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

Senegal joins growing list of countries that have eliminated trachoma

Senegal implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma with the support of partners, reaching 2.8 million people who needed them across 24 districts

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Senegal as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Senegal becomes the ninth country in WHO’s African Region to have achieved this feat. “I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone…

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

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends injectable lenacapavir for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention

WHO’s recommendation on LEN signals a decisive move to expand and diversify HIV prevention, giving people more options to take control over their health with choices that fit their lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) released today new guidelines recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN) twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention, in a landmark policy action that could help reshape the global HIV response. The guidelines are being issued at the 13th International AIDS Society…

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

Burundi eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in WHO’s African Region to reach this important milestone. Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in the country. “Eliminating a disease like…

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

Expanded use of new dual-insecticide nets offers hope for malaria control efforts in Africa

Since 2000, the global malaria response, including through ITN distribution campaigns, has helped prevent more than 2 billion cases and nearly 13 million deaths

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts over the past 2 decades, and their widespread use has been instrumental in preventing the disease and saving lives. Since 2000, the global malaria response, including through ITN distribution campaigns, has helped prevent more than 2 billion cases and…

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…