Amid protests over the weakening of the political declaration for the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs, one huge issue was omitted from the start: oral health. As United Nations (UN) Member States navigate negotiations for the political declaration of the 2025 United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), a familiar and […] Continue reading ->
As negotiators prepare to meet in Geneva, 5-14 August in yet another attempt to finalize the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty addressing a pollution crisis affecting oceans and ecosystems worldwide – a critical linkage between health and environment governance seems to be largely missing from the draft text. After nearly three years of negotiations, the […] Continue reading ->
Despite major breakthroughs in identifying and combating respiratory diseases, two of the most prevalent – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease – continue to pose a significant health burden globally, particularly in infants, young children, and older adults.  Against this backdrop, a recent panel at the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) meeting, […] Continue reading ->
At the 2025 Club World Cup, the world’s most celebrated footballers – from global icons to rising stars – are showcasing their elite athleticism and passion for the game.  But as stars like Lionel Messi take center stage, there is one name that doesn’t belong anywhere near the pitch: Coca-Cola.   Coca-Cola has partnered with global […] Continue reading ->
As the tobacco industry continues to innovate to preserve its market appeal, the health sector needs to become even more creative – advocating for new regulations to reduce tobacco’s appeal and increase product costs. Among those: limiting nicotine content, banning filter tips, and joining WHO’s new “3×35 initiative” to raise the price of tobacco products […] Continue reading ->
As the world observes World Zoonoses Day, it’s important to remember that human health is intimately tied to the health of animals, wild and domesticated.  Five years after COVID-19, the world remains alert to health threats that can cross over from animals to people.  Alongside growing concerns over high-profile spillovers like avian influenza, the silent […] Continue reading ->
Air pollution is barely acknowledged in the draft political declaration for the upcoming fourth UN High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health. The omission of the world’s leading contributor to disease threatens global progress in tackling heart disease, respiratory diseases, stroke, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Since the last UN General Assembly High-Level […] Continue reading ->