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. WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health … Read more

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. The forum, marking the 10th anniversary … Read more

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 … Read more

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. The Belgian delegation – headed by H.E. Christophe Payot, Ambassador of Belgium to the United Nations and other … Read more

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 … Read more

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 offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations. The unprecedented global action … Read more

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. The importance of philanthropic support was underscored by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, … Read more

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. This renewed agreement reaffirms the joint commitment to advancing health security, universal health coverage, and sustainable development … Read more

Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO

The World Health Organization (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. “WHO congratulates the people and government of Timor-Leste on this significant milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Timor-Leste’s success proves … Read more