More countries eliminate neglected tropical diseases but investments key to sustain progress
Today, on World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day, WHO releases a new progress report, entitled “Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2023” highlighting the progress and challenges in delivering NTD care worldwide, against a backdrop of COVID-19-related disruptions. NTDs continue to disproportionately affect the poorest members of the global community, primarily in areas where water […]
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya virtually addresses National Anti-Leprosy Day
“India is making progress and new leprosy cases are declining year after year. With the whole of government, whole of society support, synergy and cooperation, we can achieve the target of Leprosy Mukt Bharat by 2027, three years ahead of the SDG”. This was stated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh […]
WHO updates critical medicines list for radiological and nuclear emergencies
The World Health Organization (WHO) today updated its list of medicines that should be stockpiled for radiological and nuclear emergencies, along with policy advice for their appropriate management. These stockpiles include medicines that either prevent or reduce exposure to radiation, or treat injuries once exposure has occurred. “In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to […]
Roche launches COVID-19 PCR test to detect the fast spreading XBB.1.5 Omicron sub-variant
This new test for researchers specifically targets the XBB.1.5 Omicron sub-variant and runs on the real-time PCR platforms LightCycler® 480 II* and cobas® z480. Results from the test will help closely track the virus’ lineage and provide insights into the epidemiology and impact it has on public health. Concern from the World Health Organisation centres […]
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launches Revamped CGHS Website and Mobile App “MyCGHS”
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally launched the revamped CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) website (www.cghs.gov.in) and mobile app, “MyCGHS”, today in the presence of Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. “The launch of the revamped CGHS website linked with a mobile app […]
Five billion people unprotected from trans fat leading to heart disease
Five billion people globally remain unprotected from harmful trans fat, a new status report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has found, increasing their risk of heart disease and death. Since WHO first called for the global elimination of industrially produced trans fat in 2018 — with an elimination target set for 2023 — population […]
Roche’s Tecentriq plus Avastin is the first treatment combination to reduce the risk of cancer returning in people with certain types of early-stage liver cancer in a Phase III trial
Pivotal Phase III IMbrave050 study investigating Tecentriq plus Avastin in people with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at high risk of recurrence following surgery met primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival New adjuvant treatments are urgently needed as an estimated 70-80% of people with early-stage HCC experience disease recurrence following surgery Data will be discussed with health […]
Small Island Developing States accelerate action to tackle biggest killers
The Government of Barbados, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization are holding a high-level technical meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The discussion focusses on progress, challenges, and opportunities to scale up multi-sector actions on NCDs and mental health and to set […]
WHO announces plans to establish a TB Vaccine Accelerator Council
The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) services has brought the urgency of vaccine development efforts into sharp focus. Speaking today at a high-level panel on TB at the World Economic Forum, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced plans to establish a new TB Vaccine Accelerator Council. […]
WHO updates COVID-19 guidelines on masks, treatments and patient care
WHO has updated its guidelines on mask wearing in community settings, COVID-19 treatments, and clinical management. This is part of a continuous process of reviewing such materials, working with guideline development groups composed of independent, international experts who consider the latest available evidence and the changing epidemiology. Masks continue to be a key tool against […]
