The Taliban on Sunday revoked their ban on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan and gave a guarantee of security for its staff doing humanitarian work in areas under their control.

Taliban leaders imposed a ban on the ICRC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in April saying the organisations were carrying out "suspicious" activities during vaccinations campaigns and not sticking to their declared missions.

"The Islamic Emirate restores the former security guarantees to ICRC in Afghanistan and instructs all mujahideen to pave the way for ICRC activities and be mindful of security to this committee's workers and equipment," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement.

The Taliban refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The spokesman did not refer to the WHO in his statement.

Officials at ICRC and WHO in Kabul were not immediately available for comment.

The WHO has been carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of the last countries in the world where polio is endemic. The ICRC has been providing medical support for more than 30 years.

Aid groups operating in Afghanistan stress that they do not take sides.

The ICRC, in particular, is known for its strict neutrality in conflicts.

It operates in Taliban-controlled areas with a guarantee of safety and helps to repatriate bodies from both sides after fighting between the militants and the Afghan army.

The Taliban control or contest more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts.

The Taliban on Sunday revoked their ban on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan and gave a guarantee of security for its staff doing humanitarian work in areas under their control.

The Taliban on Sunday revoked their ban on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan and gave a guarantee of security for its staff doing humanitarian work in areas under their control. Taliban leaders imposed a ban on the ICRC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in April saying the organisations were carrying out "suspicious" activities during vaccinations campaigns and not sticking to their declared missions. "The Islamic Emirate restores the former security guarantees to ICRC in Afghanistan and instructs all mujahideen to pave the way for ICRC activities and be mindful of security to this committee's workers and equipment," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement. The Taliban refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The spokesman did not refer to the WHO in his statement. Officials at ICRC and WHO in Kabul were not immediately available for comment. The WHO has been carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of the last countries in the world where polio is endemic. The ICRC has been providing medical support for more than 30 years. Aid groups operating in Afghanistan stress that they do not take sides. The ICRC, in particular, is known for its strict neutrality in conflicts. It operates in Taliban-controlled areas with a guarantee of safety and helps to repatriate bodies from both sides after fighting between the militants and the Afghan army. The Taliban control or contest more than half of Afghanistan's 410 Afghan districts.

Taliban revoke the ban on Red Cross, provide security guarantees

Chilling Facts From WHO's Report On Suicide

Gravitas: Suicide results in 8 Lakh deaths every year

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

In 2012 Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos. Since then a host of mostly European countries have followed suit, including France, Hungary, and the UK.

Thailand agreed last year to comply with the World Health Organisation guidelines, and packs officially showed up in stores Tuesday.

Businesses have until December 8 to phase out stocks before facing fines of up to 40,000 baht ($1,300).

The standardised packaging includes a graphic picture of tobacco's effects on the body and the logo-free brand name written in plain font.

Keeping a uniform typeface below graphic depictions of smoking-related illnesses will make the products less attractive to buyers, said Prakit Vathesatogkit, vice-chair of the NGO Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

"For non-smokers, for kids, they are less likely to start," Prakit, who was involved in advocacy efforts, told AFP.

There are more than 246 million cigarette smokers in Southeast Asia, where campaigners say low prices help make it one of the largest tobacco-consuming regions in the world.

In Thailand, the health impact is huge and smoking-related illnesses are a leading cause of death.

Singapore is set to implement similar restrictions on packaging next year.

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking. In 2012 Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos. Since then a host of mostly European countries have followed suit, including France, Hungary, and the UK. Thailand agreed last year to comply with the World Health Organisation guidelines, and packs officially showed up in stores Tuesday. Businesses have until December 8 to phase out stocks before facing fines of up to 40,000 baht ($1,300). The standardised packaging includes a graphic picture of tobacco's effects on the body and the logo-free brand name written in plain font. Keeping a uniform typeface below graphic depictions of smoking-related illnesses will make the products less attractive to buyers, said Prakit Vathesatogkit, vice-chair of the NGO Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance. "For non-smokers, for kids, they are less likely to start," Prakit, who was involved in advocacy efforts, told AFP. There are more than 246 million cigarette smokers in Southeast Asia, where campaigners say low prices help make it one of the largest tobacco-consuming regions in the world. In Thailand, the health impact is huge and smoking-related illnesses are a leading cause of death. Singapore is set to implement similar restrictions on packaging next year.

Thailand first in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued.

Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets.

But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region.

Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur.

To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP.

She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance.

"A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University.

The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water.

These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field.

The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease.

One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite.

The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively.

But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery.

"We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded".

This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas.

"I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't."

The project is not immune to geopolitics either.

The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw.

"Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally. The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued. Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets. But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region. Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur. To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP. She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance. "A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University. The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water. These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field. The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease. One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite. The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively. But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery. "We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded". This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas. "I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't." The project is not immune to geopolitics either. The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw. "Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA developing new technology to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday.

"In total, there have been 2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)," officials said in a bulletin dated Thursday.

"Since the start of the epidemic, the number of cases is 3,004, including 2,899 confirmed and 105 probable," it added.

The outbreak of the haemorrhagic virus began in North Kivu province in eastern DR Congo on August 1, 2018 and spread to Ituri province.

Officials also reported that some 902 people were cured of the disease.

Ebola is named after a river in northern DR Congo, formerly named Zaire, where the virus was first identified in 1976.

The latest outbreak is the second-deadliest on record after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016.

The WHO has declared the epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern" and so far nearly 200,000 people have been vaccinated.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday. "In total, there have been 2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)," officials said in a bulletin dated Thursday. "Since the start of the epidemic, the number of cases is 3,004, including 2,899 confirmed and 105 probable," it added. The outbreak of the haemorrhagic virus began in North Kivu province in eastern DR Congo on August 1, 2018 and spread to Ituri province. Officials also reported that some 902 people were cured of the disease. Ebola is named after a river in northern DR Congo, formerly named Zaire, where the virus was first identified in 1976. The latest outbreak is the second-deadliest on record after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016. The WHO has declared the epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern" and so far nearly 200,000 people have been vaccinated.

DR Congo Ebola death toll passes 2,000: Official

The world is backsliding in the fight against measles, which can disable or kill, especially children, with a record number of cases recorded up to August only since 2006 and nearly three times as many cases than in July 2018 at that time, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The biggest outbreaks of the highly contagious disease -- one person with measles can spread it up to 18 non-immunized other people -- are raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (155,460 cases), Madagascar (127,454) and Ukraine (54,246) it said.

Global measles cases three times higher than last year - WHO

Every region in the world, except the Americas, is experiencing an increase in the number of cases of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease that can kill or disable children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

The WHO's Kate O'Brien put the blame on weak health systems and misinformation about vaccines and called on social media outlets and communities to make sure information about preventing the highly contagious disease was accurate.

"We are backsliding, we are on the wrong track," O'Brien, director of WHO's department of immunisation, vaccines and biologicals, told a news briefing.

"We have a worrying trend that all regions are experiencing an increase in measles except for the region of the Americas, which has seen a small decline."

Nearly three times as many cases were reported from January to July this year than in the same period in 2018, the WHO said.

Nearly 365,000 cases have been reported globally this year, the highest figure since 2006, it said, noting that they represent only a fraction of the 6.7 million suspected cases. Measles caused an estimated 109,000 deaths in 2017, its most recent figures show.

The biggest outbreaks are raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (155,460 cases), Madagascar (127,454) and Ukraine (54,246), it said.

Europe has also lost ground, with four countries stripped of their "measles-free" status in 2018 - Albania, Czech Republic, Greece and Britain, it said.

The WHO figures did not include a specific breakdown of numbers for the Americas region.

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The United States has recorded 1,215 measles cases across 30 states in its worst outbreak since 1992, federal health officials said on Monday. 
Health experts say the virus has spread among school-age children whose parents declined to give them the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which confers immunity to the disease.

Trust in vaccines - among the world's most effective and widely used medical products - is highest in poorer countries but weaker in wealthier ones where scepticism has allowed outbreaks of diseases such as measles to persist, a global study found in June.

"We do see misinformation as an increasing threat," O'Brien said.&nbsp;

"We are calling on social media providers, communities, leaders, people who speak out, to be sure you are communicating accurate, valid, scientifically credible information."

In the 53 countries of Europe, 90,000 measles cases were recorded in the first half of this year, already more than that for all of 2018, said Siddhartha Datta, from the WHO's regional office for Europe.

Ukraine, which accounts for more than half of the cases, is implementing a robust response, he said.&nbsp;

"The ministry of health is doing targeted immunisation campaigns ... They are also doing school-based vaccination, high-risk vaccination of military recruits and health care workers."

Every region in the world, except the Americas, is experiencing an increase in the number of cases of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease that can kill or disable children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

Every region in the world, except the Americas, is experiencing an increase in the number of cases of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease that can kill or disable children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The WHO's Kate O'Brien put the blame on weak health systems and misinformation about vaccines and called on social media outlets and communities to make sure information about preventing the highly contagious disease was accurate. "We are backsliding, we are on the wrong track," O'Brien, director of WHO's department of immunisation, vaccines and biologicals, told a news briefing. "We have a worrying trend that all regions are experiencing an increase in measles except for the region of the Americas, which has seen a small decline." Nearly three times as many cases were reported from January to July this year than in the same period in 2018, the WHO said. Nearly 365,000 cases have been reported globally this year, the highest figure since 2006, it said, noting that they represent only a fraction of the 6.7 million suspected cases. Measles caused an estimated 109,000 deaths in 2017, its most recent figures show. The biggest outbreaks are raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (155,460 cases), Madagascar (127,454) and Ukraine (54,246), it said. Europe has also lost ground, with four countries stripped of their "measles-free" status in 2018 - Albania, Czech Republic, Greece and Britain, it said. The WHO figures did not include a specific breakdown of numbers for the Americas region. The United States has recorded 1,215 measles cases across 30 states in its worst outbreak since 1992, federal health officials said on Monday. Health experts say the virus has spread among school-age children whose parents declined to give them the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which confers immunity to the disease. Trust in vaccines - among the world's most effective and widely used medical products - is highest in poorer countries but weaker in wealthier ones where scepticism has allowed outbreaks of diseases such as measles to persist, a global study found in June. "We do see misinformation as an increasing threat," O'Brien said. "We are calling on social media providers, communities, leaders, people who speak out, to be sure you are communicating accurate, valid, scientifically credible information." In the 53 countries of Europe, 90,000 measles cases were recorded in the first half of this year, already more than that for all of 2018, said Siddhartha Datta, from the WHO's regional office for Europe. Ukraine, which accounts for more than half of the cases, is implementing a robust response, he said. "The ministry of health is doing targeted immunisation campaigns ... They are also doing school-based vaccination, high-risk vaccination of military recruits and health care workers."

Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO

Microplastics contained in drinking water pose a "low" risk to human health at current levels, but more research is needed to reassure consumers, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. Studies over the past year on plastic particles detected in tap and bottled water have sparked public concerns but the limited data appear reassuring, the UN agency said its first report on potential health risks associated with ingestion.

Plastic particles in drinking water present 'low' risk - WHO

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-patient-in-eastern-congos-main-city-dies-236497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY2qrd-bvjAhU463MBHbv0AiMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LZU9STBUo4EzS2VTy-J6B">Ebola</a> in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally.

The WHO said a Congolese fisherwoman travelled across the border to sell fish at Mpondwe market on July 11, where she had four vomiting incidents before returning to Congo and dying of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-patient-in-eastern-congos-main-city-dies-236497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY2qrd-bvjAhU463MBHbv0AiMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LZU9STBUo4EzS2VTy-J6B">Ebola</a>.

Ebola is highly infectious and spread through bodily fluids. The current outbreak, largely confined to Congo apart from three deaths in Uganda last month, has killed 1,676 people - more than two-thirds of those who contracted it - over the past year.

The health response relies on tracking down people who may have been exposed to the virus and vaccinating them and anybody they have had contact with.

The WHO report said 19 other fishmongers were listed as possible contacts in the Uganda incident. It said 44 currency exchange workers had volunteered to be vaccinated, while another 590 fishmongers could be targeted for vaccination.

Local leaders were very cooperative, but none of the market traders were willing to provide further information for fear of losing business, given that it was a market day, the WHO added.

WATCH : Ebola Virus reaches Goma in Dr Congo

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Health workers had not established where the fishmonger spent nights, how she travelled or who transported her merchandise, or who cleaned up her vomit.

News of the incident came as the WHO's emergency committee of international experts met for a fourth time to decide if the 11-month outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC).

Such a designation would include recommendations for international action and could help unlock funds, which the WHO has said are sorely needed.

It would be only the fifth such designation, after the 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,300 people, the 2009 flu pandemic, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus that caused a spate of birth defects across Latin America.

Last month the committee decided against declaring a PHEIC because the potential disruption risked causing economic harm while achieving nothing.

But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said this week that a case of the highly infectious disease in Goma was a potential gamechanger since Ebola could spread among the urban population for the first time and into neighbouring Rwanda.

A separate WHO report said there was also very high risk in the Arua district of Uganda, which borders a Congolese area where an Ebola patient died after having had contact with over 200 people. Two deaths in Arua were under investigation.

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of Ebola in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally.

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of Ebola in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally. The WHO said a Congolese fisherwoman travelled across the border to sell fish at Mpondwe market on July 11, where she had four vomiting incidents before returning to Congo and dying of Ebola. Ebola is highly infectious and spread through bodily fluids. The current outbreak, largely confined to Congo apart from three deaths in Uganda last month, has killed 1,676 people - more than two-thirds of those who contracted it - over the past year. The health response relies on tracking down people who may have been exposed to the virus and vaccinating them and anybody they have had contact with. The WHO report said 19 other fishmongers were listed as possible contacts in the Uganda incident. It said 44 currency exchange workers had volunteered to be vaccinated, while another 590 fishmongers could be targeted for vaccination. Local leaders were very cooperative, but none of the market traders were willing to provide further information for fear of losing business, given that it was a market day, the WHO added. WATCH : Ebola Virus reaches Goma in Dr Congo × Health workers had not established where the fishmonger spent nights, how she travelled or who transported her merchandise, or who cleaned up her vomit. News of the incident came as the WHO's emergency committee of international experts met for a fourth time to decide if the 11-month outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). Such a designation would include recommendations for international action and could help unlock funds, which the WHO has said are sorely needed. It would be only the fifth such designation, after the 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,300 people, the 2009 flu pandemic, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus that caused a spate of birth defects across Latin America. Last month the committee decided against declaring a PHEIC because the potential disruption risked causing economic harm while achieving nothing. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said this week that a case of the highly infectious disease in Goma was a potential gamechanger since Ebola could spread among the urban population for the first time and into neighbouring Rwanda. A separate WHO report said there was also very high risk in the Arua district of Uganda, which borders a Congolese area where an Ebola patient died after having had contact with over 200 people. Two deaths in Arua were under investigation.

World Health Organisation reports new Ebola incident in Uganda amid fears of virus spreading

At least 5,558 people have been injured while a total of 1,048 people have lost their lives ever since infighting started in and around the Libyan capital of Tripoli in April, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates.

According to the WHO, out of the total casualties, 106 civilians have lost their lives while 289 civilians have been wounded, Xinhua reported."WHO continues to send doctors and medical supplies to help hospitals cope. Our teams have performed more than 1,700 surgeries in 3 months," the WHO said.

Watch: Libya airstrike hits migrant detention centre in Tripoli

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Apart from the infighting in Tripoli, Libya has also witnessed tribal fighting in southern Libya. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for an immediate cease-fire in the region."UNSMIL is greatly concerned about ongoing hostilities in Murzuq that have regrettably caused several casualties," Xinhua quoted the Mission as saying.

Libya is yet to see peace after the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The east-based Libyan National Army — led by Khalifa Haftar — waged an attack on the Tripoli-based and UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in a bid to take control of the region in April. The fighting still continues, despite calls for peace by the international community.

At least 5,558 people have been injured while a total of 1,048 people have lost their lives ever since infighting started in and around the Libyan capital of Tripoli in April, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates.

At least 5,558 people have been injured while a total of 1,048 people have lost their lives ever since infighting started in and around the Libyan capital of Tripoli in April, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates. According to the WHO, out of the total casualties, 106 civilians have lost their lives while 289 civilians have been wounded, Xinhua reported."WHO continues to send doctors and medical supplies to help hospitals cope. Our teams have performed more than 1,700 surgeries in 3 months," the WHO said. Watch: Libya airstrike hits migrant detention centre in Tripoli Apart from the infighting in Tripoli, Libya has also witnessed tribal fighting in southern Libya. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for an immediate cease-fire in the region."UNSMIL is greatly concerned about ongoing hostilities in Murzuq that have regrettably caused several casualties," Xinhua quoted the Mission as saying. Libya is yet to see peace after the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The east-based Libyan National Army — led by Khalifa Haftar — waged an attack on the Tripoli-based and UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in a bid to take control of the region in April. The fighting still continues, despite calls for peace by the international community.

1,048 killed, over 5500 injured due to infighting in Tripoli: WHO

Thirty-one people were tested HIV positive during a screening programme conducted in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday, health authorities said amid a probe by international experts from the WHO to check the outbreak of the deadly virus.

The new cases in Shikarpur district see a surge in cases of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in Sindh after 215 positive cases, including 181 children, were reported in Ratodero district of Larkana last month, Geo News reported.&nbsp;

According to District Health Officer Shabbir Sheikh, 2,500 people were screened out of which 31 tested positive, the report said.

Those that have tested positive were being provided treatment and other amenities according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations.

A delegation of the United Nations bodies, including the WHO, UNAIDS and UNICEF, are already in Karachi to help the Sindh health authorities to investigate the alarming outbreak of the HIV in the district.

The main reason behind the spread of HIV virus was revealed to be the use of unsafe blood, unsafe injections and unsafe practice, the WHO Representative Palitha Mahipala said.

Those affected have urged the Sindh government to make HIV medicine readily available at private medical stores apart from government hospitals for easy access.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that legislation for the formation of a health commission, to address HIV outbreak, has been completed, she said, the Express Tribune reported.

Dr Pechuho said that the investigation revealed a large number of doctors in Sindh were carrying out unsafe medical practices. Efforts are being made to stop them from doing so.

She also requested the federal government to allocate a certain amount in the budget for the production of auto-lock syringes in Pakistan, the report said.

She said that the recent outbreak was a sign that if the issue of HIV is neglected any further, it would result in a dangerous situation.

Federal Health Minister Dr Zafar Mirza also said that federal and provincial governments were working together and the recent HIV outbreak was a wakeup call to improve the healthcare system in the country.&nbsp;

He stressed on the need to make HIV control programme more effective, at national and provincial levels.

He said that Pakistan has the highest number of Hepatitis B cases in the world and Hepatitis C was also turning out to be a big challenge, adding that if not addressed, HIV too would become a big problem.

Citizens have also asked to take adequate measures to counter the disease.

In total, 76.1 million people worldwide have been infected with HIV, since the epidemic started in the 1980s. Some 35 million have died, according to official figures.

Without treatment, HIV-infected people go on to develop AIDS, a syndrome that weakens the immune system and leaves the body exposed to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, and some types of cancer.

Treatment carries side-effects and is costly, but allows infected people to be healthier for longer.&nbsp;

Thirty-one people were tested HIV positive during a screening programme conducted in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday, health authorities said amid a probe by international experts from the WHO to check the outbreak of the deadly virus.

Thirty-one people were tested HIV positive during a screening programme conducted in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday, health authorities said amid a probe by international experts from the WHO to check the outbreak of the deadly virus. The new cases in Shikarpur district see a surge in cases of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in Sindh after 215 positive cases, including 181 children, were reported in Ratodero district of Larkana last month, Geo News reported. According to District Health Officer Shabbir Sheikh, 2,500 people were screened out of which 31 tested positive, the report said. Those that have tested positive were being provided treatment and other amenities according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations. A delegation of the United Nations bodies, including the WHO, UNAIDS and UNICEF, are already in Karachi to help the Sindh health authorities to investigate the alarming outbreak of the HIV in the district. The main reason behind the spread of HIV virus was revealed to be the use of unsafe blood, unsafe injections and unsafe practice, the WHO Representative Palitha Mahipala said. Those affected have urged the Sindh government to make HIV medicine readily available at private medical stores apart from government hospitals for easy access. Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that legislation for the formation of a health commission, to address HIV outbreak, has been completed, she said, the Express Tribune reported. Dr Pechuho said that the investigation revealed a large number of doctors in Sindh were carrying out unsafe medical practices. Efforts are being made to stop them from doing so. She also requested the federal government to allocate a certain amount in the budget for the production of auto-lock syringes in Pakistan, the report said. She said that the recent outbreak was a sign that if the issue of HIV is neglected any further, it would result in a dangerous situation. Federal Health Minister Dr Zafar Mirza also said that federal and provincial governments were working together and the recent HIV outbreak was a wakeup call to improve the healthcare system in the country. He stressed on the need to make HIV control programme more effective, at national and provincial levels. He said that Pakistan has the highest number of Hepatitis B cases in the world and Hepatitis C was also turning out to be a big challenge, adding that if not addressed, HIV too would become a big problem. Citizens have also asked to take adequate measures to counter the disease. In total, 76.1 million people worldwide have been infected with HIV, since the epidemic started in the 1980s. Some 35 million have died, according to official figures. Without treatment, HIV-infected people go on to develop AIDS, a syndrome that weakens the immune system and leaves the body exposed to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, and some types of cancer. Treatment carries side-effects and is costly, but allows infected people to be healthier for longer.

31 test positive for HIV in Pakistan

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo's Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm.

Congo's epidemic is the second worst ever, with 2,108 cases of Ebola and 1,411 deaths since last August. This week, it reached Uganda, where three cases were recorded, all in people who had arrived from Congo. Two of them died.

In a statement, the panel of 13 independent medical experts on the WHO's Emergency Committee urged neighbouring "at risk" countries to improve their preparedness for detecting and managing imported cases, "as Uganda has done".

"This is not a global emergency, it is an emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a severe emergency and it may affect neighbouring counties," Dr Preben Aavitsland, the panel's acting chair, told a news conference at the U.N. agency's headquarters in Geneva.

"It was the view of the Committee that there is really nothing to gain by declaring a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern), but there is potentially a lot to lose."

Such a declaration would risk creating restrictions on travel or trade "that could severely harm the economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Aavitsland said.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking by telephone from Kampala, said: "The spread of Ebola to Uganda is a new development but the fundamental dynamics of the outbreak haven't changed."

Ugandan authorities have now drawn up a list of 98 contacts, or contacts of contacts, potentially exposed to the Ebola virus, of whom 10 are considered "high risk", said Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO's emergencies programme.

Vaccination of those contacts and health workers with a Merck experimental vaccine is to start on Saturday, he said.

Some medical groups had urged the committee to declare an emergency which would have led to boosting public health measures, funding and resources.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust medical charity and a specialist in infectious diseases, voiced disappointment that the panel had failed to declare an emergency for the third time.

"I respect the advice of the emergency committee but do believe a Public Health Emergency of International Concern would have been justified," Farrar said in a statement.

He added that declaring an emergency would have raised levels of international political support "which has been lacking to date", and enhanced diplomatic, public health, security and logistics efforts.

Only four emergencies have been declared in the past decade, including the worst ever Ebola outbreak, which hit West Africa in 2014-2016. The others were an influenza pandemic in 2009, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus in 2016.

Ryan told Reuters on Friday that there had been no sign of local transmission of Ebola virus in Uganda.

"No evidence yet... But we're not out of the woods yet," he said, noting that the incubation period is up to 21 days.

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo's Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm.

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo's Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm. Congo's epidemic is the second worst ever, with 2,108 cases of Ebola and 1,411 deaths since last August. This week, it reached Uganda, where three cases were recorded, all in people who had arrived from Congo. Two of them died. In a statement, the panel of 13 independent medical experts on the WHO's Emergency Committee urged neighbouring "at risk" countries to improve their preparedness for detecting and managing imported cases, "as Uganda has done". "This is not a global emergency, it is an emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a severe emergency and it may affect neighbouring counties," Dr Preben Aavitsland, the panel's acting chair, told a news conference at the U.N. agency's headquarters in Geneva. "It was the view of the Committee that there is really nothing to gain by declaring a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern), but there is potentially a lot to lose." Such a declaration would risk creating restrictions on travel or trade "that could severely harm the economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Aavitsland said. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking by telephone from Kampala, said: "The spread of Ebola to Uganda is a new development but the fundamental dynamics of the outbreak haven't changed." Ugandan authorities have now drawn up a list of 98 contacts, or contacts of contacts, potentially exposed to the Ebola virus, of whom 10 are considered "high risk", said Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO's emergencies programme. Vaccination of those contacts and health workers with a Merck experimental vaccine is to start on Saturday, he said. Some medical groups had urged the committee to declare an emergency which would have led to boosting public health measures, funding and resources. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust medical charity and a specialist in infectious diseases, voiced disappointment that the panel had failed to declare an emergency for the third time. "I respect the advice of the emergency committee but do believe a Public Health Emergency of International Concern would have been justified," Farrar said in a statement. He added that declaring an emergency would have raised levels of international political support "which has been lacking to date", and enhanced diplomatic, public health, security and logistics efforts. Only four emergencies have been declared in the past decade, including the worst ever Ebola outbreak, which hit West Africa in 2014-2016. The others were an influenza pandemic in 2009, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus in 2016. Ryan told Reuters on Friday that there had been no sign of local transmission of Ebola virus in Uganda. "No evidence yet... But we're not out of the woods yet," he said, noting that the incubation period is up to 21 days.

WHO panel decides not to declare international Ebola emergency

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo`s Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm.

Congo`s epidemic is the second worst ever, with 2,108 cases of Ebola and 1,411 deaths since last August. This week it reached Uganda, where three cases were recorded, all in people who had arrived from Congo. Two of them died.

In a statement, the panel of 13 independent medical experts on the WHO`s Emergency Committee urged neighbouring "at risk" countries to improve their preparedness for detecting and managing imported cases, "as Uganda has done".

"This is not a global emergency, it is an emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a severe emergency and it may affect neighbouring counties," Dr. Preben Aavitsland, the panel`s acting chair told a news conference at the UN agency`s headquarters in Geneva.

"It was the view of the Committee that there is really nothing to gain by declaring a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern), but there is potentially a lot to lose."

Such a declaration would risk creating restrictions on travel or trade "that could severely harm the economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Aavitsland said.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking by telephone from Kampala, said: "The spread of Ebola to Uganda is a new development but the fundamental dynamics of the outbreak haven`t changed."

Ugandan authorities have now drawn up a list of 98 contacts, or contacts of contacts, potentially exposed to the Ebola virus, of whom 10 are considered "high risk", said Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO`s emergencies programme. Vaccination of those contacts and health workers with a Merck experimental vaccine is to start on Saturday, he said.

Some medical groups had urged the committee to declare an emergency which would have led to boosting public health measures, funding and resources.

Lawrence Gostin, a global health law professor at Georgetown University Law School, voiced disappointment that the panel had failed to declare an emergency for the third time.&nbsp;

"The @WHO was criticized for delay in declaring a PHEIC in W Africa. Will it’s failure in DRC affect legitimacy?" Gostin tweeted. He said he admired the panel members but disagreed with their conclusion.

Only four emergencies have been declared in the past decade, including the worst ever Ebola outbreak, which hit West Africa in 2014-2016. The others were an influenza pandemic in 2009, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus in 2016.

Ryan told Reuters on Friday that there had been no sign of local transmission of Ebola virus in Uganda.

"No evidence yet...But we`re not out of the woods yet," he said, noting that the incubation period is up to 21 days.

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo`s Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm.

A World Health Organization panel decided on Friday not to declare an international emergency over Congo`s Ebola outbreak despite its spread to Uganda this week, concluding such a declaration could cause too much economic harm. Congo`s epidemic is the second worst ever, with 2,108 cases of Ebola and 1,411 deaths since last August. This week it reached Uganda, where three cases were recorded, all in people who had arrived from Congo. Two of them died. In a statement, the panel of 13 independent medical experts on the WHO`s Emergency Committee urged neighbouring "at risk" countries to improve their preparedness for detecting and managing imported cases, "as Uganda has done". "This is not a global emergency, it is an emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a severe emergency and it may affect neighbouring counties," Dr. Preben Aavitsland, the panel`s acting chair told a news conference at the UN agency`s headquarters in Geneva. "It was the view of the Committee that there is really nothing to gain by declaring a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern), but there is potentially a lot to lose." Such a declaration would risk creating restrictions on travel or trade "that could severely harm the economy in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Aavitsland said. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking by telephone from Kampala, said: "The spread of Ebola to Uganda is a new development but the fundamental dynamics of the outbreak haven`t changed." Ugandan authorities have now drawn up a list of 98 contacts, or contacts of contacts, potentially exposed to the Ebola virus, of whom 10 are considered "high risk", said Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO`s emergencies programme. Vaccination of those contacts and health workers with a Merck experimental vaccine is to start on Saturday, he said. Some medical groups had urged the committee to declare an emergency which would have led to boosting public health measures, funding and resources. Lawrence Gostin, a global health law professor at Georgetown University Law School, voiced disappointment that the panel had failed to declare an emergency for the third time. "The @WHO was criticized for delay in declaring a PHEIC in W Africa. Will it’s failure in DRC affect legitimacy?" Gostin tweeted. He said he admired the panel members but disagreed with their conclusion. Only four emergencies have been declared in the past decade, including the worst ever Ebola outbreak, which hit West Africa in 2014-2016. The others were an influenza pandemic in 2009, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus in 2016. Ryan told Reuters on Friday that there had been no sign of local transmission of Ebola virus in Uganda. "No evidence yet...But we`re not out of the woods yet," he said, noting that the incubation period is up to 21 days.

Launched by IIT-Delhi alumni, Nanoclean Global Pvt Ltd is an Indian start-up, providing low-cost solutions to tackle air pollution. It had won the prestigious Startup National Award for their effort. #WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatAirPollution #IIT

World Environment Day: IIT-Delhi alumni's low-cost solution to beat air pollution

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, which has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report.

Gravitas: Pakistan Seeks Help From WHO To Investigate HIV Outbreak

W.H.O Lists this disorder as Modern Disease. 190 WHO members voted in favor of listing

Gravitas: Gaming Addiction termed as Illness

Pakistan seeks help from WHO to investigate HIV outbreak

The World Health Organization said on Friday (May 3) it feared continued "intense transmission" of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where deaths from a nine-month-old epidemic stood at 994 and were expected to exceed 1,000 within hours.

Congo Ebola death toll nears 1,000, expected to spread: WHO

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma.

Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping vaccination rates.&nbsp;

"Preliminary global data shows that reported cases rose by 300 per cent in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases over the past two years," it said in a statement.

"While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases," it added.

The agency noted that only about one in 10 actual measles cases are reported, meaning the early trends for 2019 likely underestimate the severity of the outbreaks.&nbsp;

So far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 measles cases to WHO. At this time last year, 163 countries had reported 28,124 cases.

Unvaccinated 'clusters'

Measles -- an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases -- had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.

But the so-called anti-vax movement -- driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children -- has gained traction.

Repeated studies -- the most recent involving more than 650,000 children monitored for more than a decade -- have shown that there is no such link.

But according to WHO, global coverage for the first vaccine dose has been "stalled" at 85 per cent, while 67 per cent of people have received the second dose.&nbsp;

The provisional 2019 data shows that cases have spiked "in countries with high overall vaccination coverage, including the United States," WHO warned.&nbsp;

"The disease has spread fast among clusters of unvaccinated people," it added.&nbsp;

New York's mayor declared a public health emergency in parts of Brooklyn last week after a measles outbreak emerged in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, where some had resisted vaccination on religious grounds.

Calls have mounted in several countries to make measles vaccinations mandatory, including in Germany. Australia earlier this month launched a major education campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

Turning the tide against measles will require "effective public-facing communication and engagement on the critical importance of vaccination, and the dangers of the diseases they prevent," WHO said.&nbsp;

700-per cent increase

While WHO has identified the junk science behind anti-vax propaganda as a public health threat, the data highlighted that measles still hit hardest in unstable countries with weak health systems.

The most dramatic rise in cases through the early part of the year was reported in Africa, which has weaker vaccination coverage than other regions. Africa saw a 700-per cent increase compared to last year.

At least 800 children have died from measles since September in Madagascar, where rampant malnutrition and a historically poor vaccine rate are driving the world's worse current outbreak.

In conflict-scarred Yemen, cases shot up more than 300 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017.

Venezuela, where the disease was once contained, has also seen tens of thousands of cases as the country's economic and political crises continue to push the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma.

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma. Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping vaccination rates. "Preliminary global data shows that reported cases rose by 300 per cent in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases over the past two years," it said in a statement. "While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases," it added. The agency noted that only about one in 10 actual measles cases are reported, meaning the early trends for 2019 likely underestimate the severity of the outbreaks. So far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 measles cases to WHO. At this time last year, 163 countries had reported 28,124 cases. Unvaccinated 'clusters' Measles -- an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases -- had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems. But the so-called anti-vax movement -- driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children -- has gained traction. Repeated studies -- the most recent involving more than 650,000 children monitored for more than a decade -- have shown that there is no such link. But according to WHO, global coverage for the first vaccine dose has been "stalled" at 85 per cent, while 67 per cent of people have received the second dose. The provisional 2019 data shows that cases have spiked "in countries with high overall vaccination coverage, including the United States," WHO warned. "The disease has spread fast among clusters of unvaccinated people," it added. New York's mayor declared a public health emergency in parts of Brooklyn last week after a measles outbreak emerged in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, where some had resisted vaccination on religious grounds. Calls have mounted in several countries to make measles vaccinations mandatory, including in Germany. Australia earlier this month launched a major education campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Turning the tide against measles will require "effective public-facing communication and engagement on the critical importance of vaccination, and the dangers of the diseases they prevent," WHO said. 700-per cent increase While WHO has identified the junk science behind anti-vax propaganda as a public health threat, the data highlighted that measles still hit hardest in unstable countries with weak health systems. The most dramatic rise in cases through the early part of the year was reported in Africa, which has weaker vaccination coverage than other regions. Africa saw a 700-per cent increase compared to last year. At least 800 children have died from measles since September in Madagascar, where rampant malnutrition and a historically poor vaccine rate are driving the world's worse current outbreak. In conflict-scarred Yemen, cases shot up more than 300 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017. Venezuela, where the disease was once contained, has also seen tens of thousands of cases as the country's economic and political crises continue to push the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

Global measles cases up 300%  year-on-year: WHO

Global measles cases up 300 percent year-on-year: WHO

The Afghan Taliban have banned the World Health Organization and the Red Cross from operating in areas under their control until further notice, a spokesman said on Thursday, citing unspecified "suspicious" actions during vaccination campaigns.

The move come as the WHO is carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of the last countries in the world where polio is still endemic.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said fighting across Afghanistan had created a "complex situation" and some charitable organisations including the WHO and the Red Cross were not operating in accordance with the situation.

"They have not stuck to the commitments they had with the Islamic Emirates, and they are acting suspiciously during vaccination campaigns," he said, providing no details.

Other aid groups were free to continue operations, he said.

There was no immediate comment from the two organisations.

The Afghan Taliban have banned the World Health Organization and the Red Cross from operating in areas under their control until further notice, a spokesman said on Thursday, citing unspecified "suspicious" actions during vaccination campaigns.

The Afghan Taliban have banned the World Health Organization and the Red Cross from operating in areas under their control until further notice, a spokesman said on Thursday, citing unspecified "suspicious" actions during vaccination campaigns. The move come as the WHO is carrying out a vaccination campaign in Afghanistan, one of the last countries in the world where polio is still endemic. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said fighting across Afghanistan had created a "complex situation" and some charitable organisations including the WHO and the Red Cross were not operating in accordance with the situation. "They have not stuck to the commitments they had with the Islamic Emirates, and they are acting suspiciously during vaccination campaigns," he said, providing no details. Other aid groups were free to continue operations, he said. There was no immediate comment from the two organisations.

Afghan Taliban bans WHO and Red Cross work amid vaccination drive

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found.

And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk.

Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged.

Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said.

For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted.

Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys.

That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011.

The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness.

But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday. People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found. And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk. Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged. Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said. For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted. Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys. That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011. The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness. But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

Short walk once a week can lower risk of death: Study

Drugs are "not cool" and its use is not a style statement, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-breaks-protocol-to-receive-saudi-arabias-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-198391">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said Tuesday.

In a video message played out to mark the Drug Free India Campaign, he also said narcotics trade is a big threat to the safety and security of India.

Terming, drugs as a great menace to society, the prime minister said, as per WHO estimates, over three crore people around the world are suffering from drug addiction.

It is alarming, he said, to see so many youngsters indulging in substance abuse.

Drugs are not cool. It is a big misconception that drugs are a style statement, Modi said according to a statement from his office.

The prime minister said in addition, to health problems and destruction of families due to substance abuse, narcotics trade is a great threat to the safety and security of the country.

Modi pointed out that narcotics trade is one of the biggest sources of income for terrorists and anti-national elements, and the money sourced by these elements through drug trade is used to destabilize the nation.

He said those having self-confidence and self-belief will not easily fall prey to drugs use, and also asked the young generation to support and help those suffering from drug addiction.&nbsp;

The prime minister highlighted the various initiatives taken by the government to curb the menace of drug addiction.

Students from colleges all across the country, listened to the Prime Minister's address through video conference, the statement said.&nbsp;

Drugs are "not cool" and its use is not a style statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday. In a video message played out to mark the Drug Free India Campaign, he also said narcotics trade is a big threat to the safety and security of India.

Drugs are "not cool" and its use is not a style statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday. In a video message played out to mark the Drug Free India Campaign, he also said narcotics trade is a big threat to the safety and security of India. Terming, drugs as a great menace to society, the prime minister said, as per WHO estimates, over three crore people around the world are suffering from drug addiction. It is alarming, he said, to see so many youngsters indulging in substance abuse. Drugs are not cool. It is a big misconception that drugs are a style statement, Modi said according to a statement from his office. The prime minister said in addition, to health problems and destruction of families due to substance abuse, narcotics trade is a great threat to the safety and security of the country. Modi pointed out that narcotics trade is one of the biggest sources of income for terrorists and anti-national elements, and the money sourced by these elements through drug trade is used to destabilize the nation. He said those having self-confidence and self-belief will not easily fall prey to drugs use, and also asked the young generation to support and help those suffering from drug addiction. The prime minister highlighted the various initiatives taken by the government to curb the menace of drug addiction. Students from colleges all across the country, listened to the Prime Minister's address through video conference, the statement said.

Drugs are 'not cool', narcotics trade threat to safety and security of country: PM Modi

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told.

The two-day forum is bringing together health bosses and experts from 125 countries to combat the peril of unsafe food, a hazard that kills more than 400,000 people each year, according to UN estimates.

"Today, the world produces enough food for everyone," Jose Graziano Da Silva, director general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said at the opening of the conference on Monday.

But much of this food "is not safe", he added.

"We estimate that each year, nearly one person in 10 falls sick after eating contaminated food," said Kazuaki Miyagishima, who heads the World Health Organization (WHO) food security department.

Of the 600 million people who fall sick from unsafe food, around 420,000 die, according to the UN's estimate.

Children under five suffer most, comprising 40 per cent of those who fall ill.

According to the WHO, contaminated food is to blame more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers — and the economic impact is huge but often overlooked.

The FAO estimates the cost for low and middle-income countries to be in the range of $95 billion (83.5 billion euros) per year.

The conference, attended by ministers and deputy ministers from some 20 countries, is expected to issue a call for better coordination and support.

"Africa has a major interest in this," said Miyagishima, adding the continent, followed by Southeast Asia, is the worst affected by contaminated food.

All-round approach&nbsp;

Miyagishima said a multi-pronged approach was needed.

This includes stronger laws, better training and equipment and beefing up health systems to detect potential risks and swap information countries, he said.

The risks are very diverse, ranging from bacteria such as salmonella or listeria to chemicals such as cancer-causing heavy metals and organic pollutants.

For countries facing drought or famine, the challenge is preventing the population from using water contaminated by cholera, or eating food unsuitable for consumption.

For countries trying to better respect international norms and export certain food products, Miyagishima warned of a "situation where exported food is of better quality than products destined for the local market".

In Europe, Miyagishima said there was a need for faster exchange of information between health authorities, recalling the 2017 contamination of eggs in the Netherlands, which were distributed to numerous countries.

The conference comes at a time of swelling controversy over the use of chemical products in agriculture, including the controversial weed-killer Roundup.

"Regulatory decisions, international or national, should be based on sound science," he said.

The UN in December announced the creation of a World Food Safety Day on June 7. 
&nbsp;

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told.

Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals is a mounting health hazard and a crippling economic burden, a global conference on food safety has been told. The two-day forum is bringing together health bosses and experts from 125 countries to combat the peril of unsafe food, a hazard that kills more than 400,000 people each year, according to UN estimates. "Today, the world produces enough food for everyone," Jose Graziano Da Silva, director general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said at the opening of the conference on Monday. But much of this food "is not safe", he added. "We estimate that each year, nearly one person in 10 falls sick after eating contaminated food," said Kazuaki Miyagishima, who heads the World Health Organization (WHO) food security department. Of the 600 million people who fall sick from unsafe food, around 420,000 die, according to the UN's estimate. Children under five suffer most, comprising 40 per cent of those who fall ill. According to the WHO, contaminated food is to blame more than 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers — and the economic impact is huge but often overlooked. The FAO estimates the cost for low and middle-income countries to be in the range of $95 billion (83.5 billion euros) per year. The conference, attended by ministers and deputy ministers from some 20 countries, is expected to issue a call for better coordination and support. "Africa has a major interest in this," said Miyagishima, adding the continent, followed by Southeast Asia, is the worst affected by contaminated food. All-round approach Miyagishima said a multi-pronged approach was needed. This includes stronger laws, better training and equipment and beefing up health systems to detect potential risks and swap information countries, he said. The risks are very diverse, ranging from bacteria such as salmonella or listeria to chemicals such as cancer-causing heavy metals and organic pollutants. For countries facing drought or famine, the challenge is preventing the population from using water contaminated by cholera, or eating food unsuitable for consumption. For countries trying to better respect international norms and export certain food products, Miyagishima warned of a "situation where exported food is of better quality than products destined for the local market". In Europe, Miyagishima said there was a need for faster exchange of information between health authorities, recalling the 2017 contamination of eggs in the Netherlands, which were distributed to numerous countries. The conference comes at a time of swelling controversy over the use of chemical products in agriculture, including the controversial weed-killer Roundup. "Regulatory decisions, international or national, should be based on sound science," he said. The UN in December announced the creation of a World Food Safety Day on June 7.

Food safety on the table at world conference

The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday. 
 
The outbreak became the second-worst ever recorded, with 475 deaths, among them 421 confirmed cases of the virus and 54 probable, according to the latest figures. 
 
WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, told EFE on the phone chains of transmission and a large number of people were being monitored, which could take months. 
 
This Ebola outbreak, which emerged shortly after DR Congo's government declared an end to another outbreak in the west of the country in June last year, was announced on Aug. 1 in the conflict-affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. 
 
Since the beginning of the epidemic, 769 cases of the disease have been recorded, 715 of which are confirmed and 54 others considered likely. 
 
The Botswana-born doctor added they were aware that insecurity limited their access, noting the virus might be spreading in areas they had no access to. 
 
In these red zones where health teams' access is extremely difficult, if not impossible, Moeti said the number of people infected can neither be known nor estimated. 
 
The conflict is not static so there are areas that are safe, but then suddenly an incident takes place, and then all health teams are evacuated, Moeti said. 
 
The doctor explained that Ebola was a disease that needed continuous and daily monitoring, and so closing a health center or evacuating medical personnel meant losing track of cases and allowing the virus to continue spreading. 
 
On Nov. 30, the WHO confirmed that the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now the second-worst in history. 
 
The worst case killed over 11,000 people in West Africa between 2014-2016. 
 
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and is widely feared for its mortality rate of up to 90 percent and for causing heavy internal and external bleeding.

The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday.

The end of an Ebola epidemic that has gripped the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over six months is hard to predict, a World Health Organisation official told EFE on Sunday. The outbreak became the second-worst ever recorded, with 475 deaths, among them 421 confirmed cases of the virus and 54 probable, according to the latest figures. WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, told EFE on the phone chains of transmission and a large number of people were being monitored, which could take months. This Ebola outbreak, which emerged shortly after DR Congo's government declared an end to another outbreak in the west of the country in June last year, was announced on Aug. 1 in the conflict-affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 769 cases of the disease have been recorded, 715 of which are confirmed and 54 others considered likely. The Botswana-born doctor added they were aware that insecurity limited their access, noting the virus might be spreading in areas they had no access to. In these red zones where health teams' access is extremely difficult, if not impossible, Moeti said the number of people infected can neither be known nor estimated. The conflict is not static so there are areas that are safe, but then suddenly an incident takes place, and then all health teams are evacuated, Moeti said. The doctor explained that Ebola was a disease that needed continuous and daily monitoring, and so closing a health center or evacuating medical personnel meant losing track of cases and allowing the virus to continue spreading. On Nov. 30, the WHO confirmed that the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is now the second-worst in history. The worst case killed over 11,000 people in West Africa between 2014-2016. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people or animals, and is widely feared for its mortality rate of up to 90 percent and for causing heavy internal and external bleeding.

WHO says end of Ebola outbreak difficult to predict

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/leading-brexit-donors-say-britain-will-reverse-decision-to-leave-eu-189596">Britain</a> on Monday pledged to fight air pollution and introduce new legislation this year on air quality to save lives and billions of pounds for the economy.

The government said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-yellow-vest-protesters-rally-in-central-london-189913">Britain would become the first major economy</a> to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations regarding people's exposure to particulate matter.

"Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action," environment minister Michael Gove said in a statement.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it aimed to reduce the costs of air pollution to society by 1.7 billion pounds every year by 2020, increasing to 5.3 billion pounds every year from 2030.

Last year, the government published plans to reduce emissions from cars and planes. In addition to cars, diesel-only trains will also be phased out by 2040.

The strategy, which also looks to tackle home, farming and industrial pollutants, commits Britain to halve the number of people who live in areas breaching WHO guidelines on pollution as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny.

On Friday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox gave consent for a new inquest to be opened into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old asthma sufferer who died in 2013, after her family argued that the initial inquest ignored the role air pollution might have played in her death.

A petition to Cox by the family said there was evidence Kissi-Debrah's hospital visits were linked to illegal levels on air pollution near her home in South London. Cox said that the evidence meant the family could apply for a new inquest at the High Court.

She would be the first person in Britain to have her death legally linked to air pollution as charities and pressure groups bid to raise awareness of the impact poor air quality has on health.

"Thousands of lives are lost every year in the UK because the air we breathe contains dangerous particles," said Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, adding the strategy need matching with legislative action.

"We urgently need these guidelines adopted into national law, to accelerate coordinated, bold and ambitious action that will protect people's heart and circulatory health wherever they live in the UK."

'Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action,' environment minister Michael Gove said.

Britain on Monday pledged to fight air pollution and introduce new legislation this year on air quality to save lives and billions of pounds for the economy. The government said Britain would become the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations regarding people's exposure to particulate matter. "Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action," environment minister Michael Gove said in a statement. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it aimed to reduce the costs of air pollution to society by 1.7 billion pounds every year by 2020, increasing to 5.3 billion pounds every year from 2030. Last year, the government published plans to reduce emissions from cars and planes. In addition to cars, diesel-only trains will also be phased out by 2040. The strategy, which also looks to tackle home, farming and industrial pollutants, commits Britain to halve the number of people who live in areas breaching WHO guidelines on pollution as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny. On Friday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox gave consent for a new inquest to be opened into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old asthma sufferer who died in 2013, after her family argued that the initial inquest ignored the role air pollution might have played in her death. A petition to Cox by the family said there was evidence Kissi-Debrah's hospital visits were linked to illegal levels on air pollution near her home in South London. Cox said that the evidence meant the family could apply for a new inquest at the High Court. She would be the first person in Britain to have her death legally linked to air pollution as charities and pressure groups bid to raise awareness of the impact poor air quality has on health. "Thousands of lives are lost every year in the UK because the air we breathe contains dangerous particles," said Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, adding the strategy need matching with legislative action. "We urgently need these guidelines adopted into national law, to accelerate coordinated, bold and ambitious action that will protect people's heart and circulatory health wherever they live in the UK."

Britain pledges legislation to adopt air quality goals based on WHO

The World Health Organization chief warned Friday that growing unrest in the eastern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dr-congo-giant-weakened-by-violence-and-poverty-187058">Democratic Republic of Congo </a>was disrupting efforts to rein in an Ebola outbreak, threatening gains made in fighting the deadly virus.

The security situation in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-tops-200-in-dr-congo-ebola-outbreak-176592">Ebola-hit Beni and Butembo areas </a>has deteriorated since Thursday morning as protests erupted against further delays to DRC's election. This has complicated efforts to provide vaccinations and track down people who may have been infected, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

Some 20 people suspected of having contracted Ebola fled a transit centre where they were being monitored in the Beni region, the epicentre of this latest outbreak of the highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, according to the country's health ministry.

The incident followed the announcement that elections planned for Sunday in the region had once again been postponed because of local unrest, as well as the Ebola outbreak.

Tedros said that the UN agency and its partners were continuing to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

But "yesterday our teams in Beni were unable to carry out critical field work, including vaccinations, contact tracing, and following up on alerts of potential new cases," he said.

And in Butembo, "some alerts of potential cases were investigated and confirmed cases were referred to treatment centres but teams were unable to trace contacts or to conduct vaccinations."

'Tragedy'&nbsp;

Tedros stressed that response activities had not been interrupted in other affected areas.

He pointed out that after an intensification of field activities, "we were seeing hopeful signs in many areas, including a recent decrease in cases in Beni."

But he warned that "these gains could be lost if we suffer a period of prolonged insecurity, resulting in increased transmission."

"That would be a tragedy for the local population, who have already suffered too much," Tedros said.

He said the WHO teams in Beni and Butembo were doing "everything possible" to continue responding to the outbreak, and that WHO hoped to "return to full operations as soon as possible while remaining committed to ensuring the safety of all staff deployed.

He asked everyone to "protect health facilities and provide access for responders to the affected populations so that we can stop this outbreak."

"We cannot afford to take a step back at this critical point in the response," he said.

Kigali declared the Ebola epidemic last August, and it has already claimed 357 lives.&nbsp;

There is great concern that the disease could spread to other major towns in the region, such as Goma and Kisangani and even neighbouring Uganda.

On Wednesday, the country's electoral commission cited the unrest in the region and the Ebola outbreak as the reasons it was further postponing national elections there.

However, the vote will continue to take place in the rest of the country as scheduled on December 30, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18, the commission said.

The World Health Organization chief warned Friday that growing unrest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was disrupting efforts to rein in an Ebola outbreak, threatening gains made in fighting the deadly virus.

The World Health Organization chief warned Friday that growing unrest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was disrupting efforts to rein in an Ebola outbreak, threatening gains made in fighting the deadly virus. The security situation in the Ebola-hit Beni and Butembo areas has deteriorated since Thursday morning as protests erupted against further delays to DRC's election. This has complicated efforts to provide vaccinations and track down people who may have been infected, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Some 20 people suspected of having contracted Ebola fled a transit centre where they were being monitored in the Beni region, the epicentre of this latest outbreak of the highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, according to the country's health ministry. The incident followed the announcement that elections planned for Sunday in the region had once again been postponed because of local unrest, as well as the Ebola outbreak. Tedros said that the UN agency and its partners were continuing to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces. But "yesterday our teams in Beni were unable to carry out critical field work, including vaccinations, contact tracing, and following up on alerts of potential new cases," he said. And in Butembo, "some alerts of potential cases were investigated and confirmed cases were referred to treatment centres but teams were unable to trace contacts or to conduct vaccinations." 'Tragedy' Tedros stressed that response activities had not been interrupted in other affected areas. He pointed out that after an intensification of field activities, "we were seeing hopeful signs in many areas, including a recent decrease in cases in Beni." But he warned that "these gains could be lost if we suffer a period of prolonged insecurity, resulting in increased transmission." "That would be a tragedy for the local population, who have already suffered too much," Tedros said. He said the WHO teams in Beni and Butembo were doing "everything possible" to continue responding to the outbreak, and that WHO hoped to "return to full operations as soon as possible while remaining committed to ensuring the safety of all staff deployed. He asked everyone to "protect health facilities and provide access for responders to the affected populations so that we can stop this outbreak." "We cannot afford to take a step back at this critical point in the response," he said. Kigali declared the Ebola epidemic last August, and it has already claimed 357 lives. There is great concern that the disease could spread to other major towns in the region, such as Goma and Kisangani and even neighbouring Uganda. On Wednesday, the country's electoral commission cited the unrest in the region and the Ebola outbreak as the reasons it was further postponing national elections there. However, the vote will continue to take place in the rest of the country as scheduled on December 30, and the next president will be sworn in on January 18, the commission said.

WHO chief warns DR Congo unrest threatening gains in Ebola fight

19 Indian cities among World's 20 most polluted: WHO

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

In the report, titled 'Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air', deaths of about 600,000 children under 15 years of age in 2016 were attributed to the joint effects of ambient and household air pollution.

"Globally, 93 per cent of the world's children under 18 years of age are exposed to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above WHO air quality guidelines, which include the 630 million of children under 5 years of age, and 1.8 billion of children under 15 years," the World Health Organisation (WHO) study released on Monday said.

Another report by Greenpeace presented a grim picture of India's pollution level.

The green body's report said three of the world's largest nitrogen oxide air pollution emission hotspots that contribute to formation of PM2.5 and ozone are in India with one in the Delhi-NCR.

Delhi-NCR, Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh, Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Talcher-Angul in Odisha are the hotspots identified. Sonbhadra and Singrauli combined have one hotspot.

The study said a total of 101,788 deaths under the age of five -- 54,893 were girls and 46,895 were boys -- were reported due to joint effects of exposure of children to ambient and household PM 2.5 and burden of disease by the country in 2016.

Out of the over 1 lakh deaths in the country in 2016, 60,987 were due to ambient air pollution (32,889 were girls and 28,097 boys), it said.

Industries, households, cars and trucks emit complex mixtures of air pollutants and form ambient air pollution.

Due to household air pollution in 2016, about 66,890 deaths of children below five years were reported out of which 36,073 were girls and 30,817 were boys, the WHO report said.

It said about 98 per cent of children under the age of five years in low- and middle-income countries, which include nations like India, were exposed to air pollution caused by finer particulate matters in 2016.

Household air pollution from cooking and ambient air pollution caused more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, it said.

The WHO report examines the heavy toll of both ambient (outside) and household air pollution on the health of the children across world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, like India.

"In low- and middle-income countries around the world, 98% of all children under 5 are exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines. In comparison, in high-income countries, 52% of children under 5 are exposed to levels above WHO air quality guidelines," the study says.

<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The PM2.5 (or particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres present in the air), also called "fine particulates", can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (those with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).

PM2.5 poses greater harm as being finer, it can easily be inhaled into the respiratory tract.

The PM2.5 has reached dangerous levels in New Delhi in the last two weeks. On Monday, a thick blanket of haze engulfed the city, and an overall air quality index of 348 was recorded, which falls in the very poor category, according to data of the Central Pollution Control Board.

The report noted that air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age.

"Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential," the official said.

Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, WHO, said, "Air Pollution is stunting our children's brains, affecting their health in more ways than we suspected."

"But there are many straight-forward ways to reduce emissions of dangerous pollutants," Neira said.

The WHO report cited a case study that investigated whether exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in an integrated rural-urban, mother-child cohort in Tamil Nadu.

"The researchers recruited 1,285 women in the first trimester of pregnancy in primary health care centres and urban health posts and followed them until the birth of their child to collect data on maternal health, prenatal care, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the birthweight of the child," the study said.

D Saha, an environmentalist, said India is a tropical country and the influence of natural dust is much higher as compared with developed countries.

"The self neutralization of natural dust is much higher as compared to the emitted pollutants," he said.

The report, launched ahead of the WHO's first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, revealed that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birthweight children.

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution. In the report, titled 'Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air', deaths of about 600,000 children under 15 years of age in 2016 were attributed to the joint effects of ambient and household air pollution. "Globally, 93 per cent of the world's children under 18 years of age are exposed to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above WHO air quality guidelines, which include the 630 million of children under 5 years of age, and 1.8 billion of children under 15 years," the World Health Organisation (WHO) study released on Monday said. Another report by Greenpeace presented a grim picture of India's pollution level. The green body's report said three of the world's largest nitrogen oxide air pollution emission hotspots that contribute to formation of PM2.5 and ozone are in India with one in the Delhi-NCR. Delhi-NCR, Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh, Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Talcher-Angul in Odisha are the hotspots identified. Sonbhadra and Singrauli combined have one hotspot. The study said a total of 101,788 deaths under the age of five -- 54,893 were girls and 46,895 were boys -- were reported due to joint effects of exposure of children to ambient and household PM 2.5 and burden of disease by the country in 2016. Out of the over 1 lakh deaths in the country in 2016, 60,987 were due to ambient air pollution (32,889 were girls and 28,097 boys), it said. Industries, households, cars and trucks emit complex mixtures of air pollutants and form ambient air pollution. Due to household air pollution in 2016, about 66,890 deaths of children below five years were reported out of which 36,073 were girls and 30,817 were boys, the WHO report said. It said about 98 per cent of children under the age of five years in low- and middle-income countries, which include nations like India, were exposed to air pollution caused by finer particulate matters in 2016. Household air pollution from cooking and ambient air pollution caused more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, it said. The WHO report examines the heavy toll of both ambient (outside) and household air pollution on the health of the children across world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, like India. "In low- and middle-income countries around the world, 98% of all children under 5 are exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines. In comparison, in high-income countries, 52% of children under 5 are exposed to levels above WHO air quality guidelines," the study says. The PM2.5 (or particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres present in the air), also called "fine particulates", can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (those with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres). PM2.5 poses greater harm as being finer, it can easily be inhaled into the respiratory tract. The PM2.5 has reached dangerous levels in New Delhi in the last two weeks. On Monday, a thick blanket of haze engulfed the city, and an overall air quality index of 348 was recorded, which falls in the very poor category, according to data of the Central Pollution Control Board. The report noted that air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age. "Polluted air is poisoning millions of children and ruining their lives," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "This is inexcusable. Every child should be able to breathe clean air so they can grow and fulfil their full potential," the official said. Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, WHO, said, "Air Pollution is stunting our children's brains, affecting their health in more ways than we suspected." "But there are many straight-forward ways to reduce emissions of dangerous pollutants," Neira said. The WHO report cited a case study that investigated whether exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in an integrated rural-urban, mother-child cohort in Tamil Nadu. "The researchers recruited 1,285 women in the first trimester of pregnancy in primary health care centres and urban health posts and followed them until the birth of their child to collect data on maternal health, prenatal care, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the birthweight of the child," the study said. D Saha, an environmentalist, said India is a tropical country and the influence of natural dust is much higher as compared with developed countries. "The self neutralization of natural dust is much higher as compared to the emitted pollutants," he said. The report, launched ahead of the WHO's first ever Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, revealed that when pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birthweight children.

Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO

19 out of top 20 most polluted cities in the world from India

Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak is expected to last several months and could spread at any time to Uganda or Rwanda, which are well prepared but have not approved use of a vaccine, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.

But the most concerning area is the city of Beni in Congo's North Kivu province, where dozens of people who may have been exposed to the deadly disease are hiding from health workers, emergency response chief Peter Salama told Reuters.&nbsp;

"We anticipate that now we’ll be looking at least at another 3-4 months in order to really stem this outbreak, with a strong focus in Beni and surrounding areas," Salama said. "I’d say that’s the best case scenario.”

The outbreak has now caused 194 cases and 122 deaths, and two-thirds of cases in the past month have been in and around Beni, where the Ebola response was disrupted last month by a spate of attacks by armed groups and a period of official mourning.

The next few days will tell if the recent wave of infections in Beni is over, he said, depending on the security situation and the local community`s willingness to support the response.

"If, however, this peak is accompanied by a peak in insecurity which limits our ability to get to all these cases and their contacts, then we could see a much larger wave building. A lot is depending on that security situation," Salama said.

Many of the new cases are already known to healthworkers as people who have had contact with recorded Ebola patients. On average, 80-90 per cent of people with potential Ebola exposure are being monitored on a daily basis.

But a smaller number, around 40 or more, are "actively avoiding follow-up" and have not been found for days on end, increasing the risk of the disease spreading, Salama said. More than 90 per cent of those people were in Beni, he added.

Some Ebola victims are suspicious of healthworkers, fearing that hospitalisation is a death sentence - despite the obvious risks of missing out on treatment - while families believe that bodies may not be returned for traditional burials.

Local authorities in Beni have threatened people who harbour suspected patients with three-month jail sentences.

Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak is expected to last several months and could spread at any time to Uganda or Rwanda, which are well prepared but have not approved use of a vaccine, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.

Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak is expected to last several months and could spread at any time to Uganda or Rwanda, which are well prepared but have not approved use of a vaccine, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. But the most concerning area is the city of Beni in Congo's North Kivu province, where dozens of people who may have been exposed to the deadly disease are hiding from health workers, emergency response chief Peter Salama told Reuters. "We anticipate that now we’ll be looking at least at another 3-4 months in order to really stem this outbreak, with a strong focus in Beni and surrounding areas," Salama said. "I’d say that’s the best case scenario.” The outbreak has now caused 194 cases and 122 deaths, and two-thirds of cases in the past month have been in and around Beni, where the Ebola response was disrupted last month by a spate of attacks by armed groups and a period of official mourning. The next few days will tell if the recent wave of infections in Beni is over, he said, depending on the security situation and the local community`s willingness to support the response. "If, however, this peak is accompanied by a peak in insecurity which limits our ability to get to all these cases and their contacts, then we could see a much larger wave building. A lot is depending on that security situation," Salama said. Many of the new cases are already known to healthworkers as people who have had contact with recorded Ebola patients. On average, 80-90 per cent of people with potential Ebola exposure are being monitored on a daily basis. But a smaller number, around 40 or more, are "actively avoiding follow-up" and have not been found for days on end, increasing the risk of the disease spreading, Salama said. More than 90 per cent of those people were in Beni, he added. Some Ebola victims are suspicious of healthworkers, fearing that hospitalisation is a death sentence - despite the obvious risks of missing out on treatment - while families believe that bodies may not be returned for traditional burials. Local authorities in Beni have threatened people who harbour suspected patients with three-month jail sentences.

WHO sees Congo's Ebola outbreak lasting 3-4 months at least

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