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Millions of Syrians endure deteriorating health crisis: WHO calls for increased funding
Aleppo, Syria, 27 March, 2015 – Ahead of next week’s third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait, the World Health Organization (WHO) appeals for US$ 124 million to continue its support to health services in the Syrian Arab Republic. “Scenes of severely injured children and civilians are yet another stark reminder of...
WHO Regional Director reviews health situation in Iraq and sounds alarm on diminishing health response due to limited funding
Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern MediterraneanBaghdad, Iraq, 16 March, 2015 -- WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ala Alwan continues his visit to Iraq to review the unmet health needs of populations affected by the conflict due to lack of funding. Out of the US$ 314.2 million required by the health...
WHO Regional Director inaugurates primary health care centre and hands over urgently needed mobile medical clinics and ambulances to health authorities in Dohuk, Iraq
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean opens primary health care centre in Dohuk, Iraq,. From left to right: Dr Sayed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative in Iraq; Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director; Dr Rekawt Hama Rasheed, Minister of Health of the Kurdistan region; Mr Naseer Shamma, Iraqi musicianErbil, Iraq, 14 March 2015 – WHO’s...
International Women's Day 2015: "Empowering women; empowering humanity"
8 March 2015 – The theme of International Women's Day 2015 was chosen to highlight the need for an equitable representation of women and girls in decision-making processes; in different aspects of life – health, education, livelihood – and political participation in a world that is free from violence and discrimination. This year, the Day takes on...
WHO supports tax increase on cigarettes in Egypt
26 February 2015 - WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ala Alwan said, "WHO supports the decision to increase the tax on cigarettes in Egypt," describing the decision as "consistent with WHO recommendations on tobacco control." The Regional Director agreed with Egypt’s Finance Minister Mr Hany Kadry Demian, who stressed that...
Immunization leaders call for increased political support for immunization in Pakistan
High-level mission shines spotlight on challenges facing immunization services in Pakistan Islamabad, 19 February 2015 – Childhood immunization in Pakistan is at a crossroads and strong political will is required to ensure that the lives of millions of children are not put at risk, three global health leaders warned today. Almost three million...
Somalia polio free for 6 months but UN says vaccination campaigns must continue as risks remain
There is no cure for polio and the vaccine is safe and effective. Children should be vaccinated several times to ensure they are protected for life and adults too can carry the virus.Nairobi, 19 February 2015 – Somalia is marking six months since the last polio case was seen in the country following an outbreak that affected 199 people, mostly...
WHO deplores attacks on health workers and health facilities in Afghanistan, Sudan and Yemen
29 January 2015 - The World Health Organization deplores the recent attacks on health staff and health facilities in Afghanistan, Sudan and Yemen, and expresses deep concern about the serious implications of these attacks on patients, medical personnel and health infrastructure. In countries where violence is ongoing, repeated and targeted...
WHO and health partners develop regional plan to improve Ebola readiness measures
Cairo, Egypt, 18 January 2015 – The third regional stakeholders’ meeting to review implementation of the International Health Regulations IHR (2005) concluded in Cairo, Egypt, on 13 January after over 130 participants from 17 countries in the Region collectively reviewed the progress countries are making in achieving the core capacities required under...
Expert teams deployed to 13 countries to assess national preparedness and response to Ebola virus disease (EVD)
4 November 2014 -- In the context of the collective efforts of WHO and Member States for stepping up preparedness and readiness of the health sector for EVD, and in view of the threat of its introduction and the possible social and economic consequences, WHO has urged countries to rapidly assess and measure their level of preparedness and...
