A triple threat of water-related crises is endangering the lives of 190 million children – UNICEF

UNICEF HNN Team

As world leaders prepare to attend the historic UN Water Conference, UNICEF calls for urgent investment in climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to protect children. This article was originally published by UNICEF.  NEW YORK, 20 March 2023 – 190 million children in 10 African countries are at the highest risk from a convergence of … Continued

New global targets to prevent maternal deaths (WHO)

WHO News HNN Team

This article was originally published by the World Health Organization.  Access to a ‘continuum of care’ needed, before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Today the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNFPA launched five critical targets to help countries get back on track in reducing preventable maternal deaths, and for tracking progress against the Sustainable … Continued

International Women’s Health Organisations Recognise World Patient Safety Day

FIGO HNN Team

This statement was originally published by FIGO, International Federation of Genecology and Obstetrics. FIGO Joint Statement (English, French, Spanish) You can still sign on to this statement as an individual or organisation. Visit this page to make your commitment. Today, our organisations – which represent specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology around the world – come together to … Continued

Caesarean section rates continue to rise, amid growing inequalities in access: WHO

WHO News HNN Team

This article was originally published by the World Health Organization.  Rising rates suggest increasing numbers of medically unnecessary, potentially harmful procedures According to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO), caesarean section use continues to rise globally, now accounting for more than 1 in 5 (21%) of all childbirths. This number is set to continue … Continued

WHO welcomes landmark UN declaration on universal health coverage

World Health Organization (WHO) HNN Team

This article was originally published by WHO here. Today world leaders adopted a high-level United Nations Political Declaration on universal health coverage (UHC), the most comprehensive set of health commitments ever adopted at this level. “This declaration represents a landmark for global health and development,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO. “The world … Continued

Nigeria: Health minister, Delta Governor say rising rates of maternal, infant mortality unacceptable

The Guardian (Nigeria) Nigeria HNN Team

This article was originally published in The Guardian (Nigeria) here. The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday decried the “rising and unprecedented” rates of maternal and infant mortality in the country, and declared that the trend was “simply unacceptable”. The duo spoke at the opening ceremony of the … Continued

Reforms needed to achieve universal health coverage in Africa

The East African HNN Team

This article was originally published in The East African here. By Evelyn Lirri Achieving Universal Health Coverage remains a challenge and many countries in Africa may not meet the 2030 goals unless targeted reforms and policy shifts are undertaken, experts have warned. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, member countries agreed to … Continued

Ministry of Health of Rwanda, Society for Family Health Rwanda and Abbott Launch Pioneering Model of Primary Health Care Service Delivery

PR Newswire Rwanda HNN Team

This article was originally published by PR Newswire here. New initiative will provide vital primary care services within a 30-minute walk of all Rwandans’ homes. Health post workers will test and treat pregnant women for multiple infectious diseases that can have serious health consequences for both mothers and newborns if not diagnosed and treated early. … Continued

Gavi sets US$7.4 billion replenishment target

The Lancet HNN Team

This article was originally published in The Lancet here. By Ann Danaiya Usher In the next 5 years, Gavi aims to vaccinate 300 million children and will have a greater focus on building primary health-care systems. Ann Danaiya Usher reports. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—a donor-financed alliance of public and private sector contributors that was established … Continued

WHO Director-General calls on world leaders to support Universal Health Coverage high-level meeting

WHO HNN Team

This article was originally published by the World Health Organization here. Statement by Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus I have just returned from a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to review the response to the Ebola outbreak. I was reminded once again that Ebola is just one symptom … Continued