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World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

World Health Organization (WHO) launches first-ever guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care

The highest burden of disease is seen in a region of sub-Saharan Africa, often referred to as the ‘meningitis belt’

The World Health Organization (WHO) has today published its first-ever global guidelines for meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, aiming to speed up detection, ensure timely treatment, and improve long-term care for those affected. By bringing together the latest evidence-based recommendations, the guidelines provide a critical tool for reducing deaths and disability…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda

The randomized vaccine trial to assess the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) candidate vaccine was launched at a ceremony in Kampala today by the Minister of Health of Uganda

In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency. The principal investigators from Makerere University…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

World Health Organization (WHO) prequalifies diagnostic test to support safer administration of P. vivax malaria treatments

Decision reflects updated processes to improve efficiency, access

On 18 December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first diagnostic test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency which can help to safely deliver WHO-recommended treatments to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) infection. The prequalification of this G6PD diagnostic test marks a significant milestone in facilitating safe and effective P.…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Statement by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros on evacuations of patients from Gaza

Only 5383 patients have been evacuated with support from WHO since October 2023, of which only 436 since the Rafah crossing was closed

WHO has repeatedly raised the alarm that patients in Gaza need urgent medical evacuation for life-saving treatment, yet the pace of evacuations remains excruciatingly slow. Only 5383 patients have been evacuated with support from WHO since October 2023, of which only 436 since the Rafah crossing was closed. Over 12,000…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Sahel, Lake Chad Basin countries coordinate joint polio eradication plan

The endorsement of this plan marks a renewed commitment to safeguard current and future generations from the life-long effects of polio

In a significant move to combat the ongoing challenge of variant poliovirus transmission in Central and West Africa, Ministers of Health from the Lake Chad Basin countries and Sahel sub-region have published this week a comprehensive cross-border coordination plan for 2024/2025. This critical initiative aims to bolster joint efforts to…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

World Health Organization (WHO) and partners establish an access and allocation mechanism for mpox vaccines, treatments, tests

The AAM was established as a part of the interim Medical Countermeasures Network (i-MCM-Net)

In coordination with Member States, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have established an access and allocation mechanism for mpox medical countermeasures including vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests. The Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) will increase access to these tools for people at highest risk and ensure that the…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalifies the first vaccine against mpox

The MVA-BN vaccine can be administered in people over 18-years of age as a 2-dose injection given 4 weeks apart, after prior cold storage, the vaccine can be kept at 2–8°C for up to 8 weeks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the MVA-BN vaccine as the first vaccine against mpox to be added to its prequalification list. The prequalification approval is expected to facilitate timely and increased access to this vital product in communities with urgent need, to reduce transmission and help contain the…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Global strategic preparedness and response plan launched by WHO to contain mpox outbreak

The plan covers the six-month period of September 2024-February 2025, envisioning a US$135 million funding need

The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched a global  Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan  to stop outbreaks of human-to-human transmission of mpox through coordinated global, regional, and national efforts. This follows the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO Director-General on 14 August. The current…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Road traffic deaths rise in the African region, but down globally, World Health Organization (WHO) report

The report attributes the rise to multiple factors, including inadequate road safety laws and standards

Road traffic death rates in the past decade have increased significantly in the African region, with almost 250 000 lives lost on the continent’s roads in 2021 alone. Conversely, global rates fell by 5% during the same period, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report shows. Between 2010 and 2021, the…

World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) |

Chad eliminates human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem

51st country to be recognized by WHO for eliminating a neglected tropical disease, surpassing the halfway mark towards the 100-country target set for 2030

The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates Chad for having eliminated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. It marks the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country. Chad is the first country to be acknowledged for eliminating a…