International - World Governments Support Breakthrough Agreement on Mercury - More than 140 countries agreed to launch negotiations establishing a treaty on mercury to limit pollution affecting millions of people across the world.

Uruguay - Uruguay's Public Health Care Moves Toward Mercury-free Alternatives - The Minister of Health annouced the elimination of mercury-containing thermometers from all public health care system due to this metal's harmful effects on people and the environment.

Global - Global Initiative Launched - Health Care Without Harm and the World Health Organization today launched a global initiative to substitute mercury-based medical devices with safer, accurate and affordable alternatives. The announcement came during the opening of the South Asian Conference on Alternatives to Mercury in Health Care, an event sponsored by the two organizations and the Indian NGO Toxics Link.

Philippines - Muntinlupa City has banned the use of mercury thermometers and other mercury-containing medical implements in all city-run hospitals and clinics, citing the toxicity of the heavy metal substance.

United States - A bill to ban mercury exports from the United States, sponsored by Barack Obama and Rep. Tom Allen (D-Maine), passed Congress and awaits President Bush's signature to become law.

Philippines - A new government order developed with HCWH's support, mandates phasing-out mercury-based medical devices in two years. The Phillipines is the first developing country to take such a step.

Argentina - Buenos Aires hospitals no longer buy mercury-based thermometers. The initiative was promoted by HCWH Latin America, and it is aimed at the complete phase out of mercury from the public health care system.

Mexico - HCWH held a successful national conference on substituting mercury in the health care sector in Mexico. The event was attended by more than 250 people from 68 health care institutions in Mexico.