The Seventy-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean marked a historic step forward for health systems in the Region, as Member States endorsed resolution EM/RC72/R.4 on palliative care. The decision represents a transformative commitment to support individuals living with life-limiting illnesses, chronic conditions, and frailty, ensuring that care extends beyond treatment… [Read More]
WHO
Strengthening Immunization in the Eastern Mediterranean: Achievements and Next Steps
The first annual progress report on the Strategic Framework for the Implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region reveals both achievements and persistent challenges in vaccine equity and disease prevention. The framework supports countries in maintaining progress, recovering from COVID-19 disruptions, and strengthening immunization systems to ensure equitable access, especially in… [Read More]
WHO Unveils Digital Learning Platform to Strengthen Informal Caregiving in Europe
WHO/Europe has launched a new online course to support millions of informal caregivers across Europe—those who provide care to family members, friends, or neighbours often without training, recognition, or professional support. The course aims to equip caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to care for both others and themselves, addressing the emotional and physical… [Read More]
Managing a Major Cholera Outbreak in Ethiopia: One Year of Response and Lessons for the Future
South Sudan is battling its largest and longest cholera outbreak since gaining independence in 2011. Beginning in September 2024, the outbreak has persisted for over a year, pushing the country’s health system to its limits and yielding important lessons for managing future epidemics. Nearly 100,000 suspected cases and over 1,500 deaths have been reported across… [Read More]
WHO, Religious Leaders, and Health Authorities Collaborate to Improve WASH Standards in Faith Institutions
Over 60 participants, including representatives from the Amhara Public Health Institute, the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, religious leaders, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various partners, gathered for a two-day workshop to validate the “Minimum Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Health Requirements for Religious Institutions in the Amhara Region.” The initiative represents a crucial… [Read More]
EU Backs Angola’s Historic HPV Vaccination Drive to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Angola has launched its first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize over two million girls aged 9 to 12 against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. The campaign, which began this week, will run for ten days and reach girls through schools, health centers, and community outreach initiatives across… [Read More]
ILO Report: Thailand Risks 250,000 Care Worker Gap by 2037
Thailand is facing a significant challenge in meeting the growing demand for home-based care as its population rapidly ages. A new study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) projects that by 2037, the country will require up to 250,000 additional paid care workers, including around 55,000 migrant workers. The report, Care at Home: Projecting Thailand’s… [Read More]
Action Against Hunger Celebrates 2025 Impact Award Recipients, Including P!nk for Humanitarian Work
Action Against Hunger has announced its 2025 Impact Award honorees during a year of significant global humanitarian challenges. The annual gala aims to raise essential funds and spotlight individuals making meaningful contributions toward ending hunger worldwide. Global music icon and Grammy-winning artist P!nk is being recognized with the Humanitarian Award for her long-standing advocacy around… [Read More]
WFP Partners with Michael Kors in $2.7 Million Initiative to Combat Hunger in Sri Lanka
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a generous contribution of US$2.7 million from global fashion brand Michael Kors to strengthen Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Programme. The funding, made through Michael Kors’ long-running “Watch Hunger Stop” campaign, will support WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiative, which connects school meal programs with local… [Read More]
Mali Urged to Release Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara and End Crackdown on Rights
Amnesty International has condemned the conviction of former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara, calling it a serious miscarriage of justice and demanding his immediate release. Mara has been sentenced to two years in prison, including one year mandatory, and fined on charges related to “discrediting the state” and other alleged offenses. The organization argues that… [Read More]
IRC & GiveWell Partner to Provide Safe Water for 1.7 Million People in Chad, Nigeria & Somalia
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has partnered with GiveWell to launch a new initiative that will bring safe, clean drinking water to communities in Nigeria, Chad, and Somalia affected by conflict and climate crises. The project will introduce in-line chlorination technology to improve access to safe water for displaced people and vulnerable host populations who… [Read More]
Government Announces Additional Support for Communities Impacted by Extreme Weather
The Government has announced an additional $100,000 in funding to support communities in Kaikōura and Hurunui affected by recent severe weather. Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, stated that this new funding will go toward the Mayoral Relief Funds, with each district receiving $25,000 to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts. This… [Read More]
Hunger Crisis Deepens for Refugees Seeking Safety in Ethiopia
Thousands of South Sudanese refugees are fleeing escalating violence and hunger, seeking safety in Ethiopia’s western Gambella Region. Among them is Nyibol, a mother of four, who walked for two weeks with no food before reaching Ethiopia. Though she and her children escaped the conflict, they now face hunger and uncertainty as humanitarian funding shortfalls… [Read More]
Widespread Relief as South Africa Exits FATF Grey List, Boosting Investor Confidence
South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list has been met with widespread approval from government institutions, business organizations, and economists, who hailed it as a major milestone toward restoring financial integrity and transparency. The FATF’s decision follows nearly three years of extensive reforms to strengthen the country’s ability to combat… [Read More]
Regional Launch of SPECS 2030: Advancing Health Security and Preparedness in the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) held a regional webinar to officially launch the WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative (Services, Personnel, Education, Costs, and Surveillance for refractive error interventions) in the Region of the Americas. The event brought together health authorities, technical experts, and country representatives to discuss the regional context of eye health, share experiences,… [Read More]
Mozambique to Vaccinate 3 Million Girls as Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF Boost Cervical Cancer Prevention
The Government of Mozambique, in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has achieved a major milestone in cervical cancer prevention by expanding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to adolescent girls aged 12–18 years across all 11 provinces. This accomplishment builds on the 2019 introduction of the HPV vaccine… [Read More]
New National Action Plan Aims to Safeguard South Africans from Fake and Substandard Medicines
South Africa has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) to combat the growing threat of substandard and falsified medical products, a critical move to safeguard public health and strengthen regulatory systems across the country. Introduced on 30 September 2025 by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), in partnership with the National Department of… [Read More]
Protecting Public Health: South Africa Unveils National Plan Against Fake and Poor-Quality Medicines
South Africa has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) to tackle the ongoing threat of substandard and falsified medical products, a major step toward strengthening public health and regulatory collaboration. Introduced by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in partnership with the National Department of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), the… [Read More]
Transforming Data into Action: Tanzania Unveils Innovative Health Information Portal
Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, has launched an upgraded National Health Portal aimed at improving access to quality health data and promoting evidence-based decision-making. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its health information systems and enhance the use of real-time data… [Read More]
Tanzania Boosts Maritime Health Safety: Training Experts to Inspect and Certify Vessels
Tanzania has achieved a major milestone in strengthening regional health security by officially gaining the capacity to inspect ships and issue internationally recognized Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSCs) under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This achievement enhances the nation’s ability to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases via maritime routes and establishes Tanzania as… [Read More]
Over 500,000 Zambian Children to Benefit from New Malaria Vaccine Rollout
Zambia has officially launched the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine under its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), marking a major step in its fight against malaria. The rollout, led by the Ministry of Health, will initially target over 500,000 children aged 6–8 months in 83 districts, with the second phase planned for 2026. The country becomes the… [Read More]
Nigeria Strengthens Mpox Response with New Guidelines and Public Awareness Campaigns
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen its national response to mpox through updated clinical management guidelines, improved referral systems, and expanded public awareness campaigns. With mpox continuing to pose a public health threat since its re-emergence in 2017, the country has reported 389 confirmed cases and six deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital… [Read More]
Ontario Invests $1.1 Billion to Improve Access and Quality of Home Care
The Ontario government has announced a major $1.1 billion investment over the next three years to expand home care services and the Hospital to Home (H2H) program as part of its Fall Economic Statement plan. This funding aims to extend convenient at-home care for patients who no longer need hospital treatment, easing pressure on hospitals… [Read More]
