As COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, continues to spread, the World Health Organization is addressing some misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the contagious disease, which first appeared in December 2019, in the Chinese city of Wuhan.  Here are some of the questions answered: 

• Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus? 
• Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus? 
• How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?

Inform yourself and spread the word!

Sweden is hosting the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety on 19–20 February 2020. The theme of the conference is Achieving Global Goals 2030. The event is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, and ministers from more than 80 countries are attending. Representatives of industry,  research and international organizations are also participating. The Conference is an opportunity for delegates to share successes and lessons from the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 and to chart future strategic directions for global road safety.

Despite increases in life expectancy, the rise in chronic and non-communicable diseases has become a global threat. Every year across the globe, 15 million people die before age 70 from these diseases, which include cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and obesity. Obesity is one of the known risk factors for non-communicable diseases and a disease in itself. A new World Bank report “Obesity: Health and Economic Consequences of an Impending Global Challenge” sheds light on the growing obesity epidemic and its negative impacts. 

United Nations chief António Guterres says the World Health Organization's characterization of the COVID-19 health emergency as a pandemic “is a call for action – for everyone, everywhere” adding that as we fight the virus “we cannot let fear go viral.” The United Nations is actively addressing the global COVID-19 outbreak on several fronts - from situation reports and technical guidelines, through funding and partnerships, to advice for the public. You can find information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has spelled out the need to step up cancer services in low and middle-income countries. WHO warns that, if current trends continue, the world will see a 60% increase in cancer cases over the next two decades. The greatest increase in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently lowest. Yet, progress in poorer countries is achievable. WHO highlights a wide range of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases. 

There are 4.1 million girls around the world at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation in 2020. Girls who suffer this harmful practice face severe consequences for their health. However, the cost of preventing it is just $95 per girl, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). On 6 February, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, let’s engage whole societies, and especially youth, and focus on gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls affected.

In Guatemala, the public healthcare system struggles to keep up with the demands of an aging and ever-growing population. In 2015, it was discovered that major cases of corruption were affecting medicine procurement in Guatemala’s Social Security Institute (IGSS). Since then, UNOPS has been working with IGSS to improve transparency in its procurement processes, playing a fundamental role in the strengthening of institutional procurement capacities. Over time, changes began to occur, and the benefits of a more transparent and efficient system became widely accepted. More vital medicine reached citizens who needed it. Healthcare facilities improved. And the delivery of services became more patient-friendly.

Pneumonia is the world’s leading infectious killer of children, claiming one child every 39 seconds. Yet pneumonia remains largely forgotten. On January 29-31, nine leading health and children’s organizations, including UNICEF will join forces in Barcelona to host the world’s first conference on childhood pneumonia. Participants at the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia will agree on concrete steps governments and their partners can take to dramatically reduce child pneumonia deaths.

Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, a healthy and balanced diet will provide many benefits into 2019 and beyond. Here are some food tips for helping us lead healthier, longer lives.

By 2020, WHO projects there will be 10 million fewer tobacco users, male and female, compared to 2018, and another 27 million fewer by 2025.

With sustainability in mind, and in an effort to help combat high maternal and child mortality rates in Myanmar, UNOPS helped build 21 primary healthcare centres in rural and peri-urban communities throughout the country. In a country with one of the highest maternal mortality and under-five mortality rates in Southeast Asia, improved quality of services at healthcare centres and clinics is desperately needed to strengthen the healthcare system and improve access to health for all.

From hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, to the elimination of malaria in Argentina and rabies transmitted by dogs in Mexico, 2019 was a year marked by both challenges and achievements in public health in the Americas.

The WHO Independent High-level Commission on noncommunicable diseases highlighted that noncommunicable diseases still account for more than 70% of deaths and handed 8 recommendations to WHO’s Director-General, that could save millions of lives and promote mental health. 

Treating HIV-Positive Children with Speed and Skill

The Health for All Film Festival aims to put storytelling power in the hands of people and to showcase the role of individuals and communities as champions for health. Filmmakers are invited to submit a short video for one of three categories: video reports, animation, or videos about nurses and midwives.