The global childhood vaccination rate in 2024 held steady with 85% of infants and children receiving three doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), used as a global benchmark for immunization rates overall. However large, continued gaps in coverage are propelling outbreaks, including the highest rate of measles cases since 2019. “In […] Continue reading ->
In 2024, sand and dust storms affected 330 million people across 150 countries taking a toll on health and economies, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). While the annual mean dust surface concentrations was slightly lower in 2024 when compared to 2023, there were big regional variations. In the most […] Continue reading ->
Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) controversial regional director for the South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), was placed on leave Friday (11 July) – four months after Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) filed two cases against her for fraud, forgery and misuse of power. WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notified staff […] Continue reading ->
Intense negotiations lie ahead for World Health Organisation (WHO) member states to conclude the missing part of the Pandemic Agreement, after a brief respite since the agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May. A new body, the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG), met for the first time this week, and chose Brazil’s Ambassador […] Continue reading ->
At the 2025 Club World Cup, the world’s most celebrated footballers – from global icons to rising stars – are showcasing their elite athleticism and passion for the game. But as stars like Lionel Messi take center stage, there is one name that doesn’t belong anywhere near the pitch: Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has partnered with global […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization has reduced its global headcount by about 221 people since January, down to 9,231 as compared to 9452 at the start of January – largely through a termination of temporary contracts and a freeze in renewals. Most of the cutbacks have been at the Geneva Headquarters, WHO’s largest office, where […] Continue reading ->
An additional six million new HIV infections and four million AIDS-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029 if US-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse, according to UNAIDS. “This is not just a funding gap. It’s a ticking time bomb,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima at the launch of the organisation’s 2025 global […] Continue reading ->
Dr Joanne Liu, a veteran humanitarian and former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has seen the front lines of global health crises—from Ebola in West Africa to bombed-out hospitals in Afghanistan. But her message today is clear: “An imperfect solution is better than no solution.” Speaking on the Global Health Matters podcast, Liu […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization has a draft $4.295 million contract with the Boston Consulting Group pending in its Global Management System (GSM), Health Policy Watch has learned – even while Save the Children has suspended its connection to BCG, over the reported involvement of two former staff members in the development of controversial projects in […] Continue reading ->
Human trials conducted outside the United States with funding from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) halted by the Trump administration in May, may be permitted to continue. On 1 May, the NIH outlawed US researchers from making subawards to foreign research partners, jeopardising billions of dollars of research throughout the world. As a […] Continue reading ->