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WHO Assembly Convenes Amid Hantavirus and Ebola Outbreaks, US/Argentina Withdrawal Uncertainty

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced its annual assembly in Geneva, with discussions expected to focus on the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting also addresses uncertainty surrounding the announced withdrawals of the United States and Argentina from the organization. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the organization is stable and moving forward despite funding challenges.

• The hantavirus outbreak, though not officially on the agenda, is anticipated to be a prominent topic of discussion at the assembly.
• The WHO has been weakened by announced US withdrawal and funding cuts, impacting its budget and staff numbers.
• Negotiations for a landmark 2025 pandemic treaty have been extended for another year due to disagreements between wealthy and developing nations.
• A cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak is set to dock in Rotterdam, with remaining crew facing quarantine.
• The WHO has sought to reassure the public that the hantavirus outbreak is not a repeat of the Covid pandemic, stressing rare contagion.