The annual September meetings of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, and the myriad of side events that take place concurrently, are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting a virtual format. So, what’s happening at this year’s UNGA 75? Here’s a start to help you navigate through what will mostly be a virtual space, with minor … Read More
New Report Highlights Private Sector’s Response to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the world in unprecedented ways, with serious implications for global public health programs such as those addressing HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. A newly-published report available here captures key insights from the dialogue Reimagining Commitment to Fighting HIV, TB and Malaria During COVID-19: Focus on the Private Sector, with concrete examples of what the private sector can … Read More
Emerging Issues and New Tools to Fight Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Africa
EVENT TAKEAWAYS Held in observance of World Mosquito Day 2020, this virtual event presented the state of mosquito-borne diseases in Africa; challenges and strategies for elimination; and the latest updates on new innovations, such as vector control tools to prevent and mitigate health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases. The webinar brought together over 140 participants from the private sector, international … Read More
New Report: The Sustainable Development Goals and COVID-19
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, it is clear that the pandemic will have severe impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This unprecedented crisis has implications not only for public health, but for economics, social stability, and national and global politics, and it has wide-ranging effects on the SDGs. The Sustainable Development Report 2020 (SDR) looks at COVID-19 … Read More
Can We Leapfrog Once Again With Smart Solutions and Cross-Sector Partnerships?
A perspective from Michel Lavollay, MD, Founder, PPP Europe The COVID-19 pandemic is imposing itself as the greatest crisis since the Great Depression. It is affecting – and revealing structural socio-economic weaknesses in – all regions of the world. Responding to COVID-19 is not only a question of preparedness, it is fundamentally a question of peace and security, and of … Read More
New Report on How to Achieve Healthy Societies
What is a healthy society? And how can we achieve healthy societies? While people in many countries are living longer, they are not necessarily living healthier lives. Changes in societies have contributed to improved health but have also caused many challenges and risks to people’s health and well-being. The effect of the ongoing crisis on our health systems and other … Read More
Centering Development Around the World’s Children
WHO, UNICEF & Lancet report asks whether we’re developing a world fit for future children This year, the global agenda on child health was reignited by an urgent report and call to action by WHO, UNICEF and The Lancet on the importance of keeping child health at the center of all development activities, in order to achieve sustainable progress towards … Read More
New African: The right to health belongs to everyone
Michel Sidibé, Executive Director, UNAIDS and Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) wrote a guest column for New African where they discuss how “[g]ood health is vital not only for personal wellbeing but also for any country’s economic development.” They write, “How do we ensure that the continent’s incredible source of human energy and capital drives future growth, well-being … Read More
UNHCR report reveals positive results for refugee health services
We live in a world with more displaced people than ever before. From war and persecution to drought and famine, millions have been forced to flee their homes. Along with shelter and protection, displaced populations have significant health needs. Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) conducted an annual review of health coverage of 37 key refugee operations … Read More
New drug formulation could be the key to significantly reducing maternal mortality
About 70,000 women die annually from post-partum hemorrhaging. It is the leading cause of maternal mortality in low-income countries. Hemorrhaging also increases the risk of newborns dying during their first month of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends the drug Oxytocin to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth. However, Oxytocin must be stored and transported at a specific temperature … Read More