LIVE: WHO news conference on global health issues

WHO Press Conference – Global Health Issues (January 13, 2026)

Key Concepts:

• Health Taxes: Levies on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks aimed at reducing consumption, generating revenue for health investment, and promoting sustainable healthcare financing.
• 90-70-90 Targets: WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, focusing on 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% cervical cancer screening, and 90% treatment of diagnosed cases.
• Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: The severe humanitarian and health crisis in Sudan resulting from ongoing civil war, characterized by displacement, disease outbreaks, and a collapsing healthcare system.
• Future Fit WHO: WHO’s restructuring initiative to improve efficiency, prioritize core mandates, and ensure financial stability.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, increasingly impacting global health and requiring preventative measures like health taxes.
• Ultra-Processed Foods: Highly processed foods with potential negative health impacts, prompting discussions about taxation and regulation.

1. Introduction & Opening Remarks (Dr. Tedros & Christian Lindmeier)

The press conference, held on January 13, 2026, at WHO headquarters, focused on two primary topics: new reports on taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, and an update on cervical cancer prevention and control. Christian Lindmeier, the moderator, introduced the key personnel present: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General), Dr. Sylvia Bion (Chief Scientist), Dr. Jeremy Farrar (Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion), Dr. Koga (Director, Department of Health Determinants), Dr. Chiku Vazu (Executive Director, Health Emergencies Program), Dr. Katherine O'Brien (Director, Immunization, Vaccines & Biologicals), Dr. Anmarie Peruch (Health Economist & lead author of the tax reports), and Dr. PBO Barango (Crosscutting Specialist on NCDs). The embargo for the tax reports was set for 14:00 CET (approximately 15-20 minutes after the briefing). Participants were asked to use the “raise hand” function and unmute themselves when called upon.

2. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis (Dr. Tedros)

Dr. Tedros highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, marking 1,000 days of civil war. An estimated 33.7 million people require humanitarian aid, and 13.6 million are displaced, making Sudan the world’s largest displacement crisis. Poor living conditions and a breakdown of immunization programs are fueling outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles. Despite WHO’s efforts, over one-third of health facilities remain non-functional. Dr. Tedros called for unrestricted access for aid, protection of health workers and civilians, and an end to the conflict, stating, “The best medicine is peace.”

3. Health Taxes – New Reports & Global Implementation (Dr. Tedros, Dr. Peruch, Dr. Farrar)

WHO released new reports on taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks, building on existing data on tobacco taxation. The reports reveal that current taxes in most countries are too low, poorly designed, and not regularly adjusted to effectively reduce consumption and generate revenue. The “Step by 35” initiative aims to support countries in increasing the real prices of harmful products by 2035.

• Effectiveness of Taxes: Health taxes reduce consumption of harmful products, prevent disease, and generate revenue for investment in health, education, and social protection.
• Case Studies:
  • Philippines (2013): Tobacco and alcohol tax reform increased revenues fivefold, expanding national health insurance to 15 million families.
  • Lithuania (2017): Alcohol tax increase associated with a nearly 5% reduction in all-cause mortality.
  • United Kingdom (2018): Sugary drink tax generated £338 million in 2024 and linked to lower obesity rates in girls aged 10-11, particularly in deprived areas.
• Recent Implementations: Malaysia, Mauritius, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, and Saudi Arabia have recently introduced or increased taxes on tobacco, alcohol, or sugary drinks.
• Challenges: Implementing health taxes can be politically unpopular and face opposition from powerful industries.
• Addressing Concerns about Water Taxation: Dr. Peruch clarified that the reports show some countries tax water, but WHO recommends against this, as water is a healthy alternative.
• Addressing Concerns about Low-Income Families: Dr. Koga emphasized that health taxes are preventative measures that ultimately benefit all, including low-income families, by reducing the burden of disease. Lower-income groups are more price-sensitive and thus more likely to reduce consumption when taxes increase.

4. Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy (Dr. Tedros)

Dr. Tedros emphasized that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, particularly impacting women in low- and middle-income countries. The 2018 global call to action and the 2020 global strategy aim for the 90-70-90 targets by 2030: 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening, and 90% treatment.

• Progress: Nearly 60 countries have introduced HPV vaccination, and 65% of girls globally live in countries with HPV vaccination programs. This is expected to rise to over 80% with India’s recent inclusion of HPV vaccination.
• Success Stories:
  • Australia: No cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in women under 25 in 2021.
  • Rwanda: Aiming to achieve the 90-70-90 targets by 2027, with 77% vaccination, 31% screening, and 81% treatment rates.
• Global Efforts: Countries like Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Pakistan, Papa New Guinea, Sierra Leone, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Timor-Leste, and Tanzania are expanding vaccination, screening, and treatment programs.

5. US Withdrawal from WHO & Funding (Dr. Tedros, Steve Solomon, Patrick Cronin)

The discussion addressed the US withdrawal from WHO, which is scheduled to be official next week.

• Legal Status: The WHO constitution does not have a withdrawal clause. The US has a 1948 agreement allowing withdrawal with one year’s notice and full payment of financial obligations. The US is currently in arrears on its payments.
• Member State Discussion: The issue of the US withdrawal and its conditions will be discussed by member states at the Executive Board and World Health Assembly.
• Financial Stability: WHO has implemented a revised budget and restructuring (“Future Fit WHO”) to address funding challenges. Approximately 75% of the required budget for 2026-2027 is secured. Increased assessed contributions from member states have helped save approximately 5,700 jobs.
• Dr. Tedros’s Plea: Dr. Tedros expressed hope that the US would reconsider its withdrawal, emphasizing that cooperation and solidarity are crucial for global health security. He stressed that the issue is not solely about money but about collaboration.

6. Ultra-Processed Foods & EU Plans (Dr. Krug, Dr. Farrar)

The discussion touched upon the European Commission’s plans to address cardiovascular disease, including potential levies on highly processed foods and alcohol. WHO is working with the EU and other agencies to develop operational definitions for ultra-processed foods and establish regulations to limit their consumption.

7. Vaccine Recommendations & Country Decision-Making (Dr. Farrar)

Dr. Farrar addressed questions about changes to US vaccine recommendations. He emphasized that countries are responsible for their own policy formulation, but should base decisions on evidence, disease epidemiology, resources, equity, and feasibility. Shared decision-making is appropriate when the benefit-risk balance is unclear, but requires extensive consultation and may limit vaccine access.

8. Conclusion

The press conference highlighted WHO’s ongoing efforts to address global health challenges, including the Sudan crisis, the prevention of NCDs through health taxes, and the elimination of cervical cancer. The organization is focused on strengthening its financial stability and adapting to a changing global landscape while prioritizing its core mandate of promoting health for all.