World Health Organization (WHO) / Press Release

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Nov 28, 2025

Measles deaths down 88% since 2000, but cases surge

To achieve measles elimination, strong political commitment and sustained investment is needed to ensure all children receive two doses of the measles vaccine and surveillance systems can rapidly detect outbreaks

Global immunization efforts have led to an 88% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000. However, an estimated 95 000 people, mostly children younger than 5 years of…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Apr 10, 2025

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…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Jan 09, 2025

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.…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | May 23, 2024

"All for Health, Health for All" sets the stage for the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly

The four-year period represents a window to get the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the most severe pandemic in a century, the Seventy-seventh session of the World Health Assembly will convene under the banner of "All for Health, Health for All." Scheduled to run from 27 May to 1 June, with the participation of ministers of…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Apr 15, 2024

Uganda engages communities in physical and mental health activities as part of the World Health Day Commemoration

The event was organized at the WHO Country Office in Kololo, Uganda

The Ugandan Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and its partners carried out awareness-raising and community engagement activities to commemorate World Health Day in Uganda. In line with the theme "My health, my right," these activities included a public sports walk, mass screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Feb 25, 2024

Breaking the chain of measles spread amongst children in Tanzania

Measles is one of the most contagious infections known to humans and ranks among the top four childhood killers worldwide

Nearly 8 million children in Tanzania have received vaccinations to stay protected against measles-rubella following the recent sporadic and hot spots of measles outbreaks in different areas of the country since July 2022. In response, the Ministry of Health together with the World Health Organization and partners conducted several periodic…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Nov 30, 2023

World Health Organization (WHO), partners urge stronger action to accelerate childhood vaccination in Africa

The side-event at the CPHIA proposed actions to accelerate the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign

With one in five children in Africa still missing basic, life-saving vaccines, World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are calling for accelerated action to reach all children and put the continent back on track to achieve the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals towards reducing illness and deaths due to vaccine-preventable diseases.…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Nov 17, 2023

Global measles threat continues to grow as another year passes with millions of children unvaccinated

Of the countries experiencing outbreaks, 28 were in the WHO Region for Africa

Following years of declines in measles vaccination coverage, measles cases in 2022 have increased by 18%, and deaths have increased by 43% globally (compared to 2021). This takes the estimated number of measles cases to 9 million and deaths to 136 000 – mostly among children – according to a…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Nov 10, 2023

Children with cancer evacuated from Gaza for treatment to Egypt and Jordan

WHO, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and key countries coordinate vital humanitarian action amidst ongoing conflict

Some 12 children with cancer or other blood disorders have been evacuated, with their companions, from the Gaza Strip in the occupied Palestinian territory to Egypt and Jordan so they may continue their treatment safely. Additional children are expected to be evacuated for cancer treatment as part of this initiative.…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 26, 2023

Ban smoking and vaping in school to protect young people

WHO encourages all countries to make all indoor public places completely smoke-free in line with Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Today, the World Health Organization released two new publications, “Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools,” and “Nicotine- and tobacco-free school toolkit” to help protect children’s health just in time for back-to-school season in many countries. The tobacco industry relentlessly targets young people with tobacco and nicotine products resulting in e-cigarette…

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