Category: Development

In a message, Secretary-General António Guterres urged the world to not lose sight of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.  “Despite significant successes, the AIDS emergency is not over. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) still infects 1.7 million people each year and kills some 690,000,” he said.  Mr. Guterres highlighted the impact of inequalities, leaving… Read More

Updating reporters during his regular briefing from Geneva, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the global decline as fragile: brought on by falling cases in Europe, thanks to the difficult but necessary measures countries put in place in recent weeks. “The pandemic has taught that in the face of an urgent health threat, the ? can come together in new ways… Read More

According to the World Malaria Report, released on Monday, the situation is particularly concerning in high-burden countries in Africa.  The UN health agency urged nations and health partners to step up the fight against malaria, with better targeting of interventions, new tools and increased funding.  “It is time for leaders across Africa – and the world – to rise once… Read More

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Gheybreyesus emphasized how testing has been common among countries which have worked to control the virus.  “#COVID19 has resulted in restrictions of many types – but everyone can remain active, whether that’s doing a workout at ? or going out for a ?, a ? or a ?‍♀️. It’s one way all of us can add… Read More

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa highlighted the importance of strong planning and preparation for successful inoculations against COVID-19.  “The largest immunization drive in Africa’s history is right around the corner, and African governments must urgently ramp up readiness. Planning and preparation will make or break this unprecedented endeavour,” she said.  “We need active leadership and engagement from the… Read More

In its appeal, the specialised UN agency UNAIDS warned that the pandemic has pushed the world’s AIDS response even further off track, and that 2020 targets are being missed. It urged countries to learn from the lessons of underinvesting in healthcare and to step up global action to end AIDS and other global health emergencies. Human cost Citing new data… Read More

Prevention efforts and treatment for children remain some of the lowest amongst key affected populations, and in 2019, a little less than half of children worldwide did not have access to life-saving treatment, UNICEF said in a new report on Wednesday.  “There is still no HIV vaccine. Children are still getting infected at alarming rates, and they are still dying… Read More

“With the latest positive news from vaccine trials, the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel is growing brighter”, said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The significance of this scientific achievement cannot be overstated”.  Setting new standards  Noting that no vaccine in history has been developed as rapidly, the WHO chief remarked that the scientific community had set “a new… Read More

Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, highlighted the importance of the partnership to ensure capacity for the massive undertaking.  “As work continues to develop COVID-19 vaccines, UNICEF is stepping-up efforts with airlines, freight operators, shipping lines and other logistics associations to deliver life-saving vaccines as quickly and safely as possible,” she said.  “This invaluable collaboration will go a long… Read More

“Across Europe and North America, hospitals and ICU units are filling up or are full”, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said at a regular press briefing in Geneva.  While sharing “more good news from vaccine trials, which continues to give us hope of ending the pandemic”, he upheld the need to continue to “use the tools… Read More