Health screening stories

Oct 29, 2026

Twice-during-pregnancy STI screening reduces preterm birth risk by 23%, study finds

A randomized clinical trial published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that screening and treating pregnant patients for three common sexually transmitted infections twice during pregnancy was associated with a 23% lower risk of preterm birth compared with standard care.

Oct 29, 20263 sources

Aug 11, 2026

England reaches 100,000 hepatitis C treatments as elimination target moves within reach

New data from NHS England shows the country is nearing elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat, with 80% of known cases cured. The progress is attributed to widespread testing initiatives including A&E blood tests, GP registration screening, and free at-home tests, along with a pioneering NHS drug deal with pharmaceutical companies.

Aug 11, 20266 sources

Top claims

▪The Philani Ndiphile Study tested pregnant participants for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis either once at enrollment, twice during pregnancy, or upon symptom presentation.
▪According to co-lead author Andrew Medina-Marino, single-setting trial limitations mean further research is required to determine optimal STI screening timing and target patient populations during pregnancy.
▪Among South African pregnant participants re-screened during their third trimester between 30 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, 9.2% tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.

Subtopics

Infectious disease2 Antiviral therapy1 Clinical trials1 Drug Policy, Pricing & Approval1 Healthcare Access and Insurance1 Infectious Disease and Outbreaks1 Pharmaceutical pricing1 Pregnancy & maternal health1 Prenatal care & screening1 Preventive healthcare1 Preventive medicine1 Public health1 Public healthcare1 Randomized controlled trial1 Reproductive Health1

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