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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) |

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) |

World Health Organization (WHO) Global Malaria Programme launches new operational strategy

In recent years, progress towards critical targets of the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030 has stalled, particularly in countries that carry a high burden of the disease

Ahead of World Malaria Day, the WHO Global Malaria Programme published a new operational strategy outlining its priorities and key activities up to 2030 to help change the trajectory of malaria trends, with a view to achieving the global malaria targets. The strategy outlines 4 strategic objectives where WHO will focus its efforts,…

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

In world first, Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 vaccine against meningitis

Health workers rollout immunization campaign aiming to reach one million people

In a historic move, Nigeria has become the first country in the world to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria. The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine…

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

Liberia rewriting cervical cancer narrative, one dose at a time

In Liberia, cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women, followed by breast cancer, making it the primary cause of female cancer-related deaths

Protecting her 13-year-old daughter, Jamsetta Kumeh, from human papillomavirus (HPV) overrode Buludi Martin’s reservations about the vaccine that prevents the infection that can cause cervical cancer. Today she is content that she made the correct decision. “I was afraid, of course,” she admits. “There are so many stories about vaccines,…

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

World Health Organization (WHO) and Tanzania Ministry of Health take action to improve access to essential medicines for epilepsy and Parkinson disease

Population-based prevalence studies in Tanzania estimate that 450,000 people live with epilepsy, and 36,000 live with Parkinson disease

Tanzania is paving the way in the African region on the implementation of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031 (IGAP). Using epilepsy and Parkinson disease as tracer conditions, WHO and Tanzania Ministry of Health are working together to identify barriers to medication access and…

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

World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes noma as a neglected tropical disease

Early detection is essential, as therapy is most effective at the early stages of disease when it causes severe swollen gums, known as acute necrotizing gingivitis

In a pivotal move towards addressing one of the world’s most underrecognized health challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the inclusion of noma (cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis) in its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This decision, which was recommended by the 17th meeting of the…

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

Global partners cheer progress towards eliminating cervical cancer and underline challenges

The global HPV vaccination coverage of girls that received at least one dose of HPV vaccine has increased to 21% in 2022 – exceeding the pre-pandemic levels for the first time

World leaders, cervical cancer survivors, advocates, partners, and civil society are coming together today to mark the third Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action. The Initiative, which marked the first time Member States adopted a resolution to eliminate a noncommunicable disease, has continued to gain momentum, and this year's commemoration promises…

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

World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance pass the mid-point of the global 10-year strategy to eliminate yellow fever epidemics

The Eliminate Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy – a partnership led by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – launches a report following its mid-term evaluation in 2022

Following devastating outbreaks in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2016 that saw exportation of cases to China, the EYE Strategy  –  a global coalition of over 50 partners in 40 countries  – was launched to accelerate efforts to prevent outbreaks, protect at-risk populations, and save lives across the continent.  The…

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

A new resolve to eliminate cholera in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Although vaccines are important, eliminating cholera needs many parts of society to work together, with a focus on getting people safe water and well managed toilet systems

The complex health crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has worsened since the beginning of 2023. In the east of the country, entire villages have been burned to the ground as intercommunal clashes and armed conflict rage, forcing people to leave their homes for their safety and…