$9.42 Billion for Global Health as US Foreign Aid Bill Passes 04/02/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The US House of Representatives passed a more than $1 trillion spending package, bringing an end to a five-day partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding. Among the allocations is a $9.42 billion package for global health programs – signaling strong bipartisan support and maintaining significant global health aid. The Fiscal Year 2026 […] Continue reading -> Conflicts and Vaccine Hesitancy Undermine Global Immunization Efforts 04/02/2026 Disha Shetty Ongoing conflicts and vaccine hesitancy are undermining efforts to immunize all children, according to a report tabled at the World Health Organization’s Executive Board meeting. Over 120 million people were displaced by conflicts in 2024 alone, according to the WHO. Countries will have to put in significant efforts to achieve the 2030 target of averting […] 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 -> Gates and OpenAI Team Up to Pilot AI Solutions to African Healthcare Problems 21/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million “pilot” on Wednesday to “advance AI capabilities for health” in Africa. Horizon 1000 promises “funding, technology, and technical support” to roll out AI solutions to 1,000 African primary healthcare clinics by 2028. “AI is going to be a scientific marvel no matter what, but for it […] Continue reading -> Confusion Over ‘Cancellation’ of Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau 16/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A controversial clinical trial on the effects of the hepatitis B vaccine on babies in Guinea-Bissau has been “cancelled”, according to Dr Yap Boum of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this has been contested by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is funding a Danish group to […] Continue reading -> US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Conflicts and Vaccine Hesitancy Undermine Global Immunization Efforts 04/02/2026 Disha Shetty Ongoing conflicts and vaccine hesitancy are undermining efforts to immunize all children, according to a report tabled at the World Health Organization’s Executive Board meeting. Over 120 million people were displaced by conflicts in 2024 alone, according to the WHO. Countries will have to put in significant efforts to achieve the 2030 target of averting […] 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 -> Gates and OpenAI Team Up to Pilot AI Solutions to African Healthcare Problems 21/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million “pilot” on Wednesday to “advance AI capabilities for health” in Africa. Horizon 1000 promises “funding, technology, and technical support” to roll out AI solutions to 1,000 African primary healthcare clinics by 2028. “AI is going to be a scientific marvel no matter what, but for it […] Continue reading -> Confusion Over ‘Cancellation’ of Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau 16/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A controversial clinical trial on the effects of the hepatitis B vaccine on babies in Guinea-Bissau has been “cancelled”, according to Dr Yap Boum of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this has been contested by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is funding a Danish group to […] Continue reading -> US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] 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 -> Gates and OpenAI Team Up to Pilot AI Solutions to African Healthcare Problems 21/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million “pilot” on Wednesday to “advance AI capabilities for health” in Africa. Horizon 1000 promises “funding, technology, and technical support” to roll out AI solutions to 1,000 African primary healthcare clinics by 2028. “AI is going to be a scientific marvel no matter what, but for it […] Continue reading -> Confusion Over ‘Cancellation’ of Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau 16/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A controversial clinical trial on the effects of the hepatitis B vaccine on babies in Guinea-Bissau has been “cancelled”, according to Dr Yap Boum of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this has been contested by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is funding a Danish group to […] Continue reading -> US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Gates and OpenAI Team Up to Pilot AI Solutions to African Healthcare Problems 21/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million “pilot” on Wednesday to “advance AI capabilities for health” in Africa. Horizon 1000 promises “funding, technology, and technical support” to roll out AI solutions to 1,000 African primary healthcare clinics by 2028. “AI is going to be a scientific marvel no matter what, but for it […] Continue reading -> Confusion Over ‘Cancellation’ of Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau 16/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A controversial clinical trial on the effects of the hepatitis B vaccine on babies in Guinea-Bissau has been “cancelled”, according to Dr Yap Boum of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this has been contested by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is funding a Danish group to […] Continue reading -> US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Confusion Over ‘Cancellation’ of Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau 16/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A controversial clinical trial on the effects of the hepatitis B vaccine on babies in Guinea-Bissau has been “cancelled”, according to Dr Yap Boum of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, this has been contested by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is funding a Danish group to […] Continue reading -> US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
US Congressional Leaders Agree to $9.4 Billion for Global Health – Countering Trump Proposal for Deeper Cuts 15/01/2026 Sophia Samantaroy The $9.4 billion package agreed to by the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees, is more than double the $3.7 billion requested by the Trump Administration, and signals bipartisan support for maintaining significant global health aid – although the package still must be approved by both Senate and House, and could also be vetoed by […] Continue reading -> December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
December Deals: US Signs Bilateral Health Agreements with 14 African Countries – With Some Key Exceptions 09/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan Over December, the United States signed bilateral health co-operation agreements with 14 African countries, setting out the parameters for aid in exchange for speedy information about new disease outbreaks – and, in some instances, clinched alongside trade deals profitable to US companies. The fourteen countries, in order of when the agreements were signed, are: Kenya, […] Continue reading -> EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
EXCLUSIVE: Germany to Halve Funding for Pandemic Hub Amid Global Health Pull-back 08/01/2026 Felix Sassmannshausen The German government is set to halve its funding for the Berlin-based WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence this year as part of a broader retreat from global health and aid financing under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Funding for the pandemic surveillance hub will be reduced from €30 million yearly to €15 million, with only […] Continue reading -> Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
Controversial US-Backed Vaccination Study to Begin in Guinea-Bissau 07/01/2026 Kerry Cullinan A US government-funded trial on the timing of hepatitis B vaccinations, which will delay vaccination for up to 7,000 newborns in Guinea-Bissau, is due to start this week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a controversial Danish research group a $1,6 million five-year grant to study the “optimal timing and […] Continue reading -> 2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts
2025: A Brutal Year for Global Health 28/12/2025 Editorial team This has been a brutal year for global health, with shock cuts in development aid to countries most in need; a knock-on budget crisis for United Nations (UN) agencies; widespread humanitarian crises, extensive disease outbreaks, and mounting climate-related health challenges. Health Policy Watch (HPW) has provided daily coverage of developments, and our reporters were often […] Continue reading -> Posts navigation Older postsNewer posts