World health organization

While scientists race to study spread of measles in US, Kennedy unravels hard-won gains

Instead of acting quickly to prevent a measles comeback, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has undermined public health officials' ability to prevent and contain outbreaks.

Highly contagious disease. Child with measles.
Sudanese refugee families flee ongoing clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army, arriving at the entrance city of Tine in eastern Chad, November 22, 2025

Over 100, including children, killed in attack on Sudan kindergarten, hospital

A vial of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and an information sheet is seen at a hospital

Israel's measles outbreak linked to global decline in vaccination rates, WHO warns

Kavota Mugisha Robert (L), a healthcare worker who volunteered in the Ebola response, stands with decontamination gear as his colleague prepare to enter a house where a woman, 85, is suspected of dying of Ebola in the Eastern Congolese town of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo, October 8, 201

Congo’s Ebola outbreak contained, health officials declare


Renewed fighting in central Sudan displaces 2,000 people, conflict intensifies in north Kordofan

The war in Sudan continues to escalate, displacing 2,000 people from towns around Bara as the army and RSF fight for control. Aid groups warn the real death toll is far higher than 40,000.

A Sudanese refugee uses a megaphone during an awareness campaign at Tine transit camp in Chad on November 8, 2025.

WHO discussed use of term ‘famine’ to pressure Israel in December 2023, doctor reveals

Thieren said he was shocked that the roles of perpetrator and victim were assigned from the outset of the war.

Palestinians carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, July 27, 2025

Australia defends plan to send deportees to tiny Pacific nation of Nauru

Australia defended its $2.5b deal to deport non-citizens to Nauru, despite rights groups warning of poor healthcare and past neglect on the island.

Chinese migrants protest against Australia's policy shift on the investment visa scheme, as they march outside the Australian Broadcasting Corporation office in Sydney, Australia June 16, 2023.

Wildfires are fueling air pollution, UN weather body says

Wildfires are a significant contributor to particle pollution, and the problem is expected to worsen unless concerted efforts are made.

 Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025

WHO reports release of staff member detained by Israeli forces in Gaza

In July, the United Nations agency said the Israeli military had attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah.

IDF operates in Jabalya, August 24, 2025.

Turned back from Gaza, aid shipments sit in warehouses, on roadsides

Responding to international outrage sparked by images of starving Gazans, Israel on July 27 announced measures to let more aid into Gaza. But aid agencies say only a fraction of what's sent gets in.

ARMED PALESTINIANS ride on trucks carrying humanitarian aid near the Zikim border crossing from Israel into the northern Gaza Strip in June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF accuse Hamas of blocking deliveries and stealing supplies, the writer notes.

'She understood our pain': Hostage mothers meet with Red Cross president in Geneva

“We felt the president was sincere in her response and assured us that she would do everything in her power to help," Galia David, the mother of Evyatar David.

Vicky Cohen

New COVID variant 'Stratus' rapidly spreads across US and Europe, WHO asseses as low risk

The World Health Organization assessed that the global risk from this variant is low, but data indicates a sharp rise in cases in recent months. However, in Israel, the infection rate remains lower.

 New COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 spreads globally, cases confirmed in Russia and US. Illustration.

Int'l Red Cross, WHO, call for the release of the hostages in Gaza in joint statement

The International Red Cross and the World Health Organization call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.

 International Red Cross vehicles drive by on the day of the handover of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander to the International Red Cross, in the Gaza Strip May 12, 2025.

IDF rejects WHO claim Israeli soldiers attacked staff during Deir al-Balah operations

The WHO said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, compromising its operations in Gaza.

 Palestinians gather at an aid distribution center in Deir Al-Balah, in the Gaza Strip, May 28, 2025.

At least 59 Palestinians killed in mass casualty event near Gaza food site, medics say

Medics said at least 59 people were killed and 200 wounded, at least 20 of them in critical condition.

 A Palestinian man carries aid supplies, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 16, 2025; illustrative.