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  • Global surge in synthetic opioid, psychoactive drug use demands urgent health action – WHO

    Global surge in synthetic opioid, psychoactive drug use demands urgent health action – WHO

    Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has called for immediate global action to address the escalating crisis of synthetic opioid and psychoactive drug use.

    Speaking at the COP29 UN Climate Conference in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, Ghebreyesus shared a clip via his X handle, emphasizing the critical public health toll of this crisis.

    He warned, “No country is immune,” urging world leaders to prioritize the public health impacts of non-medical drug use, both legal and illegal.

    He highlighted that drug use disorders are wreaking havoc on public health systems globally. “We are facing a mounting crisis,” he noted, revealing that approximately 64 million people are affected by drug use disorders, with synthetic opioids and psychoactive drugs at the forefront.

    This epidemic is responsible for an estimated 600,000 deaths each year.

    He stressed the necessity of addressing public health impacts across all drug types, adding, “We cannot address the drug problem without addressing the public health impacts of the non-medical use of both legal and illegal drugs.”

    Synthetic opioids are man-made drugs mimicking natural opioids, often more potent and addictive, like fentanyl. Psychoactive drugs alter brain function, affecting mood and perception, including substances like alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.

    WHO’s four-pillar strategy for tackling the drug crisis
    In outlining WHO’s strategic roadmap, Ghebreyesus presented four critical priorities designed to mitigate the global drug crisis:

    “First, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services must be scaled up by expanding access to cost-effective evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services.”

    “Second, surveillance and early warning systems must be improved to monitor emerging drug trends so public health agencies can respond swiftly and tailor interventions to evolving risks.”

    “Third, we must address stigma and discrimination, including at the institutional level, so that people who use drugs can access the care they need safely.”

    “Fourth, even as we try to prevent harm from drug youth, we must ensure safe and timely access to controlled medicines for those in need.

    We can strike a balance between policies that protect people from the harms of drug use while enabling access to treatment and care for those in need.” He added.

    Ghebreyesus reaffirmed WHO’s commitment, saying, “We remain committed, working with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) , member states, civil society, and other partners to find solutions that protect health, are evidence-based, and grounded in human rights.

  • Antibiotic resistance could claim 39m lives by 2050 – WHO warns

    Antibiotic resistance could claim 39m lives by 2050 – WHO warns

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), predicting that it could claim 39 million lives by 2050 if urgent global action is not taken.

    This was revealed by Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in her keynote speech at the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Saudi Arabia on Friday,

    She emphasized that the broader impact of AMR, is not affecting just health, but global well-being, stating conflict exacerbates AMR and makes it even more deadly.

    Beyond the loss of lives, AMR is expected to have severe global consequences, including extreme impacts on overall well-being and economic stability.

    WHO emphasized that addressing AMR not only saves lives but also requires global peace and stability, as conflicts can exacerbate the toll of AMR.

    However, she said, if no action is taken, “39 million people will die of antibiotic resistance between now and 2050, there will also be extreme impacts on the overall well-being of people around the world.”

    She added that there is a need to ensure access to existing antibiotics and accelerate the development of new ones, which remains critically important.

    The conference, themed “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR,” focused on enhancing the global response to AMR. This includes strengthening governance, promoting evidence-based policymaking, ensuring sustainable financing, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.

    Dr. Balkhy pointed out that financial investment alone will not solve the issue.

    “There is a need for true partnerships and commitments at all levels. Investing in better quality health care is the smartest that we can do on antimicrobial resistance.”

    “By committing to timely interventions. we could save $99 billion in healthcare costs annually by 2025, and the economy could be $990 billion larger by 2050.”

    “The political commitments and collaborative efforts are extremely important in the fight against AMR,” she said.

    The urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance
    Also speaking at the conference, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the immediate threat posed by AMR and the urgent need for global action to combat it.

    “The same is true of antimicrobial resistance,” Dr. Tedros said, drawing a parallel to the urgency of addressing climate change. “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening now. We’re not just talking about the risk of people dying from antibiotic-resistant infections; they’re dying now – 1.3 million people every year.”

    Dr. Tedros emphasized that tackling AMR action is equally as urgent as climate action. He referenced the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at this year’s UN General Assembly, noting its ambitious goals to mitigate the impact of bacterial AMR.

    “The political declaration agreed at the General Assembly set clear targets for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and financing, which should ultimately reduce deaths from bacterial AMR by 10 percent by 2030,” Dr. Tedros stated.

    The WHO Director-General called on governments, stakeholders, and the international community to work collaboratively to translate commitments into action, ensuring that lives are saved, and the effectiveness of life-saving medicines is preserved for future generations.

    Key priorities for implementing the political declaration on AMR
    Ghebreyesus highlighted three major priorities for implementing the Political Declaration on AMR, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

    Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for sustainable financing, urging both domestic and international sources to invest in AMR responses. “I urge Member States and development partners to join the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, as called for in the Declaration,” he said.

    With a modest target of US$100 million, Dr. Tedros called for greater financial resources to fund national action plans, aiming for 60% of countries to have these plans in place.

    The WHO head also stressed the importance of equitable access to quality antimicrobials, noting the paradox of AMR: inappropriate use contributes to resistance, while many also suffer due to lack of access. “Addressing AMR means increasing access for those who need them while preventing the overuse and misuse that drives antimicrobial resistance,” he said.

    Lastly, Dr. Tedros highlighted the urgent need for research, development, and innovation to address the “dry antimicrobial pipeline.” He pointed to the SECURE initiative, a global effort led by WHO and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARD-P), as an essential step in improving access to both new and existing antimicrobials.

    “The threat of AMR is right here and right now, but so are the solutions,” Dr. Tedros concluded. “Let us seize this opportunity to accelerate action on AMR, commit to stronger collaboration, and protect the medicines that protect us.”

  • Nigeria, 9 others join global fight against cervical cancer

    Nigeria, 9 others join global fight against cervical cancer

    As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, attention turns to the fight against cervical cancer. The Christ the Redeemer statue will be lit in teal, symbolizing a global effort that includes Nigeria and nine other countries raising awareness through advocacy and campaigns.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement on Sunday, said, this effort is among many around the globe joining to mobilize efforts on a worldwide “Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination.”   

    Adding that other countries are marking the day with campaigns to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, launching new health policies to align with the world’s first-ever effort to eliminate cancer, and raising awareness in communities.
    Nigeria’s role in the global campaign

    Nigeria is actively participating through advocacy initiatives spearheaded by the Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer. These efforts aim to raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention and push for equitable access to vaccination and screening.

    Four years after 194 countries committed to eliminating cervical cancer, WHO reports that significant progress has been made, including HPV vaccine introductions in 144 countries, over 60 countries now include HPV testing in their cervical screening programmes and 83 countries include surgical-care services for cervical cancer in health-benefit packages.
    Despite these advancements, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted ongoing challenges.
    “While we are making progress, we still face huge inequities, with women in low-income countries bearing most of the burden.

    “Only with strong leadership and sustained investment can we achieve our shared goal of equitable access for communities most in need,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus also thanked all the health workers who are playing a critical role in this global effort.

    Global initiatives for the day of action
    Marking this campaign for the fourth year, governments, partners, and civil society are organizing various activities and commitments. These include:

    Chile will announce a pilot for self-collection with HPV testing, which will be incorporated as part of its health care reform and universal primary health care.

    China: Medical schools and hospitals will host a series of academic lectures, health runs, and illuminations to raise awareness across 31 cities.

    Democratic Republic of the Congo will host a 3-day forum to launch a national strategy for cervical cancer elimination, concluding with a march through Kinshasa for cervical cancer awareness.

    Ethiopia, with support from Gavi, will launch an HPV vaccination campaign aiming to reach over 7 million girls.

    India: Civil society groups in different states will host a series of activities that include awareness campaigns and trainings for health-care professionals.

    Ireland will launch its Action Plan to achieve cervical cancer elimination, one year after announcing its goal to achieve this milestone by 2040 on the Day of Action in 2023.

    Japan’s Ministry of Health, local municipalities, and hospitals will illuminate over 70 landmarks across the country during their annual Teal Blue Campaign.

    Nigeria will raise awareness through advocacy led by the Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer.

    Rwanda will announce its goal to reach the 90-70-90 targets by the year 2027, three years ahead of the WHO goal.

    South Africa’s Department of Health will roll out health provider trainings in 3 provinces.

    Push for better tests
    WHO is launching new guidance on Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for HPV screening tests.

    “This technical product outlines preferred standards for new HPV tests. The tests should be able to function even in remote areas in low- and middle-income country settings where disease burden is highest.

    “The TPPs highlight the importance of tests that give women the option to collect their own samples for testing; and the value of tools that enable HPV testing in settings closer to where women receive care,” the statement reads.

    The new publication aims to support innovation in the HPV testing market, emphasizing high-performance, low-cost, and accessible solutions, particularly transformative in resource-limited settings.

  • Nigeria to host 5th global antimicrobial resistance ministerial conference in 2026

    Nigeria to host 5th global antimicrobial resistance ministerial conference in 2026

    Nigeria has been announced as the next host of the bi-annual High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in 2026.

    The announcement was made during the just-concluded 4th edition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 15 to 16 November under the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has confirmed the success of the 4th bi-annual High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and pledged Nigeria’s readiness to host the next edition in 2026.
    In a post on his X account, Pate wrote, ” I thank Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, and the Saudi Ministry of Health for their outstanding leadership in addressing AMR.”

    “We will learn and build upon your success for the 5th edition in 2026. Counting on the Troika process for smooth transition and the quadripartite. Nigeria is open to welcoming all member states in 2026,” he wrote, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to build on Saudi Arabia’s success and continue the fight against AMR.

    Pate emphasized the urgent need to address AMR, calling it a “silent but wicked problem” that impacts lives and livelihoods every day.

    According to him, “We need to enhance preventative measures, using one health approach, and advance access and rational use of effective antimicrobials to save lives while promoting research and innovation to develop more effective tools.,” he said.

    The 4th AMR meeting in Jeddah brought together global health leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the escalating AMR crisis.

    Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening National Action Plans and promoting access to vital medicines.

    The Jeddah commitments
    According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministerial conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking significant progress in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

    The conference themed: “From Declaration to Implementation”, had ministers, health experts, and stakeholders from around the world address the urgent need for coordinated action to address AMR.
    The Jeddah Commitments build on the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.
    The Jeddah Commitments include strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and public awareness building through educational initiatives.
    Speaking on the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, the Saudi Minister of Health said he believes the commitments drive the global AMR agenda forward with impactful actions. “It’s time to act,” he said.
    Mr Al-Jalajel also announced Nigeria as the host of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on the issue.

    “To maintain momentum, we propose a stronger mechanism, the troika system, to drive forward action and implementation through 2025 and 2026 until the 5th Ministerial Meeting. I look forward to working with Nigeria as the newest member of the troika,” he added.

    Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat. This increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

    AMR targets set by world leaders at UNGA79
    During the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), world leaders committed to tackling AMR by adopting ambitious targets. Key goals include:

    Reducing drug-resistant infections.
    Promoting responsible antimicrobial use.
    Strengthening global surveillance systems.
    Investing in innovation and research.
    Scaling up prevention measures.
    Adopting a One Health approach to address AMR across human, animal, and environmental health.
    These commitments reflect a global consensus on the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to combating AMR.

  • WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    WHO and partners launch $2 million grant initiative to improve pathogen genomic surveillance globally

    The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with its partners, has launched a new initiative to improve global capacities in pathogen genomic surveillance worldwide.

    Announced recently, the initiative will allocate nearly US$ 2 million in grants to support 10 innovative projects aimed at improving the detection and monitoring of pathogens.

    WHO announced on Tuesday in a statement that the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) has launched a catalytic grant fund to support partners in low- and middle-income countries in strengthening their pathogen genomic analysis capabilities.
    “This technology analyses the genetic code of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing organisms to understand, providing crucial insights into how easily they spread, and how sick they can make people.”

    WHO explains that by integrating this genomic data with other information, scientists and public health teams can more effectively track and respond to infectious disease threats.

    Additionally, the data supports the development of vaccines and treatments and empowers countries to make faster decisions, more informed decisions to protect public health.

    The fund is hosted by the United Nations Foundation and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome.

    Expanding pathogen genomic surveillance
    Sara Hersey, Director of Collaborative Intelligence at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence said the IPSN catalytic grant fund has incredible potential to expand pathogen genomic surveillance for all, which we are already seeing through the first round of grantmaking.

    “We are eager to support this work, which plays a key role in pandemic and epidemic prevention worldwide.”

    Similarly, Manisha Bhinge, Vice President of the Health Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation also emphasized that the IPSN catalytic grant fund recipients will accelerate the benefits of pathogen genomic surveillance in low- and middle-income settings, as well as explore new applications for genomic surveillance, such as wastewater surveillance.

    She pointed out that pandemics and epidemics continue to be a global threat, adding it’s further amplified by climate change.

    “There is an urgent need for equitable access to these tools and capabilities to protect lives in vulnerable communities,” Bhinge said.

    Key projects and impact on public health
    According to WHO, one of the recipients, the American University of Beirut, will use wastewater surveillance to study how diseases spread in refugee populations, helping to ensure that people can quickly receive the care and support they need in migration settings.

    Another grantee, the Pasteur Institute of Laos, will use the funding to develop new methods to track avian flu in live-bird markets, a setting that is often overlooked but vital to millions of people worldwide.
    “If we are to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of disease, we first need to better understand how these pathogens spread, evolve, and cause illness,” stressed Titus Divala, Interim Head of Epidemics and Epidemiology at Wellcome.

    He explained that the projects, tailored to local priorities, will generate new insights, knowledge, and evidence that will help track global pathogen trends and inform evidence-based decisions to implement effective interventions.
    The grantees were announced at the IPSN Global Partners Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 21–22 November. A second round of catalytic grant funds will be made available to IPSN members in 2025.

     

     

     

     

  • WHO secures $1.7bn in first investment round, targets saving 40m lives

    WHO secures $1.7bn in first investment round, targets saving 40m lives

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured $1.7 billion in pledges during its inaugural Investment Round, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced today at a media briefing.

    These funds are part of a broader effort to implement WHO’s global strategy to safeguard health and save 40 million lives over the next four years.

    Dr. Tedros highlighted that 70 pledges were received, including contributions from 39 first-time donors, with 21 of them from middle-income countries. Notably, some of the world’s poorest nations also made contributions, underscoring the trust in WHO’s work on the ground.
    When countries contribute, even those with limited resources, it demonstrates the difference WHO is making globally,” Dr. Tedros said.

    $3.8bn secured for WHO’s budget
    Combined with other funding agreements and partnerships, WHO now has $3.8 billion committed, representing 53% of the voluntary contributions required for the next four years.
    Dr. Tedros emphasized that this funding would provide WHO with greater predictability and flexibility, allowing it to respond more rapidly to evolving global health threats.
    “I thank all countries and partners who have contributed. This marks a significant step forward, as for decades only a small portion of WHO’s total budget was predictable,” Dr. Tedros added.

    The funding is expected to strengthen WHO’s capacity to address global health challenges effectively and help build a safer, healthier world.
    Earlier, at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, chaired by Brazil’s President H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Australia, Indonesia, Spain, and the United Kingdom emerged as some of the top contributors. They pledged $410 million, $300 million, $620 million, and $392 million, respectively.
    World AIDS Day 2024: Rights at the core of HIV response
    Speaking further during the briefing, Dr. Tedros also highlighted World AIDS Day 2024, themed “Take the Rights Path,” saying it reminded us of the critical importance of human rights in the response to HIV.
    According to him, Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have come a long way in expanding access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for HIV.
    But these gains are at real risk, and reductions in new infections and deaths have stalled.
    Persistent gaps in HIV response
    “While nearly 30 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, another 9 million need treatment and are not getting it and more than half of those, nearly 5 million, are still unaware that they are living with HIV,” he noted

    Dr. Tedros emphasized that many of these gaps are among key populations who are marginalized, criminalized or discriminated against: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners.

    “The most effective way to close these gaps and reach these populations is by recognizing and respecting their human rights.”

    “Together this World AIDS Day, let’s take the right path – let’s take the rights path,” he advised.