WHO Seeks $1.5 Billion for 2025 Health Emergency Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $1.5 billion Health Emergency Appeal (HEA) for 2025 to fund health interventions worldwide deveining it as the primary factors fueling prolonged health crises persist. The aim of this appeal initiative is to support communities affected by conflict, climate change, displacement, and disease outbreaks with humanitarian assistance. WHO Director-General (DG), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, underscored the urgent need to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises. With health systems under immense pressure and financial resources stretched thin, the WHO seeks to address urgent health needs in crisis-affected regions. Read Also: First tuberculosis diagnostic test met prequalification — WHO WHO DG Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that health emergencies are no longer sporadic but have become persistent and increasingly complex. “From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s work extends beyond the immediate care we provide. We empower communities to protect themselves, prioritize equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and provide hope where there is none,” he stated. The appeal outlines WHO’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Sudan. The agency’s response focuses on delivering essential medical supplies, treating malnutrition, conducting vaccination campaigns, and addressing mental health needs among displaced and traumatized communities. These challenges exacerbate vulnerabilities, making emergency preparedness and response more critical than ever. “This appeal is about more than just funding – it is a call to action. As crises grow more frequent and severe, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Supporting WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal is a vital investment in global solidarity and health equity,” the document noted. A spokesperson for the WHO said the new U.S. administration had not yet taken office and needed time to do so, in response to questions about the future of the partnership. “WHO values greatly its relationship with the US and is committed to maintaining and strengthening it,” she added. “WHO will do everything to cooperate with the incoming US administration.” Public health experts in the U.S. and globally said the WHO was hoping for the best but should be preparing for the worst. “For those of us… who are fighting for WHO in conversations with key people, they are not making my life easier or giving us any ammunition. We want them to say we understand the problem, we could do better,” said Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and former COVID-19 White House coordinator.
Unforgivable! Odegaard flops as Gunners suffer crushing title blow
Belgian forward, Leon Trossard was the catalyst again as the Gunners made it 2-0 – this time he collected the ball and took his time up against Matty Cash before creating the space to send a deadly ball in for Kai Havertz to volley in. Less than five minutes later, though, Youri Tielemans got his head to a fantastic cross from substitute Lucas Digne to send it beyond Raya. The Belgian midfielder came close to tying it up a minute later but his shot hit the post. On both occasions, he left Mikel Merino scrambling – and failing – to stop him. Villa weren’t done there. In the 68th minute, Cash’s cross flew just over Havertz’s head and dropped to Watkins in loads of space at the back post to lash in the equaliser. Arsenal pushed to regain their lead and thought they had won the game when Merino, who had been useless for much of the contest, sent the ball bouncing into the net, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for a handball from Havertz. Merino came close yet again in stoppage time but ended up hitting the post and then Trossard fluffed his lines as he went through on goal. Villa were able to hold on from there and collect a point, leaving Arsenal six behind a Liverpool team who boast a game in hand. Arsenal’s collapse leaves them with one win from their last five matches in all competitions, while they now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points, though Arne Slot’s men have a game in hand. The manner of their surrender against Emery’s men, Merson says, sums up why they will not win the English crown again this season. The Gunners are in action again in midweek when they meet Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. That will be followed by a Premier League trip to Wolves on January 25
Griezmann misses penalty as Atletico dream run ends
La Liga leaders, Atletico Madrid’s club-record 15-game winning run has come to an end with a surprise defeat at neighbours Leganes. Atletico had a chance to at least keep their unbeaten record going when they were awarded a last-minute penalty, but their all-time record scorer Antoine Griezmann put the spot-kick wide. Diego Simeone’s side had won every game since a loss at Real Betis on 27 October. But the crucial goal on Saturday came when Leganes centre-back Matija Nastasic headed in from Dan Raba’s cross. Julian Alvarez and Griezmann had both hit the woodwork in the first half with the game goalless. Real Madrid, who are just one point behind Atletico, can go top if they win or draw at home against Las Palmas on Sunday .Atletico captain Jan Oblak told DAZN: “We didn’t come in well. There was a lack of energy, not enough. “It was our own issue. It shouldn’t have to happen. With a bit more energy we could have turned it around. “We didn’t play well but we should have our head up. After 15 games, we’ve lost.” Leganes are 15th, three points above the relegation zone, after the surprise win.
Woman arrested for stripping naked, posing on public sculpture
A woman was arrested after doing a nude photoshoot on a popular seaside sculpture in Mexico. Olga Larrea was seen in video footage stepping on the base of the La Perla sculpture in the city of La Paz on Friday, Jan. 17, and quickly removing her dress as a photographer prepared to take snaps. The 30-year-old then hurled her dress at the photographer and climbed atop the monument. She posed on the sculpture as traffic along the two-lane avenue next to the boardwalk slowed and bystanders looked on in shock. Larrea then signalled to her photographer to hand her her dress and climbed down. The Mexico City resident was approached by cops and she was placed under arrest. She was taken to the local prosecutor’s office and released after paying a fine of 3,365 Mexican pesos, or about $163. Larrea had posted the photoshoot pictures on her Facebook account before deleting them. The nudist has criticised the authorities for not granting her the right to express herself. “Guess who was arrested for simply existing?” she wrote. “Why is the human body censored, but not violence? “Nudity is not offensive, it is natural. Let’s stop the shaming, reclaim our freedom and normalize what is human.” Users on social media blasted Larrea for the move. “Let her show off her body in another place where it is allowed to go nude, where she does not damage any sculpture,” one said. Another commented that authorities should fully prosecute her instead of letting her walk away with a fine.
Canadian bizman, Kevin O’Leary offers $20bn cash to buy TikTok
Canadian businessman and investor, Kevin O’Leary, has offered TikTok’s owners $20 billion in cash to buy the platform. Recall a bipartisan bill, which President Biden signed, called ”TikTok a threat to national security” and forced ByteDance, the platform’s Chinese parent company to divest from the platform or sell it in order for TikTok to remain in American app stores. ByteDance’s deadline is Sunday. The Supreme Court ruled Friday on TikTok’s challenge to the law, upholding the ban. During a Friday appearance on Fox News’s “America’s Newsroom,” O’Leary made note of the fines that could be in store for any provider that allows access after the deadline. “As of midnight on the 19, any service provider … that could be an Apple, that could be an Oracle, it could be a video compression technology company that’s being paid as a consulting service, any of them that keep this thing alive is subject to $5,000 a day fine times 170 million,” O’Leary told anchor Bill Hemmer in the interview. “That’s over a billion dollars a day.” “We don’t know if an executive order can override a law from Congress. There’s a case in 1937 that was used successfully, but you don’t know.” O’Leary went on to say he can offer of $20 billion to buy the social media platform, which boasts 170 million U.S. users. “Right now, $20 billion is on the table, cash, cash, $20 billion,” O’Leary said touting his bid at the conclusion of the call-in. He said he’s waiting to see if the offer is enough.
Death toll of Niger tanker explosion rises to 77
The death toll of the Saturday tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, which plunged the community into deep mourning, has risen to 77. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll during a phone interview with Channels Television. According to eyewitnesses, who revealed that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were among those present at the scene, the explosion occurred while some individuals were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker into containers. The sources said that a generator, used in the process of transferring the fuel, sparked the explosion, leading to the tragic incident. The NSEMA chief also disclosed that 25 injured victims were swiftly transported to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and nearby facilities for urgent medical attention. In response to the incident, Governor Umaru Bago visited the site and announced immediate safety measures. He directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis must avoid the Dikko Bridge, using alternate routes instead. Governor Bago also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deploy officers to enforce the directive and called on transport unions to cooperate with road safety efforts. Describing the incident as “pathetic,” the Governor expressed gratitude that the explosion did not extend to nearby communities. He urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the long-delayed Minna-Suleja road project, citing its significance in preventing further tragedies. The governor also acknowledged the swift efforts of emergency response teams, including the NSEMA, Fire Service, and FRSC, in evacuating victims and managing the situation. He announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to provide additional medical support to the injured being treated at Suleja General Hospital. This catastrophe underscores the persistent dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads. Residents are calling for stricter traffic enforcement and heightened vigilance to avert similar disasters. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, with early suspicions pointing to mechanical failure or human error. The scene at Dikko Junction remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such incidents. The community mourns its losses while holding on to hope for recovery and better safety measures in the future. This tragedy follows a series of similar incidents, including one in October that claimed over 170 lives in Jigawa State. According to the FRSC, 1,531 fuel tanker accidents occurred in 2020, resulting in 535 fatalities.
NAFDAC seals Abuja Pharmacy for selling expired drugs worth million
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an Abuja pharmacy for allegedly selling expired and unregistered drugs worth over seven million naira. The aim of this development is to combat the rising health risks in the country. The federal agency made this known via its X page on Saturday, acknowledging that the action was taken following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. “NAFDAC’s enforcement team uncovered several expired items worth over seven million naira, including expired H-Pylori test kits, which posed significant risks to public health,” NAFDAC stated. “Despite attempts by the pharmacy staff to obstruct the operation, the enforcement team successfully confiscated the expired products and secured the premises.” Read Also: NAFDAC probes suspected fake Amoxycillin capsules During the operation, the pharmacy’s Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were taken into custody for further questioning. The anti-drug agency stated that, as a deterrent to unethical practices, stringent sanctions would be imposed. In addressing this issue, the federal agency appealed to the public to remain vigilant while purchasing regulated products, urging them to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Fuji legend, KWAM 1 bereaved again, loses mum
Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, fondly called Kwam 1, has lost his mother, Alimotu Shodiya Anifowoshe. She was aged 105. Mama Anifowoshe passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The old woman’s passing comes just four days after the death of the former wife of the famous musician, Hafsat Anifowoshe, who passed away at age 65 after battling an undisclosed illness. The death of the singer’s mother was announced via an Instagram post on his media page. “With heavy hearts, we announced the passing of King Ayinde’s beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace, Alimotu Shodiya Omo Akeredolu Aya Anifososhe. Iya rere, sun re,” the post reads. Several celebrities, his colleagues and fans have taken to the post’s comment section to offer their condolences. Several dignitaries have also visited and called the singer to commiserate with him. In a video, President Bola Tinubu was heard sympathising with Kwam 1 during a phone call, offering prayers for the singer’s long life and well-being. “You will live long, you will not suffer. An orphan does not suffer. God bless you,” the President said. My mother was talented The Fuji musician has disclosed that he got his singing talent from his mother who was not allowed to sing despite her gift. K! De Ultimate also added that his mother was a king’s daughter and his grandparents did not allow her to pursue a career in music because they wanted her to get married. “I was blesssed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the git of music and she was a princess. “She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king,” he said.
Tinubu has no plan, surrounded by ‘misfits’ – Bauchi gov
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed disappointment with the performance of the government of President Bola Tinubu, noting that as an opposition governor during the 2023 general elections, he jumped in jubilation over his (Tinubu’s) victory, believing that it is Uhuru but in the long run, “freedom and development are eluding us.” He maintained that the President came to power without a blueprint or a clear-cut manifesto, adding that he is surrounded by people who are “misfits.” The governor spoke while fielding questions from journalists when he received the Founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Bauchi during his two-day crusade in the state. The governor further said, “I respect President Tinubu so much. But someone must rise to the occasion and tell him the truth that he is surrounded by misfits and I can now understand from the Man of God, definitely, he (Tinubu) came into governance ill prepared, without an agenda and without a manifesto. “We believe so much in him because of his pedigree and antecedents as a Lagos State governor who was able to do the magic. I was jumping when he became the President even though he’s from a different party. “I thought the Uhuru had come, but I have seen freedom and development eluding us and I must advise as a statesman, as a responsible citizen, as a head of a sub-national, that you cannot stifle the aspiration of Nigerians by making all the citizens of Nigeria just customers in a bid to actualize your aspiration.” Mohammed maintained that he has no personal grudge against the President whom he noted he has so much respect for, but was only against policies introduced by his administration which will have negative consequences on the people. “First of all, I want to seize this opportunity to clarify in the presence of a Man of God, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, I don’t have any personal grudge against the President. I am one of those who respect the institution of leadership, especially that of the President. “You know my antecedents in the Senate when I rose for the Doctrine of Necessity. It was to dignify that office of the Vice President, where my boss (Goodluck Jonathan) became the President. “We should see Nigerians as citizens not as customers, we should not bring policies that will divide us, we should live and let live. We should respect our diversities. ”We should not practise impunity where people feel that they are shortchanged, we should practice inclusivity the way Prophet Suleiman is going around, a global icon, a universal preacher, a young person who has risen to the occasion going to all the nooks and crannies. He heard voices from doubting Thomases but he still came to Bauchi,” he said. The Governor added, “That is why I want the President to believe me, I mean well. I’m just trying to say that, in your governance, you can do it better by accommodation, by inclusion, and by coming up with a strict vision where you want to take Nigerians to. “It should not be a fire brigade approach where you will be running after policies and programmes that are alien to us, that are not understood and may be misconstrued. “It is because they don’t have any clear-cut vision, they are always taking us to a road of perdition and destruction. And that is why when I talk, I talk about the tax, it is not because I don’t want reforms, but I want a reform that will have a positive impact on us. I don’t have anything against the President other than respect.”
Armed attacker kills two Supreme Court judges in Iran
Two prominent judges were killed in an armed attack at Tehran’s Supreme Court on Saturday, with reports suggesting a third judge was targeted, Iranian state media reported. “This morning, an armed person infiltrating the Supreme Court in a planned action attempted to assassinate two brave and experienced judges… Following this terrorist act, two serving judges – revolutionary and decisive in the face of those who undermined the security of the people – were martyred,” the Iranian judiciary’s media outlet, Mizan reported. Mizan said the attacker, who had no prior criminal record, killed themself while security forces tried to arrest them. Three judges were targeted, according to Fars news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Mohammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini were killed. Razini survived a previous assassination attempt in 1999 when he was serving as chief justice for Tehran province. He was injured by a “magnetic bomb attached to his car,” according to Mizan, which has accused the United States and Israel of being behind the killings. Moghiseh’s career began in the 1980s in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Court. He initially worked at Qezel Hesar and later at Rajai Shahr, two of Iran’s harshest prisons located in Karaj, using the pseudonym “Naserian,” according to Mizan. In 2022, he was transferred to the Supreme Court where he presided over some high profile cases including the prosecution of leaders of the persecuted Baha’i sect, as well as some protesters in 2009, and people facing charges of enmity against God, a common charge for protesters and political dissidents. The widespread 2009 protests known as the Green Movement brought millions of people into the streets for months of demonstrations. Moghiseh was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 for a “miscarriage of justice” against dual nationals and political prisoners, accused of violating their freedom of speech.
