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Showing 29 Health & Medical stories. Clear filter
- Inter Press ServiceHealth & Medical
Africa’s Health Defenses Have Improved But Its Funding Has Not
- The Guardian — Global developmentHealth & Medical
Trump’s HIV funding cuts having ‘severe and devastating’ impact around the world
A new report indicates that recent reductions in U.S. funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief have led to widespread clinic closures and staff layoffs globally. These policy shifts threaten to undermine decades of progress in international HIV/AIDS control efforts and jeopardize treatment access for millions of patients.
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
DR Congo: Ebola outbreak still expanding, WHO sees signs of stabilization
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is managing a significant Ebola outbreak in its eastern provinces, with 2,423 confirmed cases and 967 fatalities reported as of July 19. Despite ongoing regional instability complicating containment efforts, the World Health Organization has noted early indications that the spread of the virus may be stabilizing.
- The Guardian — Global developmentHealth & Medical
Healthy diet too expensive for one in three people globally, UN report finds
A new UN report reveals that 2.69 billion people globally cannot afford a nutritious diet, despite a three-year decline in hunger rates. Addressing the high costs of essential food groups like produce and dairy remains critical to meeting the international goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
Health response brings lifesaving care closer to thousands in Yemen
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is funding expanded medical services for vulnerable populations across Yemen. By decentralizing care through the Yemen Humanitarian Fund, this initiative improves access to essential health treatments for residents living in areas severely impacted by ongoing conflict.
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
Breaking the silence: Zimbabwean youth leader calls for urgent investment in mental health
Tanatswa Amanda Chikaura, a youth leader in Zimbabwe, is advocating for increased investment in mental health services following the suicide of a fellow student during her psychology studies. Her efforts highlight the urgent need for improved mental health support in the country, emphasizing its significance for youth well-being and community resilience.
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
WHO warns DR Congo Ebola outbreak is outpacing response as Uganda reaches milestone
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
World News in Brief: Schools closed in West Bank, AI in healthcare, Indigenous rights
The United Nations reported a continued decline in access to education in the West Bank, highlighting the challenges faced by students in the region. This situation underscores broader concerns regarding the impact of ongoing conflicts on educational opportunities and the well-being of children in affected areas.
- UN NewsHealth & Medical
Childhood vaccination rate increases slightly, but millions remain unprotected
In 2025, global childhood vaccination efforts showed a slight recovery, yet millions of children remain at risk due to ongoing conflicts, poverty, and increasing vaccine hesitancy. New data from the UN highlights the urgent need to address these challenges to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Global childhood immunization coverage inches forward despite conflict and hesitancy – UNICEF, WHO
In 2025, 90% of infants worldwide received at least one dose of the DTP vaccine, while 85% completed the three-dose series, according to WHO-UNICEF data. Despite slight improvements, global immunization rates remain below 2019 levels, with 13.5 million children unvaccinated, contributing to ongoing measles outbreaks in 57 countries.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
El Salvador validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization has recognized El Salvador for successfully eliminating trachoma as a public health issue. This infectious disease is a primary cause of blindness globally, and its eradication in El Salvador marks a significant achievement in public health efforts within the country.
- Devpolicy BlogHealth & Medical
Fiji’s HIV crisis is a syringe crisis and the fix is sitting on a pharmacy shelf
In January 2025, Fiji's Minister for Health declared a national HIV outbreak, with reported cases increasing from 131 in 2018 to 1,583 in 2024. Current estimates suggest approximately 6,100 individuals are living with HIV in Fiji, highlighting a significant public health challenge that remains largely unaddressed through available medical resources.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
WHO adds first diagnostic test for Ebola Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing
The World Health Organization has included the first diagnostic test for the Bundibugyo virus in its Emergency Use Listing. This test enables rapid and accurate detection of the virus in blood samples, facilitating early case identification and effective outbreak response, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Patient enrolment begins in a scientific trial to identify the first effective treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease
The PARTNERS clinical trial has commenced patient enrolment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assess potential treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, a type of Ebola. This initiative represents a significant international collaboration aimed at identifying effective therapies for this serious viral infection.
- The Guardian — Global developmentHealth & Medical
Africa can end Aids on its own terms. Will the world back us to finish the job? | Jean Kaseya and Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah
As funding for HIV response declines by 70%, African leaders emphasize the need for a self-sufficient approach to health care, viewing it as a matter of sovereignty. The continent has significantly reduced AIDS-related deaths and new infections over the past decade, highlighting its capability to manage health crises independently and sustain ongoing treatment for millions.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
WHO issues comprehensive guidelines on filovirus disease, including Ebola and Marburg disease
The World Health Organization has published its first comprehensive guidelines for managing filovirus diseases, including all variants of Ebola and Marburg viruses, amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The guidelines emphasize early supportive care and include 16 evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing patient survival and health outcomes.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Open letter to leaders of G7, G20, BRICS and all nations on finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex
The World Health Organization has issued an open letter to leaders of the G7, G20, BRICS, and all nations, urging them to finalize the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. This step is essential for enhancing global preparedness and response to future pandemics by facilitating the rapid sharing of pathogen information and materials.
- The Guardian — Global developmentHealth & Medical
The race to combat Ebola: what vaccines and treatments are being developed and how long will it take?
As the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, three vaccine developers received $60 million in emergency funding to accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments. Ongoing security challenges in the DRC hinder the establishment of clinical trials, complicating efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Joint statement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and WHO concerning the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the World Health Organization are collaborating to address an outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Ituri Province. With reported cases and fatalities across multiple health zones, efforts are focused on enhancing surveillance, testing, and patient care to curb transmission and support affected communities.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Experts convened by WHO advise on candidate treatments and vaccines for Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus
The World Health Organization has gathered expert groups to evaluate candidate treatments and vaccines for Bundibugyo virus disease amid an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reported cases in Uganda. This initiative aims to enhance prevention and treatment options for the affected populations in these regions.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 23 May 2026
On May 23, 2026, the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened to discuss global health priorities and strategies. Key topics included strengthening health systems, addressing emerging health threats, and enhancing international cooperation in public health initiatives. The outcomes aim to guide member states in improving health outcomes worldwide.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 22 May 2026
On May 22, 2026, the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened to address critical global health issues and strategies for improving health outcomes worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing international cooperation and funding for health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in responding to ongoing and emerging health challenges.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
First meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda 2026 – Temporary recommendations
The World Health Organization's Emergency Committee convened to address the Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, determining it a public health emergency of international concern. Consequently, the WHO Director-General issued temporary recommendations for all States Parties to enhance preparedness and response efforts in the affected regions.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 21 May 2026
On May 21, 2026, the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened to discuss critical global health issues, including pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and the integration of mental health into primary care. The assembly serves as a platform for member states to collaborate on strategies to enhance health systems and address emerging health challenges worldwide.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 20 May 2026
The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened on May 20, 2026, to address critical global health issues. Key discussions focused on strengthening health systems, enhancing pandemic preparedness, and promoting equitable access to vaccines. The outcomes of this assembly are expected to influence international health policies and collaborative efforts in addressing ongoing and future health challenges.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 19 May 2026
On May 19, 2026, the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened to address critical global health issues, including pandemic preparedness and universal health coverage. Delegates from member states engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening international collaboration and improving health systems worldwide. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to influence future health policies and initiatives.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly honours global champions advancing primary health care
The World Health Assembly recognized six laureates for their significant contributions to primary health care, aiming to reduce health inequities and enhance access for vulnerable populations. The awards, presented by WHO leadership, commemorate the legacy of Dr. LEE Jong-wook and highlight the importance of innovation and community engagement in global health efforts.
- The Guardian — Global developmentHealth & Medical
As WHO sounds alarm over Ebola in DRC, what can be learned from previous outbreaks?
The World Health Organization has raised concerns about an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically involving the Bundibugyo variant. Factors such as conflict, mistrust, and delays in detection may hinder the emergency response efforts, highlighting the importance of lessons learned from previous outbreaks in managing the current situation effectively.
- World Health OrganizationHealth & Medical
World Health Assembly opens in Geneva, Switzerland
The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, with Dr. Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam elected as President. The assembly featured addresses from global leaders and recognized significant contributions to health with awards presented by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighting the importance of global health leadership and collaboration.
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