Health

WHO Director-General holds up a scroll.

Countries must set ambitious climate commitments if they are to sustain a healthy and green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health, in the lead-up to COP26, spells out the global health community’s prescription for climate action based on research that establishes the many and inseparable links between climate and health. The report is launched at the same time as an open letter, signed by over two thirds of the global health workforce calling for countries to step up climate action.

Composite of black and white portraits

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that poverty isn’t just about income. Within and across countries, poor and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic in terms of infection rates, economic losses and access to vaccines and other health care imperatives. Understanding the multidimensional nature of poverty can help us design a more resilient recovery that leaves no one behind. And UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) gives us a critical tool to measure and monitor poverty in all its forms.

In less than a year, scientists made multiple vaccines to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic. However some countries are missing out as they do not have equitable access to the vaccines. WHO encourages we work together, to produce and deliver doses to vaccinate 70% of every country by the middle of 2022. But we are in a race against time and we all must do more, faster. No one is safe until we’re all safe. #VaccinEquity

illustration of helping hand gestures

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted. Yet there is cause for optimism. Governments from around the world recognize the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality

This music video aims to raise awareness among young Mauritanians and refugees on the dangers of COVID-19 and its impact on the world of work.

You can’t put out half a fire. No one is safe until we’re all safe. Stand up for vaccine equity.

man performing hazardous work

The first WHO/ILO global estimates on disease and injury in the workplace outline the level of preventable premature deaths due to exposure to work-related health risks.

World Patient Safety Day 2021 is dedicated to safe maternal and newborn care recognizing the significant burden of avoidable harm caused by unsafe care particularly around the time of birth. Every woman has a right to a positive childbirth experience. WHO calls on stakeholders to ‘Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!’

smiling mother and baby

During a pregnancy complication at 7 months, Ami Campini was transported to the Regional Hospital of Buba, Guinea-Bissau and delivered a 1.3-kilogram baby girl via emergency Caesarean section. 

We all need health care at some stage in our life. Not only it is important to have access to health care we need, but also the health care we receive should be of high quality to improve our health. This video explains what is meant by quality of care.

A close-up of a needle sticking a person’s arm

Twelve months ago, the world came together to support COVAX, a multilateral initiative co-convened by WHO and partners, to guarantee global access to COVID-19 vaccines. With the support of the international community, COVAX began securing financing, negotiating with vaccine developers and manufacturers, and addressing the logistics associated with rolling out the largest and most complex vaccination programme in history. Yet only 20% of people in low- and lower-middle-income countries have received a first dose of vaccine compared to 80% in high- and upper-middle income countries.

COVID-19 passport app

WHO has published guidance for countries on the technical requirements for issuing digital certificates for vaccination against COVID-19.

A nurse takes a man’s blood pressure.

Hypertension cases increased from 650 million to 1.28 billion in the last thirty years, according to the first comprehensive analysis in hypertension led by WHO and partners.

This WHO animation highlights the dangers of drowning and what we can all do to prevent it. An estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for 5–14-year-old children.

A mother breastfeeding her baby.

UNICEF answers some common questions from new and expecting mothers to help provide the safest experience for you and your baby, about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.