The Know Daily - Tuesday 29 July 2025

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KentRelief has been working to assist Ukrainians in the Kent area, as well as sending over 140,000 kg of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. When they got in touch with us, we knew our partners would love to support them. So we introduced them to period care brand TOTM, who have since donated 50 packs of their organic cotton night pads. We’re so proud of the positive impact our community here at The Know continues to create 💗

🌍 The WHO: what is it and why does it matter?

Founded in 1948, the WHO (World Health Organization) is the United Nations’s specialised agency for international public health, working with 194 member states to promote health, ensure safety and serve those in need.

What does it do?
The WHO’s mandate is to help everyone reach the highest possible standard of health – physical, mental and social. It develops international health guidelines, sets standards for vaccines and medicines, supports national health systems and coordinates responses to health emergencies. Their work is guided by the World Health Assembly, the decision‑making body made up of health ministers from all member states.

Where does it operate?
The WHO works worldwide through six regional offices and more than 150 country offices. It collaborates with national governments, local health authorities, non‑governmental organisations, research institutions and other UN agencies to strengthen health systems.

What are its health priorities?
The WHO’s key aims include universal health coverage, prevention and control of infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, ebola and COVID‑19) and reducing rates of illnesses like cancer and heart disease. It also promotes healthy lifestyles and workplaces, mental wellbeing and measures to address environment-related health concerns.

What challenges does the WHO address?
It works in a rapidly changing global health landscape, balancing resources and needs across many regions. The WHO addresses issues such as ensuring sustained funding, supporting health systems in diverse settings and helping countries respond to emerging medical issues.

What is its future outlook?
The WHO continues to evolve through reforms, including efforts to strengthen early warning systems, support equal access to vaccines, align policy innovations and respond to climate‑related health impacts. Most recently, the Pandemic Agreement was widely approved as a foundation for global preparedness and cooperation.

🤝 EU-US trade deal: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has struck a deal with US president Donald Trump, averting potential trade issues between the two economies.

• The bigger story: The EU will face tariffs of 15% on most goods entering the US from Europe, which is half of what Trump had initially suggested. The bloc has also agreed to make investments in US energy products including oil, gas and nuclear fuel. Some commentators say that whilst the deal is good for the US, it’s less clear what the EU has gained.

☂ Paying Mary Poppins: The average salary of a full-time nanny in London has now passed £50,000 for the first time ever, with overall increases across the UK due to shifts in childcare preferences and role responsibilities.

🇹🇭🇰🇭 Ceasing conflict: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after cross-border conflict. 

👀 Perceptible protection: By using virtual reality headsets, researchers found that just the sight of someone with an illness – even holding a tissue to their face – can be enough to set our immune system working.

🏙️ Dazzling heights: Our cities are getting taller, but have you ever wondered which have the most skyscrapers in the world? Find out here.

🦈 Shark safety: Shark nets have been removed from some Australian beaches in a trial by the New South Wales government, who’ve said they create a false sense of security for swimmers and harm marine life.

👩‍💻 “That’s all”: Landing a job at Vogue has always been a difficult feat – but now you can discover if you could have met the mark during the 90s. 

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Trivia answer: A) A teaspoon, taken from the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth back in 1942, has been returned.

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