New global targets to prevent maternal deaths (WHO)
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
COVID-19 pandemic leads to major backsliding on childhood vaccinations, new WHO, UNICEF data shows
This article was originally published by the World Health Organization. 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services in 2020, the highest number since 2009 and 3.7 million more than in 2019 15 July 2021 l News release l Geneva/New York l Reading time: 5 min (1353 words) 23 million children missed … Continued
Caesarean section rates continue to rise, amid growing inequalities in access: WHO
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
Why we need to focus on quality care for women and newborns
This article was originally published by the World Health Organization. 4 May 2021 l Departmental news l Reading time: 2 min (606 words) Each year, between 5.7 and 8.4 million people are dying due to poor quality care in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for up to 15 percent of their overall deaths. Lost productivity due … Continued
New toolkit aims to improve global birth defects surveillance
This article was originally published by WHO. Birth defects or congenital anomalies are an invisible tragedy around the world. Every year an estimated 295 000 newborns die due to congenital anomalies during the first 28 days of life. The most common, severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down’s syndrome. Congenital anomalies … Continued
World Health Assembly charts course for COVID-19 response and global health priorities
This article was originally published by the World Health Organization. As health leaders prepare to gather for a virtual session of the resumed 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA), WHO has three messages to share. First, we can beat COVID-19 with science, solutions and solidarity. More than 47 million COVID-19 cases have now been reported to WHO, … Continued
Steroids boost survival of preterm babies in low-resource settings, new study finds
This article was originally published by WHO. Accurate pregnancy dating and quality care combined with the steroids are key to survival The results of a new clinical trial, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that dexamethasone—a glucocorticoid used to treat many conditions, including rheumatic problems and severe COVID-19— can boost survival of … Continued
One stillbirth occurs every 16 seconds, according to first ever joint UN estimates
This article was originally published by the World Health Organization Almost 2 million babies are stillborn every year – or 1 every 16 seconds – according to the first ever joint stillbirth estimates released by UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank Group and the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The vast majority of stillbirths, … Continued
Every woman’s right to a companion of choice during childbirth
WHO strongly recommends supporting women to have a chosen companion during labour and childbirth, including during COVID-19. When a woman has access to trusted emotional, psychological and practical support during labour and childbirth, evidence shows that both her experience of childbirth and her health outcomes can improve. In Companion of choice during labour and childbirth for improved quality of care, … Continued
WHO and UNICEF warn of a decline in vaccinations during COVID-19
This press release was originally published by UNICEF GENEVA/NEW YORK, 15 July 2020 – The World Health Organization and UNICEF warned today of an alarming decline in the number of children receiving life-saving vaccines around the world. This is due to disruptions in the delivery and uptake of immunization services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new data … Continued