Mayors and high-level representatives of local governments from across the globe convened in Lyon today to inaugurate an international coalition of cities dedicated to applying the One Health approach at the municipal level. The announcement was made during the One Health Summit hosted by France. The International Forum of Local Leaders on One Health, jointly organized by the WHO as an official partner event of the Summit, gathered around 50 mayors and senior local officials from cities

What is massage therapy used for? Massage therapy is a hands-on practice used to support health and overall well-being. It involves working with the body’s soft tissues—such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments—to ease discomfort, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. Massage has been part of healing traditions across both Eastern and Western cultures for centuries and was among the earliest methods people relied on to relieve pain. What are the different types of massage? The phrase “massage

WHO announces revisions to several recommendations in its upcoming guidelines on the treatment of opioid dependence and the community-based management of opioid overdose. Opioid dependence continues to be a significant driver of illness and death worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 316 million people globally used drugs, including about 61 million who reported non-medical use of opioids. Opioids remain responsible for the greatest share of drug-related harm, particularly fatal overdoses. Of the

Lebanon’s health system remains operational despite escalating conflict, widespread displacement and repeated strikes affecting health care. However, without immediate measures and sustained international backing, access to vital medical services is becoming increasingly fragile. Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, has completed a three-day mission to Lebanon, reiterating WHO’s commitment to supporting the country’s health emergency response. “I was

As noncommunicable diseases and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of deaths worldwide, leading urban health authorities gathered in Rio de Janeiro this week for the 2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit, closing the event with a strengthened pledge to intensify life-saving measures in cities. Jointly organized by the World Health Organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Vital Strategies and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro, the Summit convened health leaders,

image: Study co-corresponding author Maria Rescigno Credit: ÖAW/Natascha Unkart The tumor microbiota — encompassing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms found within tumor tissue — is increasingly recognized as a key element of the tumor microenvironment. An international consensus paper published in Cancer Cell brings together leading institutions from the United States, Israel, Austria, and Italy that are advancing research in this rapidly evolving field. Among the

We are living in a period when the foundations that once sustained global cooperation are being tested, when power can overshadow principle, when norms are bent and when a rules‑based, values‑driven order appears increasingly fragile. The effects are evident across health systems worldwide: care withheld, science disregarded, services interrupted and fundamental rights reduced to empty language. Health is treated as discretionary. Women’s autonomy is challenged. Children’s wellbeing is placed

image: Direct electrochemical splitting of liquid ammonia enables efficient on-site hydrogen production at room temperature and low pressure (

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to prolong negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Formal talks will resume from 27 April to 1 May, preceded by informal intersessional discussions, ahead of the annex’s planned review at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. The choice to extend discussions highlights the determination of WHO Member States to finalize the PABS annex, which represents a central pillar

Featured Resource The NIH Health Information Portal offers trustworthy, research-based health information for the public. It brings together educational materials from the various institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health. Visitors can explore topics by browsing categories or using the search tool to find specific health subjects. You may also subscribe to receive the twice-monthly health information newsletter for updates and insights. Explore more at the NIH Health

What Types of Magnets Are Used for Pain? Magnets and magnetic-based therapies have been used for centuries to address pain conditions such as arthritis and headaches. Today, magnetic devices are widely marketed, most often for pain relief, inflammation, and wound support. Two main categories of magnets have been researched for pain management: • Static (permanent) magnets: These are made from metals or metal alloys and continuously emit a magnetic field. Their strength can vary from low to

image: Students at ESMT Berlin Credit: ESMT Berlin The collaboration between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin is entering its fifth year. In 2026, the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship will once again empower emerging leaders who are committed to driving digital transformation. The fellowship opportunities are offered within ESMT’s Full-time MBA, MSc programs, and the Global Online MBA. For the next academic cycle, a total of eight fellowships will be granted: • two fellowships for the Full-time MBA

The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), a long-time collaborator of the World Health Organization (WHO) and HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), has pledged US$ 7.2 million to the United Nations’ leading programme dedicated to research in human reproduction. This contribution arrives at a pivotal moment, as significant reductions in global health and development funding risk slowing — and in

Persistent sleep disorders affect millions of people in the United States every year. Ongoing sleep problems and the resulting lack of rest can disrupt job performance, driving safety, social interactions, and overall well-being. In some cases, poor sleep may also contribute to significant health concerns. To cope, many individuals explore complementary approaches such as relaxation practices or melatonin supplements in hopes of getting better rest. More recently, magnesium has become a popular

Health Capsule Infants require vitamin K so their bodies can form blood clots. Clotting is the natural process that prevents excessive bleeding. However, newborns have very low levels of vitamin K at birth. They do not begin producing adequate amounts on their own until they start eating solid foods. In the United States, most newborns receive a vitamin K injection shortly after delivery. Without this shot, babies face a risk of dangerous bleeding in the brain or other parts of the body during

On 29 January 2026, more than 30 global specialists in artificial intelligence, mental health, ethics, and public policy convened for a virtual workshop hosted by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre (DDEC) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). The Centre holds the distinction of being the first WHO Collaborating Centre dedicated to AI for health governance, including ethical oversight. Organized as an official pre-summit event of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and supported by the World

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected deer tick, also known as a blacklegged tick. The bacterium responsible is Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in the United States. Ticks carrying the infection are most commonly found in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic region, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Coast. In the eastern United States, most tick bites occur during the

Health Capsule Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Screening exams can detect warning signs of the disease before any symptoms appear. When breast cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment is often more successful and outcomes tend to improve. Traditionally, doctors suggest mammograms according to a woman’s age. However, new research indicates that it is safe to tailor breast cancer screening schedules based on an individual

© WHO / Marcio Schimming Nina Warken, Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, and Dr Oliver Morgan, Head of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken, visited the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin to mark the release of the 2025 Annual Report. The publication outlines significant progress in applying artificial intelligence, data science, and pathogen genomics to reinforce global readiness for future pandemics.

On 17 December 2025, WHO hosted the first webinar in a new series dedicated to putting the global research agenda on knowledge translation and evidence‑informed policy-making into action. The session gathered 120 participants from 38 countries, including researchers, policy-makers, funding representatives and knowledge brokers. Discussions focused on how the agenda can support better alignment of priorities, reinforce capacity, and enhance the systematic use of evidence in policy decisions.