is held in the first week of August every year, supported by , , institutions and civil society partners. The theme for 2024 is 鈥淐losing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all鈥. The campaign celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities and health workers can support breastfeeding activities. Women everywhere have the right to respectful breastfeeding counselling from trained health care providers, as well as laws and policies like maternity leave and provisions like paid time off when they go back to work.
WHO
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by either a viral infection or non-infectious agents (such as drugs, toxins, alcohol). Deaths from viral hepatitis-related causes are increasing. , observed on 28 July, raises awareness of viral hepatitis, which causes severe liver disease and cancer. With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness, we must accelerate action on better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes, so we can meet our 2030 targets to achieve a hepatitis-free world.
Global childhood immunization coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data published by the World Health Organization () and . The latest WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage 鈥 which provide the world鈥檚 largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunization trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases 鈥 underscore the need for ongoing catch-up, recovery and system-strengthening efforts. More than half of unvaccinated children live in the 31 countries with fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, where children are especially vulnerable to preventable diseases.
New data show that nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. The findings point to a worrying trend of physical inactivity among adults, which has increased by about 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022. If the trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35% by 2030. In light of these findings, is calling on countries to strengthen their policy implementation to promote and enable physical activity through grassroots and community sport and active recreation and transport.
The underscores the staggering impact of alcohol and drug use, with 2.6 million deaths annually from alcohol, emphasizing urgent global action to address substance use disorders and their devastating health and social consequences.
marks 20 years of celebrating and thanking voluntary donors worldwide while advocating for universal access to safe blood transfusion.
As Gaza faces the looming specter of famine, the harrowing toll of malnutrition has already claimed the lives of twenty-seven innocent children, with countless others teetering on the brink of starvation. In response, the has mobilized efforts to train healthcare workers in identifying and treating severe malnutrition complications, while also establishing critical nutrition stabilization centers in key areas of the region. Urgent action is imperative to stem the tide of this humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life among Gaza's vulnerable population.
Millions of people worldwide face threats to their right to health due to diseases, disasters, and conflicts. At least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution. Yet countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people 鈥 more than half of the world鈥檚 population 鈥 were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. To address these types of challenges, the theme for is 'My health, my right鈥.
Why is dengue fever spreading to places where it has not been before? What are the symptoms and treatments? What about vaccines? Dr. Raman Velayudhan, of the Department of gives us the keys to the disease's spread and treatments in a new episode of the Science in 5 podcast.
AI-driven health promoter, , heralds a groundbreaking approach to disseminating health information on a global scale.
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer. The most common types of include leukemias, brain cancers, lymphomas and solid tumours. It is generally not possible to prevent cancer in children, so the most effective strategy to improve outcomes is to focus on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy. , 15 February, spotlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.
The World Health Assembly designated 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day to raise awareness of the devastating impact of these diseases on populations with lower incomes and those in situation of vulnerability, and to promote efforts for their control, elimination, and eradication.
On (30 January), the World Health Organization () is calling on everybody to unite and act to address the inequalities that drive (NTDs) and to make bold, sustainable investments to free the estimated 1.62 billion people, in the world鈥檚 most vulnerable communities, from a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. The Day seeks to garner support towards the control, elimination and eradication of NTDs, in line with the programmatic targets set out in the and the commitments of the .
Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease, which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported every year. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Leprosy is curable and treatment during the early stages can prevent disability. The to end stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy will be launched by on 31 January 2024. The aim is to create awareness in the general community that leprosy is a disease spread by a type of bacteria and it can be easily cured.
The WHO for malaria urges all malaria-endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the goal of elimination.