WHO Calls for $135 Million to Combat Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization seeks $135 million to control a new mpox outbreak, with Gabon recording its first case. The U.S. will offer free COVID tests by mail starting in late September. Johnson & Johnson is negotiating a $6.5 billion talc settlement, and Novartis has received a binding offer from Siemens Healthineers for its molecular imaging business.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent call for $135 million to tackle a new mpox outbreak, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. Gabrielle's Ministry of Health reported its first mpox case without specifying the variant. The WHO labeled the outbreak a global public health emergency.

In the U.S., the government will distribute free COVID-19 tests by mail from late September as part of efforts to encourage vaccinations against COVID, flu, and RSV. Americans can request up to four free tests via COVIDTests.gov.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) revealed ongoing negotiations with plaintiffs’ attorneys over a proposed $6.5 billion settlement related to claims that its talc products caused cancer. This move follows previous attempts blocked by federal courts.