Countries have failed miserably to halt rising obesity, despite goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018. Instead, obesity continues to rise apace.  Now, however, a new WHO strategy for accelerating action against obesity, endorsed last week by the World Health Assembly, calls for much tougher policies on food packaging, pricing and marketing […] Continue reading ->
Dental services, including regular check-ups, were among the most disrupted essential health services during the COVID-19 lockdowns. People´s reticence to visit a dentist during normal times was exacerbated by fear of venturing into an open clinic or simply not being able to, due to restrictions.  Dental hesitancy has always been around but over two years […] Continue reading ->
Diplomats approve the complex process they will use to update the legally binding rules among nations for responding to global health emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic. GENEVA – The 194-nation World Health Assembly approved a resolution on Friday that halves the two-year period for amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) to take effect down […] Continue reading ->
Despite significant compromises to a draft strategy on HIV, hepatitis B and STIs, conservative World Health Organization (WHO) member states used a debate at the World Health Assembly on Friday to object to the inclusion of such as “sexual orientation”, “sexuality” and “men who have sex with men”. The objections were led by Nigeria, Egypt, […] Continue reading ->
While the World Health Assembly adopted a raft of roadmaps, strategies and resolutions to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on Friday, what was important was their implementation, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “It is impossible to overstate the importance of concerted action against non-communicable diseases, which account for 85% of all premature mortality in low and […] Continue reading ->
GENEVA — The monkeypox outbreak has spread to almost 200 cases reported by more than 20 nations outside of Africa, where the disease is endemic. But the epidemic can be contained through a quick response, World Health Organization (WHO) officials told a public briefing for member nations on Friday. With few vaccines and drugs available […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Assembly on Thursday approved a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by 88 votes to 12 – but the 53 abstentions reflected the discomfort of many member states with a debate that polarised the global health body.  Russia’s counter-resolution only garnered 15 votes including those of Belarus, Burundi and Eritrea, with 66 […] Continue reading ->