06 FOREIGN NEWS
The HEALTH | May-June. 2025
Funding global health
Hope for PSC
THE World Health Organisation( WHO) Member States have unanimously approved a 20 per cent increase in their membership dues. This financial reform is among the resolutions formalised at the World Health Assembly( WHA) 2025 in Geneva. This decision is set to secure the organisation’ s economic stability.
This marks the second 20 per cent rise in membership dues, following a similar decision for the 2024-2025 budget. Prior to this, there had been discussions about gradually increasing these statutory contributions in 2022. By 2030-2031, membership dues are expected to cover 50 per cent of WHO’ s fundamental budget.
However, in light of the current financial realities, WHO has decided to revise its planned budget for 2026- 2027, cutting it by 22 per cent. Thus, the
Revolutionary 3D printing
THE integration of 3D printing technology into healthcare is transforming the way medical professionals approach treatment, surgery, and patient care.
This innovation is helping hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre( KFSHRC) to provide highly personalised and well-planned medical interventions.
The hospital’ s 3D Printing Services Department has been accredited with ISO 13485:2016. Using advanced additive manufacturing, the department creates patient-specific anatomical models, surgical guides, prosthetics, and implants.
This approach enhances surgical planning, minimises risks during operations, and ultimately improves patient care.
In 2023 alone, the department produced over 1,100 physical models and 5,000 digital simulations. These efforts reduced average surgery time by 30 per cent and lowered complications by 85 per cent, resulting in greater patient outcomes.
Additionally, its 3D Printing Project received the 2024 Global Excellence Award in Technology Project Management from the Global Project Management Forum( GPMF).
KFSHRC’ s pioneering efforts in 3D printing have also garnered international acclaim. The hospital was recently recognised among the top 20 government entities in Saudi Arabia’ s Emerging Technology Adoption Readiness Index for 2025.
KFSHRC is actively shaping the future
original budget of US $ 5.3 billion has been scaled down to US $ 4.2 billion.
Nevertheless, the approved 20 per cent increase in membership dues remains crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the US $ 4.2 billion budget.
At the same time, the assembly held its first Investment Round( IR), during which world leaders pledged an additional US $ 210 million to the organisation. The IR is part of a broader strategy to secure flexible funding for WHO’ s core operations for 2025-2028, particularly for its General Programme of Work( GPW 14).
WHO Director-General( DG) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude:“ I am grateful to every Member State and partner that has pledged towards the investment round.“ In a challenging climate for
of medical practice through its advanced use of 3D printing in healthcare. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the hospital plans to launch a spin-off company specialising in 3D printing of medical technologies. This new venture is expected to have a significant impact on both healthtech and socioeconomic aspects.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work. They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
WHO’ s financial support now also comes from individual benefactors through the One World Movement. Nearly 8,000 people joined the campaign as‘ Member Citizens,’ pooling almost US $ 600,000, with many pledging as recurring monthly contributors.
Dr Michael Trauner
IN a significant breakthrough for hepatology research, Dr Falk Pharma announced positive results from its phase three clinical trial( NUC-5) of norucholic acid( NCA). This represents a key development for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis( PSC), a rare and lifethreatening liver condition with no approved pharmaceutical therapy to date.
Serving as the trial’ s principal investigator, the Medical University of Vienna Head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Professor Dr Michael Trauner, remarked:“ Finding a medicine that effectively treats PSC has been a challenge in the field of hepatology for decades.”
To evaluate the efficacy of NCA in managing PSC symptoms, 301 patients were administered either 1,500 mg of NCA or a placebo over a 192-week period. After 96 weeks, the company observed that a higher percentage of patients with PSC taking NCA saw their liver enzyme levels improve compared to those on placebo.
According to the company, NCA showed better results across multiple secondary endpoints without any increased risk. In fact, with both groups reportedly experiencing similar side effects, NCA is deemed as safe as a placebo.
“ After so many disappointments in this space, the first positive results from a phase three study on PSC is a watershed moment for people with PSC, their families, physicians and the entire PSC community.
“ The results of this study will not only advance patient care but will also give researchers new insights into the disease itself,” said Trauner.
Regarding the trial, Dr Falk Pharma Managing Director of Science and Innovation, Dr Kai Pinkernell, described it as:“ The largest clinical trial on PSC to date, which compared biopsies from patients before and after treatment.”
If approved, NCA could mark a historic first in the treatment landscape of PSC and offer a much-needed therapeutic option to patients around the world.