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China is opposing the WHO’s proposed 20% fee hike, calling for further study and lower alternatives, as the agency faces financial challenges amidst the US’s planned withdrawal. Meanwhile, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has been appointed Acting Regional Director for WHO Africa, while WHO Europe’s Hans Henri Kluge begins his second term. The global humanitarian crisis worsens as the USAid shutdown disrupts critical aid, stranding supplies and escalating famine, disease, and child malnutrition in conflict regions.

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China opposes WHO’s proposed 20% fee hike, citing lack of clarity. At WHO’s Executive Board meeting, China questioned the necessity of the increase, urging further study and lower alternatives, as the agency seeks financial stability amid the U.S.'s planned withdrawal. HEALTH POLICY WATCH

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu appointed Acting Regional Director of WHO Africa. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros announced his appointment during the Executive Board meeting in Geneva, while Hans Henri Kluge was confirmed for a second term as WHO Europe’s Regional Director. DEVEX

USAid Shutdown Triggers Global Humanitarian Crisis. The closure, following Donald Trump’s funding freeze and Elon Musk’s decision to shut down the agency, has blocked critical medicines and food aid, stranding supplies in Sudan and DRC, worsening famine, disease, and child malnutrition. THE GUARDIAN

Gordon Brown anticipates IMF funding commitments at G20 summit. British PM Brown, after visiting Gulf nations, urged wealthy states to contribute billions to aid struggling economies, with Qatar and the UAE showing support, while Saudi Arabia seeks concessions. REUTERS

WHO Faces Funding Gap After US Exit, Urging Global Support. As the US withdrawal leaves a $1.3 billion shortfall, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros calls for diversified funding, urging high-income nations and philanthropies to step up while structural reforms remain uncertain amid geopolitical tensions. NATURE

UN Rights Council to Hold Emergency Meeting on DR Congo Violence. The session, requested by the DRC, follows a unilateral ceasefire by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels after a week of deadly clashes. AFP

US Funding Freeze Jeopardizes Global Maternity Health Programs. The UN Population Fund was unprepared for the severe impact of halted US aid, which threatens maternity health services in Afghanistan, Gaza, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Pakistan, and other nations. DEVEX

UN Agencies Face Major Setbacks as Israel Bans UNRWA and US Plans WHO Exit
Israel's ban on UNRWA disrupts critical humanitarian aid in Gaza, while the US decision to withdraw from WHO threatens funding for global health programs, raising concerns about the future of international aid and the UN’s role in global crises. SWISSINFO