Global health briefs - February 2015
January / February 2015 | Volume 14, Issue 1
UN reviews lessons from Ebola outbreak
The UN has published a report on the Ebola outbreak, titled "Making a Difference: Global Ebola Response Outlook 2015." The document examines lessons learned from the different stages of the outbreak and suggestions for ways to improve future responses.
Agencies issue first global violence study
The first-ever status report on global violence prevention has been released by the WHO and the UN. The study details the progress of 133 countries in curbing interpersonal violence and injury, including child, elder and sexual abuse.
WHO provides status report on NCDs
The WHO has issued an update on global progress to combat noncommunicable diseases, providing the latest available estimates on NCD mortality and risk factors. The report also identifies bottlenecks as well as opportunities and priority actions for attaining the nine voluntary global targets. The agency reported NCDs caused 38 million deaths in 2012, three quarters of them in developing countries.
UN seeks protection of world's children
Millions of the world's children remain marginalized and their welfare should be a priority in the global health agenda, according to the UN children's agency, UNICEF. "The Agenda for Every Child" publication outlines seven priorities that UNICEF says should be addressed in the next global development goals.
WHO releases global malaria stats
The WHO's annual world malaria report shows 55 countries are on track to reduce their malaria burden by 75 percent, meeting World Health Assembly targets and achieving number 6 of the Millennium Development Goals. The study shows expanded use of diagnostic testing and insecticidal nets in Africa.
Malaria elimination in the Philippines case study available
The National Malaria Control and Elimination Program of the Department of Health in the Philippines has just launched a case study entitled "Eliminating Malaria: Progress Towards Malaria Elimination in the Philippines." The case study shows how the Philippines has successfully reduced malaria cases by three quarters from 2000 to 2011, and may serve as a useful guide to other countries facing similar challenges.
Artists enlisted to promote vaccines
More than 30 world-renowned artists have been commissioned to create diverse works that depict how vaccines continue to change the course of history. The global effort, titled "The Art of Saving a Life," is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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