Find out more in
Global Issues
At the 11th Regional School Feeding Forum in Honduras, leaders are spotlighting school meals as vital for improving nutrition, boosting local economies, and advancing education across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks fuels the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035. The “3 by 35” Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising noncommunicable diseases, shrinking development aid and growing public debt. WHO is calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health..
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a global report revealing that 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and well-being. Loneliness is described as the painful feeling that arises from a gap between desired and actual social connections. It is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871,000 deaths annually. Strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life, and also strengthen the social fabric, contributing to making communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.
In the West African country of Guinea-Bissau, more than 400,000 girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation. Despite decades of effort, the prevalence of the harmful practice has remained. Now, communities are coming together to change that. In the Gabu region, in the eastern part of the country, 24 rural communities recently united in a show of solidarity and hope, gathering to advocate for the right of women and girls to live free from harm – and to sign a declaration of intent to end the practice for good. Here, a look inside the powerful event.
If you thought it was just a problem for the birds, think again. Humans and animals have always been connected. Animals provide us with essential resources such as food, clothing, transport and livelihoods, as well as companionship, while supporting healthy ecosystems. With growing populations, urbanisation and increased global livestock production, we are now sharing more spaces than ever. This makes animal health critical—their well-being directly affects ours. Monitoring animal health and disease outbreaks helps save lives, prevent economic losses and stop the spread of diseases—whether they are epidemics or pandemics. Avian influenza is a serious threat to both human and animal health. Here are four things you need to know about avian influenza and how the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is working to protect animals and humans.
The tobacco industry continues to sell death and destruction by using flavors, packaging and advertising. Is there any “safe” product or consumption method? How does tobacco use harm your body? Join us today in conversation with Simone St. Claire on Science in 5.
Can your nose really tell if food is still safe to eat? In this Science and Cooking episode, we explain why relying on smell can be risky—and what you can do to stay safe.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep fissures in our global preparedness to health emergencies — from unequal access to vaccines to a lack of coordinated response. The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a historic pandemic agreement to ensure we’re better equipped next time. In this video, we break down the WHO pandemic treaty, why it matters, and how it aims to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics. Discover how countries are coming together to build a safer future through international health law. Because no one is safe until everyone is safe.
On 14 June, the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day, a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. Their generosity not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and embodies the spirit of solidarity. It’s a day to say thank you, but also to spotlight the ongoing, urgent need for safe, regular blood donations. This year, we honor hope, the kind you give with every drop of blood. Because millions of patients around the world rely on blood transfusions every year, hope flows through every donation.
Accurate death certificates and coding are essential for quality mortality data and effective public health strategies.
Science is at the heart of food safety. It helps us understand what makes food unsafe and guides us on how to prevent foodborne diseases. The theme of World Food Safety Day (7 June) draws attention to the use of scientific knowledge as key to reducing illness, cutting costs and saving lives. With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food poses a significant threat to human health and economies. This issue disproportionally affects vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict, and migrants.
Every day, tobacco and nicotine industries use carefully engineered products and deceptive tactics to hook a new generation of users and keep existing ones. These products are highly addictive and designed to sustain use, trapping users in a cycle of dependence. Stricter regulations are needed to reduce the appeal of these products and protect current and future generations from their harmful effects. On World No Tobacco Day (31 May), don’t let the tobacco and nicotine industries trick people with their playbook. Let’s stand together and make it crystal clear: No more tricks, no more traps.
This year's Menstrual Hygiene Day, 28 May, urges collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunity. Marked since 2014, Menstrual Hygiene Day, is about the persistent inequalities surrounding menstrual health and hygiene. The Day raises awareness that investments in menstrual health can have transformative impacts on girls’ and women’s lives. Menstruation hygiene support is crucial in humanitarian crises. Activists in Türkiye are fighting for menstrual justice in the aftermath of the severe earthquake there.
Member States have approved the World Health Organisation Pandemic Agreement in a World Health Assembly Committee, marking a historic step toward its formal adoption in the Assembly's plenary session.