john zarocostas

The race to elect the next WHO Director-General is set to begin. In a time of global turbulence, who is best placed to lead? Read more: spkl.io/6012AaWr2

"The USA is estimated to have outstanding financial obligations to WHO of US$261 million." On the cover, a new World Report by @jzarocostas discusses the USA's withdrawal from WHO. Read this & more: spkl.io/6017ASyGR

“It's the cuts, ultimately, that are forcing us into these tough, brutal choices...” The UN and the ICRC have announced major reductions for their 2026 appeals, concentrating on only the most pressing crises. ✍️ @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03XZ3jY0

With drastic reductions in health aid threatening essential services and millions of lives, WHO issues new guidance for countries to safeguard health budgets, limit out-of-pocket payments, and mobilise domestic resources. ✍️ @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03TdXlz0

"2 years of conflict have decimated health in Gaza..." The recent ceasefire agreement is bringing a fragile peace to Gaza. Aside from a cessation of hostilities, it has important implications for health. ✍️ @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03P_wvw0

Despite strong advocacy, donor funding for humanitarian relief and health in the occupied Palestinian territories remains critically low. ✍️ John Zarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03r1R5Q0

Funding cuts threaten support for victims, while several countries are withdrawing from a treaty that bans the use of indiscriminate weapons such as mines. ✍️ @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03jfcd_0

Countries with long health legacies from nuclear testing are leading calls for new assessments as global nuclear tensions rise. ✍️ @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q03dQp6v0

"...while it creates financial uncertainty, it also serves as a wake-up call to reinforce WHO's core functions, financial sustainability, & governance structures." A World Report by @jzarocostas explores the implications of the USA's withdrawal from WHO: hubs.li/Q036Kj350

"This visionary, politically feasible solution could transform global health as long as it remains bold in vision and wide in scope." New World Report: Brazil-led G20 to target hunger, poverty, and inequities ▶️ hubs.li/Q02Ym3Xr0 ©️: Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg/Getty Images

"It's just a matter of time until the system reaches its limits.” A 3-month UN humanitarian appeal for Lebanon has been launched that seeks US$425·7 million in aid funds to help deliver life-saving assistance to 1 million people. @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02Tncfd0

Experts outline the key priorities for the four candidates vying to be the next head of WHO's Regional Office for Africa. @jzarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02Msq4D0

On May 29, 2024, the 77th World Health Assembly (#WHA77) adopted a landmark resolution to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in emergencies. But doing so presents major challenges. @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02BTS640

Alarmed by the surge in explosive weapons used in attacks against health and aid operations, humanitarian experts call for world leaders to take urgent action to stem the harm they inflict on civilians. @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02w9FYW0

The UN Population Fund has warned that decades of gains in ending inequalities in sexual & reproductive health & rights are at risk due to political & social polarisation, widening the access divide & threatening future progress. @jzarocostas reports: hubs.li/Q02trjhC0

“There’s more cooperation among diplomats, more consensus, and [they are] more likely to come to an agreement.” Negotiators are keen to finalise a revised version of the the International Health Regulations (IHR), but experts warn sticking points remain. hubs.li/Q02s_0VX0

"Globally, a record 11·5 million people were in penal institutions in 2023" Alice Edwards, a UN Special Rapporteur, has criticised the lack of consideration of people in prison in WHO’s draft pandemic accord. @jzarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02r1m6-0

Less than 5% of women in low-income and middle-income countries are ever screened for cervical cancer, hampering elimination goals. @jzarocostas reports on renewed calls to scale-up cervical cancer screening: hubs.li/Q02mT1KT0

"we have prioritised 400 positions for recruitment in country offices. We’ve committed US$200 million to fund these posts.” @WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced plans to boost country office workforces. @jzarocostas reports. hubs.li/Q02kvF9N0

Sania Nishtar has been appointed to lead the vaccine organisation @gavi as it decides how to spend billions of dollars left over from the COVID-19 response. A World Report by @jzarocostas explores the challenges ahead for the new head: hubs.li/Q02h0xK90