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World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO)
The latest news, analysis and opinion on World Health Organization (WHO). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
People wearing face masks in Hanoi, Vietnam on December 4. Vietnam’s capital is advising residents to limit outdoor activities on poor air quality days. Photo: Xinhua
Vietnam

‘I have to wear a mask all the time’: Hanoi’s smog hits crisis levels

On Thursday, Hanoi was the world’s fourth most-polluted city, with officials citing vehicles, industry, and crop burning for the poor air quality.

Britain

New mpox strain found in UK after travel to Asia

Africa

63 children among 114 dead in strikes on Sudan kindergarten, hospital: WHO

India

New Delhi’s smog surge linked to 200,000 respiratory cases

Acrid smog chokes Delhi’s skyline each winter, when cool air traps a deadly mix of pollutants from crop burning, factories, and traffic.

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Buildings are shrouded in smog, in New Delhi, India, on November 29. Photo: Reuters
Thailand

Thais in good spirits after government lifts ban on afternoon alcohol sales

The eased rules permit alcohol sales from 11am to midnight during the six-month trial period.

Environment

No more mercury in your mouth: toxic metal’s use as tooth filling to end by 2034

The move is a win for human health: the WHO lists mercury as one of the top 10 chemical elements of major public health concern.

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Earthquakes

International condolences pour in after deadly Afghanistan earthquake

A powerful 6.3 earthquake hit northern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 20 and injuring hundreds.

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People stand on the debris of damaged buildings, in the aftermath of an earthquake in Samangan province, Afghanistan on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Africa

Sudan war sparks global alarm after hundreds killed at hospital

The Rapid Support Forces have been accused of mass executions and other atrocities after capturing the provincial capital of North Darfur state.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong biotech firm to back controversial sanitary pad HPV test with evidence

Dr Choi Pui-wah, founder of WomenX Biotech, also says she remains optimistic about Hong Kong as a tech destination despite government warning.

Africa

UN rights chief warns of ethnically motivated ‘atrocities’ in Sudan’s El-Fasher

Volker Turk said ‘urgent and concrete action’ was needed to protect civilians as paramilitary forces said they had taken control of the city.

Sudanese children, who fled from a camp for internally displaced persons, rest in April while on their way to another camp amid their country’s devastating civil war. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong warns against HPV screenings involving sanitary pad self-collection

Department of Health says it is addressing claims made by businesses, citing ‘insufficient’ scientific evidence for such methods.

The Department of Health has warned against cervical screening methods that lack sufficient scientific evidence. Photo: Centre for Health Protection
India

India’s capital celebrates Diwali cloaked in a blanket of acrid smog

Levels of cancer-causing PM2.5 microparticles have soared to more than 16 times the WHO’s recommended safe limit.

Science

Top scientist Hu Ye quits US for China after giving up millions in funding

Hu has been appointed founding dean at the new school of biomedical engineering at his alma mater, Tsinghua University.

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Israel-Gaza war

Aid resumes in Gaza with Rafah crossing set to reopen after hostage body dispute

The dispute over the return of bodies still has the potential to upset the ceasefire deal, along with other yet to be resolved issues.

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Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid wait on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, before being allowed into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong’s summer flu season very active, may last until November: expert

Centre for Health Protection controller Edwin Tsui also says that the summer and winter flu seasons are likely to overlap.

Pedestrians wearing face masks. An expert has said the number of flu cases has not yet peaked and that the summer season may last at least until November. Photo: Sam Tsang
India

Indian state cancels licence of cough syrup maker linked to child deaths

The domestic-only medicine sale revives global concerns over India’s major pharmaceutical exports, linked to the deaths of 10 children in 2023.

Women and gender

Growing ‘medicalisation’ of female circumcision in Asia sparks risk warnings

The practice is increasingly being performed by health professionals, which risks giving it a veneer of legitimacy, rights advocates say.

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Mental health

Letters | Mind the mental health impacts of climate and economic upheavals

Readers discuss a society-wide view of mental health, and tree care in Hong Kong.

A woman holds onto a lamppost at a bus stop in Heng Fa Cheun as Super Typhoon Ragasa hits Hong Kong on September 24. Climate change is profoundly impacting society, including mental health. Photo: AFP
United Nations

UN to slash 25% of global peacekeeping force due to funding strains

The US, the UN’s largest donor, reduced its contribution by hundreds of millions, forcing cuts to peacekeeping missions.

Diplomacy

US retreat from UN may create ‘tremendous opportunity’ for nations like China

Global body is at a crossroads, and observers say a ‘leaderless’ era could emerge during second Trump administration.

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Malaysia

Drug-resistant sepsis threatens newborns across Southeast Asia, study warns

Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria driving nearly 80 per cent of sepsis cases in newborns in a number of Asian nations.

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Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria driving nearly 80 per cent of sepsis cases in newborns in five Southeast Asian countries. Photo: Shutterstock
Donald Trump

Trump revives debunked ‘MedBed’ conspiracy theory in deepfake video

The phoney clip posted on Trump’s Truth Social shows the president announcing that ‘every American will soon receive their own MedBed card’.

President Donald Trump shares an AI-generated video on “medbeds” on Saturday. Photo: Truth Social/realDonaldTrump
Indonesia

Religious beliefs hinder measles vaccinations in Indonesia amid outbreak

Despite special dispensation by religious leaders, some parents are hesitant to use the vaccines as they contain pork gelatin.

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China-India relations

India and China vie for Global South leadership at UN gatherings

Parallel diplomacy highlights rivalry as Beijing pledges WTO reforms and New Delhi touts democratic alternatives.

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European Union

Trump’s Tylenol autism claim dismissed by WHO, EU

The agencies refuted Trump’s claim linking Tylenol in pregnancy to autism, affirming its safety with caution.

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks linking autism to childhood vaccines and to the use of popular pain medication Tylenol for pregnant women and children. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Video | Are your Indomie noodles safe?

Trace amounts of ethylene oxide were found in a popular flavour of the instant noodle brand, prompting food safety regulations to come under scrutiny.

Indonesians unfazed after Taiwan detects banned carcinogen in Indomie noodles
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US-China relations

UN General Assembly: will China rise up to fill US void created by Trump?

Budget cuts, shifting alliances and clashing messages raise questions about the UN’s future role in global governance.

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Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Global warming and increased travel drive surge in Hong Kong dengue infections

Health authorities urge vigilance as number of infections and other mosquito-borne diseases continues to climb annually.

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