The UN Population Fund has warned that decades of gains in ending inequalities in sexual & reproductive health & rights are at risk due to political & social polarisation, widening the access divide & threatening future progress.

john zarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02trjhC0

“There’s more cooperation among diplomats, more consensus, and [they are] more likely to come to an agreement.”

Negotiators are keen to finalise a revised version of the the International Health Regulations (IHR), but experts warn sticking points remain. hubs.li/Q02s_0VX0

'Globally, a record 11·5 million people were in penal institutions in 2023'

Alice Edwards, a UN Special Rapporteur, has criticised the lack of consideration of people in prison in WHO’s draft pandemic accord. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02r1m6-0

Less than 5% of women in low-income and middle-income countries are ever screened for cervical cancer, hampering elimination goals.

john zarocostas reports on renewed calls to scale-up cervical cancer screening: hubs.li/Q02mT1KT0

'we have prioritised 400 positions for recruitment in country offices. We’ve committed US$200 million to fund these posts.”

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced plans to boost country office workforces. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02kvF9N0

Sania Nishtar has been appointed to lead the vaccine organisation Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance as it decides how to spend billions of dollars left over from the COVID-19 response.

A World Report by john zarocostas explores the challenges ahead for the new head: hubs.li/Q02h0xK90

'It's a tough time for global compassion.”

The UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross have announced cuts in responses to the 2024 global humanitarian appeals. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02fpqS00

“It does not resolve the crisis. But it is a platform to build.”

Meeting in a special session, WHO's Executive Board has agreed a resolution to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. john zarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02d7PV70

“No one should die just to make a living.”

Calls to strengthen occupational health and safety systems to reduce work-related morbidity are escalating after a report by the International Labour Organization. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02bBRPV0

'...the necessity to integrate climate information into key health system functions 'is more crucial than ever.''

Sharing & supply of data are essential for the health sector to function as extreme weather becomes more frequent. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q028sMz_0

'Migration in Europe is 'getting worse, I see a huge role there for IOM, but it's also a political minefield.'”

john zarocostas reports on the challenges facing the new Director-General of the International Organization for Migration: hubs.li/Q025rBPH0

The aim to end hunger by 2030 is largely off track.

Calls mount to prioritise nutrition as UN reports that 735 million people face hunger. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q01XLTck0

“The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 6·7 million people are experiencing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity...”

Global aid community raises alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q01WnmJb0

“Movements against gender equality have gained traction, and women's rights have been rolled back.”

The UN warns that global backlash against women's rights could jeopardise reaching gender parity by 2030. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q01TPJg_0

With the formal declaration of a public health emergency of international concern ending, what are the implications for international response efforts?

john zarocostas reports from Geneva: hubs.li/Q01QPfp80

“40–60 million doses are needed to meet demand by 2026, increasing to 80–100 million doses by 2030.”

With huge demand for malaria vaccines, Gavi is concerned that scaling up production and affordability pose a formidable challenge. john zarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q01NP6wM0

“More than half the population are experiencing high levels of food insecurity, millions are deeply traumatized, and most are hungry…”

New report to UN Human Rights Council outlines how violence is worsening health in South Sudan. john zarocostas has more: hubs.li/Q01HmN2p0

WHO's dismissal of Takeshi Kasai, Regional Director for the Western Pacific, could pressure WHO leadership to take decisive action in other misconduct cases.

John Zarocostas reports from Geneva: hubs.li/Q01Hmv_30

Muhammad Ali Pate has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Global health leaders have welcomed his appointment as the first person from a recipient country to head the vaccine organisation. john zarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q01F2yN60

Today’s The Lancet john zarocostas underlines that Global maternal mortality rates are stagnating - maternal health should not be slipping down the global political agenda, but it is - inequalities continue to drive barriers to women accessing the care they need to deliver safely.