Leaders from around the world meeting at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly have adopted a political declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. The document is the first such declaration addressing NCDs and mental health together, and marks a unique opportunity to accelerate global progress with a set of specific global targets for 2030. Mental health is increasingly recognized as a universal human right and an essential foundation of human development. Learn more about mental health and how to sustain it.

Resilient communities are fundamental to preventing, and responding to, epidemics and pandemics. Our best defense lies not only in science, but also in strong local health systems, well-supported frontline health workers, and local leaders who are prepared to guide their communities through crisis. This International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (27 December) let’s help all communities build a strong foundation for both prevention and recovery. Let’s stop epidemics in their tracks.

Since 2000, nations have advanced toward universal health coverage, more care, and less financial strain. Yet billions still lack essential services, and millions are pushed deeper into poverty by out-of-pocket costs, largely for medicines. A new study from the World Health Organization-World Bank warns: without bold investment, by 2030 many will still face hardship. Health is a right, but for too many, it remains a distant promise.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) makes infections harder to treat, and World AMR Awareness Week, held every November 18–24, raises global awareness and drives action to combat this growing health threat.

A worm that can cause epilepsy? Meet Taenia solium — the pig tapeworm that travels from gut to brain, causing seizures and preventable epilepsy in millions. In this episode of WHO' Science in 5, Dr Bernadette Abela explains how this parasite spreads when pigs eat human feces and humans consume contaminated food or water — and what we can do to stop it. Learn how cooking meat properly, improving hygiene, and vaccinating pigs can break the cycle.

In 2025, after a decades-long fight against malaria, Suriname was certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization. Hear the voices from the front lines.

Crises like disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting the mental well-being of individuals during such crises is not just important – it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. World Mental Health Day (10 October) reminds us: there is no health without mental health. This year’s campaign highlights the urgent need to support mental health and psychosocial needs in humanitarian emergencies.

On World Patient Safety Day, Amiya’s story highlights why children need specialized, safe, and collaborative health care from day one.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeated its call for the release of an employee detained by the Israeli military following attacks on a WHO guesthouse and its main warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on Monday. 

Substantial amounts of medical supplies and medicines have been lost, while the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, said WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn. Despite the “huge blow” to Gaza’s already crippled health system, the veteran emergency medic insisted that WHO will stay and deliver for the people of Gaza, despite the increasing challenges. 

Here he is now, with UN News’s Daniel Johnson.

Photo:© WHO/Pierre Albouy

Over half of parents and pregnant women are exposed to misleading formula marketing that violates international standards and undermines informed feeding choices.

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.

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.

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.