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Tag: WHO

  • WHO expresses concern over significant decline in condom use

    WHO expresses concern over significant decline in condom use

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern over a significant decline in condom use among sexually active adolescents since 2014, leading to a surge in unprotected sex and associated risks.

    In a statement on Thursday, a new report from the WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, said the data revealed a worrying trend of decreased condom use.

    According to the report, the decreased condom use is putting young people at greater risk of sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and unplanned pregnancies.

    “The report, based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, surveyed over 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 countries in Europe, central Asia, and Canada between 2014 and 2022.

    “The findings indicate a pervasive decrease in condom use, with the proportion of sexually active adolescents using a condom at last intercourse falling from 70 per cent to 61 per cent among boys and 63 per cent to 57 per cent among girls between 2014 and 2022.

    “Furthermore, nearly a third of adolescents reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill at last intercourse, with socioeconomic differences also playing a role.

    “Adolescents from low-income families were more likely to report not using protection than those from more affluent families,”it said.

    Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, attributed the decline in condom use to a lack of comprehensive sex education, which had come under attack in recent years.

    He emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the right knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health, ultimately safeguarding their overall well-being.

  • Nigeria first in Africa to receive mpox vaccines – WHO

    Nigeria first in Africa to receive mpox vaccines – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Nigeria is the first country in Africa to receive mpox vaccines, aimed at combating the spread of the new strain of mpox virus.

    WHO in a statement stated that Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines on Tuesday.

    On Aug. 14 the chief of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the rise of mpox, formerly monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern.

    Following his announcement, the chief, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said he was working with partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines.

    The United States government has donated the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine to Nigeria, and it is set to be distributed in five of the country’s states, where the most mpox cases have been detected.

    “We are pleased to receive this modest initial donation of the mpox vaccine, which is safe and efficacious,” Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, said.

    “We will continue to strengthen surveillance and be vigilant to prevent and control mpox.”

    The MVA vaccine will be given to 5,000 people most at risk of the virus in a two-dose schedule.

    This includes “close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers, with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises,” according to WHO’s regional office for Africa.

    While waiting for the vaccines to be administered, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, has approved the vaccine’s emergency use.

    “The delivery of the mpox vaccines to Nigeria not only constitutes a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to halt the virus and protect health, but it is also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies,” Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director of Africa said.

    WHO’s Africa office says “serious gaps in mpox vaccine access” remain in Africa.

    The organisation is working with countries and manufacturers to increase access to the needed vaccines.

    Further, WHO is collaborating with partners including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and others to “enable donations from countries with existing stockpiles.”

    The partners are also developing a “donation scheme” to ensure the limited vaccines are used in areas where it is most needed.

    WHO’s Africa office is assisting the Nigerian Government to improve “surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory capacity, risk communication, and community engagement” as the country has had 786 suspected mpox cases and 39 confirmed cases as of Aug. 10 .

    Health officials are also implementing early case detection and diagnostics, as well as increasing cross-border surveillance, notably at main points of entry throughout the country.

  • WHO unveils plan to contain Mpox outbreak

    WHO unveils plan to contain Mpox outbreak

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) hon Monday unveiled a global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan ( SPRP)to tackle human-to-human transmission of mpox. This is contained in a statement issued by the world health body. The plan which will run from September 2024 to February 2025, requiring 135 million U.S. dollars in funding.

    It also includes coordinating global, regional, and national efforts, it aims to enhance surveillance and response strategies, ensure equitable access to diagnostics and vaccines, reduce animal-to-human transmission, and empower communities in outbreak control.

    The organisation made this known on Monday in a statement.

    The WHO said the unveiling follows the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO, Director-General on Aug. 14.

    According to it, a funding appeal for what WHO needs to deliver on the plan will be launched shortly.

    The WHO said  that the plan, which builds on the temporary recommendations and standing recommendations issued by the Ghebreyesus focuses on implementing comprehensive surveillance, prevention, readiness.

    Others are response strategies; advancing research and equitable access to medical countermeasures like diagnostic tests and vaccines; minimizing animal-to-human transmission; and empowering communities to actively participate in outbreak prevention and control.

    According to the WHO, strategic vaccination efforts will focus on individuals at the highest risk, including close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers, to interrupt transmission chains.

    “At the global-level, the emphasis is on strategic leadership, timely evidence-based guidance, and access to medical countermeasures for the most at-risk groups in affected countries.

    “WHO is working with a broad range of international, regional, national and local partners and networks to enhance coordination across key areas of preparedness, readiness and response.

    ” This includes engagement with the ACT-Accelerator Principals group; the Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response; the R and D Blueprint for Epidemics; and the interim Medical Counter Measures Network (i-MCM Net),” it stated.

    It said that WHO R and D Blueprint, along with Africa CDC, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, would host a virtual scientific conference on August 29 to 30 to align mpox research with outbreak control goals.

    Ghebreyesus said that the mpox outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries can be controlled and stopped.

    He said that doing so required a comprehensive and coordinated plan of action between international agencies, national and local partners, civil society, researchers and manufacturers, and our Member States.

    “This SPRP provides that plan, based on the principles of equity, global solidarity, community empowerment, human rights, and coordination across sectors.,” WHO boss said.

    According to him, WHO headquarters and regional offices have established incident management support teams to lead preparedness, readiness and response activities, and are significantly scaling up staff in affected countries.

    He said that within the Africa Region, where need was greatest, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) in collaboration with Africa CDC, would jointly spearhead the coordination of mpox response efforts.

    “WHO AFRO and Africa CDC have agreed on a one-plan, one-budget approach as part of the Africa Continental Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, currently under preparation.

    “At the national and sub-national level, health authorities will adapt strategies in response to current epidemiological trends,” he said.

  • WHO considers emergency as mpox spreads to parts of Africa

    WHO considers emergency as mpox spreads to parts of Africa

    Two years after a global outbreak, fears are growing over a new strain of mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several neighboring countries. This deadlier and more transmissible strain, known as the Clade Ib subclade, has been spreading person-to-person in the DRC since September.

     

    The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday that it is considering convening an expert committee to decide whether to declare an international emergency, as it did during the global mpox outbreak in 2022.

     

    Unlike other strains where lesions and rashes are usually limited to the mouth, face, and genitals, the Clade Ib strain causes skin rashes across the entire body.

     

    The African Union health agency, Africa CDC, reported 14,479 confirmed and suspected cases of the strain and 455 deaths in the DRC as of August 3, with a mortality rate of around three percent.

     

    Authorities in four neighboring countries, including Burundi, which has reported 127 cases, have also confirmed mpox cases, although the specific strain has not been identified.

     

    The eight-member East African Community (EAC) has urged governments to educate their citizens on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease.

  • Mpox remains global health threat – WHO

    Mpox remains global health threat – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Monkeypox (Mpox) has remained a global health threat as 26 countries reported cases to WHO in July.

    The Director-General of the organisation,  Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this on Thursday during an online media conference.

    Ghebreyesus said the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo showed no sign of slowing, with more than 11,000 cases reported in 2024 and 445 deaths, with children the most affected.

    He added that “South Africa recently reported 20 cases of mpox to WHO, including three deaths, with first cases in that country since 2022.

    “The cases were all men, and most self-identified as men who have sex with men.

    “None had reported any history of international travel, which suggests the confirmed cases are a small proportion of all cases, and that community transmission is ongoing.”

    According to him, WHO is supporting both DRC and South Africa to respond to the outbreaks, to conduct surveillance, to engage affected communities, and to develop immunisation strategies to ensure the most effective response.

    Ghebreyesus said that in early July,  United States reported a fourth human case of H5N1 following exposure to infected dairy cows.

    He said that Cambodia also reported two cases in children who had contact with sick or dead chickens.

    He added that “at the moment, no human-to-human transmission has been reported, which is why WHO continues to assess the risk to the general public as low.

    “However, our ability to assess and manage that risk is compromised by limited surveillance for influenza viruses in animals globally.

    “Understanding how these viruses are spreading and changing in animals is essential for identifying any changes that might increase the risk of outbreaks in humans, or the potential for a pandemic.”

    The WHO boss urged countries to strengthen influenza surveillance and reporting in animals and humans and share samples of influenza viruses with WHO collaborating centres.

    He also urged countries to share genetic sequences of human and animal flu viruses with publicly accessible databases and  provide protection for farm workers who may be exposed to infected animals

    “The countries should  accelerate research on avian influenza and encourage closer cooperation between animals and human health sectors,” he said.

    According to him, even as they continue to study the spread of H5N1, they also continue to study COVID-19, which still kills an average of 1700 people globally every week.

    He, however, noted that data has indicated that vaccine coverage has declined among health workers and people over 60, which are two of the most at-risk groups.

    Ghebreyesus said WHO has recommended people in the highest risk groups receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of last dose.

    Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, characterised by symptoms such as fever, headache,  swollen lymph nodes and chills.

    Other symptoms are exhaustion and rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and other parts of the body like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.

    Mpox is a sexually transmitted disease transmitted through close contact with infected person.

  • WHO intervenes as 25 cases of Cholera outbreak reported at Kirikiri prison

    WHO intervenes as 25 cases of Cholera outbreak reported at Kirikiri prison

    Following the outbreak of Cholera at the kirikiri prison, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has donated pharmaceutical support to the Lagos State Government.

    25 cases of cholera outbreak at the Kirikiri prison was reported on Monday.

    Commissioner for Health in Lagos, Prof Akin Abayomi,  made this known while giving an update on the cholera outbreak in the state, stating that urgent environmental and medical intervention measures had been implemented with success.

    “We were able to supply Kiriki­ri Medium Prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention and other health consumables.

    “The WHO has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required.”

    It would be recalled that the commissioner stated two weeks ago that the source of the outbreak was unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies.

  •  WHO raises Worldwide alert on fake diabetes drugs in circulation ( Here’s What To Look Out For)

     WHO raises Worldwide alert on fake diabetes drugs in circulation ( Here’s What To Look Out For)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday issued a public warning over the circulation of fake diabetes medications that have been on the market since 2022, impacting every part of the globe.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the health organization, in a statement, specifically mentioned countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil as those dealing with issues with these fake drugs.

    The issue involves Ozempic, a drug which is sanctioned in the EU and contains the active ingredient semaglutide.

    According to health organizations, the fake version is an exact replica of the genuine drug. Since it also reduces appetite, it’s being increasingly used for weight reduction.

    WHO also stated that these fake medications might not have the correct dosage of active ingredients, potentially leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetics.

    It also mentioned that these fake drugs could have other active ingredients that are harmful to health.

    Urging healthcare professionals, pharmacists, regulatory bodies, and the general public, WHO advises they stay alert.

    The WHO advised that individuals should only purchase medications with a prescription from brick-and-mortar pharmacies, not online.

    Patients are also encouraged to check that the insulin pen’s dosage markings are clear, the label is accurate, and there are no typos on the packaging.

  • WHO announces global resurgence of cholera

    WHO announces global resurgence of cholera

    The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of this year.

    The agency’s Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.

    WHO, in a statement on Thursday, stated that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.

    The UN health agency said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

    Yet, the supply of the vaccine does not equate to its demand.

    WHO reported that since January last year, 16 countries requested 92 million doses of OCV – almost double the 49 million produced during that time.

    WHO, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners are working together to use resources to find long-term solutions for cholera.

    On the positive side of health news, WHO announced on Thursday that Chad successfully eradicated “sleeping sickness” as a public health problem.

    The agency applauded the Government and people of Chad for eradicating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, (also known as sleeping sickness).

    “I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement.

    “It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.

    In eliminating the disease, Chad joining some 50 others globally that have succeeded in this endeavour.

    “The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” Ghebreyesus, added, referring to the target set out in the road map for address neglected tropical diseases by 2030.

    Sleeping sickness can cause flu-like symptoms initially but eventually causing behaviour change, confusion, sleep cycle disturbances or even coma, often leading to death.

    Improved access to early diagnosis and treatment, as well as surveillance and response has proven that countries can control and eventually eliminate transmission.

  • WHO sends out strong warning on refrigerated food: It can kill you

    WHO sends out strong warning on refrigerated food: It can kill you

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the public to dispose of food exposed to temperatures over 5 °C (41 °F) for no longer than two hours, as it will become unsafe for consumption.

    The health organization in a series tweets posted on the microblogging platform, X made this known to commemorate the 2024 World Food Safety Day, themed “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected.”

    World Food Safety Day, celebrated annually on June 7, was established by a United Nations General Assembly task force in 2018 to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent, detect, and address public health risks associated with unsafe food.

    “If there has been a power outage in your area, refrigerated or frozen food may not be safe to eat. Products can become unsafe if they have been exposed to temperatures above 5 °C for more than two hours.

    “After four hours of a power cut, the following apply: Throw out all perishable foods in your fridge, such as meat, poultry, fish, and leftovers.

    “Throw out all items in your freezer once they have thawed or cook them immediately, if they have been exposed to ambient temperature for more than two hours. Never eat food to determine if it is safe. If in doubt, throw it away,” WHO warned.

    The health organization further admonish those in power outage-prone areas to ensure that they keep a supply of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat, and canned foods, along with bottled water.

    “In case you live in areas prone to power outages, always keep a stock of pre-packaged, ready to eat and canned food, as well as bottled water for an emergency situation. Undamaged canned goods and commercial glass jars of food are likely to be safe.

    “However, if possible, containers should be sanitised before opening them for use. Discard canned foods with broken seams, serious dents, or leaks; and jars with,” WHO advised.

  • WHO warns of ‘bloodbath’ as Rafah offensive looms

    WHO warns of ‘bloodbath’ as Rafah offensive looms

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of dire consequences if Israel goes ahead with an impending military operation in Rafah.

    The planned push into the southern border city of Rafah would lead to “a bloodbath,” the organization wrote on X, formerly Twitter on Saturday

    The WHO said that more than 1.2 million people were currently sheltering in the area, many unable to move anywhere else.

    “A new wave of displacement would exacerbate overcrowding, further limiting access to food, water, health and sanitation services, leading to increased disease outbreaks, worsening levels of hunger, and additional loss of lives.”

    According to the WHO, only 33  per cent of Gaza’s 36 hospitals and 30 per cent of primary health care Centre’s were functional in some capacity amid repeated attacks and shortages of vital medical supplies, fuel, and staff.

    WHO calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the removal of the obstacles to the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance into and across Gaza, at the scale that is required.

    Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to launch an offensive in Rafah to eliminate the remaining strongholds of Hamas.

    The organisation said that although Israel’s allies have repeatedly urged caution, as a large majority of the approximately 2.2 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip have fled to the south during the war.