Despite major breakthroughs in identifying and combating respiratory diseases, two of the most prevalent – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease – continue to pose a significant health burden globally, particularly in infants, young children, and older adults.  Against this backdrop, a recent panel at the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) meeting, […] Continue reading ->
Massive economic losses are ahead for South America if it fails to address non-communicable diseases, according to a report launched on Tuesday by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). “Between 2020 and 2050, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions are projected to cost South America more than $7.3 trillion in lost productivity and healthcare […] Continue reading ->
The global childhood vaccination rate in 2024 held steady with 85% of infants and children receiving three doses of the vaccine for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), used as a global benchmark for immunization rates overall.  However large, continued gaps in coverage are propelling outbreaks, including the highest rate of measles cases since 2019.  “In […] Continue reading ->
Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) controversial regional director for the South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), was placed on leave Friday (11 July) – four months after Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission  (ACC) filed two cases against her for fraud, forgery and misuse of power. WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notified staff […] Continue reading ->