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WHO

While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Feb 4, 2026

A photo released by the White House showing US President Donald Trump (right) and Colombian President Gustavo Petro talking in the Oval Office on Feb 3.
A photo released by the White House showing US President Donald Trump (right) and Colombian President Gustavo Petro talking in the Oval Office on Feb 3.

Four out of every 10 cancer cases are preventable: WHO

New research estimates that 38 per cent of all new cancer cases globally in 2022 – 7.1 million – were linked to preventable causes.
New research estimates that 38 per cent of all new cancer cases globally in 2022 – 7.1 million – were linked to preventable causes.

WHO says first five patients evacuated via Gaza’s Rafah crossing

A Palestinian man waves from a window as war-wounded people and patients, accompanied by relatives, get ready to leave Gaza for treatment abroad through the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, after it was opened by Israel on Monday for a limited number of people, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, February 3, 2026.
A Palestinian man waves from a window as war-wounded people and patients, accompanied by relatives, get ready to leave Gaza for treatment abroad through the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, after it was opened by Israel on Monday for a limited number of people, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, February 3, 2026.

WHO appeals for $1.27b for world’s worst health crises in 2026

The World Health Organization estimates that 239 million people would need urgent humanitarian assistance in 2026
The World Health Organization estimates that 239 million people would need urgent humanitarian assistance in 2026

WHO chief says turmoil following US exit creates chance for reset

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says 2025 was “one of the most difficult years” for the WHO.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says 2025 was “one of the most difficult years” for the WHO.

News analysis

No room for Taipei? Washington’s exit from world bodies a worry for Taiwan’s diplomacy

Taiwan's national flag is raised during an early morning flag-raising ceremony following China's People’s Liberation Army said it would conduct live-fire drills in five designated maritime and airspace areas around Taiwan, in Taipei on December 30, 2025. (Photo by CHENG Yu-chen / AFP)
Taiwan's national flag is raised during an early morning flag-raising ceremony following China's People’s Liberation Army said it would conduct live-fire drills in five designated maritime and airspace areas around Taiwan, in Taipei on December 30, 2025. (Photo by CHENG Yu-chen / AFP)

WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

The US accused WHO of numerous “failures during the Covid-19 pandemic” and of acting “repeatedly against the interests of the United States”.
The US accused WHO of numerous “failures during the Covid-19 pandemic” and of acting “repeatedly against the interests of the United States”.

US walks away from WHO leaving unpaid tab of about $333 million

The US has also ended all participation in WHO-sponsored leadership bodies and working groups.
The US has also ended all participation in WHO-sponsored leadership bodies and working groups.

WHO says low taxes are making sugary drinks, alcohol more affordable

The WHO has called for higher taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks multiple times in recent years.
The WHO has called for higher taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks multiple times in recent years.

Over 1,000 patients have died awaiting evacuation from Gaza since July 2024: WHO

Chief of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is calling for more countries to take in patients from Gaza and for medical evacuation to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be restored.
Chief of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is calling for more countries to take in patients from Gaza and for medical evacuation to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be restored.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.