Green Turtles Rebound and Global Progress Shines

Quick Smiles:

• Green turtles are no longer endangered after years of dedicated conservation.
• The Maldives became the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
• A new study finds singing helps ease postnatal depression more than traditional methods.

Green turtles have made an inspiring comeback, officially moving from ‘endangered’ to ‘least concern’ on the IUCN list.

This follows decades of effort by conservationists and local communities to protect nesting beaches and use turtle-safe fishing gear.

“This is a major win for turtle conservation and proof that coordinated action can reverse populations at risk of extinction,” said Christine Madden of the WWF.

Spain also made strides by announcing six new marine protected areas, safeguarding about 17,000 square kilometers of vital habitat.

This step brings Spain closer to its conservation targets and protects many vulnerable marine species.

The Maldives is celebrating a public health breakthrough as it becomes the first nation to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

The World Health Organization credits this to strong healthcare policies, universal testing, and comprehensive vaccine programs.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO said, “Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination…is possible.”

In positive health news, King’s College London researchers found that group singing can ease postnatal depression symptoms more effectively than other activities.

Mothers who sang with Breathe Melodies for Mums experienced more days of full health.

Participant Finda shared

“When I close my eyes and sing the lovely, lovely songs, I feel so happy.”

Yvonne Farquharson, group founder, said

“We hope this research provides a compelling case…to invest in this clinically and cost-effective programme, which is now proven to change lives.”

Additional uplifting research reveals that quitting smoking later in life slows age-related mental decline.

Cognitive scores improved for those who quit, highlighting even more reasons to leave smoking behind for good.

There are many reasons to smile this week.

Global cooperation and hopeful discoveries continue to shape a brighter future for all.

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