Milestone reached in Measles vaccination

The United Nations Foundation reported today that one billion children in more than 60 developing countries have been immunized against measles since 2001 — the start of the Measles Initiative.

In 1980, before widespread vaccination, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year. With accelerated immunization activities spearheaded by governments and the Measles Initiative, global measles mortality has decreased by an impressive 78 percent worldwide from 733,000 deaths in 2000 to 164,000 in 2008. Reductions in measles-related deaths during that same time period accounts for nearly a quarter (24 percent) of the overall decrease in childhood mortality, representing significant progress toward Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4).

 

UN protects millions of children in DR Congo with anti-measles vaccination

Some 3.1 million children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been vaccinated against measles in a United Nations-coordinated campaign to combat the disease outbreak which has claimed the lives of 1,145 children since the start of this year.

The measles epidemic affected a total of 115,600 children between January and June, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a press release issued yesterday, adding that the vaccination campaign was funded with $1.9 million.

The campaign, which kicked off on 10 May, was coordinated by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in the provinces of Katanga, Kasai Occidental, Bas-Congo, Equateur and Orientale.  “The funding – equivalent to 61 cents per child – helped protect the health of millions of children,” said Fidèle Sarassoro, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for DRC.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which mostly affects children. It is transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear between eight to 12 days after infection, include high fever, a running nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. A rash then develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading to the rest of the body.

In malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, the disease can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection, pneumonia and even death.

Source – UN Daily News

UN releases 2011 report on MDGs

Today, the UN released The Millennium Development Goals Report 2011, highlighting progress and key areas for improvement as we get closer to the 2015 deadline.

Some of the areas of progress cited were:

• The number of deaths of children under the age of five declined from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009, which means nearly 12,000 fewer children die each day.
• Increased funding and intensive control efforts have cut deaths from malaria by 20 per cent worldwide – from nearly 985,000 in 2000 to 781,000 in 2009.
• New HIV infections have declined steadily. In 2009, some 2.6 million people were newly infected with HIV – a 21 per cent drop since 1997, when new infections peaked.
• The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV or AIDS increased 13-fold from 2004 to 2009, thanks to increased funding and expanded programs.

Resolutions and highlights from the 2011 World Health Assembly

An interesting synopsis of key resolutions, decisions and highlights from the 2011 World Health Assembly, courtesy of World Health Advocacy.  The World Health Assembly, held in Geneva Switzerland, started May 16th and closed today.

This year’s World Health Assembly saw an unprecedented social engagement, with updates and discussions being shared via twitter, facebook and other media. The global discussion was significant enough to cause Dr. Chan to comment on it in her closing speech – “tweets about events over the past several days, on topics ranging from the reform agenda for WHO to pandemic influenza preparedness, reached more than three million people.”

More than 2700 delegates, including Health Ministers and senior health officials from 192 WHO Member States, NGOs and civil society groups attended the World Health Assembly in person. Following a week’s worth of discussions, the following are some of the key resolutions and highlights:

Non-communicable diseases

Countries unanimously approved a resolution on the preparations for the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases being held this September. Some 47 countries and 16 observers, including civil society, commented on the resolution, which urges heads of state and governments to attend the UN meeting in New York and calls for steps against the NCD challenge through an action-oriented outcome document.

Read the WHO report.

Working together to stop HIV/AIDS

The Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015 was approved, and will guide actions by WHO and governments around the world to dramatically increase innovation, integration and efficiencies of HIV programmes. If all countries implement these guidelines, at least 4.2 million new HIV infections could be prevented and 2 million lives saved between 2011-2015.

Global immunization vision and strategy

In a great show of support, many delegates and global health partners in Committee A spoke in favour of the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy. Delegates applauded strides in saving lives around the world through vaccines, noting key challenges such as eradicating polio and increasing measles vaccination coverage to prevent dangerous outbreaks.

Read the report and strategic direction for the Decade of Vaccines.

The final mile in polio

Delegates described significant advances in polio eradication over the past year. In India and Nigeria, polio cases plummeted by 95% between 2009 and 2010. Highlighting the necessity of routine immunization, delegates pointed to the funding gap of US$ 665 million, and warned that a lack of resources could lead to dangerous backslide. Several delegates called for political and financial commitments, noting that low-income countries could save US$ 40-50 billion over the next 25 years.

Maternal, infant and young child nutrition

More than 100 million children under five were underweight in 2010. Additionally, more women are becoming overweight, increasing the risk of birth complications. Delegates in Committee B discussed a progress report on a plan to tackle problems of poor nutrition through awareness campaigns, and policies involving health, education and agriculture.

Resolutions and reports support health-related MDGs

Health-related MDGs received support with resolutions and reports on immunization strategy, infant and young child nutrition, child injury prevention, safe management of drinking water, malaria, and the presentation of the final report of the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health.

Cholera: mechanism for control and prevention

Delegates agreed that cholera is a public health threat for many countries and the incidence is on the rise. They expressed the urgent need for effective public health interventions, such as solid surveillance systems, improved environmental management, access to clean water and proper sanitation, and the adequate use of cholera vaccines as a complementary measure. Cholera was recognized as a clear marker of environmental management. Member States underscored the need to revitalize the Global Task Force on Cholera Control and emphasized the need to scale up advocacy measures.

Annual report on the eradication guinea-worm disease

The delegates adopted a resolution paving the way for an annual report on the eradication of dracunculiasis (more commonly known as guinea-worm disease) to be presented every year beginning with the next Health Assembly. Dracunculiasis is the second disease which is approaching eradication (the first being smallpox) and it occurs only after people drink contaminated water. Previously it was responsible for millions of infections across Africa and Asia. The disease mainly occurs in remote poverty-stricken areas, with limited or no access to safe drinking water.

Sources:

• Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly: daily notes on proceedings
• Historical agreements at the Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly

World Health Assembly adopts resolutions on NCDs and child injury

A report from the UN Daily News about resolutions adopted by the 64th World Health Assembly on non-communicable diseases and child injury.

UN HEALTH ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS ON CHILD INJURY AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Delegates at a United Nations health gathering today adopted resolutions on preventing child injury and preparing for the forthcoming General Assembly high-level conference on non-communicable diseases.

The resolution on child injury prevention adopted by the ongoing 64th World Health Assembly (WHA) of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) creates a platform designed to prevent injuries, which are the leading cause of death for children over the age of five. The resolution has to be adopted in the WHA plenary.

Delegates to the WHA said child injuries represented a major child survival issue that required more attention and resources. More than 830,000 children die each year from road traffic crashes, drowning, burns, falls and poisoning.

Countries also unanimously endorsed the resolution on preparations for the General Assembly’s high-level meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which will be held in September.

Non-communicable diseases, primarily heart and lung diseases, cancers and diabetes, have become leading causes of death, according to the WHO global status report on NCDs. In 2008, 36.1 million people died from conditions such diseases, including 9 million who died prematurely before the age of 60. Some 8 million of those premature deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Millions of deaths can be prevented by stronger implementation of measures that exist today, Ala Alwan, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for NCDs and Mental Health, told a news conference in Geneva. The measures include policies that promote government-wide action against NCDs; stronger anti-tobacco controls and promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and reducing harmful use of alcohol; and improving people’s access to essential health care.

The resolution recognized WHO’s leading role as the primary specialized agency for health and reaffirmed its leadership in promoting global action against NCDs.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO and brings together delegations from all WHO Member States to determine the policies of the Organization and its approve proposed programme budget.

16 countries pledge support for UN initiative to reduce maternal mortality

From today’s UN Daily News.

SIXTEEN COUNTRIES PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR UN INITIATIVE TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY

Sixteen countries have announced concrete commitments aimed at drastically reducing current levels of maternal, newborn and child mortality, the United Nations reported today.

The commitments, largely in the form of specific budgetary increases for maternity and natal care, and promises of increased medical coverage for mothers and children, were announced as part of the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, a $40 billion programme that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched last year. The new commitments bring to 34 the number of countries making such public pledges, with 27 in Africa.

Patients must set the agenda on non-communicable diseases

The International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO) yesterday held a side meeting at the World Health Assembly in Geneva in regards to the role of patients in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.  The press release from this event is attached below.  More updates from the World Health Assembly can be followed on twitter via #worldhealthassembly, #NCDs or #globalhealth — or for updates of interest follow @whonews, @globalhealth, @whadvocacy or @NCDAlliance.

Patients must set the agenda on non-communicable diseases

Geneva, Switzerland, 17 May 2011 – Patient advocates have called for a stronger role in setting the agenda in the design and delivery of strategies to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and chronic diseases more broadly. This call was made at a Side Meeting to the World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was hosted by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) and two of its member patient groups; Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and attended by over 50 participants including member state representatives, health professionals and WHO representatives.

Speakers from Africa, Latin America and Europe highlighted, with practical examples, how patient advocates are contributing knowledge, experience and resources to support efforts to tackle chronic disease. Across the world in high, middle and low income countries, patient groups routinely provide health information and training to patients and health professionals. These have been shown to support prevention strategies and effective disease management to ensure that patients’ needs are met. Interventions like these and many others are driven from within the communities they serve, reflecting their needs and preferences and ensuring that they are relevant to the context in which they are being implemented. For these to be most effective there needs to be a greater focus on, and commitment to, policy-making that involves the users of care. As the United Nations High-level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases approaches, it is vital that discussions and outcomes reflect the fundamental changes that are needed to strengthen and adapt healthcare systems to involve and address the health and quality of life needs of patients with chronic disease.

Patient advocates stressed a need for a greater focus on disease management, including reducing severity and promoting quality of life, in addition to prevention. They called a greater role for patients’ organizations in every stage of NCD policy and program design along with implementation at all levels. It was also stressed that it was important that the work undertaken to address NCDs strengthens health systems ability to respond to all chronic conditions.

A participant, Jose M. Martin-Moreno, Director, Programme Management of WHO Regional Office for Europe said ‘Policy-making in health matters should involve the patient voice for the benefit of all. Within health systems we should not compete but ensure that we prevent the preventable, diagnose early, take care of those with a disease and give dignity to those at the end of life. Patients have an important role to play in achieving these goals.’

World Health Assembly – Day 1

The following summary of discussion from day 1 of the 64th World Health Assembly is from the World Health Organization’s media centre.

WHO kicks-off World Health Assembly and chooses president

The 64th World Health Assembly opened this morning, with remarks pointing to tremendous achievements in recent years, and the need to remain vigilant and committed to reaching our targets for healthier communities worldwide. The delegates appointed the Assembly’s president, Dr. Christos Patsalides, Director of the Ministry of Health for Cyprus, as well as five vice presidents from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago, representing their respective regions.

WHO Director-General urges partners in global health to “remember the people”

In her address, Dr. Chan highlighted unprecedented progress, such as under-five childhood deaths at their lowest in more than 60 years, and a 60 percent drop in maternal mortality in two regions. Dr. Chan spoke of difficulties stemming from the global financial crisis and skyrocketing food and fuel prices. She commended UN agencies, countries and public and private partners for their hard work in saving lives from preventable and treatable diseases in the face of these challenges. Urging her colleagues to keep up their momentum Dr. Chan stated “any form of complacency at this point would be deadly.” She also announced that WHO is embarking on the most extensive administrative, managerial, and financial reforms in its 63-year history.

UN conference in Moscow adopts declaration on NCDs

Health ministers from around the world met last week at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Non-Communicable Diseases Control (April 28-29) in Moscow.  The goals of this conference were to highlight the magnitude and socio-economic impact of NCDs: to review international experience in NCD prevention and control; and provide evidence on the pressing need to strengthen global and national initiatives to prevent NCDs.

The following WHO press release highlights the outcomes of the conference, including the ‘Moscow Declaration’ on NCDs.

Health ministers from around the world meeting under the auspices of the United Nations today adopted measures to strengthen the fight against the non-communicable diseases, including the promotion of healthy lifestyles and encouraging a multi-sectoral approach to prevention and treatment of the illnesses.

In the Moscow Declaration, delegates to the First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Noncommunicable Disease Control, held in the Russian capital, stressed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – mainly heart conditions, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases – are the leading causes of preventable morbidity and disability.

The diseases currently cause more than 60 per cent of global deaths, 80 per cent of which occur in developing countries, the delegates to the conference, organized by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and Russian Government, pointed out. It is projected that the diseases will to 75 per cent of worldwide deaths by 2030, they added.

“Many countries are now facing extraordinary challenges from the double burden of disease: communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases,” the ministers said in their declaration.

“This requires adapting health systems and health policies, and a shift from disease-centred to people-centred approaches and population health measures. Vertical initiatives are insufficient to meet complex population needs, so integrated solutions that engage a range of disciplines and sectors are needed. Strengthening health systems in this way results in improved capacity to respond to a range of diseases and conditions.”

The Moscow Declaration stresses that evidence-based and cost-effective interventions exist to prevent and control NCDs at global, regional, national and local levels, giving the example of measures to control tobacco use, reduce salt intake and reduce the harmful use of alcohol.

Particular attention should be paid to the promotion of healthy diets, including low consumption of saturated fats, trans-fats, salt and sugar, high consumption of fruits and vegetables, and physical activity in all aspects of daily living, according to the declaration.

Effective NCD prevention and control requires the active and informed participation and leadership of individuals, families and communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, employers, health care providers and the international community, it adds.

The declaration also calls for the implementation of effective policies for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases at national and global levels, including those relevant to achieving the goals of the 2008-2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, the WHO Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.

At the international level, the declaration calls upon WHO and all other relevant UN system agencies and other key international organizations to work together in a coordinated manner to address NCDs.

It calls for the consideration of possible means to facilitate the access of low- and middle income countries to affordable, safe, effective and high quality medicines for the treatment and control of NCDs, based on needs and resource assessments.

“With a view to securing an ambitious and sustainable outcome, we commit to actively engaging with all relevant sectors of government, on the basis of this Moscow Declaration, in the preparation of and the follow-up to the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in September 2011 in New York.”

UN working group on counterfeit medicines – preliminary report

“The first priority for public health, and this is the priority for WHO, is to protect populations from the harm caused by poor-quality, unsafe medicines,” stated Dr. Chan, WHO’s Director General in a recent release.  ”The objective is to keep these harmful products off the market everywhere, but especially in the developing world.”

An intergovernmental working group focused on this issue has delivered its preliminary report on the World Health Organization’s future role in the fight against substandard and counterfeit medicines.

According to the initial report, the working group recommended that the WHO concentrate its efforts on substandard and SSFFC medical products in three areas: information and awareness creation; norms and standards; and providing technical support to countries.