Category: Russian Language

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 3, 2025 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations for countries facing a sharp and widespread reduction in external financial aid for health. This reduction is already disrupting vital health services in dozens of countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

International aid to support health is projected to decline by 30–40 percent in 2025 compared to 2023. The impact is already palpable: according to a WHO survey conducted in March 2025 in 108 countries, in some regions, health services—from vaccinations and obstetrics to emergency response—have declined by 70 percent. More than 50 countries reported massive layoffs of health personnel and disruptions to specialist training.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the situation critical, emphasizing that sudden and unprepared aid cuts have already cost many countries lives and jeopardized the achievements of recent years. He also noted that the crisis could be transformed into an opportunity to transition from dependence to sustainable development using domestic resources.

Political and budgetary priority

A new WHO document, "Responding to the Health Financing Emergency: Immediate Actions and Long-Term Changes," offers countries concrete steps to help them cope with financial shocks and build resilient health systems. WHO calls on governments to view health spending not as an expense, but as an investment in stability, dignity, and economic sustainability. Even in times of crisis, health care must remain a political and budgetary priority.

Recommendations include protecting healthcare budgets and key services, especially those vital for the most vulnerable populations. WHO also recommends increasing the efficiency of spending, for example, through smart purchasing, reducing administrative costs, and integrating externally funded programs into the overall primary health care system. Furthermore, the organization recommends using modern technologies and analytical tools to select the most effective healthcare services and medications.

Concrete steps

Some countries have already taken action. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have increased or plan to increase their health budgets. Nigeria added $200 million to its health budget, allocating funds to vaccinations, epidemic control, and priority programs. Ghana lifted restrictions on the excise tax allocated to the National Health Insurance Fund, resulting in a 60 percent budget increase. Uganda has developed a strategy for integrating health programs to improve efficiency and maintain access to services.

The new WHO recommendations are based on the principles of universal health coverage and a strong primary health care system. They are also consistent with World Health Assembly decisions, including resolutions on global strengthening of financing and the health economy for all.

In December 2025, WHO, together with the Government of Japan and the World Bank, will launch a new UHC Knowledge Hub to help countries share experiences, obtain technical support, and address financial challenges.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 3, 2025 Healthcare

Mercury has been used for centuries in industry and medicine, and even in mirror manufacturing, but it has also caused enormous damage to the environment and human health. This was stated by Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at a meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva.

She stressed that the international community is obliged to take measures to protect the environment and the planet's population from the toxic effects of this substance.

Mrema recalled the tragedy in the Japanese city of Minamata in 1956, where mass mercury poisoning led to paralysis, coma, and death among people and animals. This event became a catalyst for international action.

Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017, today unites 153 states.

The UNEP Deputy Director-General emphasized that tangible results have already been achieved:

Many countries have reduced or eliminated the use of mercury in dentistry; several initiatives in Africa are promoting the elimination of mercury-containing cosmetics; and chemical companies are switching to cleaner technologies.

"The Convention also addresses the complex issue of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, where the pursuit of profit stands in the way of change. In this context, the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities reminds us that environmental progress and justice are always intertwined," Mrema said.

She reiterated UNEP's role in combating mercury use. "We are using our scientific expertise, our convening power, and global partnerships not only to support the implementation of the Minamata Convention but also to reimagine what sustainable production can be," Mrema emphasized.

She also noted that science remains UNEP's "compass." Collecting global data and creating information platforms allows countries to see the full picture of mercury use and emissions and make effective decisions. This work is directly linked to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, helping to keep mercury on the agenda of international environmental discussions.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.