WHO - GHealth News

May192025 by GHealth NewsNo Comments

WHO at World Health Assembly: Nations Spend on War, But Not on Health

Global Health

GHealth News - At the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that millions are losing access to essential healthcare due to deep funding cuts affecting over 70 countries. Clinics are closing, health workers are being laid off, and patients are facing rising out-of-pocket costs. The WHO itself is facing a $600 million budget shortfall and expects a 21% funding reduction over the next two years. With the United States scaling back support, China is set to become the organization’s largest financial contributor. Dr. Tedros called on nations to realign their priorities, stressing that defense spending continues to eclipse investment in global health security. "Countries spend vast sums protecting themselves against attac...

World Health Day 2025: Prioritizing Maternal and Newborn Health for a Healthier Future

Global Health

GHealth News - The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the theme for World Health Day 2025: "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." This year’s campaign will focus on improving maternal and newborn health and survival. Observed annually on April 7—the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948—World Health Day highlights key global health issues. “This campaign comes at a critical time, aiming to help countries recover lost progress while showcasing new research and evidence to improve the health of women and newborns worldwide,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “As humanitarian aid rollbacks threaten vital healthcare for millions, this is an opportunity to strengthen global support and collaboration—bringing ho...

Global Health at Risk: WHO Director-General Sounds Alarm on US Funding Cuts

Global Health

GHealth News - During a media briefing on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus discussed the impact of funding suspensions, pointing out disruptions to HIV treatment, delays in polio eradication, and limited resources for tackling mpox outbreaks in Africa. Tedros explained, "The suspension of funding to PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, resulted in an immediate halt to HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services across 50 countries." He emphasized that while life-saving services were granted a waiver, prevention programs for at-risk populations are still excluded, clinics have closed, and health workers have been furloughed. Tedros called on the US Government to rethink its funding strategy, at least until alternative solutions are f...