RFK Jr Backtracks Anti-Vax Statements at Start of Contentious Confirmation Hearing

29/01/2025 Sophia Samantaroy

Robert F Kennedy (RFK) Jr, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), faced two days of tense questioning from senators on the finance and health committees. He walked back many of his past statements on vaccines and abortion, and emphasized his commitment to address America’s […] Continue reading ->

Vehicles, Household Air Pollution Pose Fatal Threat in 23 Asian Countries

27/01/2025 Chetan Bhattacharji

The health risks posed by air pollution in the 23 Asian countries sandwiched between Russia and Australia have been analysed together for the first time – and over 3.4 million deaths occurred in this area in 2021, representing 40% of global air pollution deaths. These countries include India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, excluding […] Continue reading ->

Trump Administration Halts Health Communications, Freezes Research Grants

24/01/2025 Sophia Samantaroy

The new US Administration has ordered all 13 operating divisions of its Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to stop all external communications until 1 February. It has also halted grant payments, and frozen all travel ‘indefinitely’ and cancelled attendance at various external meetings of National Institutes of Health staff, according to Nature. The […] 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 ->

Why HIV Could Be Poised for a Monumental Comeback

21/01/2025 Beatriz Grinsztejn & Birgit Poniatowski

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 ->

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 ->

If US Pulls Out of WHO, Will Other Member States Step Up?

14/01/2025 Kerry Cullinan

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 ->