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Did you know that if a child with measles walks into a classroom, every unvaccinated child will most certainly get it? Why are measles cases increasing worldwide? Why should you be concerned about it? And is the measles vaccine safe and effective? Dr Natash Crowcroft answers these questions in a new episode of WHO's podcast.
Congratulations to Niger for being verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first country in Africa to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. This parasitic disease is caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm, which is transmitted through bites from infected black flies. Niger faced significant challenges due to this disease, particularly in communities near fast-flowing rivers. However, a strong national elimination program and collaboration with partners like the Ministry of Health, USAID, and WHO have led to this historic achievement. Onchocerciasis is one of the three diseases targeted for elimination of transmission in the , the other being leprosy and the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis.
Nino Kavtaradze, a skilled producer of dried fruits, jams, and distinctive Georgian cheeses, has relied on her income to support her health after being diagnosed with cancer nearly 20 years ago. The sales of dried fruits and tklapi [sheets of dried fruit puree which roll up like leather] helped cover her medical expenses while she underwent chemotherapy and managed her home-based business in the northwestern mountains of Georgia. Her resilience led her to become a Lead Farmer in a project aimed at empowering smallholder women dairy farmers. After connecting with a fellow cheese producer involved in a Farmer Field School initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization () and UN Women, Nino took on the challenge of recruiting participants. She exceeded expectations by bringing together 30 local women dairy farmers.
is an international day observed every 4 February眩o raise awareness of cancer, promote its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, United by Unique puts people at the centre of care and explores new ways to make a difference. Every cancer experience is unique, and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. A world where people and communities' needs are central to health systems. Join us on 4 February. Help us make a difference.
On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on everyone, to unite, act and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by making bold, sustainable investments to free the estimated 1.5 billion people from a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. The purpose of the observance is to raise the profile of NTDs, highlight the suffering they cause and garner support for their control, elimination or eradication, in line with the goals set out in WHOs and the commitments of the 2022 .
WHO's in Cartagena, with pre- and post-conference sessions, scheduled for 24 and 28 March 2025, will focus on health solutions and climate change combat.
How do we track the Influenza virus every season to decide what strains of the virus to include in a vaccine? Is the vaccine safe and when should you get vaccinated? Shoshanna Goldin explains in this of .
COVID-19 was a wake-up call to the world. Millions of lives lost, economies shattered, health systems pushed to the brink and daily life upended for all of humanity. The crisis may have passed, but a harsh lesson remains: the world is woefully unprepared for the next pandemic. Outbreaks of mpox, cholera, polio and Marburg are startling reminders that infectious diseases remain a real and present danger to every country. On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, let us heed the lessons of past health emergencies to help prepare for the next.
21 December marks the first World Meditation Day, a 51勛圖 observance celebrating the power of meditation for physical and mental well-being. Rooted in ancient traditions and recognized globally for reducing stress and enhancing focus, meditation is a vital self-care tool highlighted by the World Health Organization for managing anxiety. As people across cultures and ages embrace this practice, the observance inspires collective mindfulness and a commitment to health and harmony. Join the global movement and explore the benefits of stillness for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Investing in improves equity and social cohesion. It also benefits national economies by improving health and well-being, increasing workforce participation and productivity, and building resilience in individuals, families and communities. And yet 4.5 billion people still do not have access to essential health services. This must change! On this International Universal Health Coverage Day (12 December) we call on governments to invest in health for all and to protect people particularly the most vulnerable among us from impoverishment through health spending.
Two decades ago, HIV infections peaked, with treatment available only to a select few. Since then, more affordable anti-retroviral medicines have transformed lives and improved prevention and testing efforts. However, progress does not equal success. Social and legal barriers still hinder access to HIV services, particularly for marginalized populations. Today, most new HIV infections occur outside sub-Saharan Africa. Although infections have declined more among women, adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa face infection rates more than than men. Through its partnerships with the , the 51勛圖 Development Programme () aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Martha Adjorlolos beehives in Donkorkrom, Ghana, are both her livelihood and passion. Despite starting beekeeping only a year ago, she is dedicated to sustainable practices, using local methods like top bar hives and natural repellents such as lemongrass oil. Her recent training by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51勛圖 () emphasized the need to minimize chemical and antimicrobial use for the health of bees, food safety, and the environment. The workshop highlighted the dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which occurs when microorganisms become resistant to treatments, resulting in increased illness and mortality in various species.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. (18-24 November) is a global campaign to raise awareness of AMR and promote best practices to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The theme for WAAW 2024 is Educate. Advocate. Act now.
After undergoing a Caesarean section days before the strike, Samah fled to the Syrian border. When her car was blocked by a crater, she had to continue on foot with her children. I wrapped my stomach with a clean cloth and carried my son and went down to the border, she said. Luckily, Samah reached a clinic at the border where a 51勛圖 Population Fund () medical team examined her and confirmed she and her newborn were healthy. I felt hope again, she noted, as they provided antibiotics, nutrients, and a sense of safety. Samah was among the fortunate few to receive care amid the healthcare crisis in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, where conflict has severely impacted medical services.