New data highlight increases in hypertension, diabetes incidence 16 May 2012 -- One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure – a condition that causes around half of all deaths from stroke and heart disease, according to the World health statistics 2012 report released today. One in 10 adults has diabetes.
Wed, 16 May 2012 09:33:00 GMT WHO highlights importance of good hand hygiene for patient safety 4 May 2012 – On Hand Hygiene Day (5 May), more than 15 000 health-care facilities from 156 countries are participating in the WHO Save Lives: Clean Your Hands Initiative by committing to improve patient safety by practicing better hand hygiene
Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT 15 Million babies born too soon 2 May 2012 -- Over one million of preterm babies die shortly after birth and countless others suffer some type of lifelong physical, neurological, or educational disability. An estimated 75% of preterm babies who die could survive without expensive care if a few proven and inexpensive treatments and preventions were available worldwide.
Wed, 02 May 2012 17:50:00 GMT Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update The Indonesian IHR National Focal Point of the Ministry of Health has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT World Malaria Day 2012 24 April 2012 -- On the eve of World Malaria Day 2012, WHO hails global progress in combating malaria but highlights the need to further reinforce the fight. WHO’s new initiative, T3: Test, Treat, Track, urges malaria-endemic countries and donors to move towards universal access to diagnostic testing and antimalarial treatment, and to build robust malaria surveillance systems.
Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT Outbreaks - Leptospirosis in Peru Flooding has caused an outbreak of leptospirosis in Peru, especially in the Loreto region. This is the worst flooding seen in this area for over 20 years. Peru has reported more than 300 cases and 3 deaths associated with leptospirosis thus far in 2012. Health authorities have alerted people to take precautions against the infection.
Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT In the News - Lassa Fever in Nigeria The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health has reported an increased number of cases of Lassa fever. Nineteen of the country’s 36 states have reported cases since the beginning of 2012. As of April 13, 2012, there were reports of 818 suspected cases, including 84 deaths. At this time, 131 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing. Seven deaths have also been reported among health care workers. Cases have occurred in the states of Edo, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba. The number of reported cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria is greater this year than in previous years. However, cases in previous ye
Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT Outbreaks - Cholera in Haiti An epidemic cholera strain has been confirmed in Haiti, causing the first cholera outbreak in Haiti in many years. Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
