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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…

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…