WHO Unveils Comprehensive Journalist Guide on Leading Global Health Threats

World Health Institution has released a new guide for journalists covering noncommunicable diseases, offering data and insights into global health crises.">
October 6, 2025

new WHO Guide Empowers Journalists to Report on Global Health Threats

A Comprehensive Resource for Covering Noncommunicable Diseases Has been Launched.

Geneva, Switzerland – October 6, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the release of a groundbreaking resource designed to bolster journalistic coverage of noncommunicable diseases (ncds). The new publication, titled ‘Reporting on the world’s biggest killers: a journalist’s guide to covering noncommunicable diseases,’ aims to equip reporters with the data, investigative leads, and nuanced perspectives needed to effectively communicate the rising global burden of these conditions.

Understanding the Scope of Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases – including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses – are now the leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO data from 2024,NCDs are responsible for 74% of all deaths globally,with over 41 million people succumbing to these illnesses annually. This new guide arrives at a critical juncture, as effective reporting can drive public awareness, shape policy, and ultimately save lives.

The guide, developed with input from journalists representing diverse regions, highlights the complexities of reporting on NCDs. It addresses the challenges of effectively communicating complex scientific information, exploring the socioeconomic factors that contribute to these diseases, and identifying compelling human-interest stories that resonate with audiences.

Key Features of the Journalist’s guide

The resource offers a multifaceted approach to NCD reporting, featuring detailed data sets, potential angles for investigative journalism, and examples of impactful reporting from around the world. It also delves into the frequently enough-overlooked connections between NCDs and factors such as air pollution, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.

The guide isn’t simply a compilation of statistics; it’s a practical tool for journalists. It provides guidance on framing NCD stories in a way that avoids sensationalism and promotes accurate understanding, and it points to emerging trends in NCD prevention and treatment.

Did You Know? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that nearly half of all NCD deaths occur in individuals under the age of 70, highlighting the devastating impact of these diseases on working-age populations.

A Global Collaborative Effort

The progress of this guide was a truly international undertaking. journalists from across the globe contributed their expertise and insights, ensuring that the resource reflects the diverse challenges and opportunities of reporting on NCDs in different contexts.This collaborative approach is seen as a key strength of the guide, making it relevant and adaptable for journalists working in various regions.

Pro Tip: When reporting on NCDs, focus on the human impact. Stories that highlight the experiences of individuals and families affected by these diseases are ofen the moast compelling and effective in raising awareness.

NCD	Estimated global Deaths (2024)	Preventable Risk Factors
Cardiovascular Diseases	17.9 million	High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking
Cancer	9.3 million	Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, radiation exposure
Chronic Respiratory Diseases	4.1 million	Air pollution, smoking, occupational hazards
Diabetes	1.5 million	Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity

The WHO hopes this guide will empower journalists to play a vital role in addressing the global NCD epidemic. By providing them with the necessary tools and resources, the organization aims to foster more informed public discourse and drive meaningful action to reduce the burden of these devastating diseases.

What role do you believe journalists should play in public health crises? How can media coverage better inform and empower individuals to make healthier choices?

The Rising Tide of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Long-Term Perspective

The growing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is not a new phenomenon, but it has accelerated in recent decades due to factors such as aging populations, globalization, and lifestyle changes. The economic impact of NCDs is also considerable,with healthcare costs and lost productivity placing a important strain on economies worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, early detection, and improved access to treatment.

Looking forward, the role of technology and innovation will be crucial in tackling the NCD crisis. Telemedicine, mobile health applications, and artificial intelligence have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, affordable, and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions About Noncommunicable Diseases

• what are noncommunicable diseases? Noncommunicable diseases are chronic illnesses that are not infectious and cannot be passed from person to person.
• What causes noncommunicable diseases? NCDs are typically caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.
• Can noncommunicable diseases be prevented? Yes, many NCDs can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
• What is the role of the WHO in addressing NCDs? The WHO plays a leading role in coordinating global efforts to prevent and control NCDs,providing technical support to countries and setting global health standards.
• How can I reduce my risk of developing an NCD? You can reduce your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• What resources are available for journalists covering NCDs? The WHO’s new guide, ‘Reporting on the world’s biggest killers,’ offers a comprehensive resource for journalists covering these critical health issues.

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What specific challenges dose the WHO guide address regarding reporting on the spread of infectious diseases like influenza and novel coronaviruses?

WHO Unveils Thorough Journalist Guide on Leading Global Health Threats

Understanding the New Resource for Health Reporting

The World Health Association (WHO) has released a detailed guide aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge and resources needed to accurately and effectively report on critical global health threats. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as misinformation and the complexity of modern health challenges demand a higher standard of journalistic rigor. The guide isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a toolkit for navigating the nuances of global health security, public health reporting, and disease outbreak coverage.

Key Global Health Threats Covered in the Guide

The WHO’s guide prioritizes several key areas,reflecting the most pressing health concerns worldwide. These include:

* Infectious Diseases: Detailed sections cover reporting on outbreaks of diseases like influenza, measles, cholera, and emerging infectious diseases such as novel coronaviruses.Emphasis is placed on understanding epidemiology, transmission routes, and the importance of accurate disease surveillance.

* Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The guide addresses the growing burden of NCDs – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases – highlighting the role of lifestyle factors, environmental risks, and access to healthcare. Preventive healthcare and chronic disease management are key themes.

* Climate Change and health: A significant portion is dedicated to the health impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Reporting on climate resilience and environmental health is encouraged.

* Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The guide stresses the urgency of reporting on AMR, explaining the mechanisms of resistance, the consequences for treatment, and the need for responsible antibiotic use. Antibiotic stewardship and One Health approaches are highlighted.

* Mental Health: Recognizing the global mental health crisis, the guide provides resources for reporting on mental health conditions, reducing stigma, and promoting access to mental healthcare. Mental wellbeing and psychological first aid are discussed.

Navigating Complex health Data & Statistics

A core component of the guide focuses on interpreting health data. Journalists are often faced with complex statistics and research findings. The WHO guide offers practical advice on:

1. Understanding Statistical Importance: Explaining the difference between correlation and causation, and avoiding misinterpretations of study results.
2. Data Visualization: Using charts and graphs effectively to communicate health data to a broad audience.
3. Identifying Reliable Sources: distinguishing between peer-reviewed research, government reports, and potentially biased sources. The guide emphasizes the importance of verifying information with the WHO and other reputable organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and national health ministries.
4. Risk Communication: Communicating health risks accurately and responsibly, avoiding sensationalism and panic.

Ethical Considerations in Health Reporting

The guide dedicates a section to ethical considerations, recognizing the sensitive nature of health reporting. Key points include:

* Patient Privacy: Protecting the confidentiality of individuals affected by health issues.

* avoiding Stigma: Using respectful language and avoiding stereotypes when reporting on diseases or conditions.

* Accuracy and Fairness: Ensuring that all information is accurate, balanced, and presented fairly.

* Conflict of Interest: Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest that coudl influence reporting.

* Trauma-Informed Reporting: Approaching interviews and reporting with sensitivity to the potential trauma experienced by individuals affected by health crises.

Resources and Tools for Journalists

The WHO guide provides a wealth of resources, including:

* WHO Fact Sheets: Concise summaries of key health topics.

* WHO Disease Outbreak News (DONs): Real-time updates on emerging health threats.

* WHO Global Health Observatory (GHO) Data: Access to a vast database of health statistics.

* Expert Contacts: A directory of WHO experts available for interviews.

* Multimedia Resources: Images, videos, and infographics for use in reporting.

* Links to Partner Organizations: Connections to other leading health organizations.

Case Study: Reporting on the 2022-2023 Monkeypox (Mpox) Outbreak

The guide references the 2022-2023 Mpox outbreak as a case study in effective and responsible reporting.Initial coverage faced challenges related to stigma and misinformation. The guide highlights how accurate reporting, based on scientific evidence and expert sources, was crucial in dispelling myths and promoting public health measures. Key lessons learned included the importance of:

* Using accurate terminology (transitioning from “monkeypox” to “mpox”).

* Focusing on transmission routes and prevention strategies.

* Addressing the disproportionate impact on certain populations.

* Avoiding sensationalism and fear-mongering.

Benefits of Utilizing the WHO Journalist Guide

Journalists who utilize this guide will be better equipped to:

* Produce accurate and informative health reporting.

* Combat misinformation and promote public health literacy.

* Navigate the complexities of global health challenges.

* Report ethically and responsibly.

* Contribute to a more informed public discourse on health issues.

Practical Tips for Health Journalists

* Prioritize Accuracy: