Chile becomes the first country in the Americas to be verified by WHO for the elimination of leprosy

The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), congratulates Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas – and the second globally – to…

Denmark becomes first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, recognizing the country’s sustained commitment to ensuring every child is born…

Recommendations for influenza vaccine composition for the 2026-2027 northern hemisphere season

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced recommendations for the viral composition of influenza (or “flu”) vaccines for the 2026-2027 northern hemisphere influenza season. The announcement was made following a 4-day consultation examining…

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…

Attacks on Ukraine’s health care increased by 20% in 2025

As Ukraine enters the fifth year of full-scale war, its people have endured the highest number of attacks on their health care in 2025 – increasing by nearly 20% compared…

WHO validates elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a landmark victory for public health in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. This hard-won…

Global commitment on display as countries negotiate key annex to the Pandemic Agreement

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded a weeklong round of negotiations on draft annex for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) – a key component of the…

Statement on the planned hepatitis B birth dose vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau

The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine is an effective, and essential public health intervention, with a proven record. It prevents life‑threatening liver disease…

One in two people facing cataract blindness need access to life-changing surgery

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate efforts to ensure that millions of people living with cataract can access simple, sight‑restoring surgery – one of the most…

UN leaders call for sustained commitment and investment to end FGM

Joint statement by the UNFPA Executive Director, UNICEF Executive Director, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women Executive Director, WHO Director-General, and UNESCO Director-General on the International Day of…