Days After US Leaves WHO, Israel Warns it Faces Pressure to Withdraw 02/02/2026 Kerry Cullinan Israel has called for a “brave conceptual overhaul” of the World Health Organization (WHO) following the recent withdrawal of the United States, warning that it too is under pressure to leave the global body. Claiming that the WHO has become “too politicised”, Israel told the body’s Executive Board (EB) meeting on Monday that, “in Israel, […] Continue reading -> A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic 27/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy A dispute over an American flag has become symbolic of the bitter public dispute between the US and the World Health Organization (WHO) after the US withdrew from the organization on 22 January. In a joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr on […] Continue reading -> UNAIDS: Funding Cuts Pose ‘Perilous Risks’ for HIV Response 25/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan Abrupt funding cuts have resulted in “perilous risks” for the global HIV response that threaten the health and well-being of millions of people throughout the world, according to the 2025 UNAIDS report released on Tuesday. “People living with HIV have died due to service disruptions, millions of people at high risk of acquiring HIV have […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: WHO Cutting Up to 25% of Staff by June 2026 – But ‘Shadow Workforce of Consultants’ Is Unreported 18/11/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO will have terminated, retired or separated by agreement an estimated 2371 staff worldwide by mid-2026 – shedding about 25% of a workforce that numbered 9,457 in December 2024 – a 15-year peak. That’s according to a new report that is to be presented and discussed with WHO member states on Wednesday. Despite the huge […] Continue reading -> African Countries Affirm Support for Multilateral Pandemic Agreement Amid Pressure to Make Bilateral Deals with US 11/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan African countries want information about pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics to be shared “exclusively” through a global system currently being negotiated at the World Health Organization (WHO) – yet at the same time, their governments are under pressure to agree to bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will trade […] Continue reading -> Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic 27/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy A dispute over an American flag has become symbolic of the bitter public dispute between the US and the World Health Organization (WHO) after the US withdrew from the organization on 22 January. In a joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr on […] Continue reading -> UNAIDS: Funding Cuts Pose ‘Perilous Risks’ for HIV Response 25/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan Abrupt funding cuts have resulted in “perilous risks” for the global HIV response that threaten the health and well-being of millions of people throughout the world, according to the 2025 UNAIDS report released on Tuesday. “People living with HIV have died due to service disruptions, millions of people at high risk of acquiring HIV have […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: WHO Cutting Up to 25% of Staff by June 2026 – But ‘Shadow Workforce of Consultants’ Is Unreported 18/11/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO will have terminated, retired or separated by agreement an estimated 2371 staff worldwide by mid-2026 – shedding about 25% of a workforce that numbered 9,457 in December 2024 – a 15-year peak. That’s according to a new report that is to be presented and discussed with WHO member states on Wednesday. Despite the huge […] Continue reading -> African Countries Affirm Support for Multilateral Pandemic Agreement Amid Pressure to Make Bilateral Deals with US 11/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan African countries want information about pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics to be shared “exclusively” through a global system currently being negotiated at the World Health Organization (WHO) – yet at the same time, their governments are under pressure to agree to bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will trade […] Continue reading -> Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
UNAIDS: Funding Cuts Pose ‘Perilous Risks’ for HIV Response 25/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan Abrupt funding cuts have resulted in “perilous risks” for the global HIV response that threaten the health and well-being of millions of people throughout the world, according to the 2025 UNAIDS report released on Tuesday. “People living with HIV have died due to service disruptions, millions of people at high risk of acquiring HIV have […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: WHO Cutting Up to 25% of Staff by June 2026 – But ‘Shadow Workforce of Consultants’ Is Unreported 18/11/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO will have terminated, retired or separated by agreement an estimated 2371 staff worldwide by mid-2026 – shedding about 25% of a workforce that numbered 9,457 in December 2024 – a 15-year peak. That’s according to a new report that is to be presented and discussed with WHO member states on Wednesday. Despite the huge […] Continue reading -> African Countries Affirm Support for Multilateral Pandemic Agreement Amid Pressure to Make Bilateral Deals with US 11/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan African countries want information about pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics to be shared “exclusively” through a global system currently being negotiated at the World Health Organization (WHO) – yet at the same time, their governments are under pressure to agree to bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will trade […] Continue reading -> Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
EXCLUSIVE: WHO Cutting Up to 25% of Staff by June 2026 – But ‘Shadow Workforce of Consultants’ Is Unreported 18/11/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher WHO will have terminated, retired or separated by agreement an estimated 2371 staff worldwide by mid-2026 – shedding about 25% of a workforce that numbered 9,457 in December 2024 – a 15-year peak. That’s according to a new report that is to be presented and discussed with WHO member states on Wednesday. Despite the huge […] Continue reading -> African Countries Affirm Support for Multilateral Pandemic Agreement Amid Pressure to Make Bilateral Deals with US 11/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan African countries want information about pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics to be shared “exclusively” through a global system currently being negotiated at the World Health Organization (WHO) – yet at the same time, their governments are under pressure to agree to bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will trade […] Continue reading -> Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
African Countries Affirm Support for Multilateral Pandemic Agreement Amid Pressure to Make Bilateral Deals with US 11/11/2025 Kerry Cullinan African countries want information about pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics to be shared “exclusively” through a global system currently being negotiated at the World Health Organization (WHO) – yet at the same time, their governments are under pressure to agree to bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will trade […] Continue reading -> Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Climate Change Is Here, And It’s Killing Millions 30/10/2025 Stefan Anderson Climate change is claiming millions of lives annually through extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and the spread of deadly infectious diseases, according to the most comprehensive assessment to date of the links between climate change and health. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown report, authored by 128 experts from 71 academic institutions and UN agencies worldwide, […] Continue reading -> With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
With Future of UNAIDS in Question, Top Official Says ‘Very Difficult’ to Envision 2026 Shutdown 17/10/2025 Stefan Anderson BERLIN — A top UNAIDS official told delegates at the World Health Summit this week that it would be “very difficult” to envision shutting down the agency by the end of 2026, pushing back against a controversial proposal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that has triggered an outcry from civil society groups and member states. […] Continue reading -> If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
If and When the Guns Fall Silent – Gaza Faces Overwhelming Rehabilitation Task 06/10/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher Beyond the rehabilitation of bodies, mind and critical Gaza health, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, both Israelis and Palestinians need to confront the darks side of their respective narratives around the two-year war in Gaza in order to advance a cease-fire and, beyond that, a more durable peace. As hopes of a cease-fire between warring […] Continue reading -> WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
WHO Staff in Geneva Call for Freeze In Layoffs and Independent Review of Downsizing Plans 27/09/2025 Editorial team Staff unrest at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters reached a new milestone this week, as the WHO Staff Association (HQSA) adopted three resolutions challenging the fairness and legitimacy of the Organization’s ongoing restructuring process, which has already led to post abolitions, reassignments, and widespread anxiety. In two meetings, Monday and Friday, attended by some […] Continue reading -> UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
UN Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases Fails to Win Approval After US Foils Consensus 25/09/2025 Elaine Ruth Fletcher NEW YORK CITY – A painstakingly negotiated Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases with overwhelming support from UN member states failed to win formal endorsement at a special High Level Session of the General Assembly (GA) Thursday – after the United States torpedoed its adoption by consensus. The last minute moves means that the draft declaration […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts