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WHO’s critical health emergency response is under threat as a 25% budget cut endangers aid for millions, despite handling 45 global crises, including Uganda’s Ebola outbreak. Meanwhile, Hungary is considering leaving WHO after the US and Argentina’s exits, while Russia calls for deeper scrutiny of the organization. In other global health concerns, toxic air pollution is killing over 100 children daily in East Asia and the Pacific, pushing UNICEF to urge clean energy adoption and air purifiers in schools.

WHO’s critical health emergency response is at risk due to a 25% budget cut. The funding shortfall, caused by frozen US contributions, threatens humanitarian aid for millions, despite WHO’s swift action in handling 45 global emergencies, including Uganda’s Ebola outbreak. HEALTH POLICY WATCH

Hungary is weighing an exit from the WHO after the US and Argentina’s departures. Officials say they will carefully assess the move, while Russia also calls for scrutiny of the organization. POLITICO

Toxic air is killing over 100 children every day in East Asia and the Pacific. A Unicef report warns that 500 million children are exposed to hazardous pollution, leading to stunted growth, cognitive issues, and increased disease risks, urging governments to adopt clean energy and schools to use air purifiers. THE TELEGRAPH

Congo is calling for a UN investigation into mass violations in Goma. The DRC has submitted a draft proposal to the Human Rights Council, condemning Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels, ahead of an emergency session on the conflict in eastern Congo. REUTERS

Israel exits the UN Human Rights Council, echoing the US move. The decision, citing "institutional bias," drew a reaction from UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese. AL JAZEERA

Avian flu is spreading fast, hitting nine states and worsening egg shortages. The virus has affected millions of birds, including a massive Pennsylvania layer farm, and continues to impact commercial farms, backyard flocks, and live bird markets, while new H5N1 genotypes are emerging in dairy cattle. CIDRAP

Ebola Sudan cases in Uganda’s capital have surged from 2 to 7 within days. The outbreak, linked to a nurse and his wife, has identified 298 contacts, with two main clusters in a family and a healthcare facility. The CDC has issued a health advisory, emphasizing vigilance for travelers, though no cases have been reported outside Uganda. CIDRAP

Switching to salt substitutes can lower the risk of stroke and death. A new analysis of over 15,000 stroke survivors found that using salt substitutes led to a 30% reduction in hemorrhagic stroke and a 21% decrease in stroke-related deaths, highlighting their potential as a global health intervention. JAMA