Countries keep increasing their military budgets yet seem unwilling to prepare for an “invisible enemy” – a pandemic-causing pathogen that can be more damaging than a war, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyessus warned at the start of the final negotiations for a pandemic agreement on Monday. The COVID-19 pandemic killed up […] Continue reading ->
CARTAGENA, Colombia – A tour bus emits a cloud of black diesel smoke in front of Cartagena’s glittering white conference center. It is a vivid reminder that from the hottest tourist destinations to the slums of Latin America, Asia and Africa, nine out of ten people on the planet breathe dangerously unhealthy levels of air […] Continue reading ->
Most infant formulas in the United States contain a high percentage of added sugars instead of natural lactose, “jeopardizing” infant health and development, says researchers at the University of Kansas in a new analysis of commonly marketed formulas. “Infants may consume upwards of 60 grams of added sugars per day, or the equivalent of two […] Continue reading ->
Argentina’s maverick President, Javier Milei, declared Wednesday that he would follow the United States in withdrawing from the World Health Organization,citing “profound differences in health management, especially due to the pandemic, which led us to the longest confinement in the history of humanity.” The announcement came as another blow to the morale of the Geneva-based […] Continue reading ->
WHO Faces China Pushback on Member State Fee Increase – Even After Slashing Budget Following US Exit
China has signalled it could oppose a planned increase in national membership fees to the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at increasing the reliability of its funding, threatening to deepen the financial crisis at the UN health agency as it faces the loss of its largest donor, the United States. The proposed 20% increase in […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing immediate cost-cutting measures including a freeze on all but critical staff recruitment, according to an email from the Director-General to staff sent late Thursday. The body is also prioritising activities related to health priorities, “significantly reducing” travel, limiting procurement and suspending office upgrades. All meetings will be virtual […] Continue reading ->
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 ->
The good news first: HIV science has made remarkable progress. While we still lack a vaccine or cure, a single dose of a new long-acting injectable drug can now offer protection against HIV for up to six months. This breakthrough could revolutionize efforts to curb a pandemic that still claims a life every minute. However, […] Continue reading ->
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 ->
If the United States withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO) when Donald Trump assumes the presidency next week (20 January), will other member states – particularly China – step up to safeguard global health? “The signs coming out of Trump’s transition team paint a bleak picture for the WHO. Trump tried to pull out […] Continue reading ->