WHO welcomes U.S. back to the 'family'
WHO basked in renewed U.S. cooperation as President Biden sent Dr. Anthony Fauci to repair damage from the Trump administration's withdrawal.
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.
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U.S. reversals on global health and climate policy
Moves to rejoin WHO and the Paris climate treaty were among a burst of immediate directives issued by U.S. President Joe Biden upon taking office.
Panel cites 'early failings' in virus response
An expert panel faulted WHO along with China and other nations in a report that found numerous "lost opportunities" to try to head off the pandemic.
WHO chief angered at rich grip on vaccines
The WHO chief expressed moral outrage at rich nations' young, healthy adults getting vaccinated ahead of poor nations' elderly and health care workers.
ILO concerned for pandemic homeworkers
ILO reported the number of home-based workers soared with the pandemic, prompting the need for more employment protections.
WHO virus team to enter China this week
China announced it is "ready to receive" World Health Organization experts this week on an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass 90 million
Confirmed COVID-19 infections exceeded 90 million — two-thirds in the Americas and Europe — with 1.93 million deaths worldwide.
WHO urges end to bilateral vaccine deals
The head of the U.N. health agency asked wealthy countries to stop hoarding most of the world's COVID-19 vaccine supply, saying it hurts poorer nations.
China negotiating with WHO over experts visit
China said it is still negotiating the dates and terms of a visit by a World Health Organization-led team to study the origins of COVID-19.
WHO chief criticizes China over virus team
The U.N. health agency chief expressed rare displeasure with China over delays preventing a scientific team from investigating how COVID-19 originated.
Vaccine nationalism clouds the world's pandemic recovery efforts
Rich countries locked up most of the COVID-19 vaccine supply despite the COVAX Facility's efforts to provide equal access.
WHO lists first COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use
The WHO listed Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine Comirnaty® for emergency use, the first such designation since the pandemic began earlier this year.
Vaccine approvals add promise for COVAX use
Britain and Argentina authorized emergency use of a coronavirus vaccine that adds momentum to its anticipated global use by international organizations.
WHO warns even deadlier pandemic may surface
WHO officials ended the year with a warning that a future pandemic more severe than the coronavirus may hit one day if the world is not ready.
WTO delays IP waiver proposal for pandemic
A proposal for WTO to suspend IP protections of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments is set to expire this month, kicking the issue over to 2021.
COVID-19 cases exceed 80 million worldwide
The world surpassed 80 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1.75 million deaths, as the coronavirus keeps accelerating and affects nearly every region.