The World Health Organization and the World Bank's new evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to halt two decades of global progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The organizations also reveal that already before the pandemic more than half a billion people were pushed or further pushed into extreme poverty because they have to pay for health services out of their own pockets, and that the pandemic is likely to make the situation worse. The findings are contained in two … [Read more...] about COVID-19 pandemic disrupts health services globally, reveal WHO/World Bank reports
COVID-19 Response: U.S. supports Timor-Leste with $15million Grant
The United States—through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—announced a $1.5 million grant to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support the national COVID-19 response in Timor-Leste. The funding will support the continuation of essential maternal, newborn and child health services across the country, expand the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for eligible populations, improve infection prevention and control at a number of community health centers, and … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Response: U.S. supports Timor-Leste with $15million Grant
PAHO Director: Accelerating access to vaccines is an urgent priority in the face of new variants
With 20 countries yet to reach the WHO’s year-end vaccination target of 40%, and the Omicron variant now detected in six countries in the region, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne said that accelerating access to vaccines will be key to protecting populations, particularly the most vulnerable. “The arrival of a new variant doesn’t necessarily mean that things will be worse, but it does mean that we must be extra-vigilant,” she said in a media briefing … [Read more...] about PAHO Director: Accelerating access to vaccines is an urgent priority in the face of new variants
Neglected tropical diseases: WHO launches survey to expand its offer of online training courses
The virtual working environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to adapt its capacity-building strategy for the health workforce by offering several online courses. Currently, the OpenWHO platform hosts a channel dedicated to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with six multilingual courses dedicated to a wide range of health topics: NTDs and COVID-19 (in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish); mycetoma (in English); rabies and One … [Read more...] about Neglected tropical diseases: WHO launches survey to expand its offer of online training courses
WHO recommends against the use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its living guideline on COVID-19 therapeutics to include convalescent plasma. For non-severe COVID-19 patients, WHO recommends against its use, while it should only be used within clinical trials for severe and critical COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma is a transfusion of blood plasma from someone who has recovered from COVID-19. Current evidence shows that convalescent plasma does not improve survival or reduce the need for … [Read more...] about WHO recommends against the use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19
UNWTO calls against blanket travel restrictions
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations calls out against the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel, as witnessed in recent days. This call echoes the concerns raised by UNWTO Members during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly (30 November–3 December). Countries from all global regionsexpressed their solidarity with Southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be … [Read more...] about UNWTO calls against blanket travel restrictions
#ACTogether campaign to promote access to COVID-19 tools during FIFA Arab Cup™
Using the platform of the first FIFA Arab Cup™, the World Health Organization (WHO), FIFA and the Qatari authorities are launching the #ACTogether campaign to call for teamwork and unity to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and tests. A large proportion of the global population remains susceptible to infection and at an increased risk of severe disease and death. Vaccine inequity persists in many parts of the world; of the nearly 7.5 billion doses of COVID-19 … [Read more...] about #ACTogether campaign to promote access to COVID-19 tools during FIFA Arab Cup™
New Zealand begins 2022 COVAX fundraising efforts with NZ$ 9m commitment
The Government of New Zealand has become the first donor to pledge 2022 funding for COVAX, with a commitment of NZ$ 9 million to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (Gavi COVAX AMC). This funding is destined to support COVAX deliveries, allowing for tailored support for countries with very different needs throughout the coming year. Alongside continued support for acquiring additional doses for COVAX, New Zealand’s pledge recognises the need to ensure countries can absorb and roll out … [Read more...] about New Zealand begins 2022 COVAX fundraising efforts with NZ$ 9m commitment
COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the many flaws in the global system: WHO Director-General
In a consensus decision aimed at protecting the world from future infectious diseases crises, the World Health Assembly agreed to kickstart a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The decision by the World Health Assembly was historic in nature, vital in its … [Read more...] about COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the many flaws in the global system: WHO Director-General
UNCTAD: World trade reaches all-time high, but 2022 outlook ‘uncertain’
According to the UN economists, the global trade is expected to be worth about $28 trillion this year – an increase of 23 percent on pre-pandemic levels – but the outlook for 2022 remains very uncertain. This strong growth in demand – for goods, as opposed to services – is largely the result of pandemic restrictions easing, but also from economic stimulus packages and sharp increases in the price of raw materials. According to UN trade and development body UNCTAD, although worldwide … [Read more...] about UNCTAD: World trade reaches all-time high, but 2022 outlook ‘uncertain’
