World Tuberculosis Day 2023 aims to encourage leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and collaboration to combat the TB epidemic. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment at the . WHO will issue a call to action with partners to accelerate the rollout of shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB. World TB Day is observed on 24 March, marking the day in 1882 when the bacterium causing TB was discovered.
WHO
According to the new progress report, 鈥鈥, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to disproportionately affect the poorest members of the global community, primarily in areas where water safety, sanitation and access to health care are inadequate. Around 1.65 billion people were estimated to require treatment for at least one NTD. However, progress is being made, by the end of 2022, 47 countries had eliminated at least one NTD and more countries were in the process of achieving this target.
5 billion people globally remain , increasing their risk of heart disease and death, a new from has found. 鈥淭rans fat has no known benefit, and huge health risks that incur huge costs for health systems,鈥 said , Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesus. 鈥淏y contrast, eliminating trans fat is cost effective and has enormous benefits for health. Put simply, trans fat is a toxic chemical that kills, and should have no place in food. It鈥檚 time to get rid of it once and for all.鈥
Industrially produced trans fat (trans-fatty acids) is commonly found in packaged foods, baked goods, cooking oils and spreads. Globally, trans fat intake is responsible for up to 500 000 premature deaths each year. In 2023, WHO recommends countries focus on: adopting , , and . helps countries make rapid advances in these areas.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are widespread in the world鈥檚 poorest regions, where water safety, sanitation and access to health care are less than optimal. NTDs affect over 1 billion people and are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases are 鈥渘eglected鈥 because they are almost absent from the global health agenda, receive little funding and are associated with stigma and social exclusion. This join us to act and invest in eradication of NTDs.
Young people should be at the heart of decisions that impact their lives and health. has therefore established the , a newly set up mechanism for meaningful engagement to provide direct advice to the Director-General. Its members consist of international youth organizations that will meet for the first time in Geneva on 27 January. The meeting will solidify the council鈥檚 working plans and structure. The Youth Council is a dynamic network that will amplify the voices and experiences of young people, and leverage their expertise, energy and ideas to promote public health.
鈥檚 75th鈥痑nniversary year is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow.
reports on children鈥檚 chances of survival in 2021 - an estimated 5 million children died before their fifth birthday and another 2.1 million children and youth aged 5鈥24 years lost their lives.
Alisson Becker, goalkeeper for Brazil and Goodwill Ambassador, urges people around the world to be active and play their part to make health for all the number one goal. Universal health coverage ensures that everyone can access the support they need to be and stay healthy without being driven into financial hardship. about what WHO is doing to build a healthy future for all.
On the eve of the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, teams up with Didier Drogba and other international football icons to urge action by governments and people across the world to achieve health for all.
A by the shows that due to health inequities, many persons with disabilities face the risk of dying much earlier鈥攅ven up to 20 years earlier鈥攖han persons without disabilities.
A new provides the first-ever comprehensive picture of oral disease burden giving unique insights into key areas and markers of oral health that are relevant for decision-makers.
Eating healthy helps us all score for health.
FIFA and launched the #BringTheMoves challenge, encouraging players at the FIFA World Cup 2022鈩 to meet the celebration challenges presented to them on social media by fans across the globe and encourage youngsters to #BeActive.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2022 (20 November) puts the spotlight on justice. Traffic law enforcement, thorough investigation after a crash to assess if a crime was committed and to prevent recurrence, criminal prosecution where appropriate and civil compensation are all part of the justice system. When carried out seriously, fairly and consistently, such a system would protect road crash victims and their families from negligence or law-breaking. The system is also intended as prevention, by building on lessons learnt from past tragedies to not repeat them.
today launched to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or small (under 2.5kg at birth). The guidelines advise that skin to skin contact with a caregiver 鈥 known as kangaroo mother care 鈥 should start immediately after birth, without any initial period in an incubator. This marks a significant change from earlier guidance and common clinical practice, reflecting the immense health benefits of ensuring caregivers and their preterm babies can stay close, without being separated, after birth.