News from the Foundation and a selection of prevention and health news from Italy and around the world.
Back in time
Scroll over the cards, drag the slider or use the arrows to go back in time.
Public health · WHO
WHO measures inequalities in chronic disease
A new WHO report compares, country by country, how chronic diseases and their risk factors affect different groups. People with less education or living in rural areas get less diagnosis and screening. WHO calls for prevention aimed at the most excluded groups.
2027 budget: about €2.4 billion more for healthcare
The budget plan approved on 13 October puts new health measures at about €2.4 billion in 2027. The priorities are Community Houses, waiting lists and digital health; how the money will be split has not yet been decided.
Reward-based prevention · Sunday Times (South Africa)
South Africa pilots food vouchers for healthy habits
The Western Cape health department is testing WOWRewards: up to R100 a month in food vouchers for people who exercise, vaccinate their children or collect their medicines on time. The aim is to enrol 2,000 adults in two areas.
According to the Health Ministry, there were 472 confirmed measles cases in the first five months of 2026, against 322 a year earlier. More than nine in ten patients were unvaccinated, and no region reaches 95% coverage with the second dose.
Italy’s medicines agency (AIFA) has authorised nine updated flu vaccines for 2026-2027. The campaign starts in October and is free for people over 60, pregnant women, young children, vulnerable people and blood donors. Experts advise not to wait.
The National Blood Centre reports a widespread shortage, worst in Lazio, Campania and Sicily, and no region has spare units to share. Donor associations are asking regular and new donors to book a donation.
Cancer screening: over half of those invited don’t take part
In 2025, 7.5 million of the 17.7 million people invited took part. Mammography rose to 58%, while bowel screening stayed at 36%. The North–South gap is wide, with Calabria in last place.
Fondazione GRACE, a non-profit organisation for public health, has been established in Milan. Its mission: to make prevention rewarding, precise and beneficial for everyone.
Reward-based prevention · Singapore Ministry of Health
Singapore rewards annual check-ups with points
The public Healthier SG programme gives 1,500 points, worth 10 Singapore dollars, to people who do their annual check-up with their doctor. Points build up in the Healthy 365 app. 1.4 million residents over 40 have enrolled.
A review of controlled trials led by Italian researchers suggests that small financial incentives raise women’s take-up of cancer screening, with about 93 more women screened per thousand. The authors consider the evidence still weak.
ISTAT: 12.8 million Italians with multiple chronic conditions
ISTAT’s 2026 annual report finds that almost one resident in four has two or more chronic conditions. People with less education get sick more often and live shorter lives, and regional health funding does not match real need.
Italy’s 2026-2031 National Prevention Plan approved
The State and the Regions approved the new National Prevention Plan: Regions get €200 million a year, plus an extra €50 million in 2026. The plan takes a One Health approach and adds a digital platform to track results.
New European Code Against Cancer: 14 recommendations
The European Commission presented the fifth edition of the European Code Against Cancer, with 14 evidence-based tips. New points: avoid alcohol, count vaping as a risk and reduce exposure to air pollution. For the first time it also includes advice for governments.
ATS Pavia is testing a points-based health card: 2,500 people aged 50–74 invited to bowel screening can earn rewards such as healthy food, gym access, books and shows. If it works, the model could extend to other screenings.
