U.S. reversals on global health and climate policy
Moves to rejoin WHO and the Paris climate treaty were among a burst of immediate directives issued by U.S. President Joe Biden upon taking office.
Global Issues
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Panel cites 'early failings' in virus response
An expert panel faulted WHO along with China and other nations in a report that found numerous "lost opportunities" to try to head off the pandemic.
WHO chief angered at rich grip on vaccines
The WHO chief expressed moral outrage at rich nations' young, healthy adults getting vaccinated ahead of poor nations' elderly and health care workers.
Virtual Davos targets pandemic-era mistrust
Thousands normally descend on Davos this time of year. But with the pandemic still raging, WEF will meet virtually to take on mistrust and division.
ILO concerned for pandemic homeworkers
ILO reported the number of home-based workers soared with the pandemic, prompting the need for more employment protections.
U.N. warns pandemic used to fuel extremism
A top counterrorism official advised the U.N. Security Council that terrorists are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to fuel violent extremism.
Leaders stoke ambitions to reverse nature crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. and World Bank leaders hosted a virtual summit to improve the planet's health and save biological resources.
WHO virus team to enter China this week
China announced it is "ready to receive" World Health Organization experts this week on an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Global coronavirus cases surpass 90 million
Confirmed COVID-19 infections exceeded 90 million — two-thirds in the Americas and Europe — with 1.93 million deaths worldwide.
WHO urges end to bilateral vaccine deals
The head of the U.N. health agency asked wealthy countries to stop hoarding most of the world's COVID-19 vaccine supply, saying it hurts poorer nations.
China negotiating with WHO over experts visit
China said it is still negotiating the dates and terms of a visit by a World Health Organization-led team to study the origins of COVID-19.
WHO chief criticizes China over virus team
The U.N. health agency chief expressed rare displeasure with China over delays preventing a scientific team from investigating how COVID-19 originated.
Vaccine nationalism clouds the world's pandemic recovery efforts
Rich countries locked up most of the COVID-19 vaccine supply despite the COVAX Facility's efforts to provide equal access.
WHO lists first COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use
The WHO listed Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine Comirnaty® for emergency use, the first such designation since the pandemic began earlier this year.
Vaccine approvals add promise for COVAX use
Britain and Argentina authorized emergency use of a coronavirus vaccine that adds momentum to its anticipated global use by international organizations.
WHO warns even deadlier pandemic may surface
WHO officials ended the year with a warning that a future pandemic more severe than the coronavirus may hit one day if the world is not ready.