World Health Assembly closes with new global health measures

WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan making her closing remarks at the last plenary session of the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly. Next to her is the Health Assembly President Professor Thérèse N’Dri-Yoman.
WHO/Pierre Albouy

26 May 2012 -- The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly concluded Saturday after adopting 21 resolutions and three decisions on a broad range of health issues. The six days of discussions involved nearly 3000 delegates, including health ministers and senior health officials from amongst the 194 WHO Member States, as well as representatives from civil society and other stakeholders.

New data highlight increases in hypertension, diabetes incidence

A health worker measures a woman’s blood pressure
WHO/PAHO

16 May 2012 -- One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure – a condition that causes around half of all deaths from stroke and heart disease. One in 10 adults has diabetes. The growing problem of the noncommunicable diseases burden is the focus of the World health statistics 2012 report released today.

Input invited for 11th International Classification of Diseases

WHO/Jim Holmes

14 May 2012 -- For the first time, experts in the global health community who work with patient diagnosis and treatment can contribute to the development of the next version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This WHO global standard ensures that all health professionals and information systems refer to diseases and health conditions in a consistent way. WHO is calling on health experts and stakeholders to join the global consultation.

Preventing adolescent pregnancy: key facts

Two adolescent girls sitting in a park
Joey O’Loughlin

11 May 2012 -- Worldwide, one in five girls gives birth by the age of 18. Adolescent pregnancy is a major contributor to maternal and child mortality. This new fact sheet summarises the key causes and recommends action that countries can take to prevent adolescent pregnancies.

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WHO highlights

  • May 2012

    Fukushima nuclear accident: preliminary estimate of radiation doses

    The earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011 led to releases of radioactive material into the environment from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This report describes a preliminary estimate of radiation doses to the public resulting from this accident.

  • May 2012

    Health financing for universal coverage

    Universal health coverage (UHC) is defined as providing all people with access to promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health services. Such services need to be of sufficient quality to be effective, while ensuring that they don't cause financial hardship to beneficiaries. The way health systems are financed is a critical determinant for reaching universal coverage.

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