Yellow fever vaccination booster not needed
17 May 2013 -- The yellow fever ‘booster’ vaccination given ten years after the initial vaccination is not necessary. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) has reviewed the latest evidence and concluded that a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer life-long immunity against yellow fever disease. This information is crucial for countries where yellow fever is endemic, because it will allow them to reconsider their vaccine scheduling. It is also important for travellers.
Reducing the appeal of smoking
17 May 2013 – Australia has recently introduced a law on tobacco plain packaging with active support from WHO. Other countries are watching this pioneering measure and are considering tougher packaging laws. Increasing plain packaging is one of the aims for this year’s World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2013 whose theme is Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Narrowing health gap between the richest and poorest countries
15 May 2013 – The world has made dramatic progress in improving health in the poorest countries and narrowing the gaps between countries with the best and worst health status in the past two decades, according to the World Health Statistics 2013. “Intensive efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals have clearly improved health for people all over the world,” says Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO.
Billions without access to improved sanitation
13 May 2013 – Some 2.4 billion people – one-third of the world’s population – will remain without access to improved sanitation in 2015, according to a joint WHO/UNICEF report, Progress on sanitation and drinking-water 2013 update. Faster progress on sanitation is needed and both organizations call for a final push to meet the Millennium Development Goal sanitation target.
WHO highlights
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May 2013
Thirty-one priority countries eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus
Tetanus, one of the most deadly diseases a mother and her newborn can face, has been eliminated in over half of 59 priority countries, according to the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) Elimination Initiative partners.
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May 2013
Preventing the onset of adolescent drug use
The "Strengthening Families" programme promotes family environments that protect 10–14-year-old children in order to prevent substance abuse and other risky behaviors. During the workshops, parents learned effective disciplinary techniques and gained skills in connecting emotionally with their children, getting closer to them with more confidence and empathy.
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May 2013
New record low price for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
WHO welcomes GAVI’s announcement on a new record low price for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines – a major step forward in helping protect millions of girls in developing countries against cervical cancer.
Corporate resources
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The world health report
Report on global public health and key statistics -
World health statistics report
WHO's annual compilation of data from its Member States -
International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements -
International Health Regulations (IHR)
Global rules to enhance national, regional and global public health security