New megaflash lightning record exceeds distance of pilgrimage route
The new record for longest lightning flash is 829 kilometers (515 miles), which would take at least 90 minutes in a plane.
Climate & Health
Our coverage of the growing convergence of climate and global health issues, including the latest news on the science, politics and economics that are behind it. "The climate crisis is a health crisis," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, pointing to links between weather events, disease outbreaks, and noncommunicable diseases.
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British physician Dr. David Nabarro, a global health visionary, dies at 75
Tributes highlighted Dr. Nabarro's profound influence and strategic acumen in tackling health and humanitarian crises.
U.S. and Italy reject WHO pandemic changes to global health regulations
In a move that undercuts health cooperation, the countries cited concerns the reforms would infringe on sovereignty.
Childhood immunization at 85% but some coverage gaps fuel outbreaks
The world is off track to meet its 2030 goal of halving the number of 'zero-dose' children who never received a vaccine.
Extreme temps grip Europe as heat islands increase risks for millions
Urgent early warning systems and urban heat protections are needed with extreme heat events becoming more frequent.
Asia hit hard by climate change, drought, and rising temperatures
A new report from the U.N. weather agency shows Asia has been heating up nearly twice as fast as the global average.
From disease to pollution, health leaders asked to do more with less
Much of the financial angst this year was caused by the absence and impending withdrawal of the United States.
World Health Assembly formally adopts hard-fought pandemic treaty
The head of the International Peace Institute praised the treaty negotiators for their 'amazing' critical problem-solving.
WHO's $1.7B budget shortfall forces major contractions and reshuffling
'To be blunt, we cannot do everything,' WHO's chief said in announcing a management overhaul and other cuts.
A papal messenger of climate action and 'hope, humility and humanity'
U.N. leaders hailed Pope Francis as a champion of the environment and tireless advocate of refugees and migrants.
Nations make 'history in Geneva' with landmark pandemic treaty deal
WHO members finally reach consensus on a draft pandemic agreement after 13 formal rounds of meetings since Dec. 2021.
U.N. health agency members closing in on a new pandemic agreement
Talks will reconvene next week to finish a proposed global accord for the World Health Assembly to take up in May.
Global aid cuts pose 'threat of major backsliding' with maternal deaths
The loss of funding could unravel major progress since 2000 in reducing women's deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
Health leaders warn of huge risks if U.S. cuts support for Gavi vaccines
One donor predicts more than 1 million kids in poor countries could die without U.S. funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Childhood tuberculosis cases surge by 10% in Europe and Central Asia
The spike in the world’s deadliest infectious disease comes as officials warn global aid cuts could lead to a resurgence.
Climate action to save glaciers 'a matter of survival' for people too
More than 275,000 glaciers cover 700,000 square kilometers of the planet. Glaciers and ice sheets store 70% of all freshwater.