Congress sends cuts to foreign aid and public media to Trump's desk
The package will greatly impact the ability of international organizations and foreign aid programs to deliver help.
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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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.
Sand and dust storms intensify global health and economic crises
The World Meteorological Organization revealed these airborne hazards affect 330 million people in 150 countries.
People, wildlife, planet pay cost of convenience for single-use plastics
A plastic layer in Earth’s geological record may become our legacy, marking a moment we turned into a single-use planet.
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.
Top U.S. diplomat defends key foreign aid cuts at House hearing
The Trump administration and its allies in Congress sparred with Democrats over America's spending and stature abroad.
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.
System-wide funding cuts bring aid disruptions and U.N. staff protests
With the loss of billions in financial support, the U.N. must weigh potential widespread downsizing and consolidation.
China reportedly using 'puppet organizations' against its critics
A human rights group and journalists question Beijing's use of 'Chinese government-organized NGOs' at the U.N.
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.
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.
Myanmar junta seeks aid, struggles to deal with devastating earthquake
U.S. Geological Survey predictive modeling shows the death toll from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake could exceed 10,000.
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.
German election creates tough path to stronger role in E.U. and NATO
The coalition Merz forms will greatly influence his ability to govern the country or to strengthen multilateral institutions.