Tag: Health News

Public settings, such as schools, childcare centres, nursing homes, hospitals and correctional facilities and all other canteens of public institutions, can play a key role in ensuring people are provided with healthy food and helping prevent the 8 million annual deaths currently caused by unhealthy diets. A new WHO Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service… Read More

The early years in a child’s life are critical in building a foundation for optimal development through a stable and nurturing environment. However, for infants and young children living in humanitarian settings, risks such as forced displacement, migration, malnutrition, limited access to health services and insecurity threaten their chances to survive and thrive. In 2018, more than 29 million children… Read More

Global scientists are intensifying research into COVID-19, as the World Health Organization (WHO) moves to expand its scientific collaboration and monitoring of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A day-long virtual meeting of scientists from around the globe, convened by WHO, brought together more than 1 750 experts from 124 countries to discuss critical knowledge gaps and research… Read More

In 2017 the 70th World Health Assembly approved the  Road map to enhance health sector engagement in the strategic approach to international chemicals management towards the 2020 goal and beyond. As called for in the Road Map, WHO has established a Global Chemicals and Health Network, the goal of which includes to facilitate implementation of the road map by promoting collaboration… Read More

On 7 December 2020 high level representatives from the French government and WHO gathered virtually for their annual strategic dialogue to take stock of collaboration during the year 2020 and to discuss key joint priorities for collaboration for 2021. The objective of the meeting was to agree on specific ways to enhance cooperation and a road map around key areas:… Read More

WHO’s new laboratory protocol entitled “Global protocol for measuring fatty acid profiles of foods with emphasis on monitoring trans fats originated from partially hydrogenated oils” provides a globally harmonized method to measure trans fats in foods. It will enable countries to assess the levels of trans-fatty acids (TFA) in their food supply to understand key sources of TFA in their… Read More

At the 73rd Session of the World Health Assembly, Member States overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for urgent action on meningitis prevention and control through the implementation of a bold, comprehensive global roadmap to defeat meningitis by 2030. Developed under WHO leadership, through extensive and broad consultation, this global roadmap paves the way for the implementation of multidisciplinary, integrated interventions… Read More

The sixth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) took place on Thursday, 14 January 2021 from 12:15 to 16:45 Geneva time (CEST).  Proceedings of the meeting Members and Advisors of the Emergency Committee were convened by videoconference.  The Director-General welcomed the Committee, expressed the need for global solidarity in… Read More

Honorable Chair, Excellencies, Director-General, Ladies and Gentlemen Thank you once again for the opportunity to provide you with an update on the work of the Review Committee on the Functioning of the International Health Regulations (2005) during COVID-19. As you know, this Committee was convened by the Director-General on 8 September 2020, in line with World Health Assembly Resolution WHA73.1.… Read More

Product type: All in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 Date: 18 January 2021                                                                    WHO-identifier: 2021/01, version 1   Target audience: Laboratory professionals and users of IVDs.   Purpose of this notice: To request that IVD users monitor mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on diagnosis.  Description of the problem:  Following the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants containing mutations, including SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01, and SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2, WHO reminds users of IVDs to monitor detection rates for SARS-CoV-2 at their site.   IVD users should routinely review test results to detect unexpected increases or decreases in… Read More