Addressing resistance in key antimalarial drug
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, 9 MAY 2013 - The emergence in the Greater Mekong Subregion of resistance to artemisinin, the frontline drug against malaria, poses a serious potential threat to global health, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Shin Young-soo warned on World Malaria Day. Dr Shin spoke at the launch of WHO's "Emergency Response to Artemisinin Response in the Greater Mekong Subregion" framework—a cross-border, multi-pronged initiative designed to provide the six countries of the Subregion with the strategic direction to beat resistance to artemisinin.
Preventing disease outbreaks after the tsunami in Solomon Islands
SOLOMON ISLANDS, 8 May 2013 – Early-warning surveillance systems are crucial to identify post-disaster disease outbreaks. This photo story tells how a surveillance system was implemented in Solomon Islands after a tsunami and shows some of the logistical challenges of deploying a new system in this remote island context.
Protecting vulnerable pedestrians
MANILA, 7 May 2013 – In the 37 countries and areas of the Western Pacific Region, more than 85 000 pedestrians lose their lives on roads each year. On the 2nd United Nations Global Road Safety Week (6 to 12 May), the World Health Organization calls for greater and more targeted action to protect pedestrians. "Walking should be a safe and non-threatening activity," says WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Shin Young-soo.
Responding to H7N9
HANOI, 9 May 2013 – Viet Nam on 7 May called on international partners to help mobilize resources for the early detection, prevention and control of the H7N9 influenza virus. Yesterday, one new case of human infection was detected in China, bringing the total there to 131, with 32 deaths. So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. People are advised to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, and to avoid high-risk environments, such as live animal markets or surfaces that might contain animal droppings.
Tuberculosis
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TB Control
The Regional Strategy to Stop TB in the Western Pacific helps countries to develop sound policies
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Inmate health
Mongolia is a model for TB control in prisons
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Regional successes
The Western Pacific is on track to halve the TB epidemic by 2015
Highlights from the Region
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22 April 2013
Deadly earthquake hits central China
MANILA – An earthquake hit Sichuan province in central China on 20 April 2013, killing nearly 200 people and injuring thousands, according to the latest official reports. Almost all the homes collapsed in Longmen Township, Lushan County, at the earthquake’s epicentre. Local roads were badly damaged and blocked by landslides and dozens of bridges damaged to varying degrees. Medical teams have been dispatched and disaster relief funds allocated. Although the government has restored power and water to the municipality of Ya'an in western Sichuan and other parts of the province, there is still no access to communication, gas and water in the county of Baoxing and a few other severely affected areas. The World Health Organization and other United Nations agencies are in close contact with the relevant government ministries and prepared to assist upon request.
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15 March 2013
WHO Healthy Islands Recognition 2012-2013
FIJI – Healthy Pacific islands are places where children are nurtured in body and mind; where environments invite learning and leisure; where people work and age with dignity; where ecological balance is a source of pride; and where the oceans that sustain life are protected. They are places that fully address the islands' triple burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases and of diseases resulting from climate change. To recognize the great work that is being done in making the Healthy Islands concept a reality, WHO invites applications for the WHO Healthy Islands Recognition 2012-2013. Eligible applicants include communities—such as schools, workplaces, faith-based groups, villages, districts and provinces—and governmental and nongovernmental organizations and agencies in 21 Pacific Island countries, territories and areas. Recognition will be given in two categories: best practice and best proposal. For detailed information, including instructions on how to apply, please click on the link at the bottom of this announcement. The deadline for submission is 31 March 2013.
