— HIV/AIDS has become the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age worldwide, according to officials at a UN conference this week. A five-year plan was launched to address gender issues in HIV/AIDS, including further data collection and raising awareness of violence against women. (BBC)

— The US will soon begin pulling soldiers out of battle for 24 hours following roadside bombings. Soldiers will be examined for symptoms of a minor concussion, which could lead to long-term traumatic brain injury. According to a 2008 study, more than 300,000 soldiers might have already returned from Iraq or Afghanistan with such an injury. (CNN)

— UK officials have called a policy summit to deal with a national pharmaceutical shortage. With the British pound weak compared to the Euro, UK pharmacies and hospitals are selling off their cheap drugs for a profit in other European countries. (FiercePharma)

— A professor at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, was dismissed from his position as dean of research over allegations of undue influence in funding. Karl Tryggvason reportedly sent a private email to an independent panel, recommending that extra funds be awarded to select professors. He is still a professor and researcher at the university.

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