To improve efficiency, access On December 18, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first diagnostic test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This breakthrough will help safely administer WHO-recommended treatments to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax
WHO
Triumphs, challenges, and goals As the year draws to a close, the World Health Organization (WHO) examines the significant health milestones, breakthroughs, and challenges of 2024. This year has been marked by progress in the fight against diseases, expanding health services, and strengthening global health security. At the same time, the world faces considerable health
WHO faces funds’ shortage Yemen continues to bear the highest burden of cholera worldwide, with the country facing a persistent and severe outbreak that has ravaged its population for years. The outbreak is particularly devastating as Yemen struggles with an ongoing humanitarian crisis, further exacerbated by a lack of resources and damaged infrastructure. The
WHO issues a stark warning Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscore the significant progress in the fight against malaria since 2000. An estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths have been averted. However, despite these achievements, malaria remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region, where the […]
A perfect storm of vulnerabilities Recent outbreaks of diseases like the Marburg virus, Mpox, and the latest strain of avian influenza (H5N1) have highlighted the world’s vulnerability to pandemics. In 2024 alone, there have already been 17 outbreaks of dangerous diseases, each exposing cracks in the global system’s ability to prevent and respond to pandemics. […]
Part of Sport for Health initiative Building upon the groundbreaking experiences of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar and the World Health Organization (WHO) have jointly unveiled a new report that provides valuable insights and a strategic framework for ensuring the health and safety of grassroots and mega-sporting events worldwide. The report, Changing the […]
After 100 years of concerted efforts The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Egypt as malaria-free, a monumental achievement for a nation of over 100 million inhabitants. This milestone, the result of nearly a century of efforts by the Egyptian government and its people, marks a significant victory in the global fight against malaria. […]
Vision is one of the most vital senses, allowing people to connect with the world around them. When impaired, it can deeply affect a person’s quality of life, impacting everyday activities and social interactions. The World Health Organization (WHO)[1] estimates that around 2.7 billion people worldwide live with some form of visual impairment. To raise […]
mpox tops the list Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed a media conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 30, 2024, offering significant updates on ongoing health crises worldwide. The conference underscored WHO’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical public health challenges, from the mpox outbreak in
From September 2024 to February 2025 The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for financial support following the declaration of a global emergency concerning the mpox outbreak. The WHO has called for $87.4 million over the next six months—from September 2024 to February 2025—to boost its efforts in halting and containing the […]
How to protect yourself? Mpox is a rare viral infection caused by the mpox virus. Although the disease was first identified in laboratory monkeys, it primarily affects humans and is endemic to parts of central and western Africa. The illness can present with flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash, and understanding its nature and prevention […]
Disease escalates in DRC World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the upsurge of the mpox disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African nations a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The PHEIC designation follows the recommendation of an International Health Regulations
40+ Olympic athletes test positive With Europe experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 cases this summer, a new study by WHO/Europe has underscored the crucial role of vaccines in combating the pandemic. Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the study reveals that Covid-19 vaccines have significantly reduced deaths across the European region, saving over 1.6 […]
WHO and UAE facilitate major medical evacuation In a critical humanitarian effort, 85 patients from Gaza, including 35 children and 50 adults, have been evacuated to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for specialised medical care. The evacuation, executed on July 30, 2024, marks the most significant medical evacuation from Gaza since October 2023 and […]
UN Secretary-General issues call to action In a powerful statement addressing the escalating climate crisis, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a comprehensive call to action on extreme heat. This directive responds to the alarming temperature surge worldwide, which has resulted in deadly impacts. Guterres’ appeal underscores the urgent need to
The group includes 15 children In a humanitarian effort coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, 16 individuals from Gaza, including 15 children, arrived in Madrid on July 25, 2024, for critical medical treatment in Spain. This initiative comes amidst ongoing challenges for accessing specialised healthcare in Gaza due to the ongoing […]
WHO: Worrisome Global Trend A concerning new report reveals that almost one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, equating to approximately 1.8 billion individuals, failed to meet recommended physical activity levels in 2022. Published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with academic researchers, the findings highlight a troubling rise in physical
Celebrating Global Health Narratives The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the recipients of the prestigious awards at its 5th Health for All Film Festival, marking yet another year of cinematic excellence in highlighting crucial global health issues. The winners, whose films have significantly impacted raising awareness and promoting understanding, were
Geneva Meet Ends On June 1, 2024 World Health Assembly (WHA) delegates, recognising the urgent need to address global health security, gathered in Geneva on May 28, 2024. The central focus of their discussions was the imperative to finalise a pandemic agreement and strengthen the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), both of which have gained […]
To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its latest Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024, underscoring 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria posing significant threats to global health. The list categorised into critical, high, and medium priority groups, is a pivotal guide for prioritising research and development