SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Mali " 1,651 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
DAVID MARCUS: Somali power surge raises the question Minnesota avoids
Somali community continues to gain political power in Minnesota amid billion-dollar fraud scandal involving tied organizations, raising accountability questions.
Scientists discover oldest evidence of human-made fire in a 400,000-year-old hearth
A new archaeological find pushes back the timeline on when humans mastered the ability to make fires, a transformative technology.
Trump's speech on combating inflation turns to grievances about immigrants
On the road in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said he objected to taking immigrants from "hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and many other countries."
2 Democrats, 2 strategies: Texas Senate race shows party split on Trump-focus in midterm elections
In Texas, Democratic candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico have launched their Senate campaigns with contrasting strategies
At the first stop on his affordability tour, Trump mocks affordability
What was supposed to be a speaking tour to connect with Americans struggling with higher prices and stagnant wages was instead a greatest hits campaign speech.
Analysis | Why Congress might not act on health care subsidies
It’s hard for Republicans to go it alone
Silver prices just smashed a new record. What does this mean for the economy?
The precious metal has been under pressure for years as data centers and electric vehicles supercharge demand and as new tariffs loom.
This is an example of politicians doing things they do not need to do: Tyrus
‘Gutfeld!’ panelists discuss the now viral video of the Minneapolis Mayor eating Somali food.
Going back to school during the pandemic linked to improved child mental health
A new study finds that school reopenings during the pandemic were associated with declines in diagnoses of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions in children.
Allred drops Senate bid in Texas, will instead run for redrawn House seat
The former Democratic congressman, who lost his 2024 Senate bid to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), says a bruising Senate primary could threaten party unity.
Look again at the Nuzzi affair. Because when our politics and media are so debased, the joke’s on us
There is a bread and circuses feel to this scandal. A wise public would see red flags; instead it sees entertainment, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
Kennedy Center Honors kick off with red carpet, Trump’s arrival
In a first, President Donald Trump will host the gala, which honors Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, Sylvester Stallone and George Strait.
Anatomy Of A Minimalist Home Computer
There are plenty of well-known models among the 8-bit machines of the 1980s, and most readers could rattle them off without a thought. They were merely the stars among a plethora of others, and eve…
Tim Walz alleges Trump's language attacking Somalis 'creates danger'
The Democratic governor of Minnesota once again knocked the president over his comments on Somali immigrants, calling the insults 'vile' and 'racist lies.'
Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center is showier, emptier and more political
In 10 months, President Donald Trump has transformed the Kennedy Center. Now comes his biggest night yet: the Kennedy Center Honors.
The business of caring for older Americans is in a deepening crisis
Government funding cuts, caregiver shortages and immigration limits are adding new strains to an industry that’s already hard-pressed to meet demand.
The business of caring for older Americans is in a deepening crisis
Government funding cuts, caregiver shortages and immigration limits are adding new strains to an industry that’s already hard-pressed to meet demand.
For five figures, you can own a piece of Kanye West's unfinished Malibu house
A Tadao Ando-built home in Malibu once owned by rapper Kanye West was never finished. The current owner hopes to turn it into a social space.
Column | Anger is a defining character trait for both parties, new study shows
An updated Pew study shows that, with the change in administrations and party power in Congress, Democrats are now at record levels of anger toward government.
Threats pile up as Indiana Republicans confront pressure from Trump on redistricting
Republicans in the Indiana Senate are facing threats as President Trump pushes for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map
Somali-American who backed Trump in 2024 reacts to ‘garbage’ comments
Companies jockey for tariff refunds as Supreme Court decision looms
The Supreme Court could rule as soon as this month on the validity of Trump’s emergency tariffs, which could lead to big refunds for companies like Costco and Busy Baby.
Meta delays release of new mixed reality glasses code-named 'Phoenix' in order to 'get the details right'
Meta plans to release a new wearable device codenamed "Malibu 2" in 2026, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider.
Malicious Links Target California Elections, Business Sites
Google users seeking information from the state’s official elections and business registration websites found questionable links instead. A site for the Kansas attorney general was similarly singled out.
Somali American and Durham resident says 'President Trump’s words were hurtful'
Somali American and Durham resident reacts to President Trump's remarks on the Somali community and country.
I’ll never forget the look of hatred Nigel Farage had for me at school, simply because of how I looked
Farage doubts people can remember their abuse from years ago. I’ve never forgotten his – it felt malicious to me
Column | The World Cup has always been about politics
The tournament played a role in early 20th century nation building, Jonathan Wilson says in a new book, and it is still political today.
Tennessee special election shows the power of partisan gerrymandering as Trump pushes for more of it
A special congressional election in Tennessee this week highlights the power and consequences of partisan gerrymandering
Republican Rep. Darrell Issa to stay in California after flirting with US House run in Texas
Republican Rep. Darrell Issa is staying in California
Dr. Azfar Malik Announces National Grant Advancing the Future of Mental Health–Focused Healthcare
Dr. Azfar Malik Grant Dr. Azfar Malik Grant for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals ST. LOUIS, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dr. Azfar Malik Grant for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals is officially accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic cycle, offering undergraduate students across the United States a meaningful opportunity to further their commitment to careers in healthcare. Created by Dr. Azfar Malik, a respected leader in psychiatry and mental health innovation, the grant r
Nigel Farage denies saying anything racist ‘with malice’ as he attacks BBC
Reform UK leader launches tirade against broadcaster in latest effort to address claims of abuse from school contemporaries
Affordable Care Act premiums are set to spike. A new poll shows enrollees are already struggling
A new survey of Affordable Care Act health insurance enrollees finds that many are already struggling with the high cost of health care
Amazon explores cutting ties with USPS, building its own delivery network
Amazon looks into expanding its nationwide delivery network and giving up its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Postal Service.
Admins and defenders gird themselves against maximum-severity server vulnerability
Open source React executes malicious code with malformed HTML—no authentication needed.
In unexpected moment of candor, Shapiro says Harris told ‘blatant lies’ about him
Shapiro appeared to also dismiss some of Harris’s accounts about him in her memoir, “107 Days,” by telling the Atlantic, “She’s trying to sell books.”
Trump calls Somalians 'garbage,' which Minnesota officials call racism
Trump blasted Somali immigrants as 'garbage' he doesn't want in the country. But Minnesota officials called the criticism 'racism' and 'un-American.'
Donald Trump calls Somali immigrants ‘garbage’ as ICE operations reportedly planned in Minnesota
President yesterday also halted immigration for people from 19 nations including Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen
VA staff flag dangerous errors ahead of new health records expansion
A multibillion-dollar electronic system seeks to boost medical care for veterans across VA’s network. Some users say glitches and errors put patients at risk.
Trump rails against Somali migrants: ‘I don’t want them in our country’
The president blasted Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage” in a rant also attacking Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Opinion | Big business finally joins the fight against Trump’s tariffs
Costco becomes the largest company to sue over the administration’s trade policy.
Corporations to claim $16B from retroactive GOP tax break, federal report says
The Republican tax law's bonus depreciation provision is expected to cost $362.7 billion over the next ten years, with corporations claiming $16 billion in new tax breaks this year.
Schumer says three of his New York offices were targeted with bomb threats
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says three of his New York offices were targeted with emailed bomb threats from an email address alleging the “2020 election was rigged.”
Trump MRI results drop as White House confronts mounting questions over president’s health
President Donald Trump's October MRI scan found no cardiovascular abnormalities and confirmed excellent overall health, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced.
SmartTube YouTube app for Android TV breached to push malicious update
The popular open-source SmartTube YouTube client for Android TV was compromised after an attacker gained access to the developer's signing keys, leading to a malicious update being pushed to users.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Tennessee's special congressional election
Less than a month after Democrats scored big victories in the Nov. 4 general election, voters in a heavily Republican Tennessee congressional district will fill a vacant seat Tuesday in the closely divided U.S. House
Indiana lawmakers in state House to convene session with redistricting top of mind
Indiana lawmakers in the state House of Representatives are gathering Monday with the possibility of advancing redistricting legislation, increasing pressure on their Senate colleagues to get on board with redrawing the state’s congressional map
‘It was extremely pornographic’: Cara Hunter on the deepfake video that nearly ended her political career
The Irish politician was targeted in 2022, in the final weeks of her run for office. She has never found out who made the malicious deepfake, but knew immediately she had to try to stop this happening to other women
Shabana Mahmood and my surprise at teenagers’ views on immigration
Letters: Rev Dr Michael Fox responds to an article by Nesrine Malik on the home secretary using her ‘story’ to silence criticism of her policies
Tim Walz slams Donald Trump posts on Somali community, use of slur
The Democratic governor and 2024 vice presidential hopeful said the president is "not a good human being" for use of a slur and other comments.
Examining 3I/ATLAS within the broader conversation on science and society
Examining 3I/ATLAS, Harvard Professor Avi Loeb discusses public engagement in science, research priorities, and the importance of addressing anomalies and curiosity in scientific communication.