As Loneliness Takes its Toll, Countries Urge WHO to Provide Guidance on Combatting Social Isolation

06/02/2025 Kerry Cullinan

Social isolation as a driver of poor mental health was discussed for the first time at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) executive board meeting (EB) on Wednesday. Several member states called for WHO guidance on addressing loneliness and social isolation, and for measures to combat these to be included in the body’s Comprehensive Mental Health […] Continue reading ->

Trump, Musk Tell USAID: ‘Time to Die’

03/02/2025 Stefan Anderson

The richest man in the world and the President of the United States sent a message over the weekend to USAID, the world’s largest provider of humanitarian assistance depended on for survival by millions of the world’s poorest people: “Time to die.” Two weeks into Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, the Washington headquarters […] Continue reading ->

Member States Pledge Support for WHO But Urge Diplomatic Efforts to Woo Back USA

03/02/2025 Kerry Cullinan

World Health Organization (WHO) member states expressed unanimous public support for the body at its executive board (EB) meeting on Monday (3 February) following the United States’ decision to quit. But several countries also urged diplomatic efforts to woo the US back. US ally Israel noted that while the loss of US membership fees […] Continue reading ->

Goma Hospitals Swamped with Casualties, Food and Water Low as M-23 Rebels Take Over Eastern DRC City

31/01/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher

Hospitals in Goma, the city at the epicentre of the M23 rebel advance in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are being flooded with casualties. Health facilities and workers have been targeted in attacks. Humanitarian food stores are being looted. Women are at increased risk of rape, and the safe evacuation of wounded has been […] Continue reading ->

Finances to Dominate WHO Executive Board Meeting After US Withdrawal Notice

30/01/2025 Kerry Cullinan & Elaine Ruth Fletcher

Finances will dominate the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 156th executive board meeting, which begins on Monday (3 February) under the shadow of the withdrawal of the United States, the body’s biggest member state. As the US has to give a year’s notice of its withdrawal from WHO, it is still technically a member until January […] Continue reading ->

Governing Pandemics Snapshot: Will 2025 Deliver a Meaningful Pandemic Agreement?

23/01/2025 Daniela Morich, Ava Greenup & Suerie Moon

Welcome to the fifth issue of the Governing Pandemics Snapshot. This issue provides critical insight into the past six months of negotiations over a World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, examining whether a meaningful agreement can be achieved this year. It addresses remaining contentious issues such as Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) and One […] Continue reading ->

Brain Health is a Challenge That Needs Global Collaboration

23/01/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher

DAVOS, Switzerland – While the United States decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization has thrown the world of global health into turmoil, former US Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy remains hopeful that a “more thoughtful” conversation can be held with the new US Administration of President Donald Trump once the political dust has settled. […] Continue reading ->

Trump May Face Lawsuit Over US Withdrawal from WHO

21/01/2025 Kerry Cullinan

United States President Donald Trump may face a lawsuit over his failure to get the approval of US Congress to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). “Trump made a unilateral decision to pull out of WHO. But we joined WHO in 1948 by an Act of Congress. Trump needs Congress’ approval to withdraw,” said […] Continue reading ->

Breaking: US to Exit World Health Organization, Halting Millions in Funding

21/01/2025 Maayan Hoffman

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. Trump criticised the WHO for failing to operate independently of what he called “inappropriate political influence” from its member states. He also took issue […] Continue reading ->

WHO Africa Re-opens Nominations for Regional Director

20/01/2025 Kerry Cullinan & Paul Adepoju

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa resolved to reopen nominations for a regional director at a special session last week. This follows the unexpected passing of director-elect Dr Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024. He was due to assume the post in February once his election had been confirmed by the WHO Executive Board. […] Continue reading ->