Syria’s future under threat from acute funding shortages
Hopes for a peaceful future in post-war Syria are at risk as funding for basic services dries up, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
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Around 224 million women still don’t access family planning
Since 1990, the number of people using modern contraception methods has doubled globally but despite this, nearly 224 million women in mainly developing regions still do not use safe and effective family planning methods, according to the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA.
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Member States advance vital work in support of WHO Pandemic Agreement
WHO Member States are actively progressing with the development of the Pathogens Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, a key component of the WHO Pandemic Agreement aimed at ensuring equitable and timely sharing of pathogen materials and related benefits. This work follows the historic adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, marking significant steps…
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On World Breastfeeding Week, countries urged to invest in health systems and support breastfeeding mothers
Strengthening health systems to support breastfeeding is not just a health imperative, it is a moral and economic imperative. WHO and UNICEF remain committed to supporting countries to build resilient health systems that leave no mother or child behind.Source WHO
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Mental health takes centre stage at the General Assembly
For the first time, mental health is the focus of an official meeting of the General Assembly on Thursday, with world leaders expected to agree on a set of principles designed to drive global action to help alleviate the symptoms of those living with a complex variety of disorders.
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Senegal joins growing list of countries that have eliminated trachoma
WHO has validated Senegal as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Senegal becomes the ninth country in WHO’s African Region to have achieved this feat.Source WHO
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Cholera kills more people for second consecutive year, while prevention and treatment available
The global cholera statistics for 2024, shows an increase in both the number of people who fell sick and died from the disease. Reported cholera cases rose by 5% and deaths by 50% in 2024 compared to 2023, with more than 6000 people dying from a disease that is both preventable and treatable.Source WHO
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Global childhood vaccination coverage holds steady, yet over 14 million infants remain unvaccinated – WHO, UNICEF
In 2024, 89% of infants globally received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, and 85% completed all three doses, according to new data released today by WHO and UNICEF. Despite the progress, the latest estimates highlight a concerning trajectory.Source WHO
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Kenya achieves elimination of human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Kenya as having eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness as a public health problem, making it the tenth country to reach this important milestone. HAT is the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in Kenya: the country was certified free of Guinea worm disease in 2018.Source WHO
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World News in Brief: Migrant medics mean shortages at home, UN names top innovators, Nigeria rights update, sunscreen an ‘essential medicine’
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Wednesday that southern and eastern European countries are losing large numbers of doctors and nurses who are leaving to work abroad.
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