We spoke to Dr Dina Pfeifer, Medical Officer in the Infectious Hazard Management team of WHO/Europe, to learn more about COVID-19 therapeutics, how they work and what role they can play in combatting the disease.1. What are therapeutics and how are they helpful in the treatment of COVID-19?Therapeutics in the context of COVID-19 are the…
Figures from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) show more than 4000 casualties from the war in Ukraine so far. Yet, as the OHCHR acknowledges, the actual number is likely to be far higher given that it is difficult to access accurate information from areas where intense hostilities are…
Situation at a glance:On 5 April 2022, WHO was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children under the age of 10 years, across central Scotland. By 8 April, 74 cases had been identified in the United Kingdom. Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, E, and D where applicable) have been…
Relative to other countries in the WHO European Region, Kazakhstan has low levels of childhood overweight and obesity. However, recent WHO surveillance data show that these levels may be increasing, especially among boys. This new finding formed the basis of the new factsheet “Results of surveillance of childhood obesity, nutrition and physical activity 2020”, prepared…
On World Health Day in Lviv, Ukraine, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge visited health facilities and heard first-hand from health workers and patients who have faced some of the most testing circumstances imaginable amid the ongoing war that erupted on 24 February.Speaking during the visit, the Regional Director explained, “This…
WHO has released new guidance on how host countries can adjust health financing to meet the needs of people fleeing conflict.Since the Russian military offensive in Ukraine began on 24 February 2022, over 4.5 million people have fled Ukraine to seek safe havens in neighbouring countries. Although these countries have responded quickly, the sudden arrival…
As the displacement of people from Ukraine escalates, it is imperative that countries across Europe receiving these displaced people are prepared to ensure high standards of HIV prevention, treatment and care.
WHO/Agata Grzybowska/RATS Agency A WHO team met members of the Polish Red Cross at a refugee center in Medyka set up for Ukrainian refugees. Press contacts: Press office WHO Regional Office for Europe Email: eupress@who.int Copenhagen, 13 April 2022The Novo Nordisk Foundation has donated 25 million Danish kroner (about 3.4 million euros), to WHO’s emergency…
Through a project supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO has procured incinerators to support an effective health-care waste management system in Tajikistan. The procurement includes 8 diesel-fuelled incinerators with a capacity of 20–30 kg, and 6 wood-fuelled units with a capacity of 10–15 kg.The 14 incinerators will be installed across the different regions of…
One of the largest hospitals in eastern Ukraine, providing specialized medical care to a population of 103 000 people, was used to dealing with the consequences of conflict even before the Russian military offensive began on 24 February 2022. Since 2014, the hospital had been playing a crucial role in treating wounded soldiers from the…