WHO triggers highest alert on monkeypox

21 Sept 03:52 Key points summarised by AI

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern," its highest alert level, due to nearly 17,000 cases across 74 countries.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the decision after an expert committee failed to reach a consensus, noting the risk is moderate globally but high in Europe.
The outbreak is primarily concentrated among men who have sex with men, with 95% of cases transmitted through sexual activity, prompting WHO to urge countries to work closely with affected communities to implement targeted prevention strategies.
The United States welcomed the declaration, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response, while the EU drug watchdog recommended Imvanex, a smallpox vaccine, for monkeypox treatment.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.