Each year, hundreds of thousands of women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth that are well understood and largely preventable.  Most of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa carrying the greatest burden. At the same time, millions of families continue to face financial barriers to essential health services, […] Continue reading ->
Andrew Ullmann and Michael Moore  For six decades, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants was a public health problem without a solution.  According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an estimated 250,000 children under five are hospitalised each year across Europe due to RSV infection, overwhelming paediatric wards each winter, and […] Continue reading ->
People typically think of pandemics in terms of their biological consequences, but science journalist Laura Spinney argues that their impact is shaped just as much by human behaviour and language. On a recent episode of “Dialogues,” part of the Global Health Matters podcast series, Spinney joined host Garry Aslanyan to discuss the lessons of the […] Continue reading ->
Historic declines in Official Development Assistance (ODA) have set international aid back a decade, prompting civil society warnings that the ODA cuts will further devastate funding for global health, education and social protection. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released preliminary data showing total global aid fell by 23.1% in real terms during […] Continue reading ->
Several WHO member states about to join the Executive Board have dubious human rights records, but they will shortlist Director General candidates at the Organization’s most consequential period in a generation. The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board does not make headlines. It should. This is the body that screens Director General candidates, whittles the […] Continue reading ->
Air pollution increases the risk of diabetes, particularly when exposure is long-term, according to emerging evidence. A 2025 study from China involving 18,606 middle-aged and elderly adults found that long-term exposure to air pollution – both indoor and outdoor – significantly increased their risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes. “This national cohort study shows that […] Continue reading ->
The Trump administration has put forward Luke J Lindberg, the US Department of Agriculture trade and foreign agricultural affairs under secretary, as its pick for executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).  Lindberg would succeed Cindy McCain, who announced her resignation in October due to health issues.  “Throughout his career, Under Secretary […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization (WHO) has only mobilised 37% of the funds it needs for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) amid a “deteriorating health situation”, regional director Dr Hanan Balkhy told a media briefing on Wednesday. Welcoming the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States-Israel, Balkhy called for the “permanent cessation of hostilities”, warning […] Continue reading ->