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UNICEF Seeks Youth Advisors to Enhance Child and Adolescent Mental Health Data

UNICEF Seeks Youth Advisors to Enhance Child and Adolescent Mental Health Data

UNICEF has announced the opening of applications for its Technical Advisory Group on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement (TAG-CAMHM) Youth Advisors for 2026. The organization is looking for five young individuals aged 18-24 with personal experience in mental health to join the advisory group for a two-year term. These youth advisors will collaborate with researchers, practitioners, and technical experts to improve the measurement and tracking of mental health data for children and adolescents globally. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of USD 2,000 over the two-year period, along with travel support for in-person meetings and opportunities to co-author technical outputs and participate in global advocacy initiatives. The initiative aims to address the lack of reliable and youth-informed data on child and adolescent mental health, which is a leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide.
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WHO and Gates Foundation Enhance Immunization Efforts Amid Complex Global Health Landscape

WHO and Gates Foundation Enhance Immunization Efforts Amid Complex Global Health Landscape

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are actively involved in strengthening immunization programs across various regions, including Africa and Asia. The WHO is focusing on enhancing immunization systems in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among other countries. These efforts include improving vaccine management, cold chain logistics, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The Gates Foundation is supporting initiatives to interrupt poliovirus transmission and improve routine immunization coverage. These activities are part of a broader strategy to combat infectious diseases and improve public health outcomes globally.
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Gates Foundation Expands Polio Eradication Efforts in DRC and Francophone Africa

Gates Foundation Expands Polio Eradication Efforts in DRC and Francophone Africa

The Gates Foundation is intensifying its efforts to combat polio outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Francophone Africa. A Senior Program Officer is being sought to lead the foundation's polio strategy and portfolio in these regions. The role involves working with key partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi to enhance immunization activities and strengthen surveillance systems. The foundation aims to interrupt variant poliovirus transmission by developing integrated strategies and managing a complex ecosystem of government and partner organizations.
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USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Global Access to New HIV Prevention Drug

USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Global Access to New HIV Prevention Drug

At the Aids 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, experts highlighted the potential of lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug, to significantly reduce new HIV cases globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended prioritizing the expansion of lenacapavir access due to its effectiveness and the convenience of requiring only two injections annually. However, the dissolution of USAID, which previously provided a substantial portion of global HIV prevention funding, has led to a dramatic decline in investment. This reduction in funding is impacting the availability of the drug and the ability of organizations to reach those in need, particularly in regions facing poverty, stigma, or geographical barriers.
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WHO Criticizes Ultra-Processed Food Companies for Hindering Health Initiatives

WHO Criticizes Ultra-Processed Food Companies for Hindering Health Initiatives

The World Health Organization (WHO) has accused major ultra-processed food corporations of obstructing global efforts to combat the obesity crisis by suing governments that implement health measures. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that these lawsuits delay vital public health policies, costing countries billions in healthcare and legal expenses. The investigation found that companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Kellogg's have filed numerous lawsuits against health policies in countries such as the US, UK, and Brazil. Despite public claims of supporting healthier diets, these companies are actively working to overturn or weaken regulations aimed at reducing junk food consumption.
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Cholera's Global Impact: Rising Cases and Fatalities Highlight Ongoing Health Crisis

Cholera's Global Impact: Rising Cases and Fatalities Highlight Ongoing Health Crisis

Cholera continues to pose a significant global health threat, particularly in regions lacking clean water and basic healthcare. In 2025, the disease reached its deadliest point in over a decade, with nearly 7,600 deaths reported across 33 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the actual number of cases and deaths to be much higher, potentially ranging from 1.3 million to 4 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually. The disease has surged over the past five years, with reported cases increasing by approximately 175% from 2021 to 2025. Africa accounted for about 70% of reported cholera deaths in 2025. Despite being easily treatable with oral rehydration solutions, cholera remains difficult to control due to the lack of clean water in affected regions.
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UNICEF Seeks WASH Officer for Congo to Enhance Water and Sanitation Services

UNICEF Seeks WASH Officer for Congo to Enhance Water and Sanitation Services

UNICEF is recruiting a WASH Officer for a temporary appointment in Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo. The role involves supporting the implementation and quality control of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects in schools across several provinces. This initiative is part of the Girls' Learning and Empowerment Project, aiming to provide safe and climate-resilient WASH services. The officer will ensure that infrastructure meets UNICEF standards and environmental requirements, contributing to the project's sustainability and effectiveness.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Are shots safe for your child? Doctor explains vaccines

Are shots safe for your child? Doctor explains vaccines

A retired pediatrician answers common questions about vaccine safety and why they are vital for child health.
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WHO and Pandemic Fund Support Ethiopia's Public Health Emergency Workforce Development

WHO and Pandemic Fund Support Ethiopia's Public Health Emergency Workforce Development

Ethiopia has made significant progress in strengthening its public health emergency preparedness by graduating 89 health professionals under the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC SURGE) initiative. This training, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pandemic Fund, equips professionals with skills to detect and respond to health emergencies. The initiative aims to build a deployable workforce capable of rapid response within Ethiopia and beyond. Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, emphasized the importance of developing a strong emergency workforce. WHO's Senait Tekeste reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's health emergency preparedness.
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Rwanda's Drone Delivery System Faces Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

Rwanda's Drone Delivery System Faces Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

Rwanda has been utilizing drone technology to deliver medical supplies, including blood, to remote areas, significantly improving healthcare delivery. The drones, operated by the American company Zipline, have been crucial in reducing maternal mortality rates by providing timely medical supplies. However, recent U.S. aid cuts threaten the sustainability of these services. The Rwandan government, while benefiting from a new U.S. grant to expand drone services, faces challenges due to infrastructure issues and reduced funding for health facilities. The cuts have impacted organizations like Save the Children, which may have to shut down some operations due to lack of funds.
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Ebola Outbreak in DRC Becomes Fastest-Growing, Exceeding 1,500 Deaths

Ebola Outbreak in DRC Becomes Fastest-Growing, Exceeding 1,500 Deaths

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with over 1,500 deaths reported. The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain, has been declared since May 15 and is primarily affecting the Ituri province. The rapid spread is attributed to conflict-related displacement, misinformation, and attacks on health facilities. Despite the severity, the World Health Organization maintains that the global risk of spread is low due to the nature of Ebola transmission.
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Canadian Study Links Prenatal Tea Consumption to Child IQ

Canadian Study Links Prenatal Tea Consumption to Child IQ

A Canadian study published in Environmental Pollution has found a potential link between prenatal fluoride exposure from maternal tea consumption and lower child IQ scores. The research focused on mother-child pairs from the Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals cohort, assessing maternal tea intake during pregnancy and its association with children's IQ. The study found that higher estimated fluoride intake from tea was inversely associated with full-scale IQ scores in children aged 3 to 4. The findings suggest that tea, particularly black and green varieties, can be a significant source of fluoride exposure during pregnancy.