Action falling short to end tuberculosis epidemic

13 October 2016 – New data published by WHO in its 2016 "Global Tuberculosis Report" show that countries need to move much faster to prevent, detect, and treat tuberculosis if they are to meet global targets. The report highlights inequalities among countries in access to cost-effective diagnosis and treatment, and signals the need for bold political commitment and increased funding.

Better working conditions needed for midwives

13 October 2016 – WHO and partners are calling for an end to the discrimination, harassment and lack of respect that hinder midwives’ ability to provide quality care to women and newborns. Based on findings from 2400 midwives in 93 countries, the first global survey of midwifery personnel reveals that too often midwives are constrained by unequal power relations and face cultural isolation, unsafe accommodation, and low salaries.

Classification of diseases essential for health systems

12 October 2016 – The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is made up of thousands of codes that are used around the world to classify diseases and conditions, to track changing disease patterns, and make financing decisions about health systems. This week, the first update of ICD in 25 years is being released by WHO for comment by its member states. Why is the ICD so important for global health?

Depression: let’s talk

10 October 2016 – Depression is an illness that can happen to anybody. It causes mental anguish and affects people’s ability to carry out everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends. At worst, depression can lead to suicide. Fortunately, depression can be prevented and treated. Today, on World Mental Health Day, WHO is launching a 1-year campaign: Depression: let’s talk.

Early childhood development essential for children and communities

5 October 2016 – An estimated 43% of children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries – 249 million children – are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, according to a new publication series from The Lancet. WHO contributed to the series, which reveals effective interventions that may cost as little as 50 cents per child per year when combined with existing services.

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Highlights

  • Appeal for $9 million for emergency health operations in Haiti
    October 2016 -- WHO has issued an appeal to donors for emergency health response operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Of the more than 2.1 million Haitians who have been affected by the Hurricane, there are estimated 750,000 persons in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
  • India on the right path to ending TB
    October 2016- India is the one of the world’s frontrunners in finding innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis (TB). Innovative models include the introduction of vouchers for free diagnosis and free drugs for patients in private clinics through links with private laboratories and pharmacies in the neighbourhoods, and tiered referrals to access these services.
  • Emergency response in Haiti targets cholera
    October 2016- WHO expects an important upsurge in cholera cases in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew, given the context of flooding and the storm’s impact on water and sanitation infrastructure, which is still being assessed.

Emergency reform

The WHO emergency reform process encompasses governance reform, managerial reform, and further development of emergency capacities.

Zika virus and complications

After a spike in cases of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus, WHO declared a public health emergency.

Commentaries

The early years: silent emergency or unique opportunity?

"But although we know what has to be done in the early years, our challenge is to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for the most disadvantaged young children and their families."

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO,
Anthony Lake, Executive Director, UNICEF, and
Keith Hansen, Vice President for Human Development, World Bank Group


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