The World Health Organization (WHO) chief expressed confidence on Tuesday that a pandemic agreement could be finalised by May 2025, despite uncertainty over support from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Negotiations among the WHO’s 194 member states have been ongoing for two years to enhance global collaboration on pandemics after shortcomings during COVID-19. A prior attempt to finalise the agreement this year failed, and with right-wing critics claiming it threatens sovereignty, a deal appears less certain under Trump.
“They (countries) are committed to finalising the agreement in time for the World Health Assembly next May. I remain confident they will,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a Geneva press briefing.
Ghebreyesus emphasised a long-standing partnership with the U.S., stating, "U.S. leaders understand that the United States cannot be safe unless the rest of the world is safe."
Separately, Tedros reported that malaria was detected in 10 early samples from a mystery illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo but cautioned this might not exclude other diseases.
He also highlighted increased strain on Syria's fragile health system due to the displacement of 1 million people in the wake of a rebel offensive, noting that returning refugees could further exacerbate the crisis. The WHO is providing trauma supplies to hospitals and supporting other facilities in the region.
A new long-acting preventive HIV drug, lenacapavir, could be available in the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026, according to Hui Yang, head of supply operations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Malaria cases soared to 263 million in 2023, with deaths steady at 597,000, highlighting stalled progress, WHO reports.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed confidence that a global pandemic agreement will be finalized by May 2025, despite concerns over US participation under President-elect Donald Trump.
A mystery disease is spreading in Congo’s remote Panzi health zone, mainly affecting malnourished children under five. With 406 cases and 31 deaths reported, WHO experts are investigating as limited resources and severe conditions hinder efforts.
World Health Organization has reported over 35,000 suspected cases of mpox across Africa in 2024, with nearly 1,000 deaths potentially linked to the disease
Senior U.S. diplomats met with Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Friday, discussing Syria's political transition. Following a "productive" meeting, the U.S. decided to remove a bounty on al-Sharaa's head.
A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
Italian Deputy PM Salvini acquitted of 2019 migrant kidnapping charges, a win for his anti-immigration stance amid rising European far-right support.
A car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing one and injuring several. The driver has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
With over 90 stations adorned with breathtaking works of art, Stockholm's subway is a must-see destination for art lovers and curious travelers. Spanning seven decades of creativity, the artwork in the metro system dates back to the 1950s and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
Rwanda declares an end to the Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no new cases, reporting 66 cases, 15 deaths, and 51 recoveries, says Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.
A new long-acting preventive HIV drug, lenacapavir, could be available in the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026, according to Hui Yang, head of supply operations at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Britain has pledged a £50 million ($63 million) aid package to support vulnerable Syrians following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, addressing urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in neighboring countries.
Malaria cases soared to 263 million in 2023, with deaths steady at 597,000, highlighting stalled progress, WHO reports.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed confidence that a global pandemic agreement will be finalized by May 2025, despite concerns over US participation under President-elect Donald Trump.
Senior U.S. diplomats met with Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Friday, discussing Syria's political transition. Following a "productive" meeting, the U.S. decided to remove a bounty on al-Sharaa's head.
A U.S. government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel, and lead to longer airport wait times, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
Italian Deputy PM Salvini acquitted of 2019 migrant kidnapping charges, a win for his anti-immigration stance amid rising European far-right support.
A car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing one and injuring several. The driver has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
With over 90 stations adorned with breathtaking works of art, Stockholm's subway is a must-see destination for art lovers and curious travelers. Spanning seven decades of creativity, the artwork in the metro system dates back to the 1950s and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
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