WHO News

PIP Framework Marks 15 Years of Global Health Equity

The WHO published a commemorative message marking the 15th anniversary of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2011. The PIP Framework is described as the world's first functioning global access and benefit-sharing system for public health, promoting timely sharing of pandemic-potential influenza viruses and equitable distribution of resulting vaccines, antivirals, and diagnostics. Over 15 years, the Partnership Contribution has supported capacity strengthening in 86 countries across all six WHO regions, spanning laboratory and surveillance, regulatory functions, risk communications, community engagement, pandemic planning, and disease burden assessment.

Sudan Crisis, 4M Malnourished, 37% Health Facilities Closed

WHO reports that three years of conflict in Sudan have created the world's largest humanitarian and displacement crisis. Nearly 4 million people are estimated to be acutely malnourished in 2026, with disease outbreaks including malaria, dengue, measles, and polio spreading across multiple states. Some 37% of health facilities across Sudan's 18 states remain non-functional, while WHO has verified 217 attacks on health care since April 2023.

First-Ever WHO Forum Unites 800+ Collaborating Centres for Scientific Collaboration

The World Health Organization convened the first Global Forum of Collaborating Centres in Lyon, France, bringing together over 800 institutions from more than 80 countries. The forum announced the creation of Collaborative Open Research Consortia to accelerate development of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for Disease X. Participants emphasized that international cooperation and collective investment remain critical amid reductions in global health financing.

FAO/WHO/WOAH Establish Joint One Health Learning Taskforce

FAO, WHO, and WOAH jointly established the One Health Learning Taskforce to strengthen workforce capacity for One Health implementation globally. The Taskforce will coordinate training across human, animal, plant, and environment health sectors, leveraging existing learning platforms from all three organizations.

Kazakhstan First Central Asian Country with ML3 Status

WHO has recognized Kazakhstan as the first country in Central Asia to achieve Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status under the Global Benchmarking Tool for regulation of medicines and imported vaccines. This designation confirms Kazakhstan has a stable, well-functioning regulatory system meeting international standards for evaluating, approving, and monitoring health products. The milestone was achieved through the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control and the National Center for Expertise of Medicines and Medical Devices.

WHO and France Launch One Health Initiatives at Lyon Summit

WHO and France hosted the One Health Summit in Lyon on World Health Day, announcing four major initiatives to operationalize the One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. The Summit brings together global leaders to prevent future health crises, noting that 60% of known infectious diseases in humans originate from animals and 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic. Outcomes will inform G7 discussions on health threat preparedness.

WHO World Health Day Campaign: Global Commitment to Science

WHO released its World Health Day 2026 campaign theme "Together for health. Stand with science." The campaign calls on people globally to renew commitment to science and international collaboration as drivers of health progress. The announcement highlights achievements including a 40% reduction in maternal mortality since 2000 and over 154 million children's lives saved through immunization over 50 years.

WHO head emergencies visit Lebanon reaffirms support to health system

WHO's Health Emergencies Programme Director Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu completed a three-day visit to Lebanon reaffirming WHO's support for the national health emergency response amid escalating conflict pressures. WHO launched a $30 million Flash Appeal, with $10 million allocated for Lebanon, to address urgent health needs across five affected countries. Since March 2, 2026, 92 attacks on healthcare have been reported, resulting in 137 injuries and 53 deaths.

Urban Health Leaders Renew Commitment to Accelerate Life-Saving Action in Cities

The World Health Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Vital Strategies, and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro co-hosted the 2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Rio de Janeiro, bringing together health officials from 55 cities. Baltimore, USA announced it will join the Partnership to focus on overdose prevention. Cities showcased initiatives including tobacco control, healthy school food environments, and heat health action protocols.

Updated Opioid Dependence Treatment and Overdose Prevention Guidelines

WHO announced updates to guidelines for opioid dependence treatment and overdose prevention, including new conditional recommendations for long-acting injectable buprenorphine alongside continued strong recommendations for methadone and oral buprenorphine. The full guidelines are expected later in 2026 or early 2027. Currently, fewer than 10% of approximately 64 million people worldwide with drug use disorders receive treatment.

WHO Global Consultation on Public Health and Social Measures for Health Emergencies

The World Health Organization convened its third global technical consultation on Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) with over 120 experts from 44 Member States on 24-26 March 2026. The consultation advanced work on PHSM Decision Navigator tools, epidemic influenza modules, and community-centred implementation approaches, responding to World Health Assembly Resolution 78.3 on strengthening the evidence base for PHSM.

WHO SAGE Meeting Immunization Progress Challenges Ahead

WHO published Director Kate O'Brien's March 2026 message summarizing the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) meeting discussions. The advisory highlighted that immunization has saved over 150 million lives in 50 years while noting that nearly 20 million children missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024. Discussions addressed COVID-19 vaccination guidance, typhoid vaccination strategies, polio eradication, and the path beyond Immunization Agenda 2030.

COVID-19 Vaccine Antigen Composition Data Request for May 2026

WHO's Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) has issued updated guidance requesting vaccine manufacturers submit immunological, virological, and vaccine effectiveness data ahead of the May 2026 decision-making meeting. The statement updates previous September 2025 guidance and specifies key antisera and antigens of interest including JN.1, KP.2, XEC, LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG, and BA.3.2 variants. Manufacturers should submit both pre- and post-vaccination antisera analysis for neutralization testing.

WHO Member States Extend Pandemic Agreement PABS Annex Talks

WHO Member States have agreed to extend negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Discussions will resume in late April and early May 2026, ahead of consideration by the World Health Assembly.

WHO Accredited by Green Climate Fund for Climate and Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), enabling access to new funding for climate and health initiatives. This accreditation will support projects aimed at protecting communities from the health impacts of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO Report: 60+ Countries Include Refugees in Health Policies

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report indicating that over 60 countries now include refugees and migrants in their national health policies. The report, based on data from 93 Member States, establishes a baseline for inclusive health systems but highlights remaining gaps in data collection, emergency preparedness, and culturally responsive care.

WHO HRP Receives $7.2M Funding Commitment for Sexual and Reproductive Rights

The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) has committed US$ 7.2 million to the WHO's HRP programme for research in human reproduction. This funding aims to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights globally, particularly in light of cuts to development assistance.

WHO Guidance on Institutionalizing Health Emergency Simulation Exercises

The WHO has released new global guidance to help countries establish National Health Simulation Exercise Programmes (NHSEP). This guidance encourages a shift from ad-hoc drills to structured, government-led programs for testing and strengthening health emergency preparedness.

WHO Recommends New Diagnostic Tools for Tuberculosis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines recommending innovative diagnostic tools for tuberculosis (TB), including near-point-of-care tests and tongue swabs. These recommendations aim to accelerate diagnosis, reduce costs, and expand access to lifesaving services, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

WHO and Partners Launch Digital Health Wallets for ASEAN

The WHO, in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, has launched a three-year initiative to help ASEAN Member States transition from paper-based health records to digital health wallets. This program aims to strengthen national health systems and improve continuity of care by providing trusted, portable access to essential health information.

WHO Guidance on Responsible AI in Mental Health

The WHO has released guidance based on expert recommendations for the responsible use of AI in mental health. The guidance emphasizes recognizing generative AI use as a public mental health concern, integrating mental health into AI impact assessments, and co-designing AI tools with experts and individuals with lived experience.

WHO Hub Berlin Highlights 2025 Achievements in Pandemic Intelligence

The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing advancements in AI, data science, and genomics for global health threat detection. The report highlights collaboration with over 160 Member States and 190 partners to enhance pandemic preparedness.

WHO Report: Child Mortality Slows, 4.9 Million Die Before Five

A new UN report indicates that while child deaths have fallen globally since 2000, the pace of reduction has slowed significantly since 2015. In 2024, 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday, with preventable causes like malnutrition and infectious diseases being major factors. The report highlights disparities in healthcare access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict-affected regions.

WHO Releases New Antibiotic Profiles for Drug-Resistant Infections

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released three new Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for antibacterial agents to address critical drug-resistant infections. These profiles guide the development of new antibiotics for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, Gram-positive infections in vulnerable patients, and bacterial meningitis.

WHO Handbook Accelerates Hepatitis Elimination Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new implementation handbook to support countries in accelerating action towards hepatitis elimination by 2030. The handbook consolidates evidence-based recommendations and provides practical guidance for expanding prevention, testing, and treatment services.