The Digital Campaigns Shaping Candidates’ Messages in Race for WHO Director-General 18/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The race to lead the World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying. Early digital campaign data reveals an active contest to capture the pivotal African vote and outreach to established United States, European Union and corporate networks. While the full field of contenders is still taking shape ahead of the formal nomination deadline, digital engagement metrics […] Continue reading -> EU Proposes ‘Kids Act’ Banning Social Media Under 13 Over Mental Health Risks 16/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Social media will be banned for children under 13 across the European Union according to the newly proposed “EU Kids Act”, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today (16 September) in Brussels. The sweeping digital health initiative mandates strict parental oversight for young teenagers aged 13 to under 15 across all 27 […] Continue reading -> Multi-Dose RSV Vaccine Wins WHO Backing, Paving Path to Protect Millions of Infants 11/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen A new three-dose vial presentation of the maternal RSV vaccine received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, unlocking large-scale distribution across lower-income countries. The decision enables global health alliances to introduce affordable immunisation during pregnancy, protecting newborns from severe respiratory disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains the second leading cause of infant […] Continue reading -> EU is Failing to Stem Illegal Tobacco Trade and Rising Health Risks, Auditors Warn 08/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Fragmented enforcement and uncoordinated policies fail to stem the illegal tobacco trade in Europe, a new report by the EU Court of Auditors finds. The surge of unregulated novel nicotine products and a shift toward illegal manufacturing sites expose significant regulatory gaps. The auditors demand that Brussels take a more active role to establish a […] Continue reading -> French Youth Social Media Ban Collapses in Court as EU Readies Regulation 17/08/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France’s planned youth social media ban for minors under the age of 15 violates fundamental rights, the country’s Constitutional Council ruled on Friday. Critics had warned of a predictable legal defeat following a rushed legislative process. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a revision of the flagship legislation by spring 2027. The European Commission is also […] Continue reading -> Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
EU Proposes ‘Kids Act’ Banning Social Media Under 13 Over Mental Health Risks 16/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Social media will be banned for children under 13 across the European Union according to the newly proposed “EU Kids Act”, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today (16 September) in Brussels. The sweeping digital health initiative mandates strict parental oversight for young teenagers aged 13 to under 15 across all 27 […] Continue reading -> Multi-Dose RSV Vaccine Wins WHO Backing, Paving Path to Protect Millions of Infants 11/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen A new three-dose vial presentation of the maternal RSV vaccine received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, unlocking large-scale distribution across lower-income countries. The decision enables global health alliances to introduce affordable immunisation during pregnancy, protecting newborns from severe respiratory disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains the second leading cause of infant […] Continue reading -> EU is Failing to Stem Illegal Tobacco Trade and Rising Health Risks, Auditors Warn 08/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Fragmented enforcement and uncoordinated policies fail to stem the illegal tobacco trade in Europe, a new report by the EU Court of Auditors finds. The surge of unregulated novel nicotine products and a shift toward illegal manufacturing sites expose significant regulatory gaps. The auditors demand that Brussels take a more active role to establish a […] Continue reading -> French Youth Social Media Ban Collapses in Court as EU Readies Regulation 17/08/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France’s planned youth social media ban for minors under the age of 15 violates fundamental rights, the country’s Constitutional Council ruled on Friday. Critics had warned of a predictable legal defeat following a rushed legislative process. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a revision of the flagship legislation by spring 2027. The European Commission is also […] Continue reading -> Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
Multi-Dose RSV Vaccine Wins WHO Backing, Paving Path to Protect Millions of Infants 11/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen A new three-dose vial presentation of the maternal RSV vaccine received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, unlocking large-scale distribution across lower-income countries. The decision enables global health alliances to introduce affordable immunisation during pregnancy, protecting newborns from severe respiratory disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains the second leading cause of infant […] Continue reading -> EU is Failing to Stem Illegal Tobacco Trade and Rising Health Risks, Auditors Warn 08/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Fragmented enforcement and uncoordinated policies fail to stem the illegal tobacco trade in Europe, a new report by the EU Court of Auditors finds. The surge of unregulated novel nicotine products and a shift toward illegal manufacturing sites expose significant regulatory gaps. The auditors demand that Brussels take a more active role to establish a […] Continue reading -> French Youth Social Media Ban Collapses in Court as EU Readies Regulation 17/08/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France’s planned youth social media ban for minors under the age of 15 violates fundamental rights, the country’s Constitutional Council ruled on Friday. Critics had warned of a predictable legal defeat following a rushed legislative process. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a revision of the flagship legislation by spring 2027. The European Commission is also […] Continue reading -> Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
EU is Failing to Stem Illegal Tobacco Trade and Rising Health Risks, Auditors Warn 08/09/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen Fragmented enforcement and uncoordinated policies fail to stem the illegal tobacco trade in Europe, a new report by the EU Court of Auditors finds. The surge of unregulated novel nicotine products and a shift toward illegal manufacturing sites expose significant regulatory gaps. The auditors demand that Brussels take a more active role to establish a […] Continue reading -> French Youth Social Media Ban Collapses in Court as EU Readies Regulation 17/08/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France’s planned youth social media ban for minors under the age of 15 violates fundamental rights, the country’s Constitutional Council ruled on Friday. Critics had warned of a predictable legal defeat following a rushed legislative process. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a revision of the flagship legislation by spring 2027. The European Commission is also […] Continue reading -> Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
French Youth Social Media Ban Collapses in Court as EU Readies Regulation 17/08/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France’s planned youth social media ban for minors under the age of 15 violates fundamental rights, the country’s Constitutional Council ruled on Friday. Critics had warned of a predictable legal defeat following a rushed legislative process. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a revision of the flagship legislation by spring 2027. The European Commission is also […] Continue reading -> Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
Gavi Welcomes Restoration of US Funding – But No Clarity on How Agency will Phase out Thimerosal 30/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The United States has unlocked frozen Gavi funding, resolving a bitter political impasse in Washington while doubling down against the WHO. But can the alliance eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, from its stockpiles without leaving millions of vulnerable children unprotected? The United States will immediately release $600 million for fiscal years 2025–2026 in frozen Gavi […] Continue reading -> France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
France Passes Strict Youth Social Media Ban But New Law Lacks Strong Enforcement Mechanism 22/07/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen France has adopted a strict youth social media ban for minors under 15, taking effect in September. But major enforcement hurdles remain, as lawmakers stripped the bill of direct platform sanctions to avoid clashing with European Union rules. The law also faces a constitutional review over the fundamental rights of children and parents. Minors under […] Continue reading -> Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
Greater Responsibility Requires Greater Leadership From Germany in Global Health 16/07/2026 Sascha van Beek Editor’s note: As the Global Fund Executive Director nomination process progresses behind closed, reports by Health Policy Watch and The Lancet have revealed a few of the names said to be shortlisted, including high-profile candidates from the United States and Botswana. Meanwhile a German contender was reportedly sidelined. In this article, Sascha van Beek, a […] Continue reading -> A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
A Regional Approach to HPV Vaccine Design Can Advance Equity and Cervical Cancer Elimination 13/07/2026 Marco Cavaleri HPV vaccines have transformed cervical cancer prevention, but the next generation of vaccines must better reflect regional disease patterns, including the HPV35 genotype prevalent in Africa. The recent WHO Global Status Report on Cancer paints a sobering picture. Among the many challenges, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the world’s most serious infectious causes of […] Continue reading -> US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts
US and Russia Vote Against UN Political Declaration on HIV/ AIDS 24/06/2026 Kerry Cullinan The United States and Russia were part of a group of eight countries that voted against the United Nations (UN) Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by 149 votes at the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Tuesday afternoon. Israel, Burkina Faso, Burundi, North Korea, Niger and Senegal also voted against the declaration, while there were […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older posts