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Second Emergency Committee on Zika virus and observed increase in neurological disorders and neonatal malformations

WHO/S. Setiogi

8 March 2016 -- Since the Emergency Committee on Zika virus first met on 1 February, substantial new research has provided increasing evidence of a causal relationship between Zika virus and the occurrence of fetal malformations and neurological disorders. The Committee gave recommendations on surveillance, vector control, risk communication, clinical care, travel measures for pregnant women, research and product development.

Beat diabetes

World Health Day 2016 poster
WHO

8 March 2016-- In 2008, an estimated 347 million people in the world had diabetes and the prevalence is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This year’s World Health Day, 7 April, is focused on beating diabetes. New posters have just been released for the Day for use around the world. The posters promote ways to "stay super" and "beat diabetes".

Pregnancy management in the context of Zika

WHO/PAHO/D. Spitz

2 March 2016 -- WHO releases new guidance, today, on pregnancy management during the Zika virus epidemic. The guidance aims to reduce the risk of maternal Zika infection and to help manage potential complications during pregnancy to give both mothers and their babies the best possible health outcomes.

UN High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth

EPA/I. Wagner

2 March 2016 -- Low- and lower-middle-income countries are facing a potential deficit of 18 million health workers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A new UN high-level commission will explore steps to meet the global shortfall of trained health workers, within the context of achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Caring for Ebola survivors

At the Ebola survivors clinic in Liberia, 2015
WHO/C. Bailey

2 March 2016 -- Ebola virus has been detected in the breast milk of survivors up to 16 months after the onset of symptoms. Studies into virus persistence in breast milk are ongoing and more evidence is needed to understand the risk of transmission and duration of the virus. The revised guidance recommends that if Ebola virus is detected in breast milk, lactating survivors should suspend breastfeeding and use a safe breast milk substitute until they obtain 2 consecutive negative Ebola tests.

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Outbreaks and emergencies

Ebola outbreak » MERS-CoV outbreak » Microcephaly/Zika virus » Emergencies »

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  • Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality
    March 2016 -- This year's International Women’s Day focuses on accelerating the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, especially goal number 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and goal 4 – Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
  • Consultation for adolescent health
    March 2016 -- In response to the health needs of adolescents, WHO and partners are developing a Global Framework for Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (the Global AA-HA! Framework). Initial input is now requested from governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth groups and citizens.
  • Securing a polio-free world video series
    March 2016 -- WHO has launched a series of 6 videos explaining important steps being taken to ensure that once the poliovirus has been eradicated it will never return. We have never been closer to our goal, but there is much left to be done to secure a polio-free world.
  • Life-saving medical supplies reach besieged city in Syria
    March 2016 -- WHO delivered urgently needed medicines to the besieged city of Mouadamieh, 10 km south of Damascus. Since January 2016, WHO has delivered medicines, medical supplies, and vaccines to a number of hard-to-reach areas in Syria, such as eastern Aleppo city, Douma, Madaya, Kafraya, Foah, Az-Zabadani, Kafr Batna, and Mouadamieh.

Disease outbreak news

Emergency reform

WHO is reforming its work in outbreaks and emergencies with health and humanitarian consequences to ensure the Organization can respond rapidly to future crises.

Microcephaly and Zika virus

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

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Dr Chan, WHO Director-General, visits Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, three of the four countries where indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus has not yet been interrupted.
WHO

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