Latest Health News
WHO warns the world is not keeping pace with a worse pandemic risk
A new WHO-linked preparedness report says pandemic risk is moving in the wrong direction, with climate change, mobility, conflict, and weak safeguards around AI all worsening vulnerabilities. The report argues the world is not substantially safer than during COVID-19, despite better tools and knowledge .
Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda declared a public health emergency
The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern after dozens of deaths were reported. Officials warned the Bundibugyo-virus outbreak could spread further across nearby borders, with suspected cases rising and a high positivity rate in early samples .
WHO says trust and inequity are making health emergencies more dangerous
The preparedness report says the impacts of health emergencies have not diminished and are growing in economic, social, and political terms. It warns that erosion of trust and unresolved inequities in access to care and countermeasures are leaving all countries more exposed .
WHO cautions that AI could weaken health security without safeguards
The report highlighted artificial intelligence as a potentially valuable tool, but said its benefits are being undermined by inadequate safeguards. WHO-linked experts warned that unsafe AI deployment could create new risks for public health systems and emergency response .
WHO honors global health leaders for lifetime contributions
At the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the Award for Global Health to four leaders. Honorees included Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba El Sewedy for major contributions to immunization, disease elimination, and emergency preparedness .
Mike Ryan recognized for leadership in outbreak and emergency response
Dr Mike Ryan was especially cited for strengthening global preparedness and response systems for health emergencies. WHO noted his role in founding GOARN and leading operational responses to SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio, and COVID-19 .
World Health Assembly focuses on shared responsibility in global health
This year’s World Health Assembly is taking place under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.” WHO’s award ceremony and related events underline the push for stronger multilateral cooperation on health security, immunization, and emergency response .
Health security remains vulnerable despite post-COVID lessons
The preparedness report suggests that although the world learned a great deal from COVID-19, structural weaknesses remain. It warns that future outbreaks could be more damaging if countries fail to improve coordination, equity, and readiness .
High-level WHO recognition spotlights immunization progress
Dr Tore Godal and Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis were honored for transformative work in immunization and disease elimination. Their awards reflect WHO’s emphasis on vaccines as a central pillar of global health resilience .
Global health community urged to act before the next crisis deepens
The WHO-linked warning frames the current moment as a critical turning point: the world can either strengthen preparedness or face a more severe future pandemic. The report stresses that collective action is urgently needed to prevent further fracturing of public trust and widening inequities .