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Statement by the WHO Regional Director on World Humanitarian Day 2013
World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe. 19 August 2013 – When we talk about the World Health Organization’s work in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, our focus is usually on the millions of people affected by war and natural disasters and in need of humanitarian...
Breastfeeding support: close to mothers
WHO remains firmly committed to protecting and promoting breastfeeding and supporting mothers to give their babies the best start in life.30 July 2013 – From 1 to 7 August 2013, more than 170 countries will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week under the theme of “Breastfeeding support: close to mothers”. Breastfeeding is the best source of...
Hepatitis, the silent killer: know it … confront it
Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. 25 July 2012 – World Hepatitis Day will be celebrated globally on 28 July 2013 under the slogan of: “This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it”. The campaign emphasizes the fact that hepatitis remains...
Emergency Committee advises on MERS-CoV, 17 July 2013
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that includes viruses that may cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to SARS. There is very limited information on transmission, severity and clinical impact. Photo credit: Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Center.An Emergency Committee convened by WHO’s...
In focus: WHO supports health of Syrian refugees in Iraq
"The current security situation and my wish to protect my children forced me to leave my home," said Samira, a middle-aged Syrian mother who fled the Syrian Arab Republic with her four children seven months ago and now lives in Domiz camp in Iraq. "We are living in crowded conditions, but we are safe and healthy and receiving food and health...
More than half of the world’s refugees from the Region
To support national health authorities in countries hosting displaced populations, WHO works with UNHCR, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and other partners to ensure the provision of health services to refugees and host communities. Photo credit: Heba Aly/IRIN.2 July 2013 – More than 55% of the world’s refugee population come...
Global report highlights impact of violence on women’s health
The study highlights the need for all sectors to engage in eliminating tolerance for violence against women and better support for women who experience it.23 June 2013 – The first global report on the worldwide prevalence of violence against women and the serious impact of violence on women’s health was released on 20 June 2013. The report,...
Jordan says health services overstretched to capacity, seeks urgent support
More than 40% of Syrian refugees in Jordan are children below the age of 11 (source: UNHCR). Photo: WHO16 June 2013 – Zeina* and her twin sister fled Syria to Jordan almost five months ago with their six children, all under the age of 11. “In Dar’aa, my home town, there was nothing. Our hospitals and health centres were almost all closed down....
Give the gift of life: donate blood
A single unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. Many patients requiring transfusion, particularly in developing countries, do not have timely access to safe blood.3 June 2013 – This week, the tenth anniversary of World Blood Donor Day will be celebrated under the slogan "Give the gift of life: donate blood". The Day, which is...
Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
27 May 2013 – This year, the theme of World No Tobacco Day is a comprehensive ban of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. For decades, marketing activities have been shown to increase the consumption and sale of virtually any product, yet the tobacco industry continues to deny the link. The industry claims that tobacco marketing...
