Latest Health News
WHO validates Brazil for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV
WHO and PAHO validated Brazil for eliminating mother-to-child (vertical) transmission of HIV, marking the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this milestone and attributing success to universal health coverage, strong primary care and targeted EMTCT initiatives. The validation was celebrated by national and UN leaders and linked to regional EMTCT Plus efforts that also target syphilis, hepatitis B and congenital Chagas
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Evaluation prompts WHO reforms to strengthen coordination in health emergencies
An independent evaluation of WHO’s Global Health Cluster found it remains relevant and efficient but identified gaps in monitoring, transition planning and national coordination capacity to guide humanitarian reforms within the IASC Humanitarian Reset. WHO will use the recommendations to deepen integration across its structures and improve inter-cluster cooperation to better reach crisis-affected populations
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WHO holds Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi
WHO opened its Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine to advance the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, emphasizing stronger evidence, regulation and integration of traditional medicine into health systems to expand access and support universal health coverage. The three-day meeting gathers ministers, Indigenous leaders and scientists and aims to launch major research and regulatory initiatives
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WHO warns of poorly managed waste and urges action to protect public health
WHO highlighted global risks from poorly managed waste and the need for improved waste management practices to prevent disease and environmental harm, urging multisectoral responses to reduce health threats from pollution and hazardous waste. The warning accompanies other WHO alerts on emergent health risks at the summit
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WHO flags new influenza strain and urges vaccination as cases rise
WHO issued an advisory about a newly emerging influenza strain and reinforced vaccination recommendations after surveillance signalled unusual influenza activity in several regions, stressing preparedness and vaccine uptake to limit severe outcomes. Public health bodies are monitoring the strain’s spread and severity to guide vaccine policy
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UNAIDS urges Kazakhstan to protect public health amid new 'LGBTQ propaganda' law
UNAIDS expressed concern about Kazakhstan’s adoption of a bill banning so-called LGBTQ “propaganda,” warning the measure risks reversing HIV prevention and access gains and urging the government to protect health services and non-discrimination for key populations. The statement noted Kazakhstan’s recent progress toward 95–95–95 HIV targets and rapid PrEP scale-up, underscoring stakes for public health if policies restrict services
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WHO advances health equity for people on the move
WHO released guidance and commitments to advance health equity for refugees, migrants and displaced populations, calling for inclusive services, stronger national policies and linkages between humanitarian response and health systems. The briefing stressed the need for transition planning and capacity-building to ensure continuity of care during crises
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Humanitarian crises in Sudan drive worsening displacement and hunger, straining health responses
Humanitarian reports highlight that prolonged conflict in Sudan has displaced millions, driven famine-like conditions in parts of the country and obstructed aid delivery, sharply increasing health needs and complicating vaccination, malnutrition and disease-control efforts. Agencies warn that limited funding and access hamper lifesaving health interventions for vulnerable populations
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US policy moves and domestic changes could reduce benefits and affect public health coverage
Policy changes and administrative actions in the United States are projected to reduce enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP, with estimates of hundreds of thousands fewer enrollees and billions less in benefits—changes observers say will have downstream effects on population health and service access. Public-health experts have warned that reduced engagement with WHO and shifts in international commitments could further affect global health collaboration
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Global life expectancy and major causes of health decline prompt calls for systemic action
Analyses and editorials at year-end highlight a 1.8-year fall in global life expectancy and increasing pressures from noncommunicable diseases, infectious disease resurgence and health system strains—urging investments in primary care, equity and international cooperation to reverse trends. Public-health leaders are framing 2026 priorities around resilience, universal health coverage and integrated responses
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Alzheimer’s and dementia move higher on global health agenda
Advocacy groups and international organizations have intensified calls to recognize Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as major global health priorities, pushing for expanded research, care infrastructure and policy commitments to address aging populations and the growing burden of cognitive disorders. Several national programmes and year-end messages noted progress and persistent gaps in care and funding for dementia services
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