Global health gains face threat of reversal
13/5/2026: The World Health Statistics 2026 report sends a clear message: while global health efforts are delivering results, the world remains off track to achieve any of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Accelerated action, stronger health systems, and improved data are urgently needed to renew progress.
Source: World Health Organization
3000 attacks on health care in Ukraine since Russian invasion
8/5/2026: During 1534 days of war, Ukraine’s health-care system has experienced more than 3000 attacks, of which approximately 20% have been on ambulances and other health vehicles. Every one of these attacks is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Source: World Health Organization
US lawmakers push back as Trump administration blocks $600M for vaccines
7/5/2026: Despite Congress approving $600 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has imposed a condition that Gavi must abandon vaccines with a mercury-containing preservative. A bipartisan group of senators is urging the State Department to reinstate U.S. contributions.
Source: Devex
WHO prequalifies first-ever malaria treatment for newborns and infants
24/4/2026: The World Health Organization has announced a significant step forward in the fight against malaria with the prequalification of a treatment developed specifically for newborns and young infants. Until now, infants with malaria have been treated with formulations intended for older children, which increase the risk of dosing errors and side effects.
Source: World Health Organization
WHO reports measurable global health improvements in 2025
23/4/2026: The World Health Organization has released its annual Results Report, highlighting measurable improvements in people’s health worldwide in 2025, despite funding cuts affecting the global health sector. An estimated 300 million people were living healthier lives in 2025 than the previous year.
Source: World Health Organization
Rising anger over one-sided US health funding pacts with African countries
27/2/2026: At least 17 African countries have signed bilateral agreements with the current US administration, collectively securing $11.3bn in health aid. But there is growing outrage at US demands to share biological resources and patient data, and other conditions.
Source: The Guardian
Cholera prevention campaigns resume after years of vaccine scarcity
16/2/2026: Cholera vaccination campaigns are restarting after a three-year-long pause, thanks to efforts by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, doubling supplies from about 35 million doses in 2022 to more than 70 million by 2025. However, Gavi has been hit by declines in global health funding which may impact capacity for cholera prevention.
Source: Devex
World Health Organization statement on US withdrawal
24/1/2026: The WHO regrets the US withdrawal of its membership, observing that this decision makes both the US and the rest of the world less safe. The agency also responds to critical statements from the US government.
Source: World Health Organization
US Congress backs Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
13/1/2026: The US Senate and House of Representatives have included funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in their foreign assistance appropriations bill. This is a welcome development for the global health community, given that about six months ago, the Trump administration said it would cut all funding for the organization.
Source: Devex
Most countries make progress towards universal health coverage
6/12/2025: The UHC Global Monitoring Report 2025 reveals that an estimated 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services and 2.1 billion people experience financial hardship to access health care. This annual report monitors the Sustainable Development Goal that everyone, everywhere can access the care they need without financial hardship by 2030. Despite positive direction, the global progress rate has slowed since 2015 and persistent gaps and inequalities are on the rise.
Source: World Health Organization