as soon as today — that could end access nationwide to mifepristone, a drug used for medication abortions and miscarriage care, potentially making this the most important abortion ruling since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Advocates, analysts and policymakers are giving mixed reviews to the Biden administration's move to let states use Medicaid funds for food.
Why it matters: Some are glad that Medicaid will be available as an additional tool to address food insecurity and diet-related health conditions, but others see expanding programs like SNAP as the priority ahead of a looming hunger cliff.
A year of relentless Russian bombing, air raid sirens and displacement is taking a heavy toll on Ukrainians' mental health.
The big picture: The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 10 million Ukrainians may be suffering from mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, of whom almost 4 million may have cases that are moderate or severe.
Declines in maternal mortality rates around the world have stalled on a global level in recent years, according to a new report from the World Health Organization.
Why it matters: An estimated 287,000 women died from pregnancy-related complications in 2020, which is approximately 800 deaths every day — or one every two minutes, according to the report.
Medical students aren't flocking to primary care, despite an uptick in applicants to schools and congressional efforts to boost residency slots, data show.
Why it matters: While the pandemic drove home the importance of preventive care, many residents continue to flock to higher-paying specialties, potentially leaving gaps in care and big holes in the medical workforce.
Americans say they're worried about opioids and gun violence, but what they really want the government to tackle is rising drug costs and health bills, according to the new Axios-Ipsos American Health Index.
The big picture: Pocketbook health issues still resonate the most with voters, who are increasingly convinced businesses and politicians don't have their backs.
