The 78th World Health Assembly picked up momentum Saturday as countries adopted a Nigeria-sponsored initiative to stimulate more public health spending; and  first-ever WHO resolutions recognizing rare diseases and neglected skin diseases as global equity issues. The resolution on strengthening health finance globally aims to accelerate progress towards long standing commitments on financing Universal Health Coverage.  […] Continue reading ->
In a rare moment for the World Health Assembly, delegates expanded their debates beyond the usual lexicon of disease pathogens to address something far more intimate: loneliness.  The Assembly approved a first-ever resolution on Fostering social connection for global health:  the essential role of social connection in combating loneliness, social isolation and inequities in health, […] Continue reading ->
“This is the most important year in the history of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” declared Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, at the World Heart Federation’s (WHF) 2025 Summit on the eve of the World Health Assembly (WHA). ON 25 September, the United Nations (UN) hosts the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs and mental health. […] Continue reading ->
Addressing today’s global health challenges requires more than funding and innovation—it demands humility, open communication, and a shared commitment to collective action, according to IFPMA Director-General David Reddy. Reddy, speaking at an IFPMA side event during the 78th World Health Assembly, acknowledged the socio-political and financial barriers facing global health systems. However, he urged the […] Continue reading ->
African countries at the World Health Assembly called for increased support to health systems across the continent following major cuts to all World Health Organization (WHO) regional office budgets amid a financial crisis triggered by the US withdrawal from the agency and falling global health spending. The African region suffered the largest total cut, losing […] Continue reading ->
In a region where war, displacement, and weak health systems fuel a deadly disease, nine African governments are trying a new approach: eliminate visceral leishmaniasis by working together. As neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to strain underfunded health systems across Africa, a regional political coalition has formalised its intent to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis (VL) through […] Continue reading ->