Category: Development

The outbreak began two months ago and is unfolding amid economic crisis and rising insecurity due to gang violence.  Ninety per cent of confirmed cases have been in areas with a high burden of severe acute malnutrition. A ‘triple threat’ Children suffering from the condition, which is also known as severe wasting, are more vulnerable to cholera and at least… Read More

WHO is convening over 300 scientists who will consider the evidence on over 25 virus families and bacteria, as well as “Disease X”, which indicates an unknown pathogen that could cause a serious international epidemic.  The process began on Friday and will guide global investment, and research and development (R&D), especially in vaccines, tests, and treatments.  Essential for quick response … Read More

The deadly but treatable disease has been spreading across the country and according to the latest Government figures published on 16 November there have been some 8,100 people admitted to hospital and over 170 deaths. Esterline Dumezil was trained by the Ministry of Public Health and Population and by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). “I have been working in… Read More

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, with around 96 per cent of all cases and deaths in 2020.    As a result of drug resistance, medicines to treat the life-threatening disease become ineffective.  Worrying signs  Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. … Read More

On Saturday, people all around the world are “Walking the Talk” to reach the goals: one billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage, a billion more from health emergency protection, and another billion enjoying better health and wellbeing. ‘Walking in solidarity’ To celebrate the importance of health and wellbeing, WHO and the Qatar Public Health Ministry, in partnership with… Read More

“Oral health has long been neglected in global health, but many oral diseases can be prevented and treated with the cost-effective measures outlined in this report,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.  In a first-ever comprehensive overview, the Global Oral Health Status Report analysed key areas and markers throughout 194 countries, and shows that cases have increased by one billion… Read More

“SDG 6.2 is about ending open defecation and providing access to safe sanitation and hygiene, and it is the furthest off-track of all the SDGs, and furthest in terms of underfunding,” said Ann Thomas, Team Leader, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH Programme Division, UNICEF, at a UN Headquarters press conference on Thursday. ‘Sanitation crisis’ In a 2020 estimate, 3.6 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation… Read More

Uganda is going through a major outbreak of the deadly disease, and there have been 141 confirmed cases to date, and 22 probable cases.   Confirmed deaths total 55, with probable deaths at 22, while 73 people have recovered from the disease.   Global effort  The outbreak was declared on 20 September.  Since then, the Ugandan authorities and partners have… Read More

WHO’s updated landmark Family Planning Handbook, launched on Tuesday, informs health workers on protecting access to family planning services during emergencies, and provides policy makers with the most current information on contraceptive options.  “Family planning promotes self-actualization, empowerment, as well as health and wellbeing, and reduces maternal and infant deaths through the prevention of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion”, said… Read More

The advice marks a significant departure from earlier practice, reflecting the immense health benefits of ensuring caregivers – generally mothers – and preterm or small babies, can stay close after birth, without any separation.  WHO recommends that skin to skin contact, also known as “kangaroo mother care”, should begin immediately after these little ones take their first breath, without any… Read More