The World Health Assembly delivered a landmark victory for traditional medicine and indigenous cultures Monday evening, approving a strategy that calls for increased investment in research and integrating ancient healing practices into modern healthcare systems worldwide. The approval marks a breakthrough moment for advocates of traditional medicine, with nations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Assembly has finally closed a loophole used by infant formula manufacturers to market their product: digital marketing. Back in 1981, when the International code of marketing of breast-milk substitutes was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, digital marketing did not exist. Updated regulations were introduced in 2012 , but […] Continue reading ->
Chikwe Ihekweazu, the first director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and currently head of the Health Emergencies Programme for the World Health Organization, believes that greater African leadership in global health organizations would benefit everyone. “These roles require not only technical competence, but also empathy and compassion, which I believe can only develop […] 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 ->