Speaking about the situation in Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, regional director at the WHO, said: "We have seen, in the region, not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalisations and five measles-related deaths. This is concerning.

W.H.O raises alarm over measles in Europe, urges mass vaccination drive

Measles soared in Europe last year, with the 30,000 reported cases 30 times higher than for the previous year, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday calling for "urgent" vaccination efforts.

"We have seen in the region not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalisations and five measles-related deaths. This is concerning," the WHO said in a statement.

Measles soared in Europe last year, with the 30,000 reported cases 30 times higher than for the previous year, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday calling for "urgent" vaccination efforts.

Measles soared in Europe last year, with the 30,000 reported cases 30 times higher than for the previous year, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday calling for "urgent" vaccination efforts. "We have seen in the region not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalisations and five measles-related deaths. This is concerning," the WHO said in a statement.

Measles cases surge 30-fold In Europe in 2023: WHO

Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by&nbsp;becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

<h2>Malaria-Free nations</h2>

Worldwide, only 43 nations have been certified as malaria-free by the WHO. For this certification, a nation needs to prove that the domestic chain of transmission has been broken for at least three consecutive years, reports AFP.

On the African continent, before Cape Verde, Mauritius in 1973 and Algeria in 2019, were declared malaria-free.

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Acknowledging the achievement of the Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 inhabitants, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I salute the government and people of Cabo Verde for their unwavering commitment and resilience in their journey to eliminating malaria."

"WHO's certification of Cabo Verde being malaria-free is testament to the power of strategic public health planning, collaboration, and sustained effort to protect and promote health," he added.

Watch |&nbsp;Climate change effects on spread of malaria

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The WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti also expressed happiness and said, "Cabo Verde's achievement is a beacon of hope for the African Region and beyond. It demonstrates that with strong political will, effective policies, community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration, malaria elimination is an achievable goal."

Stressing the advantages this certification will have for Cape Verde, WHO said that it "has the potential to attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities in a country where tourism accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP."

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<h2>Malaria</h2>

As per WHO estimates, in 2022, malaria killed 608,000 people worldwide and infected 250 million.

The disease, as per AFP, is particularly present in Africa. In 2021, the nation accounted for 95 per cent of deaths and 94 per cent of contaminations. Furthermore, on the continent, children under five represented 80 per cent of the deaths.

Cape Verde went through its last malaria peak in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been confined to two islands: Santiago and Boa Vista. Both the islands have now been malaria-free since 2017.

In 2007, eliminating malaria became a national objective for Cape Verde, and subsequently, it came up with a strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. Malaria-Free nations Worldwide, only 43 nations have been certified as malaria-free by the WHO. For this certification, a nation needs to prove that the domestic chain of transmission has been broken for at least three consecutive years, reports AFP. On the African continent, before Cape Verde, Mauritius in 1973 and Algeria in 2019, were declared malaria-free. Also read | Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X Acknowledging the achievement of the Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 inhabitants, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I salute the government and people of Cabo Verde for their unwavering commitment and resilience in their journey to eliminating malaria." "WHO's certification of Cabo Verde being malaria-free is testament to the power of strategic public health planning, collaboration, and sustained effort to protect and promote health," he added. Watch | Climate change effects on spread of malaria × The WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti also expressed happiness and said, "Cabo Verde's achievement is a beacon of hope for the African Region and beyond. It demonstrates that with strong political will, effective policies, community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration, malaria elimination is an achievable goal." Stressing the advantages this certification will have for Cape Verde, WHO said that it "has the potential to attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities in a country where tourism accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP." Also read | Japanese men continue to disappoint their wives; most women say husbands don't do 'enough' around home Malaria As per WHO estimates, in 2022, malaria killed 608,000 people worldwide and infected 250 million. The disease, as per AFP, is particularly present in Africa. In 2021, the nation accounted for 95 per cent of deaths and 94 per cent of contaminations. Furthermore, on the continent, children under five represented 80 per cent of the deaths. Cape Verde went through its last malaria peak in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been confined to two islands: Santiago and Boa Vista. Both the islands have now been malaria-free since 2017. In 2007, eliminating malaria became a national objective for Cape Verde, and subsequently, it came up with a strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013. (With inputs from agencies)

Cape Verde becomes third African nation to be declared malaria-free

Nepal got Sinovac vaccines in April 2021 as a grant from China. China refused to take the vaccines back. The vaccines were in storage for over two years. W.H.O recommended Pfizer, Moderna, Covishield over SINOVAC. Watch to know more!

Nepal to destroy China Covid vaccines, 4 million Sinovac vaccines to be destroyed

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>Tunnels&nbsp;were&nbsp;being used as Hamas ‘command centre’: IDF</h2>

The three shafts “are connected by a wide underground network that runs under the hospital, is several kilometres long and leads to strategic points in the heart of Gaza City,” said the Israeli army, as quoted by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The tunnel shafts were said to have been destroyed using explosives. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel at Rantisi was used by Hamas as a command centre.&nbsp;

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IDF troops are uncovering Hamas’ tunnels inside and around multiple hospitals within Gaza. 
 
The Rantisi Hospital is just another terrorist stronghold used to connect and transfer terrorists and weapons throughout Gaza to be used against Israelis. <a href="https://t.co/aYBkpgsfn9">pic.twitter.com/aYBkpgsfn9</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1740084607762973123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Back in November, the IDF showed what it said was proof that the basement of Rantisi was used by Hamas to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages that were taken to Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, in November, showed what he claimed was an underground command centre under the Rantisi Hospital and had suicide vests, rocket-propelled grenades, along with&nbsp;baby bottles and improvised toilets which he said indicated that Hamas held hostages there.&nbsp;

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According to the Israeli army, one of the three shafts found in a high school adjacent to Rantisi was equipped with an elevator heading down some 20 metres. While another shaft was said to be the home of a commander in Hamas’ naval forces and was equipped with a blast door.&nbsp;

The tunnel network was demolished by combat engineers after being investigated, said the IDF.&nbsp;

<h2>WHO says Gazans in ‘grave peril’</h2>

The World Health Organization, on Wednesday, said that the people in Gaza are in “grave peril” citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the war-torn Palestinian territory. This comes as Israel is facing growing criticism from across the world over mounting civilian casualties amid its war with Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

The United Nations health agency said that it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday (Dec 26), and only 15 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are functioning in any capacity at all.

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WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take “urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza".

The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that the death toll since the beginning of Israel’s retaliatory attacks has killed at least 21,110 people and left around 55,243 others injured.&nbsp;

The conflict erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7 resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Palestinian militants also took over 200&nbsp;hostages, 129 of whom remain in captivity, says Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Tunnels were being used as Hamas ‘command centre’: IDF The three shafts “are connected by a wide underground network that runs under the hospital, is several kilometres long and leads to strategic points in the heart of Gaza City,” said the Israeli army, as quoted by the Times of Israel. The tunnel shafts were said to have been destroyed using explosives. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel at Rantisi was used by Hamas as a command centre. IDF troops are uncovering Hamas’ tunnels inside and around multiple hospitals within Gaza. The Rantisi Hospital is just another terrorist stronghold used to connect and transfer terrorists and weapons throughout Gaza to be used against Israelis. pic.twitter.com/aYBkpgsfn9 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 27, 2023 × Back in November, the IDF showed what it said was proof that the basement of Rantisi was used by Hamas to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages that were taken to Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, in November, showed what he claimed was an underground command centre under the Rantisi Hospital and had suicide vests, rocket-propelled grenades, along with baby bottles and improvised toilets which he said indicated that Hamas held hostages there. ALSO READ | Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner' According to the Israeli army, one of the three shafts found in a high school adjacent to Rantisi was equipped with an elevator heading down some 20 metres. While another shaft was said to be the home of a commander in Hamas’ naval forces and was equipped with a blast door. The tunnel network was demolished by combat engineers after being investigated, said the IDF. WHO says Gazans in ‘grave peril’ The World Health Organization, on Wednesday, said that the people in Gaza are in “grave peril” citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the war-torn Palestinian territory. This comes as Israel is facing growing criticism from across the world over mounting civilian casualties amid its war with Hamas in Gaza. The United Nations health agency said that it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday (Dec 26), and only 15 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are functioning in any capacity at all. ALSO READ | Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months' WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take “urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza". The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that the death toll since the beginning of Israel’s retaliatory attacks has killed at least 21,110 people and left around 55,243 others injured. The conflict erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7 resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Palestinian militants also took over 200 hostages, 129 of whom remain in captivity, says Israel. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli Army claims to have destroyed Hamas tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Dec 19) classified the JN.1 strain of COVID-19 as a "variant of interest" but added that it did not pose a major threat to public health. 
 
Previously, JN.1 was classified as a variant of interest under its parent lineage BA.2.86. "Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low," said WHO. 
 
The organisation added that current vaccines will be able to protect people against severe disease and death from the new variant JN.1 as well as other circulating variants of COVID-19. 
 
The World Health Organization earlier said that the virus has been evolving and changing and appealed to the member states to continue sharing the sequence of virus spread and carry out strong surveillance.

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Taking to X, the WHO wrote, “Dr @mvankerkhove talks about the current surge in respiratory diseases #COVID19 and JN.1 subvariant. WHO continues to assess the situation. Follow WHO's public health advice to keep your families and friends safe during this holiday season.” 
 
Earlier this month, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the subvariant JN.1 has been found in an estimated 15 per cent to 29 per cent of cases in the United States till December 8, as per the latest projections of the agency. 
 
It said that currently, no evidence has proved that JN.1 can increase the risk to public health in comparison to other current variants which have been circulating and added that that an updated vaccine will be helpful in keeping Americans protected against the variant. 
 
According to the CDC, the variant of JN.1 was first detected in September in the United States. Last week, seven infections of the COVID subvariant were detected by China.

<h2>JN.1 variant in India</h2>

The JN.1 variant was also detected in the Indian state of Kerala which forced the government to issue an advisory to the state governments appealing them to make adequate health arrangements.

Watch:&nbsp;Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern&nbsp;

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"Considering the upcoming festive season, there is a need to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise the risk of increase in transmission of the disease by adherence to the maintenance of respiratory hygiene,” read the advisory.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Dec 19) classified the JN.1 strain of COVID-19 as a "variant of interest" but added that it did not pose a major threat to public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Dec 19) classified the JN.1 strain of COVID-19 as a "variant of interest" but added that it did not pose a major threat to public health. Previously, JN.1 was classified as a variant of interest under its parent lineage BA.2.86. "Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low," said WHO. The organisation added that current vaccines will be able to protect people against severe disease and death from the new variant JN.1 as well as other circulating variants of COVID-19. The World Health Organization earlier said that the virus has been evolving and changing and appealed to the member states to continue sharing the sequence of virus spread and carry out strong surveillance. Also read: JN.1 in India and HV.1 in US, Covid doesn't seem to be giving us a break Taking to X, the WHO wrote, “Dr @mvankerkhove talks about the current surge in respiratory diseases #COVID19 and JN.1 subvariant. WHO continues to assess the situation. Follow WHO's public health advice to keep your families and friends safe during this holiday season.” Earlier this month, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the subvariant JN.1 has been found in an estimated 15 per cent to 29 per cent of cases in the United States till December 8, as per the latest projections of the agency. It said that currently, no evidence has proved that JN.1 can increase the risk to public health in comparison to other current variants which have been circulating and added that that an updated vaccine will be helpful in keeping Americans protected against the variant. According to the CDC, the variant of JN.1 was first detected in September in the United States. Last week, seven infections of the COVID subvariant were detected by China. JN.1 variant in India The JN.1 variant was also detected in the Indian state of Kerala which forced the government to issue an advisory to the state governments appealing them to make adequate health arrangements. Watch: Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern "Considering the upcoming festive season, there is a need to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise the risk of increase in transmission of the disease by adherence to the maintenance of respiratory hygiene,” read the advisory. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO labels JN.1 Covid strain as a ‘variant of interest’, says its health risk is low

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Dec 13)&nbsp;called on governments all over the world to consider e-cigarettes equally dangerous as tobacco further urging them to ban all flavours.&nbsp;

Some governments and researchers considered e-cigarettes, or vapes as significant alternatives to nicotine cigarettes and a key tool in bringing down the number of deaths and diseases caused by smoking.

However, the United Nations agency released a statement saying that "urgent measures" were needed to curb them.

UN, citing studies, said there was no sufficient evidence to back the fact that vapes helped smokers quit.

It further stated that vapes were harmful to health and that they could aggravate nicotine addiction among non-smokers, especially children and young people.

It then said that kids between the ages of 13-15 were using vapes more than adults in all WHO regions helped by aggressive marketing.

"Kids are being recruited and trapped at an early age to use e-cigarettes and may get hooked to nicotine," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, urging countries to implement strict measures. "I urge countries to implement strict measures to prevent uptake to protect their citizens, especially their children and young people.”

<h2>How e-cigarettes can harm health?</h2>

E-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to health.&nbsp;

Along with long-term health effects, it has been found that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.

The use of e-cigarettes, as per WHO, can also lead to learning disorders and significantly impact brain development.

They are also known to adversely affect the development of the fetus in pregnant women.

“E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16,000 flavours. Some of these products use cartoon characters and have sleek designs, which appeal to the younger generation. There is an alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes among children and young people with rates exceeding adult use in many countries,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO Director for Health Promotion.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Dec 13) called on governments all over the world to consider e-cigarettes equally dangerous as tobacco further urging them to ban all flavours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Dec 13) called on governments all over the world to consider e-cigarettes equally dangerous as tobacco further urging them to ban all flavours. Some governments and researchers considered e-cigarettes, or vapes as significant alternatives to nicotine cigarettes and a key tool in bringing down the number of deaths and diseases caused by smoking. However, the United Nations agency released a statement saying that "urgent measures" were needed to curb them. UN, citing studies, said there was no sufficient evidence to back the fact that vapes helped smokers quit. It further stated that vapes were harmful to health and that they could aggravate nicotine addiction among non-smokers, especially children and young people. It then said that kids between the ages of 13-15 were using vapes more than adults in all WHO regions helped by aggressive marketing. "Kids are being recruited and trapped at an early age to use e-cigarettes and may get hooked to nicotine," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, urging countries to implement strict measures. "I urge countries to implement strict measures to prevent uptake to protect their citizens, especially their children and young people.” How e-cigarettes can harm health? E-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to health. Along with long-term health effects, it has been found that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders. The use of e-cigarettes, as per WHO, can also lead to learning disorders and significantly impact brain development. They are also known to adversely affect the development of the fetus in pregnant women. “E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16,000 flavours. Some of these products use cartoon characters and have sleek designs, which appeal to the younger generation. There is an alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes among children and young people with rates exceeding adult use in many countries,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO Director for Health Promotion. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO calls for governments to ban flavoured vapes, impose tobacco-style curbs

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to raise taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), on Tuesday (Dec 5) while noting that a majority of the countries do not incentivise healthier behaviours.&nbsp;

The recommendations were based on the United Nations health agency's study of the taxation rates which found that the average global tax rate on such “unhealthy products” was low, and hiking taxes could result in healthier populations and reduce the deaths&nbsp;they cause.&nbsp; 
 
“WHO recommends that excise tax should apply to all sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and alcoholic beverages,” said the UN agency&nbsp;in a statement. Excise taxes target specific consumer products.&nbsp;

<h2>Millions of deaths due to alcohol and SSBs</h2>

Around 2.6 million people across the world die from drinking alcohol, while more than eight million die from having an unhealthy diet, according to WHO, adding that implementing a tax on them “will reduce these deaths.”

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The UN agency also said that raising the tax will not only help reduce the consumption of these beverages but also incentivise companies to make healthier products.&nbsp;

“Taxing unhealthy products creates healthier populations. It has a positive ripple effect across society, less disease and debilitation and revenue for governments to provide public services,” said Rüdiger Krech, the UN agency’s health promotion director, in the statement.&nbsp;

“In the case of alcohol, taxes also help prevent violence and road traffic injuries,” he added.

The tax on these products would also help prevent non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart diseases, said the UN health agency.&nbsp;

<h2>What else did WHO find?</h2>

The report also noted that half of all countries taxing SSBs are also taxing water – not something that the WHO recommends. Around 108 countries of its 194 members impose some taxation on SSBs. Globally, excise taxes on average represent just 6.6 per cent of the price of a soda.

Additionally, at least 148 countries have applied excise taxes to alcohol at the national level. However, wine is exempted from excise taxes in at least 22 countries, most of which are in Europe, said WHO.&nbsp;

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The tax, according to the UN agency, on the price of the most sold brand of beer is 17.2 per cent. Meanwhile, the tax on "the most sold brand of the most sold&nbsp;type of spirit" is 26 per cent.

“A significant body of research has demonstrated that people who engage in heavy episodic drinking tend to drink the cheapest available alcoholic beverages,” said the WHO.&nbsp;

The report citing a 2017 study said taxes that increase alcohol prices by 50 per cent would help avert over 21 million deaths over half a decade and generate nearly $17 trillion in additional revenues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to raise taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), on Tuesday (Dec 5) while noting that a majority of the countries do not incentivise healthier behaviours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to raise taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), on Tuesday (Dec 5) while noting that a majority of the countries do not incentivise healthier behaviours. The recommendations were based on the United Nations health agency's study of the taxation rates which found that the average global tax rate on such “unhealthy products” was low, and hiking taxes could result in healthier populations and reduce the deaths they cause. “WHO recommends that excise tax should apply to all sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and alcoholic beverages,” said the UN agency in a statement. Excise taxes target specific consumer products. Millions of deaths due to alcohol and SSBs Around 2.6 million people across the world die from drinking alcohol, while more than eight million die from having an unhealthy diet, according to WHO, adding that implementing a tax on them “will reduce these deaths.” ALSO READ | 69 million children in 'rich' countries living in poverty: UNICEF The UN agency also said that raising the tax will not only help reduce the consumption of these beverages but also incentivise companies to make healthier products. “Taxing unhealthy products creates healthier populations. It has a positive ripple effect across society, less disease and debilitation and revenue for governments to provide public services,” said Rüdiger Krech, the UN agency’s health promotion director, in the statement. “In the case of alcohol, taxes also help prevent violence and road traffic injuries,” he added. The tax on these products would also help prevent non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart diseases, said the UN health agency. What else did WHO find? The report also noted that half of all countries taxing SSBs are also taxing water – not something that the WHO recommends. Around 108 countries of its 194 members impose some taxation on SSBs. Globally, excise taxes on average represent just 6.6 per cent of the price of a soda. Additionally, at least 148 countries have applied excise taxes to alcohol at the national level. However, wine is exempted from excise taxes in at least 22 countries, most of which are in Europe, said WHO. ALSO READ | Suspect who fired flare gun at officers in Virginia neighbourhood presumed dead: US police The tax, according to the UN agency, on the price of the most sold brand of beer is 17.2 per cent. Meanwhile, the tax on "the most sold brand of the most sold type of spirit" is 26 per cent. “A significant body of research has demonstrated that people who engage in heavy episodic drinking tend to drink the cheapest available alcoholic beverages,” said the WHO. The report citing a 2017 study said taxes that increase alcohol prices by 50 per cent would help avert over 21 million deaths over half a decade and generate nearly $17 trillion in additional revenues. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO calls for higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks. Here's why

According to research conducted by the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), located in Utrecht, about 25 miles south of Amsterdam, 80 out of every 100,000 children in the age range of 5 to 14 had pneumonia last week.

China Pneumonia Outbreak: China sees surge in sickness among kids

Pneumonia outbreak in China: Here's everything we know

Pneumonia outbreak in China: India issues advisory amid rising cases

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms.

WHO warns of undiagnosed Pneumonia | Elon Musk 'ready to help destroying Hamas' | Trending on WION

Here on wion we told you about a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China which overwhelmed children's hospitals in the country and now another country is witnessing a mysterious surge of illness in children we are talking about the Netherlands' which is experiencing a bizzare uptick in pneumonia cases among children..

Pneumonia worry in the Netherlands

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a spike in respiratory illnesses in China was not as high as before the Covid pandemic, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Nov 27).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a spike in respiratory illnesses in China was not as high as before the Covid pandemic, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Nov 27). Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, told a news outlet last Friday that the spike appeared to be driven by a rise in the number of children contracting pathogens that they avoided during two years of Covid-related curbs imposed by Chinese authorities. "We asked about comparisons prior to the pandemic. And the waves that they’re seeing now, the peak is not as high as what they saw in 2018-2019," Van Kerkhove said, adding, "This is not an indication of a novel pathogen. This is expected. This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago." The spike in respiratory illnesses in China made headlines last week when the WHO asked Beijing for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. China urges local authorities to increase number of fever clinics On Sunday, the Chinese health ministry urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics amid the health crisis which has caused overcrowding in hospitals in Beijing and the Liaoning province. Addressing a press conference, health ministry spokesperson Mi Feng said the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. Also read: Amid surge in respiratory illnesses, China urges local authorities to have more fever clinics Feng also urged that service hours of clinics should be extended appropriately and guarantees of drug supplies should be strengthened. "Surveillance shows that recent respiratory infectious diseases are dominated by influenza, in addition to those caused by rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus," he told reporters. The health crisis has also raised concerns about a rebound in Covid cases in China as the winter season has started. The State Council said that apart from a risk of rebound in infections, influenza would peak this winter and spring and mycoplasma pneumonia infection would continue to be high in some areas in the future. Speaking to the Global Times newspaper, Dr Li Tongzeng from the Beijing You'an Hospital said new cases of respiratory illnesses could peak in the next couple of weeks and also warned that the elderly could become more at risk during family gatherings during New Year holidays. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO: Spike in respiratory illnesses in China not as high as pre-Covid pandemic

After being pressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to share more details about the surge in respiratory illnesses detected in the north among children, China on Thursday said that there were no unusual or new pathogens found.

The WHO stated that it was closely monitoring the situation and that it made an official request to Beijing to share more information, but the government did not offer any public response on Thursday.

The UN health agency said it held a teleconference on Thursday with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beijing Children's Hospital, facilitated by the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention.

"Chinese authorities advised that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens," the WHO said in a statement.

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"They further stated that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities.

"WHO is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with national authorities in China. WHO will continue to provide updates as warranted."

It then recommended that Chinese residents follow measures like getting jabbed against flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory pathogens, keeping distance from the ones who are ill, staying at home, getting tested and wearing masks as appropriate.

"WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers to China," it added.

<h2>Chinese hospitals overburdened with cases</h2>

The hospitals in China are reportedly overburdened with sick children impacted by the mysterious pneumonia.

According to local media reports, many medical institutions in northern China are stretched to their limit as paediatric visits have touched a historic high in the past week, with the onset of winter compounding the uptick.

The main epicentres have been located in Beijing and Liaoning province, where schools have been ordered to shut down owing to rising cases.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After being pressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to share more details about the surge in respiratory illnesses detected in the north among children, China on Thursday said that there were no unusual or new pathogens found.

After being pressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to share more details about the surge in respiratory illnesses detected in the north among children, China on Thursday said that there were no unusual or new pathogens found. The WHO stated that it was closely monitoring the situation and that it made an official request to Beijing to share more information, but the government did not offer any public response on Thursday. The UN health agency said it held a teleconference on Thursday with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beijing Children's Hospital, facilitated by the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention. "Chinese authorities advised that there has been no detection of any unusual or novel pathogens or unusual clinical presentations, including in Beijing and Liaoning, but only the aforementioned general increase in respiratory illnesses due to multiple known pathogens," the WHO said in a statement. Also read: Dublin: At least 3 children among 5 hospitalised after suspected stabbing "They further stated that the rise in respiratory illness has not resulted in patient loads exceeding hospital capacities. "WHO is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with national authorities in China. WHO will continue to provide updates as warranted." It then recommended that Chinese residents follow measures like getting jabbed against flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory pathogens, keeping distance from the ones who are ill, staying at home, getting tested and wearing masks as appropriate. "WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers to China," it added. Chinese hospitals overburdened with cases The hospitals in China are reportedly overburdened with sick children impacted by the mysterious pneumonia. According to local media reports, many medical institutions in northern China are stretched to their limit as paediatric visits have touched a historic high in the past week, with the onset of winter compounding the uptick. The main epicentres have been located in Beijing and Liaoning province, where schools have been ordered to shut down owing to rising cases. (With inputs from agencies)

China says no 'unusual or novel pathogens' detected in influenza-like illness upsurge: WHO

There is a serious pneumonia outbreak in China. pediatric hospitals are overwhelmed in China and there is a global concern regarding the outbreak, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

W.H.O asks China to provide more clinical details on Pneumonia outbreak

Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has become a “death zone,” said a World Health Organization (WHO)-led humanitarian assessment team which visited the medical facility in northern Gaza, on Sunday (Nov 19). The United Nations health agency also called for “immediate evacuation” of the remaining patients in the hospital as Israel’s army said it was expanding operations to destroy Hamas.

<h2>‘Death zone’</h2>

The assessment came after a WHO-led team, which also included other UN officials like public health experts, logistics officers and security staff, was able to spend around an hour inside the hospital on Saturday due to security concerns, said the UN health agency, in a statement.&nbsp;

The team described the hospital as a “death zone” and said the situation was “desperate.” The visit by UN officials comes after Israeli troops raided Gaza’s largest hospital earlier this week after claiming that Hamas uses it as a command centre, which has been denied by the Palestinian militant group and officials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-runs-command-and-control-centre-from-al-shifa-hospital-white-house-658602">Hamas runs 'command and control' centre from Al-Shifa Hospital: White House</a>

According to the WHO team, the Al-Shifa hospital is unable to function like a medical facility due to scarcity of clean water, fuel, medicine and other essentials. The team also reported signs of shelling and gunfire and even saw a “mass grave” at the entrance of the hospital.

“The team saw a mass grave at the entrance of the hospital and were told more than 80 people were buried there,” said the WHO statement.&nbsp;

The UN health agency also said that the hallways and hospital grounds were filled with medical and solid waste, and patients and health staff expressed fear for their health and safety.&nbsp;

<h2>Nearly 300 patients, 25 health workers left at Al-Shifa</h2>

According to WHO, there are 25 health workers and 291 patients, including 32 babies in “critical condition,” remaining in Al Shifa.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-179-patients-including-kids-who-died-in-al-shifa-hospital-buried-in-mass-grave-says-director-658479">At least 179 patients, including kids, who died in al-Shifa hospital, buried in mass grave, says director</a>

“WHO and partners are urgently developing plans for the immediate evacuation of the remaining patients, staff and their families,” said the UN agency, in a statement.&nbsp;

Speaking about the condition of those at Al-Shifa, the UN agency also said that 29 patients at the hospital with serious spinal injuries cannot move without medical assistance while others are suffering from infected wounds due to a lack of antibiotics.

It added, “Over the next 24-72 hours, pending guarantees of safe passage by parties to the conflict, additional missions are being arranged to urgently transport patients” to other hospitals in the south of Gaza.&nbsp;

However, it also warned how nearby facilities were already overstretched and urged an immediate ceasefire given the “extreme suffering of the people of Gaza.”&nbsp;

According to WHO, around&nbsp;2,500 internally displaced people who had sought refuge on Al Shifa grounds were gone after the Israeli forces issued&nbsp;evacuation orders on Saturday.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people fled the hospital on foot on orders from the Israeli army, said the hospital’s director.&nbsp;Israeli forces seized Al Shifa in their offensive across north Gaza last week and also said it found evidence&nbsp;of a Hamas base underground.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-got-enmeshed-in-the-israel-hamas-war-658715">Explained | How Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital got enmeshed in the Israel-Hamas war</a>

<h2>MSF convoy attacked</h2>

Doctors without Borders (MSF) said a convoy carrying its staff and family members came under attack Saturday while evacuating from near Al-Shifa, despite coordinating with both sides. It also went on to condemn what it called a “deliberate” attack which killed one person and wounded another.&nbsp;

The convoy of five vehicles, clearly marked with MSF identification, carrying 137 staff and family members was attacked near their office located close to Al-Shifa hospital, said the aid group, in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has become a “death zone,” said a World Health Organization (WHO)-led humanitarian assessment team which visited the medical facility in northern Gaza, on Sunday (Nov 19).

Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has become a “death zone,” said a World Health Organization (WHO)-led humanitarian assessment team which visited the medical facility in northern Gaza, on Sunday (Nov 19). The United Nations health agency also called for “immediate evacuation” of the remaining patients in the hospital as Israel’s army said it was expanding operations to destroy Hamas. ‘Death zone’ The assessment came after a WHO-led team, which also included other UN officials like public health experts, logistics officers and security staff, was able to spend around an hour inside the hospital on Saturday due to security concerns, said the UN health agency, in a statement. The team described the hospital as a “death zone” and said the situation was “desperate.” The visit by UN officials comes after Israeli troops raided Gaza’s largest hospital earlier this week after claiming that Hamas uses it as a command centre, which has been denied by the Palestinian militant group and officials. ALSO READ | Hamas runs 'command and control' centre from Al-Shifa Hospital: White House According to the WHO team, the Al-Shifa hospital is unable to function like a medical facility due to scarcity of clean water, fuel, medicine and other essentials. The team also reported signs of shelling and gunfire and even saw a “mass grave” at the entrance of the hospital. “The team saw a mass grave at the entrance of the hospital and were told more than 80 people were buried there,” said the WHO statement. The UN health agency also said that the hallways and hospital grounds were filled with medical and solid waste, and patients and health staff expressed fear for their health and safety. Nearly 300 patients, 25 health workers left at Al-Shifa According to WHO, there are 25 health workers and 291 patients, including 32 babies in “critical condition,” remaining in Al Shifa. ALSO READ | At least 179 patients, including kids, who died in al-Shifa hospital, buried in mass grave, says director “WHO and partners are urgently developing plans for the immediate evacuation of the remaining patients, staff and their families,” said the UN agency, in a statement. Speaking about the condition of those at Al-Shifa, the UN agency also said that 29 patients at the hospital with serious spinal injuries cannot move without medical assistance while others are suffering from infected wounds due to a lack of antibiotics. It added, “Over the next 24-72 hours, pending guarantees of safe passage by parties to the conflict, additional missions are being arranged to urgently transport patients” to other hospitals in the south of Gaza. However, it also warned how nearby facilities were already overstretched and urged an immediate ceasefire given the “extreme suffering of the people of Gaza.” According to WHO, around 2,500 internally displaced people who had sought refuge on Al Shifa grounds were gone after the Israeli forces issued evacuation orders on Saturday. Hundreds of people fled the hospital on foot on orders from the Israeli army, said the hospital’s director. Israeli forces seized Al Shifa in their offensive across north Gaza last week and also said it found evidence of a Hamas base underground. ALSO READ | Explained | How Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital got enmeshed in the Israel-Hamas war MSF convoy attacked Doctors without Borders (MSF) said a convoy carrying its staff and family members came under attack Saturday while evacuating from near Al-Shifa, despite coordinating with both sides. It also went on to condemn what it called a “deliberate” attack which killed one person and wounded another. The convoy of five vehicles, clearly marked with MSF identification, carrying 137 staff and family members was attacked near their office located close to Al-Shifa hospital, said the aid group, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WHO humanitarian team describes Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital as ‘death zone’, urges evacuation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a severe global health threat and has launched several initiatives to tackle the prevailing issue.

WHO established an international commission to address the situation which will be helmed by the US surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy and Chido Mpemba, youth envoy at the African Union Commission.

The two will work parallelly to understand and address the health risks associated with social isolation and the effective solutions to it.

As per WHO, the group will consist of 11 “leading policymakers, thought leaders, and advocates,” including Murthy and Mpemba, and run for three years.

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“High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.”

<h2>Mortality effects of loneliness equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day</h2>

Murthy had earlier this year in an advisory report said that the mortality effects of loneliness were equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

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The absence of social connection, as per a WHO report, posed an equivalent, or even greater, risk of early death.

Social isolation also has a deep impact on physical and mental health, further stated the report. As per studies, loneliness is directly linked to anxiety and depression which is said to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.&nbsp;

This move comes after the coronavirus pandemic and its social and economic repercussions vandalised social connections.

“I am thrilled to work closely with an outstanding group of Commissioners on advancing social connection – a vital component of well-being. Together, we can build a world that is less lonely, healthier, and more resilient,” said Murthy.&nbsp;

“Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns, such as tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,“ he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a severe global health threat and has launched several initiatives to tackle the prevailing issue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a severe global health threat and has launched several initiatives to tackle the prevailing issue. WHO established an international commission to address the situation which will be helmed by the US surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy and Chido Mpemba, youth envoy at the African Union Commission. The two will work parallelly to understand and address the health risks associated with social isolation and the effective solutions to it. As per WHO, the group will consist of 11 “leading policymakers, thought leaders, and advocates,” including Murthy and Mpemba, and run for three years. Also read: UK's Cameron meets Zelensky in Kyiv on first working trip abroad as FM “High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.” Mortality effects of loneliness equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day Murthy had earlier this year in an advisory report said that the mortality effects of loneliness were equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Also read: Biden-Xi talk military contact resumption, fentanyl row in pre-APEC summit The absence of social connection, as per a WHO report, posed an equivalent, or even greater, risk of early death. Social isolation also has a deep impact on physical and mental health, further stated the report. As per studies, loneliness is directly linked to anxiety and depression which is said to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%. This move comes after the coronavirus pandemic and its social and economic repercussions vandalised social connections. “I am thrilled to work closely with an outstanding group of Commissioners on advancing social connection – a vital component of well-being. Together, we can build a world that is less lonely, healthier, and more resilient,” said Murthy. “Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns, such as tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,“ he added. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO declares loneliness as grave global health threat, launches commission to address concern

Sweden inches close to becoming first "smoke free" country in europe as daily cigarette use dwindles. However, if that sounds too good to be true, this is due to the growing popularity of an alternative to cigarettes, known as snus. And even though sweden's groundbreaking strategy', claims to tackle smoking, and help smokers switch to 'less harmful alternatives, W.H.O. Highlights concers.

Gravitas: Why are the Swedes stubbing out their cigarettes?

Gravitas: Why are Swedes stubbing out their cigarettes?

Saima Wazed, who is one of the candidates for the post of World Health Organization or WHO's regional director for Southeast Asia office is hopeful of her win for the post, referring to a lot of "positive" feedback.

Saima Wazed, who is one of the candidates for the post of World Health Organization or WHO's regional director for Southeast Asia office is hopeful of her win for the post, referring to a lot of "positive" feedback. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Wazed, who has worked in the field of autism, said, "If elected, my real goal is to ensure that mental health which has been sorely neglected and is a huge challenge is incorporated within the entire health system." HO's South East Asia office is one of the six key regional units and works with 11 member states. The seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia will be held in Delhi from October 30 to November 2 to elect its next head. Asked about allegations by other candidates about her, and her political links given she is the daughter of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, she said, "I have always known who I am, and I know that there will always be a reminder of that, but I was also raised as a refugee, I was also raised by a mother who had lost everything overnight," adding, "When you're the daughter of somebody very, very big and very successful, everybody assumes that things are much easier for you, but you don't get to be successful unless you work hard". India, during PM Modi's 2021 Dhaka visit, indicated its support for Wazed. Full Interview: WION: How hopeful you are of your win during this election that will take place here in the Indian National Capital. Saima Wazed: Firstly, thank you so much for having me here. It's really a pleasure to be here. As for how hopeful, I've had a lot of positive feedback, I have made many opportunities over the last year or so in the last two years, I've been to many of these countries. So these ministers have been there for a long time and I've worked with many of them and the ministries, worked with mental health and autism and they have all always been very positive interactions. And of course, once the campaign started recently, my engagement with them was very positive. So their commitment is steadfast and on top of which Bangladesh has very good bilateral relationships with these countries. We've been mutually supportive of one another throughout, particularly dealing with the pandemic or many other issues in our region. Bangladesh plays a very important role and has been a supportive country to many of them. So I am hopeful that this time, ultimately of course, it is a very important decision for each of our countries. There are many implications, long term implications in a very important issue with is our health. So I hope that they will make a good decision and they will choose me, so one of my priority areas of work is mental health. And that is a priority for them as well. So I'm fairly hopeful. WION: Yeah, Ma'am, your work in autism is well known if you can elaborate about your work in that field so that our viewers can get to know more about you and your work. Saima Wazed: I'm a school psychologist, was a clinical psychology professional before that, and I've been working in the field of autism in public school systems. I became involved in a larger scale as far as advocacy and policy development around 2009-2010. A few met with many of the parents in our country, had the opportunity to join forces with the UN World Autism Awareness Day events and other NGOs as well as the World Health Organization. We organized the global autism public health initiative and the Southeast Asia Autism Network formation, with a conference that we organized here in Dhaka in 2011, so my work in the area of autism goes back pretty much from my professional career. It's been an area of interest, but now, it has evolved from just simply doing assessment and intervention planning for individuals and working with families directly into the larger sort of country-level policy, into the global advocacy. And I've used that experience to know, coming from a very set system, a western system and how to adapt that into our realities of shortage where we don't have the health professionals. We don't have the education specialists, we don't have the parent training, We don't have the school systems that have good support or even the very laws in Bangladesh and even in our region. So I have taken my education with learning and evolved into working for what would be suitable for our country and our culture and the realities of the challenges that we all face. My belief in particular interest in autism is that it is such a wide spectrum of need from you know, individuals who are very highly functioning, who can be very independent or very productive to those who have complicated complex needs from a health perspective, from a life perspective, and families that are in desperate need of support. So it's very multifaceted, very complex, and to take that, that complex medical condition, so to speak, and not just address it from like, just as a social sort of like, we'll give them some little bit of support to actually help my country develop policies and programs that help that ensures greater equity, that ensures more opportunities for them to be integrated into the social fabric of our system. So it has been a huge challenge because the tremendous stigma that families and individuals face whenever they have any kind of disability, the taboo that we have, culturally in our region, in fact, is of you know, we all know that, it's tremendous. It's very difficult to understand and just having laws and policies aren't enough to really change people's attitudes and people's beliefs. And that is been the primary focus because if you cannot change the attitudes and the beliefs you have towards somebody with a disability, somebody with an autism spectrum disorder, somebody with a mental health condition, that stigma that exists within the family takes away 90% of any effect, any treatment, any support service, you can have because you're sort of looked down upon or you're not misunderstood and you're not accepted, right. Seeing the reality that you have to change how people think and believe the biggest challenge is making people think differently, believe differently, and that's where I come from, and that's where true change needs to come. I firmly believe in the inclusion of people. I believe that everybody will, regardless of what strengths or weaknesses they have and how we've labelled or decided, as you know, health professionals to give them a diagnosis. They are people they have. They have fantastic qualities within them. They have skills with them, they have people that love them. They're a part of a family, that part of a society and they should be treated with equality. Their human rights should be appreciated, they should be accepted, we should treat them not just with kindness, we should accept them as they are and we will communicate with them the way they need to communicate. And so that has been my philosophy and what I've been working on and I know it's going to constantly be an endless job because like I said, in our part of the world, the stigma of taboos that exist. We strive for perfection, and we value education and we value very important careers. So having any kind of learning difficulties or communication difficulties or not being able to be perfectly engaged and not look perfectly present , is always going to be very stigmatizing. So it's going to be an ongoing work. WION: If you get elected to the director of the World Health Organization's regional office, what will be your vision? Saima Wazed: Well, you know, I see the World Health Organization as an expert organization that supports our country's health infrastructure. And in order to have a good health infrastructure, it has to be inclusive of these various groups. We have so many health issues and health challenges that we have to also address communicable diseases, we have to address the growing issue of non communicable diseases, we have to, you know, deal with antimicrobial resistance, we have to deal with workforce shortage. So there are complex issues that we're constantly having to deal with. But my real goal is to ensure that mental health which has been sorely neglected and is a huge challenge is incorporated within the entire health system. And again, marginalized groups, so, those with these kinds of complex disorders, those who are socially culturally marginalized. Groups that have, in many ways, been neglected. So, for example, you know, women's health has always been very neglected within the medical health profession, particularly because so many women supported women, but they didn't really have the medical treatments. And so, ensuring those core issues are within this health infrastructure that our countries and our region develops is going to be my primary goal. And I see that working sort of parallel and working side by side with many countries as well as with the WHO, I've realized that there are many commonalities, many challenges within our countries, but along with the many differences, we have some similarities but when it comes to our health area, we need greater cooperation and collaboration. We need to have partnership among countries, there is this great diversity in what is available in one country versus another and if we don't have greater partnership among countries, that WHO can facilitate then certain countries, then their health systems and health structures will always fall behind. And, you know, every country cares about the people, we want our region, we want our people to be healthy. So what I want to do as regional director is ensured that I can facilitate that because being a regional director gives me the opportunity to have a neutral position for being available for every one of those countries to do so, facilitate cooperation with a partnership and collaboration so that every country at least has universal health coverage and quality equitable health coverage across that and that we share some of these resources and resource development planning that, you know, we feel is strongly needed. So that's what I would like to do as Regional Director WION: An early indication of India’s support for the Bangladesh emerged in a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka in March 2021. How do you see Indian support. Saima Wazed: Well, India was certainly one of the first countries when Prime Minister Modi had visited Bangladesh and we had just announced informally that I would be the candidate, he had expressed support for Bangladesh and we're happy to say they have been steadfast in that. I think they see an opportunity for Bangladesh, yeah, given how well we have done in our health sector. That support has been firmly there. I know some questions were created, I think India has been steadfast, there are many sectors in which India, Bangladesh have worked together to address and health has been one of them. WION: Every election has a bit of controversy, and some remarks have been made against you by other candidates. There is the political link as well, you are the daughter of Bangladesh PM Hasina, how do you see these comments as and of course, the comments on your political linkages and your candidacy? Saima Wazed: Yes. Well, you know, when I was born, I was the granddaughter of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, you know, so I have always known who I am, and I know that there will always be a reminder of that, but I was also raised as a refugee, I was also raised by a mother who had lost everything overnight. And so how we were raised and how my brother and I were brought up is to learn to stand on our own feet, work hard at what we have to do. And you know, at any given point, that could be taken away. So make something of yourself and find a way to contribute to your country. And that is all I have been doing, the first opportunity I had, as a professional as a psychologist to give something back to my country, I have taken it. So you know, you're being criticized for being somebody's daughter, and it's a little bit laughable for me, because I am who I am. I was a daughter when she was in opposition. I was her daughter when being a politician's daughter wasn't that great as a teenager, you know, in a boarding school, it wasn't the best thing. And now of course, she's a successful Prime Minister. So that is also something I have to deal with, but I really don't give it much credit. I know I have many more opportunities, certainly, to meet people perhaps that I would probably not have but I have worked hard for my country, hard work hard for the region for the cause that I believed in. And I'm very appreciative of all the help and support people have given me to get here, but I know that I have learned the hard way and worked hard at it and I want to continue to be able to do that just like any other professional. So yes, It really doesn't. Doesn't matter to me, What people assumptions people make, When you're the daughter of somebody very, very big and very successful. Everybody assumes that things are much easier for you, but you don't get to be successful unless you work hard. So if you're the child of somebody who works very hard, you have to work extra hard to meet their standards. So yeah, the fact that she was appreciative of recognition, it means a lot more to me than any other criticism that's out there. WION: You are also chairperson of the International Jury Board meeting of UNESCO for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. If you can talk about that Saima Wazed: Well, I think the digital platform is a tremendous opportunity, the advancement that has been made from training the health workforce, to bringing treatment methods, even surgery and, and connecting with specialists all the way across the world. All of those things can be brought into our region and that advancement that has been made. I want to be able to take advantage of those advancements within the digital system and other resources and make sure particularly for our region where we have people live in more inaccessible areas, where we have a shortage of specialists, where we have a shortage of, you know, people aren't always as well informed or have information available to them. So there are many ways that the digital system can be utilized. There are many resources that are there even in the research phase that can be adapted. Our country or region has been the most densely populated region. So we can not just use what has been developed but help pilot newer methods and make sure that the digital platform when it comes to the health system and help your workforce development as well as service development that can be, you know, used as a way to create even better methodologies that perhaps other countries could utilize because when you're using something and you find it usable in a challenging situation that other countries that have it could learn from that and perfected even more. So our region could then actually be a way to further evolve the systems that exist. I know in Bangladesh, we've done information dissemination into training of mental health workers and health workforce at various levels. We've even done e- mental health services where you know the specialists in Dhaka are actually providing you know, assessment and intervention strategies for people living in very rural areas. So guiding treatment, it would ensure that there are less interesting mistakes because, you know, we do have a strong lack of specialists. So using this platform, there are many opportunities and I think it would enable greater well being and better health for everybody in our, in our countries, particularly those who are less able to get to the, you know, tertiary care center, so and having, again, using it as partnerships to develop the health workforce and information dissemination, data can also be used very easily, much more easily and much. And ultimately, it's much more cost effective so it'll be much more sustainable, financially feasible for countries. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO SE Asia candidate Saima Wazed puts spotlight on mental health, dismisses political criticism

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Oct 13) that local authorities in Gaza informed it that evacuating vulnerable patients from the northern part of the region was impossible after the Israeli military called for civilians to relocate south within 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Oct 13) that local authorities in Gaza informed it that evacuating vulnerable patients from the northern part of the region was impossible after the Israeli military called for civilians to relocate south within 24 hours. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said that there were severely ill people (in Gaza) whose injuries meant their only chances of survival were on life support, such as mechanical ventilators. "So moving those people is a death sentence. Asking health workers to do so is beyond cruel," Jasarevic said. He pointed out that hospitals have only a few hours of electricity per day as they have been forced to ration depleting fuel reserves and rely on generators to sustain the most critical functions. "And even those functions will have to cease in a few days when fuel stocks run out," the WHO spokesperson added. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict He also said that time was running out to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, if fuel, water, food and life-saving health and humanitarian supplies could not be urgently delivered to the Gaza Strip amidst the complete blockage. Hospitals in Gaza at a breaking point: WHO The WHO already warned that hospitals in the Gaza Strip were at a breaking point. Hospitals in the south of the Gaza Strip were overflowing, and two major hospitals in the north already exceeded their combined 760-bed capacity, the United Nations health agency said. The Gaza Strip is also experiencing a shortage of hospital blood banks and medicine, it added. Eleven medical personnel killed in Gaza since start of latest conflict: WHO As per the WHO, there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in Gaza since the beginning of last week's conflict, killing 11 medical personnel, injuring 16 others, and destroying 19 medical facilities and 20 ambulances. "Hospitals in Gaza simply cannot handle such a huge number of patients. The hospitals are exhausting medical resources to treat the wounded of air strikes," Ashraf Al-Qudra, spokesman of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, said on Friday. Gaza's medical resources are almost exhausted. Muhammad Ghoneim, an emergency doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital, said that many hospitals are expected to stop using ventilators and various surgeries, which will deal a fatal blow to the injured in hospital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: WHO says moving severely ill people in Gaza is a death sentence

World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday (Oct 9) that most of the victims of the Afghanistan earthquake were women and children. The agency said that women and children make up two-thirds of the victims. According to the Taliban regime, at least 2400 people were killed and over 2000 were injured when an earthquake hit the country on Saturday (Oct 7). The Afghanistan earthquake was one of the deadliest this year.

"The earthquake happened around 11 in the morning, when men were out of the houses, so majority of those who are injured and died are women and children who were inside the houses at the time," WHO's Dr Alaa AbouZeid told Reuters in a video interview.

"Two-thirds of those with severe injuries who are admitted in the hospital I have seen yesterday are children and women," he said, referring to his time in Herat following the quake.

AbouZeid said that the effort to finance humanitarian operations remained critical since global funding has shifted away from Afghanistan after the US-led coalition's exit and the Taliban's return to power.

The number of children in hospital in critical condition was 'devastating'.

"I have seen a child like 3-4 months old with head trauma, due to the earthquake," he said.

He said that trauma to the head may cause long-lasting health effects or even disabilities. The WHO was mindful of the help the families would need in the long term.

"I have seen a child like 3-4 months old with head trauma, due to the earthquake," said AbouZeid.

The healthcare system in Afghanistan has been largely reliant on foreign aid. It is especially cash-strapped after the US&nbsp;exit. The international assistance, once the backbone of the economy, has halted for the most part.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the UN's humanitarian office announced USD 15 million worth of assistance but material support has come from very few countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday (Oct 9) that most of the victims of the Afghanistan earthquake were women and children. The agency said that women and children make up two-thirds of the victims.

World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday (Oct 9) that most of the victims of the Afghanistan earthquake were women and children. The agency said that women and children make up two-thirds of the victims. According to the Taliban regime, at least 2400 people were killed and over 2000 were injured when an earthquake hit the country on Saturday (Oct 7). The Afghanistan earthquake was one of the deadliest this year. "The earthquake happened around 11 in the morning, when men were out of the houses, so majority of those who are injured and died are women and children who were inside the houses at the time," WHO's Dr Alaa AbouZeid told Reuters in a video interview. "Two-thirds of those with severe injuries who are admitted in the hospital I have seen yesterday are children and women," he said, referring to his time in Herat following the quake. AbouZeid said that the effort to finance humanitarian operations remained critical since global funding has shifted away from Afghanistan after the US-led coalition's exit and the Taliban's return to power. The number of children in hospital in critical condition was 'devastating'. "I have seen a child like 3-4 months old with head trauma, due to the earthquake," he said. He said that trauma to the head may cause long-lasting health effects or even disabilities. The WHO was mindful of the help the families would need in the long term. "I have seen a child like 3-4 months old with head trauma, due to the earthquake," said AbouZeid. The healthcare system in Afghanistan has been largely reliant on foreign aid. It is especially cash-strapped after the US exit. The international assistance, once the backbone of the economy, has halted for the most part. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the UN's humanitarian office announced USD 15 million worth of assistance but material support has come from very few countries. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

WHO: Most of quake victims in Afghanistan are women, children

In pics | Afghanistan hit by the deadliest earthquake in years

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