WHO aims to finalise a pandemic pact by May 2025, despite uncertainty under Trump’s leadership, as nations negotiate global collaboration amid ongoing health crises.
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.
The World Health Organization WHO has announced a road map for cuts and tightening as it navigates a different reality in the absence of US funding.
Geneva, February 24, 2025 – A new analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency, forecasts a significant rise in both breast cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide by 2050.
The WHO will resume mass polio vaccinations in Gaza on 22 February, aiming to immunise over 591,000 children under 10 after the virus was detected in wastewater. The campaign, delayed since November due to conflict, comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions and rising health risks.
On February 12, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted the significant impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze, stressing its detrimental effects on efforts to combat HIV, polio, and other health threats worldwide.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei declared that he would follow the United States in withdrawing from the World Health Organization due to “profound differences in health management, especially due to the pandemic, which led us to the longest confinement in the history of humanity.”
Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.
President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for international security, escalating his campaign to annex the Arctic island.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have finalized a historic peace agreement, marking a major step toward ending decades of conflict, with both sides agreeing on all remaining articles.
The U.S. is set to resume shipments of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine after upgrading them to counter Russian jamming, sources told Reuters.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
Cases in Europe are expected to rise in the coming months, the ECDC warned, citing seasonal trends and low vaccination rates. With over 32,000 cases reported in the past year—mostly in Romania—health officials stress the urgent need for higher immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
Pope Francis had a restful night, the Holy See Press Office said on Wednesday, two days after the Pope's doctors said his prognosis was no longer guarded even if he requires more time in the hospital.
The World Health Organization WHO has announced a road map for cuts and tightening as it navigates a different reality in the absence of US funding.
A recent Brazilian study suggests that fish oil may play a key role in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance, offering hope for non-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.
President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for international security, escalating his campaign to annex the Arctic island.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have finalized a historic peace agreement, marking a major step toward ending decades of conflict, with both sides agreeing on all remaining articles.
The U.S. is set to resume shipments of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine after upgrading them to counter Russian jamming, sources told Reuters.
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