Health and Human Rights News

News to 1 May 2026

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WHO reports improvements despite funding crisis

The World Health Organization’s 2025 Results Report highlights measurable improvements in people’s health worldwide in 2025, despite funding cuts affecting both the organization and the broader global health sector. Of its major targets for 2019 to 2025, an estimated 567 million additional people were covered by essential health services without experiencing catastrophic health spending in 2025; an estimated 698 million additional people were better protected from health emergencies in 2025; an estimated 1.75 billion additional people living healthier lives in 2025. However, the report cautions that the world is off track to meet the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The Big Catch-Up has delivered over 100 million childhood vaccinations

In three years since its launch, the World Health Organization’s “Big Catch Up” campaign has delivered over 100 million vaccine doses to 18.3 million children. Around 12.3 million had not previously received any vaccines and 15 million had never received a measles vaccine.

Viral hepatitis will not be gone by 2030

Global initiatives to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 have made significant strides but will not be met, according to a World Health Organization report which found that 1.34 million lives were lost to the disease in 2024. Countries are showing it is possible to eliminate the disease with sustained political commitment and financing, said Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, but progress is too slow and uneven. “Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems and inequitable access to care.”

UN agencies introduce ChatHRP for SRHR advice

The Human Reproduction Special Programme (HRP) which is co-sponsored by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank has launched a new AI-assisted tool to facilitate the provision of evidence-based answers for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) queries. HRP states the AI tool is committed to accuracy and assures that “ChatHRP only draws from research and guidance produced by HRP and the World Health Organization, helping users navigate its extensive sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge base.”

British Medical Assn alarmed over Palintir contract

MPs have urged the UK government to scrap a NHS contract worth about US $445 million with US tech giant Palantir to help streamline health service data. Palintir also provides services to US immigration enforcement and the Israeli military which is raising concerns by the British Medical Association over risks to patient data security.

See also: From Information to Valuable Asset: The Commercialization of Health Data as a Human Rights Issue, Amy Dickens, Vol 22/2, December 2020

Trump fires NSF science advisory board

All 22 members of the advisory board that oversees the US National Science Foundation (NSF), a leading funder of fundamental science, were fired on 24 April without explanation, reported Nature. Each received an email on behalf of President Donald J. Trump advising them their positions were terminated immediately.

See also: VIEWPOINT “Politicized” Science and Attacks on Public Health, Joseph J. Amon, 18 September 2025

Oregon shows how to limit corporate influence in health

Oregon’s policy reforms and legislation passed in 2025 are described by Georgetown’s Center for Health Insurance Reform as a model on how to limit corporate influence on physician practices. Evidence suggests that “corporate ownership structures prioritize financial gains over patient care, undermine physician autonomy, and increase health care spending,” they explain. Oregon’s legislation restrains management services organizations and offers insights on how to safeguard physician autonomy, restrain costs, and protect patients.

WHO expands biomanufacturing network

The World Health Organization has designated a network of regional training centers for biomanufacturing across all six WHO regions to strengthen global capacity to produce vaccines and biotherapeutics. Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data said the network reflects a strategic shift towards more resilient, geographically diversified manufacturing capacity, grounded in science and collaboration.

`See also:`PERSPECTIVE We Cannot Win the Access to Medicines Struggle Using the Same Thinking That Causes the Chronic Access Crisis, Gaëlle Krikorian and Els Torreele, Volume 23/1, June 2021

People in Iran face dual atrocity risks

Amnesty International highlights the dual threats faced by people in Iran, both from domestic authorities and Israeli and US attacks. During the conflict, both internal and external forces have shown disregard for Iranian civilians’ lives, health, and livelihoods. “This requires urgently combining international efforts to sustain a durable ceasefire, protect civilians, and deter war crimes by USA and Israel, with efforts to prevent atrocity crimes by the Iranian authorities, and support Iranian civil society calls for fundamental changes, including a rights-respecting constitution.”

War will increase cost of medicines

The cost of medicines and medical products is going to soar because of their dependence on petrochemicals. The Guardian reports that analysts are warning the UK’s National Health Service that supply chain disruptions could lead to shortages for some supplies as soon as May as shipping routes are blocked in the Strait of Hormuz. Jim Mackey, the chief executive of NHS England, is “very worried” about supply chain challenges, and warning the NHS will need extra government funding if the US-Israel war on Iran leads to a “huge shock” of price increases..

UK passes law to create a smoke free generation

The United Kingdom has passed legislation banning anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco, with hopes of creating a smoke free generation. The law has public approval, with 78% of individuals polled in 2024 supporting it.

Human rights must be at the core of reconstruction in Gaza

The Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, and other UN Experts voiced grave concern at the Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment conducted by the UN, European Union, and World Bank. The experts said the assessment fails to ask who will be in charge of reconstruction. “Reconstruction is not only about rebuilding structures – it is about restoring rights, dignity and equality. Failure to align with international human rights standards risks entrenching injustice and prolonging the suffering of Palestinians for generations.”

Call for consent-based definition of rape across EU

Members of the European Parliament have voted to approve a report that calls on the European Union to standardize an EU-wide consent-based definition of rape, referred to as “yes means yes” and “sex without consent is rape”. Amnesty International wants the EU to also promote a culture of consent that will depend on an intersectional and survivor-centred approach, comprehensive sexuality education, and public awareness-raising campaigns and prevention programmes.

ICC confirms charges to proceed against Duterte

The International Criminal Court has confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. “The ICC decision to send Duterte to trial opens the door to long awaited justice for the families of ‘drug war’ victims and is an important acknowledgment of their suffering,” said Maria Elena Vignoli, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch. “Duterte’s trial will send a powerful message to those responsible for grave crimes in the Philippines and elsewhere that no one is above the law, and that justice will eventually catch up with them.”

See also: The Politics of Drug Rehabilitation in the Philippines, Gideon Lasco and Lee Edson Yarcia, Volume 24/1, June 2022.