Omicron is not a surprise.

When viruses are able to spread unhindered, mutations thrive. As rich countries continue to hoard vaccines and roll out boosters, billions of people around the world are still waiting to receive their first shot — creating the perfect recipe for variants like Omicron.

To escape an endless cycle of variants, boosters, and restrictions, everyone must have equal access to vaccines — no matter where they live. But time is not on our side.

That's why, we’re taking our campaigning to the next level. In January, we'll launch a Global Week of Action to mobilise activists, supporters, the public and a coalition of allies to take 1 million actions calling for an end to the pandemic, everywhere. If you haven’t already, please sign and share our petition demanding world leaders vaccinate the world in 2022 and stay tuned for more news on how you can get involved!

4 updates on the fight against HIV/AIDS

Two decades ago, HIV/AIDS infections were doubling each year and almost 4,000 people died daily from the virus.

Since then, the global response has come a long way and serves as a model of how to address a public health crisis. AIDS-related deaths have dropped by more than half since their peak in the early 2000s and millions of people have access to life-saving treatments.

But COVID-19 has severely impacted a lot of that progress. To mark World AIDS Day this month, here are four updates on the fight against HIV/AIDS:

8 countries ending the year with a failing grade

World leaders have repeatedly gone on record to declare that it’s in everyone’s interest to end the pandemic and halt the economic carnage it is driving. But are their actions living up to their words? 

Our new Pandemic Report Cards track how the world’s most developed economies are delivering on their promises to end the pandemic – by sharing vaccine doses, funding the global vaccine response, dismantling barriers to increase vaccine supply globally, and supporting a global economic recovery. Find out how they're doing...

African artists take on the pandemic

Hundreds of artists from across the continent shared their creative work for ONE in Africa's Stand Together Essay & Artwork Competition launched earlier this year. Talented artists and writers sent in over 700 written and visual pieces on the theme of solidarity in the fight against COVID-19.

Votes have also been cast for the Accountability Music Awards to recognise courageous African musicians and artists challenging corruption on the continent. Stay tuned for announcements on the  winners for both competitions in the next two weeks, and check out the shortlisted artwork now:  

“At our current pace, it could take over a decade until low-income countries can secure enough vaccines to reach 70 percent.”

-Emily Wigens, EU Director at the ONE Campaign.

 Find out what happened when leaders from the world's 20 richest countries met in Rome to talk about tackling COVID-19.

The impact of climate change on Africa

Last month, world leaders gathered in Glasgow to discuss crucial climate change actions at COP26, the UN Climate Conference. 

While some progress was made, the final agreement was widely criticised as lacking necessary action, especially support for countries on the frontline to the climate crisis. While Africa has contributed the least to climate change, it's already facing devastating impacts.

Find out how life is changing in some of the most vulnerable countries and why it's so important that we continue the fight for climate justice:

Other Interesting Reads:

• International Volunteer Day: How you can help out this holiday season — and beyond
• Covid limits migration despite more people displaced by war and disasters
• WATCH: (RED) President Jennifer Lotito joins Zerlina Maxwell to discuss vaccine equity and the CODE (RED) campaign
• Opinion: Standing up for children living with HIV amid COVID-19