The African Region was certified as wild polio-free after four years without a case. Over 90% of the worldâs population is now free of the wild poliovirus, moving the world closer to achieving global polio eradication. Only two countries worldwide continue to see wild poliovirus transmission: Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) congratulates the national governments of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region for this historic milestone.
In the latest episode of Awake At Night, Marie-Roseline BĂ©lizaire is a doctor and epidemiologist with the World Health Organization (WHO), recounts her experiences on the frontlines of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contact tracing that pandemic. Now, fighting COVID, sheâs able to apply that expertise to the Central African Republic.
West Bank #RealLifeHeroes
Find out how to shop for and prepare food safely and which foods and supplements can help.
In the latest episode of Awake at Night, , Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme for , speaks about giving up on dreams of becoming a trauma surgeon after breaking his spine in a car crash in Iraq. He was held hostage there while working in a hospital during the first Gulf War. That experience set him on the path to WHO, with a specialism in infectious diseases.
There are 164 million migrant workers around the world and they have been very impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. poses the question: how can trade unions protect migrant workers during the COVID-19 crisis?
UNDP powers health clinics in Chad
Heading back to school in the pandemic
There are an estimated 67 million domestic workers worldwide, the vast majority of whom are women. As they try to maintain their livelihoods, lack of access to social protection makes domestic workers especially vulnerable to the pandemic. Oscar-nominated actress rose to fame in the film Roma, where she starred as an indigenous domestic worker. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Aparicio defends the rights of indigenous peoples and domestic workers. For domestic workers, there are only two options, she explains: stop receiving income or risk exposure to COVID-19.
While the situation is worrying, so far the number of identified COVID-19 cases amongst the Rohingya refugee population is relatively low at just 62 cases as of July. The community health volunteersâ role has become even more important since humanitarian workers have scaled back their work in the camps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. has worked with to train the volunteers on how to identify symptoms and make referrals for testing. But they must contend with the fear and rumours that have discouraged many people from approaching health facilities.
Corruption, the abuse of public office for private gain, is about more than wasted money: it erodes the social contract and corrodes the governmentâs ability to help grow the economy in a way that benefits all citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of stronger governance. During this crisis the has continued its governance and anti-corruption work. Their message to all governments has been clear: , because we donât want accountability to be lost in the process.
The initiative gathers and shares legal documents from over 190 countries to help states establish and implement legal frameworks to manage the pandemic. The goal is to ensure that laws protect individuals and communities and that they adhere to international human rights standards. Well-designed laws help build strong health systems; evaluate and approve safe and effective drugs and vaccines; and create healthier and safer public spaces and workplaces. The new Lab is a joint project of , , and partners.
As the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, in developing countries itâs rural girls who are proving to be the most vulnerable to abuse during economic collapse and lockdown.
is issuing these stamps to support the organized by . The stamps represent six key public health messages to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
As the world plans for a post-pandemic recovery, the United Nations is calling on Governments to seize the opportunity to âbuild back betterâ by creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies. âWe need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future,â said UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres. The United Nations devises a blueprint for a healthier planet and society that leaves no one behind. Mr. Guterres proposed six climate-related actions to shape the recovery. Actions are being taken across the UN system to ensure a more resilient future.