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Tobacco use declines despite tobacco industry efforts to jeopardize progress

Lun, 01/15/2024 - 18:23
Trends in 2022 show a continued decline in tobacco use rates globally. With about 1 in 5 adults worldwide consuming tobacco compared to 1 in 3 in 2000. WHO urges countries to continue putting in place tobacco control policies and continue to fight against tobacco industry interference.

WHO launches appeal for US$ 1.5 billion for key emergencies in 2024

Lun, 01/15/2024 - 13:30
WHO today launched an appeal to protect the health of the most vulnerable populations in 41 emergencies around the globe in 2024. The appeal covers the emergencies that demand the highest level of response from WHO, with the aim to reach over 87 million people.

Preventing famine and deadly disease outbreak in Gaza requires faster, safer aid access and more supply routes

Lun, 01/15/2024 - 11:57
As the risk of famine grows, and more people are exposed to deadly disease outbreaks, a fundamental step change in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is urgently needed, United Nations agencies warned today.

WHO certifies Cabo Verde as malaria-free, marking a historic milestone in the fight against malaria

Vin, 01/12/2024 - 10:11
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde as a malaria-free country, marking a significant achievement in global health. With this announcement, Cabo Verde joins the ranks of 43 countries and 1 territory that WHO has awarded this certification.

WHO teams deliver supplies to hospitals in Northern and Southern Gaza

Mie, 12/27/2023 - 18:28
World Health Organization teams have undertaken high-risk missions to deliver supplies, with partners, to hospitals in Northern and Southern Gaza witnessing intense hostilities in their vicinity, high patient loads and overcrowding caused by people displaced by the conflict seeking refuge.

Lethal combination of hunger and disease to lead to more deaths in Gaza

Joi, 12/21/2023 - 16:47
Hunger is ravaging Gaza, and this is expected to increase illness across the Strip, most acutely among children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and older people. In new estimates released today, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) global partnership, which includes WHO, said Gaza is facing “catastrophic levels of food insecurity,” with the risk of famine “increasing each day.”

WHO prequalifies a second malaria vaccine, a significant milestone in prevention of the disease

Mie, 12/20/2023 - 18:52
WHO has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to the list of prequalified vaccines. The prequalification means larger access to vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in children with it being a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Addressing Global Health Challenges: Irish Taoiseach Varadkar and WHO Director-General in Dublin Talks

Mar, 12/19/2023 - 15:30

Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar welcomed Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, to Dublin today, to discuss strengthening the partnership between Ireland and the WHO across a range of global and domestic health areas. Dr Tedros also met with Michael Higgins, the President of Ireland.

The meetings underscores Ireland's commitment to actively address pressing health issues on both national and global fronts. The discussions delved into strategies for tackling health emergencies, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and fostering collaborative research initiatives. The leaders also discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and agreed on the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated in no uncertain terms how important the World Health Organization is, and how central a role it plays in promoting and securing health and well-being for all, on a global scale. This visit is an important opportunity to affirm and strengthen Ireland’s partnership with the WHO.”

The leaders discussed the importance of learning from the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic to be prepared for any future outbreaks. They agreed on the importance of moving forward with the instrument on pandemic preparedness to be ready for such events. They also discussed the vital need for increased medical supplies to be allowed into humanitarian settings and the disproportionate impact that violence is having on children and women. This year, Ireland announced it will invest around €10 million in supporting the work of the WHO, with funding targeted to support healthcare in emergency settings and programmes aimed at tackling child malnutrition.

“Ireland plays a powerful role in advocating for peace and equity in health globally, and has provided vital assistance to WHO’s work around the world” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

In the context of the funding, the Irish, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Micheál Martin T.D. commented saying it is: “recognising the importance public health measures globally, and in the light of increasing health needs arising from conflict and crisis, that Ireland is significantly increasing its support for the WHO.”

COVID-19 vaccinations shift to regular immunization as COVAX draws to a close

Mar, 12/19/2023 - 13:42
Nearly 18 months after the first administration of a COVID-19 vaccine, incredible progress has been made. Yet despite this progress, inequities between lower and higher income countries are continuing to cost lives and are prolonging the pandemic.

New South-South health cooperation initiative launched linking Africa and the Caribbean

Mar, 12/19/2023 - 11:51

The Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), a new initiative to strengthen South-South health cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, was launched today.

The initiative stems from the recognition that the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic fell most heavily on developing countries, especially on women and children. The pandemic led to the reversal of health gains, including maternal mortality.

HeDPAC will focus on strengthening the health workforce in the two regions, and on sharing innovative solutions in primary health care, with a special emphasis on climate resilience, and maternal and child health.

Promoting technology transfer for pharmaceutical manufacturing, building regulatory capacity, and enhancing universal health coverage will be core HeDPAC strategies.

Dr Haileyesus Getahun will serve as the first CEO of HeDPAC. Dr Getahun has a quarter-century of experience in global health, and currently serves as Director of Global Coordination on Antimicrobial Resistance at WHO.

“COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in our health systems, but we also have the opportunity to address those challenges”, said President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who is a champion of the initiative. “The time to act is now”, he said.

“COVID-19 left an indelible scar on our global solidarity and the right of all people to good health”, said Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, who is also championing HeDPAC. “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the inequity of the global response to COVID-19 is not repeated. This is the kind of action that will allow us to help people where they need it most.”

“The establishment of HeDPAC heralds a new global public health order to realize health equity through greater political commitment and action”, said Professor Senait Fisseha, Vice President of the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. “Through this collaboration, vulnerable countries and groups, including women and children, stand to benefit.”

“WHO is pleased to partner with HeDPAC in its efforts to achieve universal health coverage for the people of Africa and the Caribbean”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “South-South cooperation can play a critical role in catalysing a shared vision for health and the exchange of best practices between nations.”

Dr Getahun said, “There is no better role in global health than to contribute to health equity for the most vulnerable.”

HeDPAC media enquiries, contact info@hedpac.org

Additional media enquiries:

Rwanda: theophile.dushime@moh.gov.rw

Barbados: alex.downes@pmo.gov.bb

 

 

WHO delivers health supplies to Al-Shifa Hospital, appeals for continued access to address urgent needs in north Gaza

Dum, 12/17/2023 - 00:40

WHO staff participated in a joint UN mission to Al-Shifa Hospital in north Gaza on 16 December to deliver health supplies and assess the situation in the facility. Partners on today’s mission included OCHA, UNDSS, and UNMAS. The team delivered medicines and surgical supplies, orthopedic surgery equipment, and anesthesia materials and drugs to the hospital.  

Al-Shifa Hospital, currently minimally functional, needs to urgently resume at least basic operations to continue serving the thousands in need of lifesaving health care.   

Once the most important and largest referral hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa now houses only a handful of doctors and a few nurses, together with 70 volunteers, working under what WHO staff described as “unbelievably challenging circumstances,” and calling it a “hospital in need of resuscitation.” The operating theatres and other major services remain nonfunctional due to lack of fuel, oxygen, specialized medical staff, and supplies. The hospital is only able to provide basic trauma stabilization, has no blood for transfusion, and hardly any staff to care for the constant flow of patients.  Dialysis is being provided to approximately 30 patients a day, with the dialysis machines operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a small generator.   

The team described the emergency department as a “bloodbath”, with hundreds of injured patients inside, and new patients arriving every minute. Patients with trauma injuries were being sutured on the floor, and limited to no pain management is available at the hospital. WHO staff said that the emergency department is so full that care must be exercised to not step on patients on the floor. Critical patients are being transferred to Al-Ahli Arab Hospital for surgeries.

Tens of thousands of displaced people are using the hospital building and grounds for shelter. A multi-pronged humanitarian response is needed to provide them with food, water and shelter.

Many of them asked our team to tell the world what is happening in the hope that their suffering might soon be eased. Al-Shifa Hospital continues to experience a severe shortage of food and safe water for health workers, patients, and displaced people. This reflects grave and growing concerns around persistent hunger across the Gaza Strip, and the consequences of malnutrition on people’s health and susceptibility to infectious diseases.  

WHO is committed to strengthening Al-Shifa Hospital in the coming weeks, so that it can resume at least basic functionality and continue to provide the lifesaving services that are needed at this critical time. Up to 20 operating theatres in the hospital, as well as post-operative care services, can be activated if provided with regular supplies of fuel, oxygen, medicines, food, and water. Substantial additional specialized medical, nursing and support staff, including emergency medical teams are also urgently needed.  

Currently, Al-Ahli Arab Hospital remains the only partially functional hospital in north Gaza along with three minimally functional hospitals – Al-Shifa, Al Awda and Al Sahaba Medical Complex - down from 24 before the conflict. WHO is also gravely concerned at the unfolding situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital and is gathering information urgently.

As hostilities continue and health needs across the Gaza Strip increase, Al-Shifa Hospital, a cornerstone of Gaza’s health system, must be urgently restored so that it can serve a besieged people trapped in a cycle of death, destruction, hunger, and disease.

 

 


WHO officially recognizes noma as a neglected tropical disease

Vin, 12/15/2023 - 18:37
In a pivotal move towards addressing one of the world’s most underrecognized health challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the inclusion of noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) in its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Despite notable progress, road safety remains urgent global issue

Mar, 12/12/2023 - 21:53
The annual number of road traffic deaths fell slightly to 1.19 million per year, according to the latest WHO report. Yet with more than 2 deaths occurring per minute and over 3200 per day, road traffic crashes remain the leading killer of children and youth aged 5–29 years.

Statement on the antigen composition of COVID-19 vaccines

Mar, 12/12/2023 - 21:08
Key points:
  • SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and evolve with important genetic and antigenic evolution of the spike protein.
  • Monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines across different platforms elicit broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • Given the current SARS-CoV-2 evolution and the breadth in immune responses demonstrated by monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines against circulating variants, the TAG-CO-VAC advises retaining the current COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition, i.e. a monovalent XBB.1.5 as the COVID-19 vaccine antigen.

The WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to meet regularly to assess the implications of SARS-CoV-2 evolution for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition and advise WHO on whether changes are needed to the antigen composition of future COVID-19 vaccines. In May 2023, the TAG-CO-VAC recommended the use of a monovalent XBB.1 descendent lineage, such as XBB.1.5, as the vaccine antigen. Several manufacturers (using mRNA and protein-based and viral vector vaccine platforms) have updated COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition to monovalent XBB.1.5 formulations which have been approved for use by regulatory authorities.

The TAG-CO-VAC reconvened on 4-5 December 2023 to review the genetic and antigenic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, the performance of currently approved vaccines against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the implications for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition. The twice-yearly evidence review by the TAG-CO-VAC is based on the need for continued monitoring of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the kinetics of vaccine-derived immunity.

Evidence reviewed

The published and unpublished evidence reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC included: (1) SARS-CoV-2 evolution, including genetic and antigenic characteristics of earlier and current SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 evolution on cross-neutralization and cross-protection following vaccination and/or infection; (2) Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of currently approved vaccines during periods of XBB descendent lineage circulation; (3) Antigenic cartography analyzing antigenic relationships of SARS-CoV-2 variants using naïve animal sera and human sera following vaccination and/or infection; (4) Preliminary immunogenicity data on the performance of currently approved vaccines against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants using animal and human sera; and (5) Cellular (T and B cell) immune responses following vaccination and/or infection. Further details on the publicly available data reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC can be found in the accompanying data annex. Unpublished and/or confidential data reviewed by the TAG-CO-VAC are not shown.

Summary of available evidence
  • SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and evolve. Based on available sequences, there is heterogeneity in circulating variants across WHO regions.
  • There continues to be important genetic and antigenic evolution of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
  • As of 2 December 2023, XBB descendent lineages including XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, EG.5, HK.3 and HV.1 accounted for 73% of genetic sequences available in GISAID, and this proportion has declined since then. SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest BA.2.86, with the earliest sample collected in July 2023, has 36 amino acid substitutions relative to XBB.1.5, including in key antigenic sites in the spike protein. The proportion of BA.2.86 and its descendent lineages, including JN.1 (which has one additional substitution in the spike protein as compared to BA.2.86 (L455S)), has been increasing steadily. As of 2 December 2023, BA.2.86 and its descendent lineages, including JN.1, accounted for 17% of sequences available in GISAID, more than half of which were JN.1.
  • Several of these XBB- and BA.2.86 derived variants (e.g., EG.5, HV.1, HK.3, JN.1) have independently-evolved changes in the spike protein at a neutralizing antibody epitope involving amino acid residues 455 and/or 456. This highlights the current immune pressure on this epitope.
  • In naïve animals, monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines elicited neutralizing antibodies that cross-reacted well with XBB descendent lineages (e.g., EG.5, HV.1, HK.3). However, BA.2.86 and JN.1 were not neutralized well, indicating that BA.2.86 and JN.1 are antigenically distinguishable from XBB.1.5 in this model.
  • In contrast, sera from humans vaccinated with XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccines, with or without recent prior infection, neutralized XBB descendent lineages including EG.5, HK.3, HV.1, as well as BA.2.86 and JN.1. However, there are only limited data on cross neutralization of JN.1.
  • The differences observed in cross-reactivity to BA.2.86 and JN.1 in naïve animals, as compared to human sera, likely reflect the cumulative infection- and vaccine-derived immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the human population.
  • In vaccine effectiveness studies, protection conferred by bivalent (index virus and BA.1- or BA.4/5) mRNA vaccines and a Beta-based protein vaccine against severe disease during periods of XBB descendent lineage circulation remains high. Protection against symptomatic disease and infection is lower and wanes more rapidly over several months. Monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines were only recently introduced, so VE estimates for vaccines with this composition are still very limited. Preclinical and clinical immunogenicity data of monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines indicate that higher neutralizing antibody titres against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants are expected to be associated with higher VE estimates as compared to COVID-19 vaccines with an index virus-based or bivalent (BA.1- or BA.4/5- containing) vaccine antigen composition.

The TAG-CO-VAC acknowledges several limitations of the available data:

  • There are persistent and increasing gaps in genetic/genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 globally, including low numbers of samples sequenced and limited geographic diversity.
  • The timing, specific mutations and associated antigenic characteristics, and the potential public health risks of future variants remain unknown.
  • Although neutralizing antibody titres have been shown to be important correlates of protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection and of estimates of vaccine effectiveness, there are multiple components of immune protection elicited by infection and/or vaccination. Data on the immune responses following XBB descendent lineage infection or XBB.1.5 vaccination are largely restricted to neutralizing antibodies and data on other aspects of the immune response, including cellular immunity, are limited.
  • Estimates of VE against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including XBB descendent lineages, are limited in terms of the number of studies, geographic diversity, vaccine platforms evaluated, populations assessed, duration of follow-up and comparative estimates for monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines versus other formulations.
Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition

Given the current SARS-CoV-2 evolution and the breadth in immune responses demonstrated by monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines against circulating variants, the TAG-CO-VAC advises retaining the current COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition, i.e. a monovalent XBB.1.5 (e.g., hCoV-19/USA/RI-CDC-2-6647173/2022, GenBank: OQ054680.1, GISAID: EPI_ISL_16134259 or WHO Biohub: 2023-WHO-LS-01, GenBank: OQ983940, GISAID EPI_ISL_16760602) as the COVID-19 vaccine antigen.

Other formulations and/or platforms that achieve robust neutralizing antibody responses against currently circulating variants, including XBB- and BA.2.86 descendent lineages, can also be considered. In accordance with WHO SAGE policy, vaccination programmes can continue to use any of the WHO emergency-use listed or prequalified COVID-19 vaccines.

Further data requirements and considerations

Given the limitations of the evidence upon which the recommendations above are derived and the anticipated continued evolution of the virus, the TAG-CO-VAC strongly encourages generation of the following data:  

  • Immune responses and clinical endpoints (i.e. VE) in varied human populations who receive COVID-19 vaccines with a monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine antigen composition, across different vaccine platforms, as well as further data on the performance of all currently approved COVID-19 vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • Strengthened epidemiological and virological surveillance, as per the Standing Recommendations for COVID-19 in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005), to determine if emerging variants are antigenically distinct and able to displace circulating variants.
  • Clinical evaluation of new vaccine antigens, particularly those emerging from XBB and BA.2.86 descendent lineages.

As previously stated, the TAG-CO-VAC continues to encourage the further development of vaccines that may improve protection against infection and reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

 

 

Urgent action needed to protect children and prevent the uptake of e-cigarettes

Mar, 12/12/2023 - 19:13
Urgent action is needed to control e-cigarettes to protect children, as well as non-smokers and minimize health harms to the population. E-cigarettes as consumer products are not shown to be effective for quitting tobacco use at the population level. Instead, alarming evidence has emerged on adverse population health effects.

Universal Health Coverage Day 2023 focuses on building resilience of health systems

Mar, 12/12/2023 - 12:20
On Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, WHO is calling on governments to prioritize investments in building resilient health systems to safeguard the health and well-being of all people, everywhere.

WHO calls for protection of humanitarian space in Gaza following serious incidents in high-risk mission to transfer patients, deliver health supplies

Mar, 12/12/2023 - 10:17
WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health care and humanitarian assistance in Gaza, following military checkpoint delays and detention of health partners during a mission to transfer critically-ill patients and deliver supplies to a hospital in northern Gaza.

WHO’s Executive Board adopts resolution on access for life-saving aid into Gaza and respect for laws of war

Dum, 12/10/2023 - 21:13

In a special session held today in Geneva, WHO’s Executive Board adopted a resolution aimed at addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was adopted by consensus.

This is the first time since 7 October that a resolution on this conflict has been adopted by consensus within the UN system. It underscores the importance of health as a universal priority, in all circumstances, and the role of healthcare and humanitarianism in building bridges to peace, even in the most difficult of situations.

Among other points, the resolution calls for “immediate, sustained and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel.” It calls on “all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law…and reaffirms that all parties to armed conflict must comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict and medical personnel.”

The resolution also commends WHO and health cluster partners in the field for remaining and delivering. Just yesterday, 9 December, amid extremely difficult circumstances, WHO and partners delivered supplies for up to 1500 patients and transferred patients from the Al-Ahli Hospital in the north to one in the south.

In remarks delivered throughout the day, many Member States offered sympathies for the loss of life of civilians, as well as health workers and UN employees, including WHO colleague Dima Alhaj.

In his closing remarks, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the adoption of the resolution was a starting point. “It does not resolve the crisis. But it is a platform on which to build.” He added that “Without a ceasefire, there is no peace. And without peace, there is no health. I urge all Member States, especially those with the most influence, to work with urgency to bring an end to this conflict as soon as possible.”

Financing, stages of alert for potential pandemics among the issues debated in sixth meeting of WGIHR

Dum, 12/10/2023 - 15:50

WHO Member States this week continued their negotiations on proposals for amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), with extensive discussion on financing for preparedness and response to health emergencies, as one of the areas of common interest to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB).

The sixth meeting of the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (WGIHR) was held on 7-8 December 2023. The IHR are a set of legally binding obligations for the 196 States Parties and for WHO with respect to public health events with risk of international spread. The proposed amendments, of which more than 300 have been submitted by States Parties to 33 of the 66 articles of the IHR, are a reaction to the challenges encountered during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“WGIHR members had very constructive discussions this week that continue to move us towards a package of amendments to be submitted to the next World Health Assembly. Of particular importance was agreeing on next steps on financing mechanisms for health emergency preparedness and response. The WGIHR is working in coordination with the INB on this and other common issues,” said Co-Chair Dr Ashley Bloomfield of New Zealand.

Co-Chair Dr Abdullah Asiri of Saudi Arabia also noted that, "One of the most critical matters the WGIHR is discussing centres on proposals for a tiered alert system, also referred to by Member States as the ‘public health alert – PHEIC – pandemic continuum’. The greater clarity we achieve on these definitions and the actions they require, the more prepared the world will be for the next pandemic.”

Delegations considered the text proposals from the Bureau, a group of 6 Member States representatives, appointed by the WGIHR from among the 6 WHO Regions, to facilitate the negotiations on the proposed amendments. For this meeting, the Bureau’s text covered more than half of the articles and annexes for which amendments have been submitted and was derived from discussions at previous meetings. Work will continue on the remaining articles that have proposed amendments, so that an overall package can be finalized and agreed by May 2024. 

Member States of the WGIHR are working in close coordination with the INB, another ongoing government-led process to negotiate an international agreement, instrument or convention to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics. One of the cross-cutting subjects for both processes is the alert and response system, in particular the pandemic declaration and actions connected with it. To support this, the WGIHR will convene a subgroup to facilitate further consultations, in coordination with the INB. 

Before the next WGIHR meeting, scheduled to take place on 5-9 February 2024, discussions will continue among proponents of different amendments, including with INB subgroups.

The Working Group will also meet in April 2024 to finalize its proposed package of amendments to be presented to the World Health Assembly in May.

France signs agreements to support WHO's work

Vin, 12/08/2023 - 11:37

©WHO/Chris B.

Geneva – His Excellency Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Geneva, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, today signed several funding agreements totaling € 25.5 million to support critical health priorities.

The agreements include € 4.5 million of funding for the Core Voluntary Contribution Account (CVCA) of WHO; these are fully flexible funds which allow WHO to allocate resources to key priorities outlined in its General Programme of Work. An additional € 15 million will be used to deliver on specific key priorities, such as One Health, the advancement of universal health coverage, and primary health care, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the medical countermeasure initiative, and the country readiness strengthening through WHO’s office in Lyon.

A large part of the contribution (€ 6 million) is aimed at covering the humanitarian response on several fronts: € 2 million will go towards enhancing mental health initiatives in Ukraine; € 0.35 million is to support the response to the cholera outbreak in Malawi; € 1 million will support WHO’s humanitarian response in Gaza, with an additional € 2 million dedicated to strengthening the technical and human activities of the WHO Office in the occupied Palestinian territory. Finally, € 0.65 million will go to the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, to be used as needs arise.

“As one of the world’s largest economies, France has a critical role to play in global health. France's financial contributions and agreements, signed today, provide flexibility and align well with WHO’s priorities to promote, provide, protect, power and perform for health” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

France’s WHO Framework Agreement for the period 2020-2025 ensures sustainable funding for priority health programmes, aligned with WHO priorities.

Some of the joint 2022-2023 collaboration priorities include the work of the WHO Academy, based in Lyon, stronger health systems towards universal health coverage, health emergencies – in particular the International Health Regulations (IHR) and health emergencies preparedness – and reducing health inequalities.

These priorities align with the France Global Health Strategy 2023-2027, published in October 2023.

“Committed to global health, France supports the WHO’s action in crises and for the benefit of the most vulnerable,” said Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations.

In 2020-2021, the Republic of France contributed over US$ 143 million to WHO, (including assessed and voluntary contributions), with 76% of the contributions in flexible and thematic funds. Flexible funds allow WHO to assign resources when and where they are needed most, ensuring that key priorities are funded, and a better flow of funds, enabling a more agile delivery of WHO’s objectives as per the General Programme of Work.

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