Argentina completes exit from WHO, straining global health coordination
The nation says it will pursue bilateral and regional deals as it exits the U.N. health agency that it accuses of ideological bias.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, it coordinates global responses to health emergencies, sets data-driven standards, and promotes universal health coverage. Guided by the principle that health is a fundamental human right, WHO works with 194 member nations to combat infectious diseases, strengthen resilient health care systems, and ensure well-being for the world’s most vulnerable.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
War on Iran tests foundation of international law as conflict widens
Organizations warn the U.S. and Israeli strikes raise questions over the use of force, civilian protections, nuclear safety.
WHO warns U.S. exit could undercut disease surveillance and response
Move follows year-long U.S. withdrawal process and comes as WHO members advance talks on a new pandemic agreement.
Nations approve health pact for 2030 despite U.S., Argentina opposition
The plan integrates mental health with chronic disease, sets ambitious targets for tobacco, hypertension, and care access.
U.N. rights chief warns of system-wide collapse due to funding crisis
OHCHR is in 'survival mode' as it is forced to make wide-ranging cuts to programs and investigative mandates.
Pandemic treaty talks extended over sticking point on pathogen sharing
Developing countries and big pharma have struggled to bridge gaps over mandatory benefit-sharing during pandemics.
New U.S. strategy to target 'erosion' of sovereignty by multilateralism
The document rejects past U.S. policy that it says 'lashed American policy to a network of international institutions.'
'Foreseen and preventable': Nations demand urgent inquiry in Sudan
The U.N. Human Rights Council called on independent experts to investigate killings and other violations in el-Fasher.
Minamata Convention mandates global phase-out of dental amalgam
The decision on dental amalgam was counterbalanced by the greater challenge of artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
Famine confirmed in Sudan: 375,000 face starvation, 21.2M acute hunger
The volatility of the conflict heightens the risk of famine spreading further, with 20 other localities under threat.
$310B a year climate adaptation 'emergency' risks lives, spurs debt
Developing nations get 12 to 14 times less than what's needed to adapt infrastructure and prepare for climate impacts.
Mercury treaty shifts strategy to aim at dental fillings, illegal cosmetics
In the shadow of a decades-long toxic legacy, nations have been cracking down on mercury pollution with mixed results.
Gaza health reconstruction requires $7 billion amid global aid stalemate
The staggering reconstruction cost is compounded by an inability to deliver immediate, life-saving supplies.
Gaza trauma cases double as WHO warns of $10 billion health collapse
Nearly 42,000 people in Gaza have life-changing injuries, a number that has severely strained limited health resources.
Gaza City health system collapsing as MSF suspends operations in north
Escalating attacks pose an 'unacceptable level of risk' for medical workers as Israeli tanks advance near health facilities.
Digital pivot among global bodies accelerates with LinkedIn outreach
The World Health Organization is the overall digital behemoth, boasting 82 million followers and subscribers.