Government

Explainer: How the World Health Organization might fight future pandemics Negotiations on new rules for dealing with pandemics are underway at the World Health Organization (WHO), with a target date of May 2024 for a legally binding agreement to be adopted by the U.N. health agency's 194 member countries. Emma Farge Reuters

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USDA program keeps extra COVID-era money for fruits, veggies U.S. agriculture officials proposed changes Thursday to the federal program that helps pay the grocery bills for low-income pregnant women, babies and young children, including extending a bump in payments for fresh fruits and vegetables allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. AP NEWS

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The update also adds more whole grains, canned fish and non-dairy options to their shopping carts. The effort is aimed at expanding the number and type of healthy foods available to families who get assistance from the Agriculture Department’s program known as WIC, officials said.

Africa CDC chief urges more COVID-19 testing as cases rise KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — The head of Africa's top public health institute is urging authorities across the continent to step up COVID-19 testing amid a concerning rise in new cases in some countries. AP NEWS

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The continent of 1.3 billion people saw a 37% rise in new cases over the past week, Ahmed Ogwell, acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday.

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China locks down Peking University over one COVID case, showing commitment to zero-COVID policy Chinese authorities have locked down Peking University after finding a single coronavirus case in the latest sign of their commitment to their zero-COVID... Ciara Linnane MarketWatch

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