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Tag: WHO

  • Aid could arrive in Gaza starting on Friday- WHO

    Aid could arrive in Gaza starting on Friday- WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday said it expects the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip to be opened for desperately needed aid deliveries on Friday.

    “Our trucks are loaded and ready to go.

    “We are working with the Egypt and Palestine Red Crescent Societies to deliver our supplies into Gaza as soon as the Rafah crossing is opened, hopefully tomorrow,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

    The UN health agency has five trucks full of supplies in place in Egypt near Gaza, said Teresa Zakaria of the WHO’s emergency relief office.

    Another 40 tonnes of supplies is expected to arrive there by next week, Tedros said.

    Among them are medicines for the chronically ill, as well as materials to treat the wounded and other supplies to care for 300,000 people, including pregnant women, he said.

    Emergency Relief Coordinator Mike Ryan also named anaesthetics, intravenous drips (IVs), painkillers, wound dressings and supplies for amputations as being en route to the Palestinian enclave.

  • Delta Govt. committed to functional healthcare delivery – Oborevwori

    Delta Govt. committed to functional healthcare delivery – Oborevwori

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has pledged to make functional healthcare system readily accessible to the people of the state.

    The governor made the pledge on Thursday when the State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Faith Ireye, led a delegation to visit him at the Government House, Asaba.

    He lauded WHO and other health partners for their consistent support to the growth and development of the health sector in the state and country.

    He assured them that he would continue to support their operations to ensure health and overall wellbeing of the people of Delta.

    “One of my first actions as governor was to give approval for the rehabilitation of 260 primary healthcare centres situated across the state.

    “Our goal is to ensure that functional healthcare centres are readily available to our people, no matter where they reside.

    “If there is one global body that has positively touched the lives of people all over the world, it is WHO.

    “I deeply appreciate the efforts of WHO to making the world healthier and safer for all of us,” he said.

    Oborevwori further said: “as a government, we appreciate your untiring efforts to tackle unmet health needs and confront emerging health problems in communities.

    “The relentless advocacy campaigns by WHO to raise awareness on climate change risks to health speak volumes about your commitment and tenacity of purpose.

    “We are ever ready to cooperate and collaborate with WHO to develop new areas of policy to respond to and prepare for a rapidly changing climate.

    “The strategic thrust of our MORE agenda is to meet the needs of diverse local populations, ensuring that all have a voice, basically making sure that our people come first.

    “That demands action on our part to implement measures that protect the environment and also ensure that the health and safety of the population are paramount”.

    The governor said that his administration had sustained the free maternal and children-under-five healthcare programme in recognition of the importance that is attached to their wellbeing and survival.

    “This is also in pursuance of the Health for All Delta policy in accordance with the mandate of Universal Health Coverage of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    “Furthermore, more than 20 per cent of the population, the highest in the country, are currently enrolled into our health insurance scheme.

    “WHO and other healthcare partners can always count on us to extend the frontiers of healthcare delivery and to drive the global action needed to protect health from climate risks, and realise the health benefits of low-carbon energy choices,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Ireye congratulated the governor on his ekectoral victory and inauguration as well as confirmation by the election petitions tribunal.

    She lauded the State Government for its free medical treatment for children under five and pregnant women and for providing free supplements and nutrients for under-nourished children in the state.

    She said that such noble initiative by the government should be sustained.

    Ireye acknowledged the support of the State Government to WHO in the realisation of its core mandate.

    According to her, healthcare workers in the state have started the integration of primary healthcare service.

    “What this means is that if an officer is going for an outreach somewhere, he doesn’t just carry only routine items.

    “He takes other interventions along because he is meeting almost the same people that he is expected to meet,” she said.

    The WHO coordinator called for the revitalisation of the primary healthcare system, saying that it was critical for sustainable healthcare development because it would make the integration of essential services work very well.

    “Human resource is a big issue not only in Delta, but in the whole country and the few we have are all moving away.

    “We need to address it because if you go to some of our facilities, we have just one person.

    “One person is not a magician that would be able to address the health care needs of the people.

    “We need to look at that issue critically.

    “And when we talk of human resource, we talk of human health care revitalisation,” Ireye said.

    She also disclosed that there was an urgent need to amend the law that established the Primary Health Care Development Agency in the state.

    “How can the Executive Secretary, who is a medical doctor or a public health expert, heading the Health Department in the LGA, be under the State Primary Health Care, while the other healthcare staff are under the Local Government Service Commission?

    “How do we function under this arrangement? We need to look at it.

    “The Contributory Health Scheme is good and Delta is well ahead of many states; yet, we still need to look at it.

    “We need to increase enrolment in the private sector,” she said.

    Ireye further said: “Delta is one of the two states in this country that TB services are not included in the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme.

    “We need to include TB services in the health insurance scheme, when we are reviewing or amending the law”

  • WHO releases 5 themes for improved mental health for refugees, migrants

    WHO releases 5 themes for improved mental health for refugees, migrants

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a new report entitled:  “Mental health of refugees, migrants, risk, protective factors and access to care”.

     

    The organisation in a statement on Tuesday outlined the latest global evidence on main factors influencing the mental health of refugees and migrants and their access to care.

     

    It said that it was the fifth report of the Global Evidence review on Health and Migration (GEHM).

     

    “Around one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition.

     

    ” Refugees and migrants are particularly vulnerable, as they can be exposed to various stress factors and challenges, which affect their mental health and well-being both during their journeys and on arrival.

     

    “The prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) tends to be higher among migrants and refugees than among host populations.

     

    “Girls and women on the move have a higher risk of depression and anxiety,” it said.

     

    Dr Santino Severoni, Director of the WHO’s Department of Health and Migration,  said good mental health and well-being is a right for all, including for refugees and migrants.

     

    Severoni said that the report would support and strengthen health systems’ responses to the mental health needs of refugees and migrants

     

    He said the report would enable them receive quality mental health care and support in ways they find accessible, acceptable and affordable.

     

    The report summarised different risk factors and barriers refugee and migrant groups experience, and outlines five key themes to be addressed in order to improve their access to mental health care.

     

    “Community support: Evidence shows that being part of a community with a shared background and attending school are associated with lower rates of mental disorders.

     

    “Basic needs and security. For example, an insecure legal status can contribute to poor mental health.

     

    “Stigma: experiences of racism and discrimination are consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes.

     

    “Adversity and trauma. For example, extended detention is associated with increased rates of depression and PTSD.

     

    “Access to services. Refugees and migrants often do not prioritise their mental health because they are not aware of the services available free of charge or do not accept health care due to language barriers and concerns around confidentiality.

     

    “Refugees and migrants face many unique stressors and challenges,” it said.

     

    Mrs Dévora Kestel, WHO Director for Mental Health and Substance Use, said that the report sets out the urgent need for robust policies and legislation, rooted within stronger health systems to meet the mental health care needs of refugees and migrants.

     

    She said that urgent actions are needed by policymakers based on the findings of the review.

     

    ” GEHM puts forward a series of actions for consideration by governments, policymakers, and programme managers in Ministries of Health and other ministries, cutting across all the five thematic areas outlined:

     

    “Promote refugees’ and migrants’ participation in society and reduce discrimination by adopting refugee- and migrant-sensitive mental health policies.

     

    “Address the non-medical factors that impact mental health in migration policies and prioritize basic needs, such as food, housing, safety, and education or employment.

     

    “This means, for example, using settings other than detention facilities to assess the health status of refugees and migrants,” it said.

     

    The statement said that health workers would be trained to assess and treat mental health conditions among refugees and migrants and strengthen the capacity of other relevant professionals.

     

    It said that the trained workers would also recognise and support those with mental health conditions.

  • Why Africa grapples with over 100 diseases – WHO

    Why Africa grapples with over 100 diseases – WHO

    Africa is facing a growing health crisis exacerbated by factors such as natural disasters like cyclones, droughts, conflicts, floods, and civil unrest, the World Health Organisation has said.

    The continent which boasts rich biodiversity and ecosystems that foster close interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife, is currently grappling with 125 disease outbreaks.

    A Senior Adviser at the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Hendrick Ormel, said in a recent statement that Africa’s unique geography, provides fertile ground for zoonotic diseases and that more than 60 percent of these diseases originate from animals, particularly wildlife.

    His words: “The reasons are not far-fetched; it is because of the geographical location and the interaction between wildlife, livestock and human beings. It is also because of poverty and corruption. All these are part of the reasons why we have these outbreaks of diseases.”

    Poor communities often lack access to basic healthcare services, clean water, and proper sanitation. As a result, diseases like Covid-19, cholera, yellow fever, measles, and even polio find conducive environments to thrive.

    Ormel said further: “We cannot change the climate or the geography, but it is extremely important that we implement measures to address gaps in health security and emergencies. The implementation is very important, and this is needed in hospitals and the farm.

    “For Nigeria, you need to be able to detect diseases as soon as possible, because the sooner you detect it the easier it is to respond to the outbreak.”

    He stressed that bolstering healthcare systems, especially in underserved communities, was essential, including improving access to healthcare, sanitation, and clean water.

    Ormel added that sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise can significantly enhance Africa’s disease preparedness and effective responses require collaboration between countries, international organizations, and healthcare providers.

    He urged the Nigerian government to enable the implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) to address gaps in health security identified by the Joint External Evaluation, the lessons from Covid-19 pandemic and other emergencies.

  • Aspartame sweetener possible cancer cause – WHO

    Aspartame sweetener possible cancer cause – WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) cancer research agency on Friday classified the commonly used artificial sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to human”.

    Although, another UN Committee reaffirmed that there was a safe daily level of consumption.

    The joint assessment from WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which is part of WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, represents the first public intervention by the UN health agency on the widely used sweetener.

    Aspartame has been used in multiple food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, ice cream and other dairy products such as yoghurt; breakfast cereals, toothpaste, and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins.

    The new assessments mark the first public evaluation of the sweetener by IARC, and scientists cite “limited evidence” that it could cause cancer.

    Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO said the assessments “have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies,” said in a statement.

    He reminded that one in six people dies from cancer:

    “Science is continuously expanding to assess the possible initiating or facilitating factors of cancer, in the hope of reducing these numbers and the human toll”.

    The two bodies conducted independent but complementary reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks.

    JECFA concluded that it continues to be safe for a person to consume a substantial quantity of aspartame each day.

    An adult weighing around 70 kilogrammes (150lbs) would need to consume more than 9-14 cans of soft drinks to go beyond the recommended intake, assuming there was no intake from other sources.

    “IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer)”.

    “There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer.”

    “The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research to refine our understanding on whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard,” the IARC’s Dr Mary Schubauer-Berigan, said.

    The IARC and JECFA evaluations were based on data collected from a range of sources, including peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports and studies conducted for regulatory purposes.

    The studies have been reviewed by independent experts, and both committees have taken steps to ensure the independence and reliability of their work, they said.

    In a statement issued in reaction to the studies, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that it disagreed with IARC’s conclusion that the studies support classifying aspartame as possibly carcinogenic.

    “Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply.

    “FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions”, the statement said.

    It noted that Health Canada and the European Food Safety Authority had both evaluated the sweetener and consider it safe at current permitted levels.

    IARC and WHO said that they would “continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to develop further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.”

  • Malaria outbreak in the US after two decades raises concerns

    Malaria outbreak in the US after two decades raises concerns

    Health officials in the United States have issued a warning following the identification of five cases of malaria in Florida and Texas, involving individuals with no recent travel history overseas.

    This development has sparked concerns about the potential for local transmission of the life-threatening disease within the country.

    The cases have been concentrated in Sarasota County, Florida, where four instances of locally transmitted malaria have been confirmed since May. Another case has been identified in Cameron County, Texas.

    These occurrences mark the first instances of local transmission within the US since 2003, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reassured the public that all affected patients have received appropriate treatment and are currently in the recovery phase.

    However, investigations are underway to determine any potential links between the cases in Florida and Texas after it was discovered that at least two individuals, one in Florida and another in Texas, had spent extended periods outdoors, raising concerns about possible exposure to infected mosquitoes.

    Furthermore, the CDC has issued a warning about the heightened risk of “imported malaria cases” as the summer travel season unfolds.

    Travellers are urged to exercise increased vigilance and take preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection.

    Malaria, a dangerous yet curable disease, is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite.

    However, it can also be transmitted through infected blood during transfusions, organ transplants, or from a pregnant mother to her fetus.

    The five cases reported in Florida and Texas involve the P. vivax malaria strain. While this strain is generally associated with milder infections compared to other strains, it can lead to recurring episodes of malaria as the parasites lay dormant in the liver and reemerge months or even years later.

    An associate professor of pathology and international health at Case Western Reserve University Brian Grimberg, emphasized the need for heightened awareness without succumbing to panic.

    Malaria is typically not a concern for Americans unless they travel abroad, although the disease was once a significant public health issue in the United States before its official eradication in 1970.

    To mitigate the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, the CDC has urged the public to take preventive measures such as applying insect repellent, installing screens on windows and doors, and regularly eliminating stagnant water sources.

    Travellers heading overseas are advised to pack bug spray and consider accommodations with appropriate protection, such as air conditioning, window and door screens, or mosquito nets.

    Additionally, the CDC recommends that hospitals maintain access to malaria tests and stock up on treatments, while public health officials should devise comprehensive plans for rapid identification, prevention, and control to effectively respond to any potential outbreaks.

  • Monkeypox no longer public health emergency

    Monkeypox no longer public health emergency

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday declared that the multi-country outbreak of the mpox virus, which began around a year ago was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.

    WHO Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said this while speaking to journalists in Geneva, a day after the emergency committee which made the emergency recommendation last July, advised the Director-General to declare it over.

    “However, as with COVID-19, that does not mean that the work is over. Mpox continues to pose significant public health challenges that need a robust, proactive and sustainable response,” Ghebreyesus said.

    He said there had been more than 87,000 cases, and 140 deaths worldwide reported to WHO, from 111 different countries.

    The virus, originally known as Monkey Pox, spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and causes flu-like symptoms, and also pus-filled lesions on the skin.

    Last July, it was spreading rapidly, but he said WHO “has been very encouraged by the rapid response of countries. We now see steady progress in controlling the outbreak based on the lessons of HIV and working closely with the most affected communities.”

    Some 90 per cent fewer cases were reported in the past three months, compared with the previous three.

    From the beginning of the international outbreak of the disease, which has been in circulation since 1970, and occurred primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, WHO stressed that most of those infected, recover without treatment in just a few weeks.

    He praised the work of community groups, and public health authorities.

    “For informing people of the risks of mpox, encouraging and supporting behaviour change, and advocating for access to tests, vaccines and treatments to be accessible to those in need.’’

    Cases of the virus were concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners.

    Ghebreyesus noted that while stigma has been a driving concern in managing the mpox epidemic, and continues to hamper access to care, “the feared backlash against the most affected communities has largely not materialised. For that, we are thankful.”

    He said inspite of the downward trend in cases, the virus was continuing to impact all regions, including Africa, where transmission “is still not well understood.”

    There is a particular risk associated with those living with untreated HIV infections, he added, urging countries to keep testing capacity and be ready to respond promptly if cases rise again.

    “Integration of mpox prevention and care into existing health programmes is recommended, to allow continued access to care, and rapid response to address future outbreaks.”

    WHO will continue to work towards supporting access to countermeasures as more information on effectiveness of interventions becomes available.

    “While the emergencies of mpox and COVID-19 are both over, the threat of resurgent waves remain for both,” Ghebreyesus said.

    “Both viruses continue to circulate, and both continue to kill.

    And while two public health emergencies have ended in the past week, every day WHO continue to respond to more than 50 emergencies globally.”

    Ghebreyesus said that as the UN approached the upcoming World Health Assembly and three-level meetings on pandemic preparedness, tuberculosis and universal health coverage, there were many challenges ahead, but also unprecedented opportunities.

    “If real commitments can be made, then real benefits could result, “for generations to come.”

    Each meeting will be an opportunity to catalyse political commitment to drive progress, and to generate concrete action and financial resources.

    “To invest in expanding access to prevention, testing, treatment, vaccines and research for TB.

    “To strengthen the world’s defences against pandemics; and to strengthen health systems, especially primary healthcare, so that no one misses out on the care they need because of who they are, where they live or how much they earn,”   Ghebreyesus said.

  • World Asthma Day: Abuja villagers benefit from community outreach

    World Asthma Day: Abuja villagers benefit from community outreach

    As part of activities to commemorate 2023 World Asthma Day (WAD), Ewere Care Foundation (ECF) on Saturday embarked on a community outreach to Wassa village in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    WAD, held on May 2 every year, is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative organization founded in 1993.

    WAD is held worldwide each May to raise awareness for asthma, one of the priority areas of ECF.

    During the community outreach by ECF to Wassa village, items, including food, clothes, soap, etc were distributed to the villagers.

    Speaking during the outreach, founder of ECF, Cynthia Ewere Etuokwu harped on the causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma.

    According to Etuokwu, the causes of asthma are respiratory infection, dust, pest (cockroach), pet (dog), genetic factor, environmental factors (air pollutants and irritants) and mould.

    “Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the lungs. It is caused by inflammation of the airways resulting in wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.

    “Asthma is not contagious. It can be hereditary, but environmental factors can also cause asthma,” she said.

    Speaking further, Etuokwu disclosed that there is currently no cure for asthma but that it can be managed and controlled.

    “Treatment can help control the symptoms. Your health provider may prescribe medications to control the symptoms,” she said.

    Etuokwu listed control for asthma to include asthma inhaler, a small device that delivers medication straight into the lungs, and nebulizer, a machine or device that changes medication from liquid to mist to be easily inhaled into the lungs.

    Others she said are steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs, which Etuokwu said help by reducing inflammation, swelling and mucus production in the airways.

    “You can have asthma and still live a normal healthy life. Asthma is not a death sentence if managed properly,” she stressed.

    Highlights of the community outreach include the distribution of food items to the villagers, a talk on health education, storytelling and a guidance and counselling session.

    ECF is a non-governmental organization aimed at enhancing mental health care (the depressed) and people living with asthmatic conditions, especially children.

    The vision of the foundation is to promote health programs, empowerments by reaching out to the socially and economically underprivileged sections of the society both in rural and urban centres.

  • WHO opens up on international emergency status of COVID-19

    WHO opens up on international emergency status of COVID-19

    The global Coronavirus pandemic is no longer considered an international health emergency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided.

    WHO head, Tedros Ghebreyesus announced in Geneva on Friday the lifting of the highest alert level that can be imposed in the event of a threat, which has been in place for more than three years.

    The pandemic has been following a declining trend for the past year, Tedros said, referring to increased immunity through vaccination and infection.

    The announcement has no concrete impact because each country decides for itself which protective measures it will impose.

    The Coronavirus has not been defeated, Tedros stressed. It continues to circulate in the world, is dangerous and can still develop dangerous variants at any time.

    Nevertheless, the WHO was following the recommendation of an independent expert committee because it is convinced that the world has good tools to protect people from the virus.

    In addition to vaccines and medicines, these include protective measures such as wearing masks or keeping your distance in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

  • Poorest countries gain as global life expectancy increases to 73 years

    Poorest countries gain as global life expectancy increases to 73 years

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says global life expectancy for both sexes has increased from 46 to 73 years, with the biggest gains in the poorest countries.

    Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, said this during an online media conference.

    Ghebreyesus said after years of war, the organisation realised that it was better to work with one other than fight with one another.

    He said that the organisation also realised that a healthier world was a safer world.

    “Their vision was clear, but bold: the highest possible standard of health, for all people. To achieve that vision, they agreed to set up a new organisation.

    “They debated and agreed what this organisation would be and do in a document called the Constitution of the World Health Organisation,” Ghebreyesus said.

    According to him, the organisation marked the 75th anniversary of the day that constitution came into force.

    He said that the organisation’s constitution was the first document in history to formally recognise health as a human right.

    The WHO boss said that since then, the world has made significant progress towards realising that vision.

    He said that smallpox has been eradicated and polio was on the brink.

    “These are actually two of the important highlights during the 75 years of existence of the Organisation. 42 countries have eliminated malaria, the epidemics of HIV and TB have been pushed back. 47 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus said in the past 20 years alone, smoking has fallen by a third, maternal mortality has fallen by a third and child mortality has halved.

    According to him, just in the past five years, new vaccines for Ebola and malaria have been developed and licensed.

    “And for the past 3 years, WHO has coordinated the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic – the most severe health crisis in a century.

    “We can’t claim sole credit for these achievements, but we have played a leading role in all of them. Partnering with many partners, especially our Member States.

    “And although we have many achievements of which to be proud, we still face many challenges – some old, some new.

    “Around the world, people still face vast disparities in access to health services, between and within countries and communities,” Ghebreyesus said.

    According to him, since 2000, access to essential services has increased significantly, but at least half the world’s population still lacks access to one or more services like family planning, basic sanitation, or access to a health worker.

    He said that often it was because of where people live, their gender, their age or who they are people living in poverty, refugees and migrants, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and other marginalised groups.

    “Meanwhile, since 2000, the number of people who experience financial hardship from out-of-pocket health spending has increased by a third, to almost two billion.

    “Noncommunicable diseases now account for more than 70 per cent of all deaths globally. Rates of diabetes and obesity have increased dramatically, driven by unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

    “Progress against malaria and TB has stalled, antimicrobial resistance threatens to unwind a century of medical progress.

    “Air pollution and climate change are jeopardising the very habitability of our planet; And as COVID-19 has exposed so brutally, there remain serious gaps in the world’s defences against epidemics and pandemics. For all these reasons and more, the world needs WHO now more than ever,’’ he said.