The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the use of the HIV drug dolutegravir(DTG) as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations. This drug can also be used for patients including pregnant women and those of childbearing potential. Dolutegravir(DTG) which is sold under the brand name Tivicay is an antiretroviral medication used together… Continue reading WHO recommends use of innovative HIV drug
Tag: WHO
Ebola vaccine tested during epidemic saves lives in Congo
The World Health Organization(WHO) has suggested that Merck’s vaccine (VSV-EBOV) used during the current outbreaks in Congo was 97.5% efficacious in preventing Ebola infection. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus–Zaire Ebola virus (VSV-EBOV) is an experimental vaccine for protection against Ebola virus disease. When VSV-EBOV is injected,the vaccinated individuals generates antibodies against EBOV protein,thereby gaining immunity. The… Continue reading Ebola vaccine tested during epidemic saves lives in Congo
20 million children worldwide missed out on life-saving vaccines last year
According to data by the WHO and UNICEF,One in 10 children which is almost 20 million globally has missed out on life saving vaccines in 2018. The report also showed that an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if global immunisation coverage improved. The main factors which are hindering the spread of vaccination worldwide… Continue reading 20 million children worldwide missed out on life-saving vaccines last year
WHO launches tool for safer use of antibiotics, curb resistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global campaign that urges countries to adopt its new online tool known as ‘AWaRe’. The tool is aimed at guiding policy-makers and health workers to use antibiotics safely and more effectively.It’s another objective is to limit drugs that are at risk of resistance. The tool ‘AWaRe’ classifies… Continue reading WHO launches tool for safer use of antibiotics, curb resistance
‘1 mn new cases of STIs detected daily globally’
According to World Health Organization’s report,more than 1 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections(STIs) are detected in people aged 15-49 years every day. This amounts to more than 376 million new cases annually of four infections namely (a)chlamydia (b)gonorrhoea (c)trichomoniasis and (d)syphilis. On average,approximately 1 in 25 people globally have at least one… Continue reading ‘1 mn new cases of STIs detected daily globally’
Food safety is everyone’s business: WHO
The first-ever World Food Safety Day adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018 will be celebrated on 7 June,2019 under the theme “Food Safety, everyone’s business”. According to World Health Organisation (WHO),an estimated 600 million cases of food-borne diseases occur annually around the world.This translates into one in 10 people falling ill… Continue reading Food safety is everyone’s business: WHO
WHO unveils plan to tackle snakebite
The World Health Organization(WHO) has launched its global strategy for prevention and control of snakebite envenoming. WHO Global Strategy targets 50% reduction in mortality and disability caused by snakebite envenoming by 2030. This target will be achieved through (a)ensuring access to treatment such as anti-venoms and ancillary medical care by increasing the number of manufacturers… Continue reading WHO unveils plan to tackle snakebite
Pakistan suspends polio drive after security threats to workers
The Pakistan government has suspended the anti-polio drive and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling(LQAS) after the increased number of attacks against polio workers in different parts of the country. The countrywide campaign to administer anti-polio drops to 39 million children under five years of age was launched after which the evaluation of the drive was to… Continue reading Pakistan suspends polio drive after security threats to workers
Many essential drugs priced much higher than manufacturing cost: WHO
According to World Health Organisation (WHO),around 40% of the essential medicines in India are priced significantly higher than estimated production costs.This shows the amount of profiteering done by pharmaceutical companies and the scope for lowering the prices of drugs. The drugs used for cancer,hepatitis C and off patent drugs which are in the market for… Continue reading Many essential drugs priced much higher than manufacturing cost: WHO
