More than 40 people killed in Sudan hospital attack, says WHO chief
A deadly weekend attack on a hospital in Sudan claimed the lives of more than 40 people, including children and healthcare workers, drawing international condemnation.
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.
On Wednesday, February 12, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the U.S. pause on foreign aid is severely impacting global health programs, including those addressing polio, HIV, and other health threats. Tedros urged the U.S. government to reconsider its decision until long-term solutions are found.
Speaking in a virtual press conference from Geneva, Tedros expressed concern about actions being taken by the U.S., noting that the suspension of foreign aid was already disrupting crucial health programs. In particular, the halt of funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has led to an immediate cessation of HIV treatment, testing, and prevention in 50 countries.
While a waiver allowed some services to resume, prevention efforts for at-risk groups were excluded. Tedros also pointed out the negative impact on polio eradication efforts and the response to mpox, especially in Myanmar, where nearly 60,000 people were left without access to life-saving services.
In addition to the aid freeze, President Trump’s move to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO is further hindering collaboration, particularly in the fight against outbreaks and influenza. WHO officials have noted limited access to information on the spread of avian influenza in the U.S. and human cases, with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ceasing around January 24.
Tedros also mentioned the ongoing funding gap faced by the WHO, despite recent reforms to its funding model, and hinted at exploring other ideas to address the shortfall.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
In a televised address on Saturday night, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that American forces, in coordination with Israel, had conducted precision strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.
Scientists in Australia and the U.S. have developed an AI tool that could transform cancer care by revealing the hidden diversity of tumour cells and guiding more targeted therapies.
Singapore has launched its largest-ever study on paediatric food allergies, aiming to better understand and address the growing burden of allergic reactions among children.
Bill Gates says his foundation will not compensate for funding shortfalls caused by U.S. and UK aid cuts to global vaccination efforts, warning of rising child mortality as a result.
The world is facing a health financing emergency as global health investment risks falling to its lowest level in a decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
China has successfully mastered the technology to produce Yttrium-90, a critical medical isotope used in radiation therapy for liver cancer, within a commercial nuclear reactor.
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