WHO Archives - The Online Citizen

World Health Organization officially classifies artificial sweetener “aspartame” as a carcinogen

The World Health Organization (WHO), through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has officially classified aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, as a potential carcinogen. This suggests that it could pose a risk for causing cancer in humans. However, the acceptable daily intake limit for aspartame remains at 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This standard has been reaffirmed by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), a scientific advisory body jointly administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

nela
17 July 2023

Aspartame sweeteners ‘possibly carcinogenic’, says WHO

The WHO classifies aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” but advises moderation rather than complete avoidance. Drink water as an alternative.

The Online Citizen
14 July 2023

Critics say treaty text in international accord by WHO member states on pandemic is ‘step backwards’

Observers warn of weakened efforts to ensure equitable access to medical products in negotiations for a new pandemic treaty. Critics express concern over revisions that water down language aimed at addressing the inequity in accessing vaccines and medical products during the COVID pandemic. Urgency grows to align positions before the looming threat of future pandemics.

The Online Citizen
30 May 2023

AFP
Health

WHO members approve nearly US$7 bn budget

The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured approval for a US$6.83-billion budget over the next two years, including a 20% increase in mandatory membership fees. This move, hailed as historic by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aims to provide more stable and reliable funding for the organization. The budget still awaits final approval from member states, but it is expected to be a formality. The decision follows last year’s agreement to overhaul WHO funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Online Citizen
23 May 2023

WHO chief hopes for ‘historic’ pandemic accord

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief emphasized the need for a historic agreement on global health security as negotiations for a new pandemic accord begin. The aim is to better equip the world to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The accord, expected to be reached by May 2024, would mark a paradigm shift and recognize the interconnectedness of nations in addressing global health threats. The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of a collective response and the lessons learned.

The Online Citizen
22 May 2023

Raccoon dog data sparks new debate about COVID origins

New genetic evidence of raccoon dogs present at the Wuhan market has reignited debate over the origin of COVID-19. The researchers who found the genetic data say it supports the theory that the virus may have originated in animals and then jumped to humans at the market. However, this is still uncertain, and the virus’s origin continues to be a divisive issue for the scientific community. Some believe it leaked from a Wuhan lab, while others argue it likely originated in animals. The WHO has called for more data to shed light on the start of the pandemic.