World Health Organization (WHO) updates for 2025

1. Cholera Outbreak in Sudan — Risk of Spillover to Chad

WHO warns of a severe cholera outbreak in Sudan, with 1,854 deaths across 13 states, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and infrastructure collapse. Refugee camps in neighboring Chad—housing around 300,000 people in overcrowded, unclean conditions—face a high risk of disease spread. WHO is urging emergency vaccination campaigns, safe water, humanitarian corridors, and ceasefires to halt transmission.

2. Mpox Remains a Public Health Emergency

Despite reduced global attention, WHO maintains the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, confirming continued spread of a new strain originating in the DRC. Current recommendations stress enhanced surveillance, vaccination, and public awareness.

3. Historic Pandemic Agreement Adopted

At the 78th World Health Assembly (May 20), member states unanimously approved the WHO’s first-ever Pandemic Agreement—a binding framework to ensure equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments during future pandemics. The U.S. abstained following its preliminary withdrawal, but 124 countries voted in favor. An Annex is slated for 2026 detailing pathogen-sharing and benefit distribution.

4. New Resolutions from 78th World Health Assembly

• Lung Health Resolution: Emphasizes clean air, control of asthma, COPD, TB, and lung cancer.
• Kidney Health Resolution: Integrates chronic kidney disease care into primary health services.
• Sensory Impairment Resolution: Calls to expand vision and hearing care for over 2.2 billion globally.
• AMR Action Plan Update: Targets a 10% reduction in antimicrobial-resistant deaths by 2030 with One Health strategies.
• Climate–Health Plan (2025–28): Prioritizes climate resilience in health systems .
• Controlled Medicines Guidelines: Supports safe, equitable access for pain, mental health, and substance use treatments.

5. Funding & Global Support

Despite the U.S. initiating a withdrawal, China, Qatar, Switzerland, Sweden, Angola, and others pledged over $170 million at the Assembly to stabilize WHO funding through 2028. Additionally, member dues will increase by 20% over the next two years to offset budget reductions.

6. New Initiative: Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities

Launched June 10 at the UN in New York, this WHO initiative, backed by countries like Australia and Germany, aims to tackle health inequities affecting over 1.3 billion disabled individuals, improving access and policy coordination.

7. Chikungunya Update & Other Outbreak Monitoring

WHO’s June epidemiological bulletin highlights continuing risks from Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne febrile illness with debilitating joint symptoms. Surveillance and preparedness are underway.

8. World Blood Donor Day 2025

Marked on June 14, WHO celebrates voluntary blood donors worldwide and emphasizes the need for safe, ample blood supply systems. Sri Lanka’s National Blood Transfusion Service is noted as a regional leader.

What This Means for Global Health in 2025

• Disease outbreak readiness: WHO continues to lead coordinated responses to cholera, mpox, chikungunya, and other emergencies.
• Legislative progress: New resolutions prioritize chronic, climate-related, and sensory health challenges.
• Pandemic preparedness: The landmark Pandemic Agreement sets the stage for stronger global collaboration.
• Funding resilience: Diverse backing helps stabilize WHO amid shifting memberships.
• Equity efforts: Initiatives for disabilities and blood safety reinforce WHO’s push for inclusive health.