Global Happenings
Afghanistan is projected to face a significant increase in acute malnutrition in 2027, with more than 4 million children expected to require urgent treatment. Conflict, food insecurity, poverty, displacement, and limited access to essential health and nutrition services are key contributing factors, highlighting the need for immediate humanitarian action and sustained support.
WHO has issued its first global guidelines on managing obesity in children and adolescents, emphasizing comprehensive, lifelong care. The guidance recommends healthy diets, physical activity, behavioural support and, for eligible older children and adolescents, medical treatments when appropriate. It also highlights family involvement and integrated services to prevent complications and promote healthier lives.
New WHO estimates highlight significant changes in the global health landscape, including shifts in disease patterns, mortality, life expectancy, and major health risks. The findings emphasize the continuing impact of noncommunicable diseases, while infectious diseases and other emerging challenges remain important, underscoring the need for stronger, data-driven health systems.
WHO is updating its recommendations on the criteria and diagnosis of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy to reflect emerging scientific evidence and improve consistency in clinical practice. The update aims to support accurate identification and management of gestational diabetes, strengthen maternal and newborn health outcomes, and guide countries in implementing effective diagnostic approaches.
WHO warns that one in four doctors globally is nearing retirement age, raising concerns about a growing shortage of health workers. The aging workforce, combined with insufficient recruitment and training, could worsen healthcare access and increase pressure on health systems, highlighting the need for long-term workforce planning and investment.
In 2025, more than 171 million students worldwide experienced disruptions to their education due to climate-related hazards. Floods, heatwaves, storms, and other extreme weather events affected school attendance and learning. UNICEF highlights the need for climate-resilient education systems, safer schools, and measures to protect children’s right to continuous education.
WHO is expanding access to quality-assured, child-friendly cancer medicines to improve treatment for children with cancer. The initiative supports reliable availability of appropriate medicines, helping health systems provide safer, effective and affordable care. Improved access aims to reduce treatment gaps and strengthen outcomes for children affected by cancer worldwide.
Haiti is facing a severe child nutrition crisis, with nearly one in thirteen children under five suffering from acute malnutrition. The situation is driven by food insecurity, poverty, displacement and limited access to healthcare. Urgent nutrition support, including screening, treatment and access to nutritious food, is essential to prevent further deterioration.
India and Sri Lanka have strengthened collaboration on food safety through knowledge exchange and sharing of technical expertise. The initiative focuses on improving food safety systems, strengthening regulatory practices, enhancing laboratory capacities, and promoting evidence-based approaches. Such cooperation aims to protect consumers, improve food quality, and strengthen national food safety frameworks.
A new WHO and UNICEF report reveals significant gaps in essential water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental health services in health-care facilities worldwide. Reportedly, only four in ten facilities meet basic sanitation standards and less than six in ten achieve basic environmental cleaning standards such patient rooms and wards, operating theatres, examination and treatment areas, toilets and sanitation facilities, leaving patients and health workers exposed to preventable health risks.