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Author: GHealth News

WHO Appoints Dr Vanessa Kerry as Special Envoy for Health Resilience

WHO Appoints Dr Vanessa Kerry as Special Envoy for Health Resilience

Latest News
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr Vanessa Kerry as the WHO Director-General's Special Envoy for Health Resilience, expanding her previous mandate as the organization's first Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. In her new role, Dr Kerry will support WHO's efforts to strengthen resilient, integrated, and sustainably financed health systems capable of responding to everyday health needs while preparing for emerging threats, including climate change, health emergencies, and other complex global challenges. Working closely with governments, multilateral organizations, development partners, civil society, and the private sector, Dr Kerry will advocate for stronger health systems, sustainable financing models, and improved coordination of global he...
Congo Ebola Outbreak: WHO Says Control Is Possible, but Major Challenges Remain

Congo Ebola Outbreak: WHO Says Control Is Possible, but Major Challenges Remain

Latest News
GHealth News - The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a serious public health concern, but the World Health Organization (WHO) believes it can still be contained within the coming months if response efforts receive sufficient support. The outbreak has continued to spread, becoming one of the most severe Ebola crises recorded in the country. Health authorities are facing difficulties in identifying transmission chains, strengthening surveillance, and reaching affected communities in areas impacted by insecurity. WHO officials say the next three months will be critical. Expanding medical capacity, improving case detection, and rapidly tracing contacts of infected individuals will be essential to slowing the spread of the virus. The response faces several obst...
What do we know about the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda?

What do we know about the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda?

Latest News
GHealth News - The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an ‌Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, does not meet the criteria ​of a pandemic emergency but that countries sharing land borders with the DRC are ​at high risk for further spread. WHAT IS EBOLA? Ebola disease is a severe, often-fatal virus, which ​causes fever, body aches, vomiting and diarrhoea, and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids ​of infected persons, contaminated materials or persons who have died from the disease, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) 17t...
Together for Health: Standing with Science on World Health Day 2026

Together for Health: Standing with Science on World Health Day 2026

Latest News
GHealth News - Today, April 7, marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. For over 75 years, this day has served as a global rallying cry to prioritize our collective well-being. This year, GHealth News is proud to join the WHO in celebrating the 2026 theme: "Together for health. Stand with science." In an era where information travels faster than ever, the 2026 campaign is a powerful reminder that progress from eradicating diseases to managing global pandemics rests on the foundation of scientific integrity and multilateral cooperation. Why "Stand with Science"? This year’s focus isn't just for researchers in labs; it’s a call to action for everyone. "Standing with science" means: Choosing Evidence Over Echo Chambers: Prioritizing facts and ve...
Dr. Hanan Balkhy on the Middle East War: Attacks on Water and Nuclear Sites Would Be a “Disaster”

Dr. Hanan Balkhy on the Middle East War: Attacks on Water and Nuclear Sites Would Be a “Disaster”

Global Health
GHealth News - The World Health Organization’s regional chief has issued a stark warning, labeling the current situation in the Middle East a “health crisis unfolding in real time.” Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, is calling for a total cessation of hostilities to prevent a complete systemic collapse across 22 countries and territories. A System Under Siege Dr. Balkhy emphasized that the devastation extends far beyond the immediate loss of life. The region is witnessing a historic collapse of healthcare access, with facilities no longer serving as the "safe havens" they were traditionally considered under international law. The scale of the crisis is staggering, characterized by: Mass Displacement: In less than a month, 3.2 million ...
Study Finds Healthy Eating Matters More Than Cutting Carbs or Fat

Study Finds Healthy Eating Matters More Than Cutting Carbs or Fat

Global Health
GHealth News - A long-running study involving nearly 200,000 U.S. adults suggests that heart health depends less on cutting carbohydrates or fats and more on the quality of the foods consumed. Researchers from Harvard University found that both low-carb and low-fat diets can support cardiovascular health, but only when they emphasize nutritious, whole foods. Diets high in processed items, animal fats, and lacking in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats showed fewer benefits, even if they met low-carb or low-fat criteria. The study, which followed participants for about 30 years, revealed that individuals who maintained balanced, high-quality diets had better cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Lead researcher Zhiyuan ...
New UN Report: Global Child Mortality Progress Slows as 4.9 Million Deaths Recorded in 2024

New UN Report: Global Child Mortality Progress Slows as 4.9 Million Deaths Recorded in 2024

Global Health
GHealth News - A landmark UN report, Levels & Trends in Child Mortality, reveals a sobering reality: 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2024. While global deaths have halved since 2000, the pace of progress has plummeted by over 60% since 2015, signaling a critical need for renewed political and financial commitment. For the first time, this report fully integrates cause-of-death data, providing the most detailed map to date of why and where the world's youth are dying. The Newborn Crisis: Neonatal deaths (first 28 days) now account for nearly 50% of all under-five mortality, primarily due to preterm birth complications and labor trauma. The Hunger Factor: In a first-of-its-kind estimate, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) was found to be the direct cause o...
WHO Prequalifies New Oral Polio Vaccine to Boost Global Eradication Efforts

WHO Prequalifies New Oral Polio Vaccine to Boost Global Eradication Efforts

Communicable Diseases
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the prequalification of an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), marking an important step forward in the global fight to eliminate polio. Prequalification confirms that the vaccine meets international standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness. This designation enables United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to procure and distribute the vaccine for immunization campaigns worldwide. The newly approved nOPV2 vaccine has been developed to be more genetically stable than earlier oral polio vaccines. This improved stability reduces the risk of vaccine-derived outbreaks while strengthening efforts to interrupt virus transmission. The announcement follows a recent commitment by global leaders to mob...
WHO Says Risk of Nipah Virus Spreading Beyond India Is Low

WHO Says Risk of Nipah Virus Spreading Beyond India Is Low

NCDs
GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed that the risk of the deadly Nipah virus spreading beyond India is low, despite recent confirmed cases in the eastern state of West Bengal. WHO officials said there’s currently no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission and no travel or trade restrictions are recommended at this time. Two health workers in West Bengal contracted the virus in late December and are under medical care, while Indian health authorities have traced and tested more than 190 contacts-with no additional infections detected so far. Nipah virus, which is carried by fruit bats and certain animals, can cause severe symptoms including fever and brain inflammation, and has historically shown a high fatality rate (40–75%). There are no licensed...
Global Health Meets Sustainability: LMU Munich Hosts 2026 Conference

Global Health Meets Sustainability: LMU Munich Hosts 2026 Conference

Global Health
GHealth News - LMU Munich is set to host Global Health Day 2026 on March 19–20, bringing together scientists, students, and global health enthusiasts under the theme “Global Health for Sustainability.” The two-day conference will feature keynotes, workshops, and networking sessions, offering a unique platform for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. Participants will explore how global health intersects with sustainability, addressing critical topics like climate change, resilient health systems, planetary boundaries, and social justice. With a focus on innovative research, practical solutions, and future-oriented teaching, Global Health Day 2026 promises insights and connections that could shape the path toward a healthier, more sustainable world. For more info: https://...