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.
Health
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’s 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.
Dr. Zuria Alberto is the leader of a mobile health team that operates in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique. In this region, there are approximately who are displaced and living in difficult conditions due to climate crises and poverty. The mobile health workers travel by land or sea to reach women and girls living in rural and island areas of the province who may not have access to healthcare otherwise. The mobile team, supported by the (UNFPA), provides a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health services. This helps to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies, maternal mortality, and gender-based violence.
The 1962 book "Silent Spring" highlighted the devastating effects of DDT, the world's first modern synthetic insecticide, leading to increased awareness and eventual international restrictions on its use through the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2004.
Despite multiple health crises, there were many reasons for hope in 2023. The notes that it was a record year for disease elimination, with several countries eliminating infectious diseases thanks to dedicated national efforts and collaboration between countries and health partners. At the same time, 72% of people worldwide had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, preventing severe illness and hospitalizations for millions of people. The year began with WHO responding to a major earthquake in and ended with the horrific war in . In between, the world faced many other crises and conflicts, as well as the continuing threat of disease outbreaks and climate change.
Although COVID-19 is no longer the international public health emergency it once was, it is still circulating, and its devastating effects are still with us. Major infectious diseases and epidemics have disastrous impacts on human lives, wreaking havoc on long-term social and economic development. When the next pandemic arrives, the world must do better. On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (27 December), let’s act on the lessons of COVID-19, to prepare, and build a fairer, healthier world for all.
Today, half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services. Out-of-pocket health expenses leave an estimated 2 billion people facing financial hardship, including 344 million people living in extreme poverty. It is time to get progress towards health for all back on track. On 12 December, International Universal Health Coverage Day, join us to demand action on universal health coverage and call on leaders to invest in health systems and primary healthcare for all that leave no one behind. Our lives, livelihoods and futures depend on it.
Young people in Myanmar face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights services (SRHR), worsened by the political crisis. The struggle is even harder for people with disabilities due to social misconceptions and stigma, social exclusion and a lack of awareness and understanding regarding these groups of people. The Access to Health Fund is supporting the Myanmar Medical Association in narrowing the SRHR knowledge gap for individuals with disabilities. This initiative brings in organizations that include and work with people who have disabilities – creating a safe space for people to express their unique needs and concerns.
The (WHO) and the global health community are urging negotiators to prioritize the on in the upcoming negotiations. Climate change is already affecting our health and contributing to the spread of infectious diseases. Extreme weather events will also strain healthcare infrastructure. Urgent mitigation measures, including transitioning to clean energy sources, are necessary to protect human health and create sustainable outcomes. To reduce the negative impact on health, the health community stresses the importance of reducing and stopping emissions. According to WHO, 7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution.
The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way. They connect people with person-centered public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor policies and services, and hold providers accountable. This World AIDS Day (1 December) is more than a celebration of community achievements; it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles. In the report Let Communities Lead, reveals that the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, but only if communities are fully included and are sufficiently funded to lead the way.
One in five employees will experience mental illness during their lifetime. Listen to ILO´s “ podcast to discover the four steps that employers can take to minimize workplace mental health stress.
Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally is living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
On , Regional Champion Shudufhadzo Musida raises awareness about mental health and speaks up for women and girls, who don’t feel seen, heard, or understood.
and provide to inspire a shift in the field of mental health
Only one third of countries have committed to upholding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in their national climate plans.