World Health Organization (WHO) / Press Release

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Oct 24, 2020

Coronavirus: How polio personnel are pivoting against COVID-19

On World Polio Day, we recognize the immense contributions of polio workers to COVID-19 response and acknowledge the major challenges ahead

World Polio Day, on 24 October, is when the world comes together to celebrate the determination that has brought us 99% of the way to ending polio, and reflect on the heights we must scale to defeat the disease completely. This year, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, a…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Oct 05, 2020

COVID-19 disrupting mental health services in most countries, WHO survey finds

World Mental Health Day on 10 October to highlight urgent need to increase investment in chronically underfunded sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health is increasing, according to a new WHO survey. The survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Oct 01, 2020

World leaders, celebrities to join WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health on 10 October

Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide

On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, world leaders and internationally-recognized celebrities and mental health advocates will come together for the World Health Organization’s Big Event for Mental Health. WHO’s first-ever online advocacy event for mental health will focus on the urgent need to address the world’s chronic under-investment in mental health ̶ a problem…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 28, 2020

Coronavirus: Global partnership to make available 120 million affordable, quality COVID-19 rapid tests for low- and middle-income countries

The Global Fund commits an initial US$50 million to enable countries to purchase the new tests

A full access package includes WHO policy guidance on the use of antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests, manufacturer volume guarantees for low and middle-income countries, catalytic funding to assist governments to deploy the tests and an initial US$50 million procurement fund; several rapid, point-of-care antigen tests are being assessed by WHO for…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 25, 2020

Coronavirus: US$35 billion price tag to end the acute phase of the pandemic

Partners lay out investment needed to speed up access to COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines and treatments

The ACT-Accelerator is the only global initiative offering a solution to speed up the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched on 24 April 2020, it combines public and private sector expertise and institutions from around the world to accelerate the development, regulatory approval, scale-up, delivery and equitable allocation of COVID-19 tests,…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 23, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic: countries urged to take stronger action to stop spread of harmful information

WHO and partners urged countries to engage and listen to their communities as they develop their national action plans

The World Health Organization (WHO) together with the UN, specialised agencies and partners today called on countries to develop and implement action plans to promote the timely dissemination of science-based information and prevent the spread of false information while respecting freedom of expression. WHO, the UN, UNICEF, UNAIDS, the UN…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 22, 2020

Tobacco responsible for 20% of deaths from coronary heart disease

Just a few cigarettes a day, occasional smoking, or exposure to second-hand smoke increase the risk of heart disease

Every year, 1.9 million people die from tobacco-induced heart disease, according to a new brief released today by the World Health Organization, World Heart Federation and the University of Newcastle Australia ahead of World Heart Day, marked on 29 September. This equates to one in five of all deaths from…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 22, 2020

Coronavirus: Boost for global response to COVID-19 as economies worldwide formally sign up to COVAX facility

156 economies, representing roughly 64% of the global population in total, are now either committed to or eligible for the COVAX Facility

64 higher income economies have now joined the COVAX Facility, with a further 38 economies expected to sign in the coming days; these self-financing economies, which include 29 from ‘Team Europe’ participating as part of an agreement with the European Commission, join 92 lower income economies eligible for financial support…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 17, 2020

Coronavirus: Keep health workers safe to keep patients safe - WHO

The pandemic has also highlighted the extent to which protecting health workers is key to ensuring a functioning health system and a functioning society

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments and healthcare leaders to address persistent threats to the health and safety of health workers and patients. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us of the vital role health workers play to relieve suffering and safe lives,“ said Dr Tedros…

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) | Sep 16, 2020

Coronavirus: Somalia marks 6 months of COVID-19

Close collaboration among United Nations agencies, and with health authorities, has helped mount a strong response to the outbreak

Somalia is no stranger to emergencies. For decades, Somalis have passed down to younger generations their rich, vibrant culture, along with mechanisms to cope with all kinds of challenges they have faced over the years. Their resilience and Somalia’s health system have been tested yet again in the last 6…

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