Dispelling vaccine doubts
17 February 2014 -- Why is the same vaccine accepted in one part of the world and rejected in another? This WHO Bulletin article explains why communicating the benefits versus the risks of vaccination is just part of the battle to gain public confidence in vaccines.
Yaws: renewed eradication efforts
14 February 2014 -- Yaws is a neglected tropical disease that affects the skin, bone and cartilage and mainly occurs in children under 15 years old. A single-dose of oral azithromycin cures the disease and is now the basis for WHO's renewed eradication strategy. The “WHO Roadmap for NTDs” sets 2020 for the eradication of yaws from the remaining 12 endemic countries and WHO has initiated pilot treatment campaigns in 7 countries.
A smoke-free Winter Olympic Games
7 February 2014 -- In addition to winter sports achievements, visitors to the Olympic Winter Games 2014 will be expecting innovative sport facilities, modernized transportation infrastructure and traditional hospitality in Sochi on Russia’s Black Sea coast. But cigarette smokers may find something unexpectedly missing: somewhere to smoke. During the Olympic Games smoking will be forbidden in all Olympic and Paralympic venues, including all bars and restaurants in the Olympic park. No tobacco products will be sold at any of the Olympic sites.
Measles deaths reach record lows
7 February 2014 -- New mortality estimates from WHO show that annual measles deaths have reached historic lows, dropping 78% from more than 562 000 in 2000 to 122 000 in 2012. During this time period, an estimated 13.8 million deaths have been prevented by measles vaccination. Despite the impressive gains made, progress towards measles elimination remains uneven with some populations still unprotected.
Overweight and obesity
WHO highlights
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February 2014
Medical supplies air-delivered to north-east Syria
WHO started to deliver medicines, vaccine and medical supplies to north-east Syria this week by chartered flights from the capital Damasacus. WHO is providing medical supplies for more than 335 000 beneficiaries, including medicines for chronic and infectious diseases, skin diseases, as well as medical supplies needed to treat patients with injuries.
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February 2014
Surveillance, at the heart of India’s polio success story
Surveillance was the game-changer in the fight against polio and marked a strategic shift in India’s polio eradication efforts. The information from surveillance led to the development of strategies to better vaccinate those in need.
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February 2014
Cancer: Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives
With cancer, starting the right treatment quickly is key. An important requirement of this is to be diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. This feature story from New Delhi, India, shows how quick action and treatment helped a woman in her personal battle with cancer.
Fact sheets
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Measles
Updated February 2014 -
Immunization coverage
Updated February 2014
WHO campaigns
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World Health Day
7 April 2014 -
World Immunization Week
24-30 April 2014
Events
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International Consultation on Workers’ Health Coverage
28-30 April 2014 -
FAO/WHO Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)
19–21 November 2014
Corporate resources
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The world health report
Report on global public health and key statistics -
World health statistics report
WHO's annual compilation of data from its Member States -
International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements -
International Health Regulations (IHR)
Global rules to enhance national, regional and global public health security