World Health Organization’s Post

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for swift and safe vaccine development during public health emergencies. As detailed in the 100 Days Mission report, proactive vaccine research and development during non-crisis periods is important to help ensure we can quickly mobilise vaccines when new pathogens emerge. Find out more about the work our Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC) is doing in vaccine development to save lives. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVAx-fcE

A novel highly contagious virus like COVID-19 highlights the critical need for rapid, safe vaccine development and the essential role of timely information during emergencies. mRNA vaccine technology made waves during the fight against COVID. Tailoring information about new biomedical technologies like mRNA vaccines to suit diverse audiences means employing various mediums—like this video infographic from the UK Health Security Agency —to ensure accessibility for people of all backgrounds and education levels. By doing so, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and contribute to equitable healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed new challenges faced in a digital era - where misinformation can spread faster than the virus itself. Managing infodemics demands a concerted effort to ensure credible, easily understandable information is promoted. During a health emergency, keeping people informed is crucial, but how do we ensure people know how to distinguish reliable sources of information from sources of misinformation? In today's era of quickly advancing medical technologies, and especially during health emergencies like disease outbreaks, health literacy becomes an indispensable tool. It not only fosters understanding of complex concepts but also promotes critical thinking, enabling individuals to engage meaningfully with healthcare decisions. Through collaborative efforts to promote health literacy and manage infodemics, we can build a more resilient and inclusive society. Ryan Mak Imperial College London #InfodemicManagement #AccessibleInformation #HealthEquity #Empowerment #VaccineDevelopment #EmergencyResponse #PandemicInformation #MisinformationAwareness #HealthCommunication #PublicHealthEducation #ScientificLiteracy #InclusiveHealthcare #CommunityEmpowerment #HealthAwareness #ScienceCommunication #healthLiteracy Read our recently published article on infodemics: https://lnkd.in/dj7VZFwx Prof Salman Rawaf, Prof zeenah atwan, Dr Elizabeth Dubois, Celine Tabche, FHEA, MRSPH, AFPH, MSc, ANtr & Tina D Purnat

Afghanistan is not the only country facing a lack of vaccine doses. During today’s partial attendance at a 'Zero Dose Learning Week' Post-event webinar organised by GAVI, I learned that many other countries also have zero doses or low routine immunisation coverage. The most effective way to promote health and well-being and prevent disease is by working towards Universal Health Coverage. This can be achieved through the provision of integrated health services, multisectoral policies, and actions on social determinants of health, and by empowering individuals and communities. So we need to work on reforming and strengthening the health system rather than focusing only on polio/EPI in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Proud to have completed the Measles and Rubella Outbreak Preparedness and Response in SEARO Region course offered by the World Health Organization! This course provided valuable insights into the challenges and strategies related to managing measles and rubella outbreaks. I learned about early detection, surveillance, vaccination strategies, and outbreak response planning. I'm excited to apply these learnings to my work and contribute to improving public health outcomes. #Measles #Rubella #WHO #PublicHealth #OutbreakResponse

🦠 As the XEC variant of COVID-19 spreads in Europe, the need for strong, inclusive public health policies grows. We must safeguard the health of all Europeans in the face of new variants. 🌍🩺 Learn more about the new variant here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gpbYa2NE #COVID #PublicHealth #EUHealth

Reliable communication is vital for disseminating accurate information about vaccines. This includes improving communication infrastructure, developing effective messaging, and ensuring that information is accessible to all communities. Multi-channel communication strategies, including print, digital, and mass media, can be effective in reaching a wider audience. Communication #InformationDissemination Accessibility #SouthSudan PCV #rotavirusvaccines Leith Greenslade Chika Offor Vaccine Network for Disease Control Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance UNICEF World Health Organization Clarisse Loe Loumou

Lao PDR has made remarkable progress in protecting children from measles and rubella in a recent campaign, successfully reaching 603,000 children (95.2% of the target) aged 9 months to 5 years across 148 districts.   🌏 Why It Matters This milestone comes at a critical time when global measles cases are rising, highlighting the importance of swift and effective public health interventions. Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases, but it’s preventable with vaccines. 🏔️ Overcoming Challenges in Remote Areas By prioritizing outreach in remote and underserved communities, health workers and volunteers ensured that life-saving vaccines reached even the most challenging areas. In Phongsaly province, a mountainous and remote region, all seven districts exceeded the 95% target, thanks to strong community engagement and micro-planning with local leaders. This achievement underscores the collective commitment to safeguarding children’s health and preventing future outbreaks of this highly contagious disease. Red more: https://lnkd.in/eSjtim9M

Mpox in 2024: A Resurgence and New Challenges in Global Health Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has seen a concerning resurgence, particularly in Central Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, along with other neighboring regions, has been significantly impacted by a new strain of the virus, Clade 1b, leading to widespread outbreaks and renewed attention from global health organizations. In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the mpox upsurge as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, triggering heightened international collaboration for containment and resource mobilization. The spread of mpox continues to follow close-contact transmission patterns, affecting communities with limited access to vaccines and healthcare. WHO, in coordination with the International Rescue Committee and other partners, has activated the Global Health Emergency Corps to bolster response strategies, increase vaccine distribution, and support at-risk communities. Vaccination remains key in containing outbreaks, especially among high-risk populations like healthcare workers and individuals with close contact with infected persons. What’s Next? As global health bodies work on containment, there is an ongoing need for public awareness, community-based prevention efforts, and effective vaccination campaigns. Public health preparedness and rapid response efforts will be crucial in minimizing the impact of this evolving health challenge. Stay updated on mpox and other global health efforts! #PublicHealth #Mpox #HealthAwareness #GlobalHealth #InfectiousDiseases

The Resurgence of Measles: Understanding the Global Health Threat Measles, once a disease of the past in many developed countries, is making a troubling comeback in recent years. This resurgence is not only a public health concern but also a reminder of the critical importance of vaccination and herd immunity. As measles outbreaks grow in frequency and severity, it is crucial to understand the \[POST_TAGS\] \>\>\> Read more

Measles has re-emerged as a significant public health concern in Pakistan in recent years. Despite being a preventable disease, outbreaks are increasingly common due to gaps in vaccination coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas. Factors such as misinformation about vaccines, logistical challenges in reaching remote regions, and political instability have exacerbated the issue. Measles not only leads to high mortality rates, particularly among children under five, but also contributes to complications like pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. To combat this, intensified vaccination drives, awareness campaigns, and government intervention are urgently needed to curb its spread and protect vulnerable populations.