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Health

Health refers to physical and mental well-being in the broadest sense.

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All Content on this topic

High-functioning depression: The hidden trap

High functioning depression can be masked by perfection and performance.

A destroyed hospital room in Tehran with a picture of a baby on the wall, March 2026

A destroyed hospital room in Tehran with a picture of a baby on the wall, March 2026

Bombing of Iran's medical infrastructure endangers patients

Airstrikes on Iran's pharma and health care centers could harm thousands of chronically ill people, activists warn.

A crying woman covers her face with her hands

A crying woman covers her face with her hands

Russians living in exile cope with grief far from home

Three Russians living in exile told DW how they cope with the loss of loved ones far from their families.

Bundeswehr soldiers of the Lithuanian Armored Brigade standing in formation (file photo)

Bundeswehr soldiers of the Lithuanian Armored Brigade standing in formation (file photo)

Germany rehearses mass evacuations for a NATO war

The threat from Russia has pushed Germany to carry out its biggest war drill of its kind in decades.

Sailing for fair coffee

Coffee by sailing ship, life after U.S. emigration to Italy, and the world of Swedish sweets.

Mental health: Ill or just wired differently?

Is poor focus ADHD? Feeling down depression? Good Shape explores mental health and neurodiversity.

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil (L) and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) in private conversation during a Bundestag debate

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil (L) and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) in private conversation during a Bundestag debate

Berlin under pressure to fix pensions, health care and taxes

Can the government deliver urgently needed reforms amid political infighting, rising extremism and global crises?

Christian Democrat Health Minister Nina Warken speaking into a microphone

Christian Democrat Health Minister Nina Warken speaking into a microphone

How to fix Germany's costly health care system

A special commission has presented a raft of proposals aimed at curbing Germany's spiraling health care costs.

A patient talking about mental health issues with psychologist

A patient talking about mental health issues with psychologist

Germany: Mental health patients face uphill battle for help

Waiting lists for psychotherapy are full-to-bursting in Germany, with patients often waiting over a year for treatment.

Adult Ice Skating - From Pain to Purpose

At 72, Alan Lessik steps onto the ice with a calm that only comes from living a life full of twists.

Frühlingssalat mit Beeren und Erdnüssen

Frühlingssalat mit Beeren und Erdnüssen

Why how we chew our food matters for our health

Eating habits, including how we chew, affect digestion, metabolism, and overall health according to new research.

DW video still from a report on mental health in Jakarta, Indonesia

DW video still from a report on mental health in Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia: Survivors recount abuse in mental health centers

Dewi, a woman with psychosocial disabilities, told DW how she survived abuse in a mental health center in Indonesia.

A statue commemorating the transatlantic slave trade is seen at Senegal's Goree Island

A statue commemorating the transatlantic slave trade is seen at Senegal's Goree Island

AfricaLink News: March 23

Ghana gets global backing for UN resolution on slave trade reparations +++ Nigeria signs military agreement with France

Yayoi Kusama, wearing a red dress with white polka dots, holding her arms out in front of a yellow work of a face. She wears a magenta wig, the hair in a bob cut

Yayoi Kusama, wearing a red dress with white polka dots, holding her arms out in front of a yellow work of a face. She wears a magenta wig, the hair in a bob cut

At 97, Japan's art icon Yayoi Kusama is Instagram-ready

A retrospective of the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, still highly relevant, is on show in Cologne.

A plastic surgeon is seen operating at the Noma Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria

A plastic surgeon is seen operating at the Noma Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria

Nigeria influencer's death exposes deadly cosmetic surgeries

The death of Elena Jessica Kwopara exposes a noticeable increase in dangerous cosmetic procedures.

An orange-colored liquid forcefully sprays out of a metal pipe, creating splashes and droplets in motion. The background shows vertical blue metal bars slightly out of focus.

An orange-colored liquid forcefully sprays out of a metal pipe, creating splashes and droplets in motion. The background shows vertical blue metal bars slightly out of focus.

Rethinking urban water: A Ugandan fix for a growing crisis

The Ugandan engineer developing solutions to purify drinking water and enhance water management by recycling wastewater.

A young blonde woman in athletic clothing performs a breakdance move, balancing with her legs lifted high in the air.

A young blonde woman in athletic clothing performs a breakdance move, balancing with her legs lifted high in the air.

A healthy heart starts with awareness

The heart works tirelessly from the womb on — a remarkable muscle we often overlook when young.

A number of colored condoms in their wrappers.

A number of colored condoms in their wrappers.

Backlash against sex ed threatens Poland's health curriculum

Supporters say the subject prepares young people for life; conservatives fear that it will lead children astray.

A large building, the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran, that's been damaged in a nearby attack

A large building, the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran, that's been damaged in a nearby attack

War in Iran: Chronically ill fight for survival

Medical care for millions of chronically ill people in Iran is on the verge of collapse.

Two people stand in front of a view of a horizon filled with black smoke from fires following US-Israel attacks

Two people stand in front of a view of a horizon filled with black smoke from fires following US-Israel attacks

War, oppression and fear: In Iran, traumas are accumulating

Bombed by the US and Israel, oppressed by the regime: Traumas are accumulating for Iranians. How can they endure it all?

A group of women are posing together while ice bathing in Latvia. They are wearing green costumes with a snakeskin pattern, along with matching make-up and headpieces.

A group of women are posing together while ice bathing in Latvia. They are wearing green costumes with a snakeskin pattern, along with matching make-up and headpieces.

Ice bathing in Latvia: A chilly tradition

These Latvian ladies blend ice bathing with art and body positivity.

Close-up of a human eye

Close-up of a human eye

Scientists develop artificial cornea from fish scales

The technology could offer a more affordable alternative to donor corneas for people with severe eye diseases.

Two elderly men sitting at a table in Athens, Greece

Two elderly men sitting at a table in Athens, Greece

Dealing with annoying people might make you age faster

The effect is particularly visible with stressful colleagues, roommates and family members — with one exception.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Why Zambia's $1B health deal is under fire

Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Lusaka-based lawyer Linda Kasonde and DW's Glory Mushinge.

Pakistani artist Maliha Abidi stands in a bright orange room with paintings in the background

Pakistani artist Maliha Abidi stands in a bright orange room with paintings in the background

Pakistani artist amplifies women voices on social media

Maliha Abidi uses social media to amplify Pakistani women’s voices and, through her art push for a change.

A person applies sunscreen to a small child on a sunny day

A person applies sunscreen to a small child on a sunny day

What are plasticizers, and are they bad for our health?

This potentially toxic substance exists in many forms and it's everywhere — clothes, cosmetics and even food packaging.

Health workers treat patients at the Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe central Malawi (FILE: January 2023)

Health workers treat patients at the Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe central Malawi (FILE: January 2023)

Malawi's ban on dual practice divides health sector

Malawi's government says a ban on dual practice tackles corruption, but doctors warn it could deepen staff shortages.

A patient sits on his bed in an underground ward that has been prepared in an underground parking space

A patient sits on his bed in an underground ward that has been prepared in an underground parking space

Inside Jerusalem's underground hospital wards

As incoming Iranian missiles are disrupting daily life in Israel, entire hospital wards have been moved underground.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Are South Africa's menstrual products putting users at risk?

DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Professor Deon Visser, one of the study’s researchers, and DW's Dianne Hawker Kalubi.

Close-up of a person’s hands tightening a large, patterned fabric bundle - a so called cooking bag - with a drawstring. The colorful cloth features green, brown, and white geometric designs and is placed on a work surface in Cameroon.

Close-up of a person’s hands tightening a large, patterned fabric bundle - a so called cooking bag - with a drawstring. The colorful cloth features green, brown, and white geometric designs and is placed on a work surface in Cameroon.

Cutting smoke not wood: Thermal cooking bags help women in Cameroon

Eco cooking bags radically cut firewood use, easing women’s workload and making daily cooking safer, cheaper and greener

Close up of a dog resting its head on the feet of a woman

Close up of a dog resting its head on the feet of a woman

This dog medication could change human lives

A dewormer that’s been used on dogs and cats for decades could also work on humans. Why has it not been approved yet?

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Malawi bans dual jobs for health workers

DW's Eddy Micah Jr speaks with health analyst Maziko Matemba and DW's Chimwemwe Padatha in Malawi.

Ferdinand Du Beaudiez stands with his arms around his brother, Valentin du Beaudiez, who has bandages around his head and wears a neckbrace

Ferdinand Du Beaudiez stands with his arms around his brother, Valentin du Beaudiez, who has bandages around his head and wears a neckbrace

After Crans-Montana fire: The hard road back to life

Two brothers were among those celebrating New Year's Eve when a fire swept through a bar in Crans-Montana.

A split image shows a portrait of a bearded man wearing glasses with a sad expression on his face (R) next to a shot of the same man standing in a corridor using his mobility cane while speaking to a woman (L)

A split image shows a portrait of a bearded man wearing glasses with a sad expression on his face (R) next to a shot of the same man standing in a corridor using his mobility cane while speaking to a woman (L)

Life after a glaucoma diagnosis

Michael loses his eyesight after being diagnosed with glaucoma. Now, he has to reorganize his life.

On the left, a group of three grayscale people of different ages in distress. With swirling red lines around their heads. On the right a group of three people of different ages smiling. The people in the group are each connected vertically by green lines on a dark blue background.

On the left, a group of three grayscale people of different ages in distress. With swirling red lines around their heads. On the right a group of three people of different ages smiling. The people in the group are each connected vertically by green lines on a dark blue background.

War scars and genes: Can the impacts of trauma be inherited?

War, hardship and other types of stress have a lasting biological impact. Can epigenetic modifications be reversed?

A young woman exhales a cloud of smoke

A young woman exhales a cloud of smoke

Young Europeans still drawn to tobacco — WHO report

Europe is likely to have the highest rates of tobacco use by 2030, driven by women and young people.

Kenya's bilateral health deal with US hits snags in court

Signed in December, a few weeks later the post-USAID health deal was halted by Kenya's High Court.

A person administering ayurvedic treatment to a customer

A person administering ayurvedic treatment to a customer

India's Ayurveda industry: From tradition to big business

Ayurveda has been practised in India for thousands of years, but its role is changing today.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference

US Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference

US: Trump administration pauses Minnesota health funds

US Vice President JD Vance has announced a halt in Medicaid health payments to Minnesota.

DW | In Good Shape | Still aus Beitrag Die Lunge gibt den Takt an

DW | In Good Shape | Still aus Beitrag Die Lunge gibt den Takt an

Difficulty breathing, a painful cough? Lungs' warning signs

What are the warning signs of "silent pneumonia" and what to do when a cough doesn't go away.

Samoa | On the left, a woman is looking at pastry sold by a woman on the right who is smiling into the camera

Samoa | On the left, a woman is looking at pastry sold by a woman on the right who is smiling into the camera

Samoa: The grip of obesity in Paradise

Samoa is facing an obesity crisis. Tariu Tevita is determined to lose weight – and help others to do the same.

A hand presses buttons on a fitness watch on the person's wrist

A hand presses buttons on a fitness watch on the person's wrist

Under pressure to perform: When fitness apps kill the fun

Fitness apps push you — but the pressure for more steps, better stats and new records can create stress.

Wildfire smoke rises over a fire burning in Argentina, February 2026.

Wildfire smoke rises over a fire burning in Argentina, February 2026.

Do not inhale! How wildfire smoke 'affects the whole body'

Wildfires destroy lives and livelihoods. But survivors and firefighters also suffer long-term harm to their health.

A child in the foreground in front of an aerial cityscape in Zambia. Next to them, a hand holds a large piece of lead, shown in close-up detail against the same backdrop.

A child in the foreground in front of an aerial cityscape in Zambia. Next to them, a hand holds a large piece of lead, shown in close-up detail against the same backdrop.

Zambia's toxic legacy: the fight against lead

Hidden in soil, water and air, an invisible poison has been ruining lives in Zambia for decades.

Smoke chokes an orange sky covering the sun, US

Smoke chokes an orange sky covering the sun, US

Mercury fallout: What coal emissions do to people

Coal-fired power plants are a major source of mercury pollution for people and the planet. Here's what you need to know.

Three young siblings posing for portrait at Yellowstone National Park

Three young siblings posing for portrait at Yellowstone National Park

Making healthier and happier choices for a better life

Pleasure plays a vital role in our mental health. In Good Shape shows how to enjoy life without sugar, fat and alcohol.

(L to R) Two eggs, cream in a small bowl, yoghurt in a glass, a slice of cheese, a milk bottle and a block of butter on a small metal bowl, all decoratively arranged on a white surface

(L to R) Two eggs, cream in a small bowl, yoghurt in a glass, a slice of cheese, a milk bottle and a block of butter on a small metal bowl, all decoratively arranged on a white surface

Brain fog, numb feet: How low vitamin B12 impacts nerves

Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage nerves — how do you detect and treat it?

Donald Trump at the White House announcing his plant to rescind the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency endangerment finding

Donald Trump at the White House announcing his plant to rescind the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency endangerment finding

US: Trump's EPA sued by environmentalist, health groups

Trump has revoked an EPA rule saying that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.

A young woman holds her head, feeling/looking sad

A young woman holds her head, feeling/looking sad

For a healthy break, don't check your ex's social media

Repeated checking of an ex-partner's social media intensifies heartbreak, prolongs longing and slows emotional recovery.

A hand is about to drop a white tablet into a glass of water on a table

A hand is about to drop a white tablet into a glass of water on a table

Muscle cramps: Causes, myths and why pickle juice might help

Magnesium for muscle cramps? Research shows minimal effect — so what does help?