Health news

Europe

UK starts first vaccine trial, eight weeks into Ebola emergency

The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.

Europe

Free NHS meningitis jab available for some teenagers - what you need to know

It follows the UK's largest and fastest growing meningitis B outbreak to date in Kent earlier this year.

More or less protein? What to eat to get you through a heatwave

When turning on the oven is a no-no and you're bored of salads, these foods (and drinks) will help to beat the heat.

Isle of Man doctors vote to take strike action in row over pay

The British Medical Association is in dispute with Manx Care over "pay erosion since 2008".

NI health: Resident doctors begin strike action over pay

The BMA said there will "undoubtedly be cancellation of operations, outpatient appointments and elective care" but "patient safety will still be prioritised".

NI health: Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Cheltenham A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

Europe

Resident doctors in England call off strike after new offer from government

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

Middle East

WHO Director-General visits Jordan to recognize strong collaboration on health system delivery, emergency relief and advancing mental health

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, today concluded the first day of his two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, underscoring the strong partnership between WHO and Jordan across the areas of universal health coverage (UHC), mental health and humanitarian health action.

Americas

WHO statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States

WHO regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe. The notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.

Paying tribute to David Nabarro

It is with great sadness that the World Health Organization mourns the passing of Dr David Nabarro on Friday 25 July at his home. He was 75. At WHO, David was at the forefront of multiple areas of work, including malaria control, humanitarian crisis response and outbreaks. Most recently, David served as a WHO Special Envoy on COVID-19.

Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO

WHO has certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, a remarkable achievement for a country that prioritized the disease and embarked on a concerted, nation-wide response shortly after gaining independence in 2002.

Africa

African Union and World Health Organization renew strategic partnership to drive impact and strengthen health systems in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) Commission renewed their longstanding strategic partnership today with the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

WHO’s strategic engagement with philanthropies: advancing global health and resilient health systems

Philanthropic support plays a vital role in enabling countries to build stronger health systems and advance towards health equity. From vaccine equity and pandemic preparedness to primary health care, the contributions of philanthropic partners help drive progress across WHO’s key priorities.

Worldwide rally for maternal and newborn health marks World Health Day 2025

On the occasion of the World Health Day 2025 dedicated to the theme of Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures, over 100 global WHO offices have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations.

Middle East

Strengthening public health across Lebanon with EIB Global

On 6 March 2025, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), met at the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg and signed an agreement for a €10 million grant to strengthen public health across Lebanon. The initiative will re-establish Lebanon's Central Public Health Laboratory and prioritize medication provision and healthcare support to over 50 000 people with chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cancer.

Europe

Frank, in-depth discussion as Belgium and WHO map ahead priorities for collaboration

In a three-day strategic dialogue, Belgium and WHO reviewed progress in their longstanding partnership, and agreed to further boost their collaboration on universal health coverage, health-systems strengthening and equitable access to essential vaccines, medicines and health technologies.

WHO and Switzerland cement cooperation until 2028

WHO and Switzerland have announced the renewal of their cooperation strategy for the period 2024-2028. In 2013, Switzerland became the first high-income country in the WHO European Region to pilot a cooperation strategy with WHO (hereafter referred to as the WHO-Switzerland Cooperation Strategy). In 2022, WHO and Switzerland jointly decided to update and renew this cooperation strategy, which was done on 4 March 2025 at the Regional Office of the WHO in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Middle East

WHO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sign agreements in support of health priorities

The Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on 24-25 February 2025 brought together global partners from the humanitarian sector to discuss urgent health and humanitarian issues. It focused on advocacy for the survival, health diplomacy well-being, and dignity of people affected by crises, as well as the security of aid workers.

Americas

WHO comments on United States’ announcement of intent to withdraw

The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the organization.

Luxembourg and WHO sign two strategic agreements

By signing two new partnership agreements, Luxembourg reaffirmed its continued support for WHO to fulfill a shared mission to promote, provide and protect health.

Americas

G20 health ministers rally support for WHO’s Investment Round

Ministers of Health expressed their support for WHO's Investment Round during a G20 meeting chaired by Brazil held today in Rio de Janeiro.