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Author: GHealth News

WHO Members Close to Pandemic Preparedness Treaty After Three Years of Talks

WHO Members Close to Pandemic Preparedness Treaty After Three Years of Talks

Latest News
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) is close to finalizing a legally binding treaty aimed at improving global preparedness for future pandemics. After three years of intense negotiations sparked by the COVID-19 crisis, most of the treaty has been agreed upon, with only a few critical issues remaining. Talks in Geneva ran overnight but were paused until Tuesday to resolve final disagreements. The United States withdrew from the discussions earlier this year under President Donald Trump, but the remaining 192 member states may choose to ratify the treaty once adopted. A major point of contention remains the fair distribution of vaccines and medicines, especially between wealthy and developing countries. The treaty has faced opposition from right-wing critics who argue it...
World Health Day 2025: Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

World Health Day 2025: Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

Latest News
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures campaign on World Health Day 2025, April 7, focusing on maternal and newborn health. The campaign aims to reduce preventable deaths, improve long-term health for women, and raise awareness about gaps in maternal and newborn survival. With nearly 300,000 maternal deaths and over 4 million newborn deaths annually, urgent action is needed. WHO encourages collective action, investments in healthcare, and better support for families, addressing both physical and emotional health needs. People are urged to spread awareness, participate in global events, donate, and share personal stories. Campaign goals To raise awareness about gaps in maternal and newborn survival and the need to prioritiz...
Can generative AI tackle global health problems?

Can generative AI tackle global health problems?

Latest News
By: Rachel Tompa When it comes to widespread global health problems, ChatGPT and its like may not be the first solution that comes to your mind. But generative AI, the type of large language model that underlies artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT, could have a lot to offer in low- and middle-income countries where access to reliable health care remains a hurdle for many. Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, the director of the Stanford Center for Digital Health, spends a lot of time thinking about how digital tools including generative AI could tackle health problems that humans haven't been able to solve. Recently, Linos and her research team at the center co-authored a report on generative AI's application for health in low- and middle-income countries in collab...
MSF Warns of Worsening Malnutrition Crisis in Yemen Amid Funding Cuts

MSF Warns of Worsening Malnutrition Crisis in Yemen Amid Funding Cuts

Latest News
GHealth News - The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised alarm over the escalating malnutrition crisis in Yemen, warning that the growing needs surpass the current treatment capacity. In a statement on Wednesday, MSF urged increased financial support following significant reductions in humanitarian funding for the country. Malnutrition admissions in Yemen remain critically high, MSF reported. "If we don't take immediate action by strengthening nutrition programs and ensuring affordable transportation to healthcare facilities, we risk an even greater surge in malnutrition in the coming months," said Himedan Mohammed, MSF Middle East's head of operations. Despite expanding treatment capacity, MSF stated that it is unable to meet all the demands and called for urg...
Growing Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico Sparks Concern

Growing Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico Sparks Concern

Communicable Diseases
GHealth News - The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has surged to 294 cases as of Friday, exceeding the total number of infections reported in the U.S. for all of 2024. The outbreak, which began in late January in West Texas, continues to spread. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 285 measles cases nationwide in 2024. Over the past three days, Texas and New Mexico have reported an additional 38 infections, based on data from state health departments. Gaines County, Texas, remains the outbreak’s focal point, with cases rising from 156 on March 11 to 174. So far, 34 patients in Texas have required hospitalization. In New Mexico, infections increased from 33 to 35, with two cases reported in Eddy County and the remainder in Lea County, w...
First U.S. Measles Death Since 2015 Reported in Texas Amid Growing Outbreak

First U.S. Measles Death Since 2015 Reported in Texas Amid Growing Outbreak

Communicable Diseases
GHealth News - A school-aged, unvaccinated child in West Texas has died from measles, marking the first U.S. measles death since 2015. The child had been hospitalized in Lubbock, but officials did not disclose further details. The ongoing outbreak in West Texas has reached nearly 150 cases, with most affecting children aged 5 to 17. At a cabinet meeting, President Trump deferred questions about the outbreak to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who stated they are monitoring the situation daily.U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents to consult healthcare providers about the MMR vaccine in a Fox News opinion piece. While he did not explicitly recommend vaccination, he called the outbreak a “call to action” for public health and emphasized that vaccines protect bo...
WHO and Swiss TPH Release Updated 2025 Air Quality Standards Database

WHO and Swiss TPH Release Updated 2025 Air Quality Standards Database

Climate Change
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has launched the updated 2025 Air Quality Standards database. This comprehensive resource consolidates national air quality standards for key pollutants and airborne toxins from countries worldwide. The latest update highlights global progress in aligning with WHO’s air quality guidelines, with a 17% increase in countries implementing standards for harmful pollutants. "The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is an essential tool that showcases global advancements in air quality regulations aimed at safeguarding public health," said Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at WHO. "It provides crucial data for evidence-base...
AMR Conference 2025 – Advancing Solutions in Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR Conference 2025 – Advancing Solutions in Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR
GHealth News - The 9th AMR Conference 2025 is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, in February 2025, bringing together global leaders in research, healthcare, policy, and industry to address the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This premier event will feature expert discussions on novel therapies, diagnostics, regulatory frameworks, and global AMR strategies, fostering collaboration across disciplines to drive impactful solutions. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements and join key stakeholders in shaping the future of AMR innovation. 📅 Date: 25-26 February 2025📍 Location: Basel, Switzerland For more info and registration: https://amr-conference.com/
World Health Day 2025: Prioritizing Maternal and Newborn Health for a Healthier Future

World Health Day 2025: Prioritizing Maternal and Newborn Health for a Healthier Future

Global Health
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the theme for World Health Day 2025: "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This year’s campaign will focus on improving maternal and newborn health and survival. Observed annually on April 7—the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948—World Health Day highlights key global health issues. “This campaign comes at a critical time, aiming to help countries recover lost progress while showcasing new research and evidence to improve the health of women and newborns worldwide,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “As humanitarian aid rollbacks threaten vital healthcare for millions, this is an opportunity to strengthen global support and collaboration—bringing ho...
Global Health at Risk: WHO Director-General Sounds Alarm on US Funding Cuts

Global Health at Risk: WHO Director-General Sounds Alarm on US Funding Cuts

Global Health
GHealth News - During a media briefing on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus discussed the impact of funding suspensions, pointing out disruptions to HIV treatment, delays in polio eradication, and limited resources for tackling mpox outbreaks in Africa. Tedros explained, "The suspension of funding to PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, resulted in an immediate halt to HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services across 50 countries." He emphasized that while life-saving services were granted a waiver, prevention programs for at-risk populations are still excluded, clinics have closed, and health workers have been furloughed. Tedros called on the US Government to rethink its funding strategy, at least until alternative solutions are f...