UNICEF says lead poisons up to 800 million kids
A third of the world's children have elevated levels of lead in their blood that could lead to irreversible harm, UNICEF and Pure Earth reported.
Americas
The Americas is the combined landmass of North, Central, and South America and is home to 35 countries. The region has a combined population of more than 1 billion people and a collective GDP of over $32 trillion, making it a major force in the global economy.
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COVID-19 'most severe' health emergency
The coronavirus pandemic is the worst global public health emergency to be declared under a 13-year-old international law for deadly disease outbreaks.
WHO calls Pompeo remarks 'unacceptable'
WHO's chief denounced U.S. allegations he is subservient to the Chinese government and helped cover up Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
World surpasses 15 million coronavirus cases
The world reached another tragic milestone as it exceeded 15 million COVID-19 cases among more than 200 nations — a quarter of them in the U.S.
WHO warns 'normal' is still a long ways off
WHO warned there will be "no return to the 'old normal' for the foreseeable future" as COVID-19 spreads and too many governments fail to act effectively.
Chronic hunger threatens 130 million more
The number of people not getting enough nutrition rose by 60 million since 2014 — and the pandemic may add up to 132 million more this year.
Nations slam Trump's move to leave WHO
Nations and public health critics denounced the Trump administration's announced U.S. departure from WHO as an irresponsible and wrong-headed move.
Trump starts U.S. withdrawal from WHO
U.S. President Donald Trump gave notice to the U.N. triggering a one-year withdrawal process from the World Health Organization over the pandemic.
New evidence of Syrian war crimes found
U.N. experts unveiled fresh evidence of Syrian war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in opposition-held Idlib province since November.
Elders rally resistance to Israeli annexation
An independent group of global leaders appealed to European leaders to "stand firm" against Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
Global e-waste rises 21% in 5 years and is predicted to double by 2030
A big problem, the organizations say, is that collection and recycling programs don't keep pace with the rising pollution.
Security Council backs COVID-19 cease-fire
The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for cease-fires worldwide so that everyone can focus on ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic fueled by 'profound inequalities'
The U.N. human rights chief says the challenge of preventing abuses is rising sharply as racism and social inequalities accelerate the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. rules foreign NGOs lack speech rights
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that foreign affiliates of U.S.-based organizations lack free speech rights.
U.S. chided for 'rapid decline' in freedoms
Crackdowns on protesters and journalists landed the U.S. on a global alliance's updated watchlist of nations dogged by "serious concerns" for civic freedoms.
Coronavirus infections overtake 10 million
The world reached two tragic milestones on Sunday — 10 million COVID-19 cases and 500,000 deaths — with 1 million infections added in the past six days.