The African region is accelerating the implementation of the global roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and 10 countries have eliminated at least one NTD since 2021, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Africa told the body’s executive board last week. Togo eliminated four NTD, while Egypt eliminated lymphatic filariasis and […] Continue reading ->
WHO’s director general says the battle against maternal mortality has stalled; Somalia calls for a new WHA resolution committing to stepped-up action on maternal and child deaths, a leading global health inequality.  The battle against maternal mortality has stagnated and high rates of deaths continue to plague sub-Saharan Africa, as well as other low- and […] Continue reading ->
The United States described a four-pronged strategy to accelerate the eradication of polio globally at the WHO Executive Board session on poliomyelitis on Thursday. No. 1: Halt circulation in Afghanistan, Pakistan The first action, the U.S. representative said, would be the intensification of efforts to halt the circulation of the wild poliovirus in Afghanistan and […] Continue reading ->
World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the success of tobacco control measures at the Wednesday evening session of the Executive Board meeting, but expressed concerns about the growing use of harmful products like e-cigarettes among youth. He urged member states, “to take swift action to counter this emerging threat” of children […] Continue reading ->
The Central African country of Cameroon became the first country globally to implement routine malaria vaccinations on Monday, marking a significant stride in the fight against the deadly disease that claims over half a million lives annually, primarily affecting children under five in Africa. According to Aurélia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer of Gavi the Vaccine […] Continue reading ->
After working in prestigious international positions, Nigeria’s new health minister has returned to rebuild the health system of Africa’s most populous country. Excitement turned to disappointment in the global health sector when Dr Muhammad Ali Pate was announced as CEO-designate of the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, then withdrew six weeks before assuming the position. Pate […] Continue reading ->
More R&D into already known emerging disease threats, from Mpox to Lassa fever would go a long way to both bolster developing countries’ preparedness as well as protecting the world, experts argue. Member state negotiations resume next week over a draft WHO convention on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response – which is supposed to be […] Continue reading ->
In a milestone decision at the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA76), a resolution aimed at addressing health challenges faced by indigenous peoples worldwide has been approved. With it, the Director-General of the WHO has been directed to develop a comprehensive global action plan dedicated to improving their health outcomes by 2026. Indigenous peoples, encompassing a […] Continue reading ->