2012 in review: key health issues
December 2012
Key public health milestones were reached in 2012, including the end of polio transmission in India and meeting the Millennium Development Goal target on drinking water ahead of schedule. Governments made important decisions on combatting illicit trade in tobacco products, monitoring noncommunicable diseases, and conducting research on H5N1 influenza.
WHO supported response to a number of disease outbreaks, including Ebola in Uganda. The Organization encouraged countries to invest in testing, treating and tracking all cases of malaria, and to improve access to contraceptives. It issued guidance on the use of antiretroviral drugs to both prevent HIV transmission and keep people healthy.
WHO published new statistics highlighting the growing problem of high blood pressure and diabetes, that 15 million babies are born preterm every year, but that overall progress on child survival is speeding up.
Other recommendations showed how to use weather information to protect public health, and how to ensure people with mental health conditions receive good care. World Health Day outlined ways to ensure healthy ageing, and the World Health Assembly adopted decisions on issues including nutrition, adolescent pregnancy, and the reform of WHO.
Events
-
The 8th Global Conference on Health Promotion
10–14 June 2013
-
Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly
20–28 May 2013
Corporate resources
-
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