Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It accounts for one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women, with 70% mortality occurring in resource-constrained settings. Health system barriers and patient-level factors with low levels of awareness and knowledge are contributing to low uptake of early detection services, with resultant late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes. in October aims to promote advocacy, awareness, social mobilization and behaviour change communication.
Population ageing is a major global trend reshaping societies around the world. Under the theme "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide", this year鈥檚 International Day of Older Persons (1 October), emphasizes the urgent need to enhance global care systems as populations age. On this day, let's commit to recognizing the rights of both caregivers and care recipients, and to advocate for care systems that uphold their dignity.
Did you know that a snakebite kills someone every four minutes? What should you do if you are bitten? Dr David Williams talks about prevention and treatment in a new episode of the World Health Organization's Science in 5 podcast.
El Ni帽o is hitting at a time of already significant unmet needs, with 13.6 million people currently experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity in affected countries. is supporting governments in mitigating the impact of El Ni帽o on food security in the region.
The (PAHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International launched the #TimeToActOnDementia campaign to raise awareness about dementia and address the stigma that surrounds the condition.
How is the recent mpox outbreak impacting refugees and displaced people in Africa? The surge in mpox cases has raised concerns about its potentially devastating impact on people living in crowded camps. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( is currently working with partners to contain the outbreak. To gain more insight into the situation, UNHCR interviewed Dr. Allen Maina, Chief of Public Health at the UN Refugee Agency, to understand what mpox is and how it is affecting refugees and other displaced people.
This year鈥檚 (17 September) is focused on improving diagnosis for patient safety, using the slogan 鈥淕et it right, make it safe!鈥. On the day, patients and families, health workers, healthcare leaders, policymakers and civil society will emphasize the pivotal role of correct and timely diagnosis in improving patient safety. A diagnosis identifies a patient鈥檚 health problem and requires collaboration between patients and healthcare teams. It involves discussions, examinations, testing, and review of results before reaching the final diagnosis and treatment.
Worldwide, nearly cook on inefficient stoves or over open fires, breathing in harmful smoke.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. A new variant of the virus is spreading, putting children at risk.
Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. to help prevent it.
The World Health Organization () has declared the current outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. How is this outbreak different from previous ones, and why has it been declared a public health emergency? What does this mean for countries and for you? Who is at risk? And what about vaccines? Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, from WHO Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, gives you all the keys to what you need to know about this disease.
Photo: WHO
Sexual health is not just about being free of disease. Positive relationships grounded in mutual respect, empathy and understanding are a keystone of sexual health and well-being. This applies not only to relationships with partners but also to relationships with educators and providers of sexual health services. When these relationships are safe and respectful, people are more able to fulfill their rights and choices. As we celebrate , here鈥檚 a look at some of the relationships and initiatives from around the world that contribute to empowering and protecting women and girls.
Climate change, conflict, political instability, disease and economic shocks are driving humanitarian needs in the Southern and Eastern Africa region. At least 74 million people in the region need humanitarian assistance - that's the highest number of people in need in the world. This number is expected to increase by the end of the year due to climate change and conflict. Displacement and food crises, a high incidence of cholera and a growing number of violent sexual assaults are among the most serious challenges facing this area of the African continent.
Meet Reena Mistry a 23-year-old woman from Surat, India, who aspires to a career in the civil service. She also holds an orange belt in Karate, writes content and lives with HIV. She has managed to become financially independent, thanks to a skills development and livelihood project of the International Labour Organization () implemented by the Gujarat State Network of Positive People, with support from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (). Reena has faced stigma from society because of her status. But she wants people to understand that this is a manageable condition, and that we can lead the same lives as everyone else.
Positive relationships grounded in mutual respect, empathy and understanding are a cornerstone of sexual health and well-being. As we celebrate World Sexual Health Day (4 September) this year, positive relationships take the spotlight. Indeed, when partners prioritize each other鈥檚 sexual health 鈥 and understand that it is a shared responsibility 鈥 communication, trust and reproductive health outcomes improve. empowers everyone, especially women and girls, to form good relationships and protect their sexual and reproductive health and rights.