World Health Organization Podcast: Recent Episodes
Infectious disease outbreaks are no longer just about bacteria and viruses, but also the social and economic world we create.
Research can put a human face on health emergencies and help us respond to them more effectively.
Evidence is not enough to shape health policy and practice. We also need to consider bioethics to take the right action for society.
Is microcephaly just the tip of an enormous iceberg? Dr Vanessa van der Linden was the first doctor to make the connection between Zika virus infection and babies born with microcephaly.
How can epidemiology help solve some of the mysteries around Zika virus transmission and the rare but serious neurological disorders associated with it, in particular Guillain-Barré ³yndrome and microcephaly?
One in four people develop some kind of mental illness at some point in their lives. WHO's Mental health atlas 2011 examines the extent of mental health needs and services around the world.
World Health Organization has declared the 28th July as World Hepatitis Day. The slogan for this first year is "Know it. Confront it. Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere".
In New York this week, the World Health Organization, together with the World Bank, launched the first ever World report on disability.
This year's World Health Day focuses on the dangers of resistance to today's infection-fighting wonder drugs. The world is on the brink of losing these miracle cures.
New and comprehensive study on the consumption of alcohol reveals worrying trends on alcohol use around the world.
Low levels of physical activity are associated with a high risk of colon cancer and breast cancer.
A newly formed Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health will track resources pledged to actual results. The Commission will provide evidence of which programmes are most effective in saving the lives of women and children and ensure that the money doesn't get swallowed up through inefficiency or corruption.
The World health report 2010 focuses on how to pay for health care. The report looks at how to raise sufficient funds, how to raise funds fairly and how to get better value for money by becoming more efficient.
Three-quarters of cancer deaths occur in developing countries where the resources needed to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer are severely limited. As a result WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have created a Joint Programme on Cancer Control focusing on the needs of developing countries.
WHO estimates that over 75% of people living in developing countries do not receive any mental health treatment or care. A new, easy-to-use guide to identify and provide care for mental health disorders will help expand care at a cost that is affordable, even for low- and middle-income countries.
The floods in Pakistan have had an enormous consequences for the health of millions of people. They have also impacted the ability to deliver emergency and routine health care across the country.
Thousands of humanitarian workers, either with local organizations or international bodies like WHO, strive during crises, to ensure survivors have access to the most basic human rights, including health, shelter and food.
Many young people engage in behaviours that are dangerous not only to their current state of health, but also puts their health at risk for years to come.
Demand for organs outstrips supply in almost every country of the world. In many places the wait for an organ can be measured in years. One way to improve the situation is by donors making sure their families understand their wishes, which allows doctors to proceed with the donation process.
High-income countries are increasingly dependent on doctors and nurses who have been trained abroad. But the migration of health workers weakens the health systems in the countries of origin. WHO's Code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel aims to achieve a balance between the interests of health workers, source countries and destination countries.
Polio eradication is at a critical juncture. While the world is close to stamping out polio, this will require renewed commitment. Specifically it will entail renewed political, financial and scientific commitment.
A statue was erected to mark the 30th anniversary of smallpox eradication. In this podcast past members of the Smallpox Eradication Programme explain challenges they faced in eradicating the disease.
World No Tobacco Day 2010 draws particular attention to female smokers. Women and girls are a major target for the tobacco industry.
In contrast to many other serious health conditions, a highly effective treatment to snakebites exists. Most deaths and serious consequences from snakebites are entirely preventable by making antivenom more widely available.
The WHO "Save lives: clean your hands" campaign invites healthcare workers, hospitals and organizations around the world to actively promote improved hand hygiene to reduce infections.
Better diagnostic testing may be a key to count malaria cases and help defeat the disease. Also better tests will more accurately identify who actually has the disease, make sure people get the correct medicines and prevent the misuse of malaria drugs.
With the majority of the world's population living in cities and towns, this podcast marking World Health Day addresses ways to build healthy and safe urban environments.
This episode marking International Women's Day looks at women through the themes of education, health care and armed conflict.
The fifth anniversary of worlds first global public health treaty, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a time to reflect on its achievements.
This episode focuses on how new technology is helping to strengthen Africa's health workforce to address the enormous public health challenges there.
As we mark World Cancer Day, this episode focuses on cancer prevention. Each year, over 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer kills more people than AIDS, malaria, and TB combined but the good news is that approximately two out of five cancers are potentially preventable.
Haiti's earthquake ranks among the most devastating and logistically challenging in recent history. Before the earthquake, Haiti already suffered from high rates of maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition. Listen to what WHO and others are doing for the huge numbers of people needing surgery and other medical treatment.
The severe earthquake that struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic has inflicted large-scale damage, including to hospitals and health facilities. In this episode we talk to WHO experts about the situation and the emergency health response.
The headline that dominated the year was easily the H1N1 pandemic. On 11 June, 2009, WHO declared the start of the first influenza pandemic since 1968. In this episode we listen to WHO's Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, discuss the successes and challenges of 2009.
We now know that climate change aggravates health problems, most of which are concentrated in the developing world. This episode discusses the impact on human health of climate change.
This episode focuses on the damage caused by second-hand smoke, and what some countries are doing to mitigate its harmful effects.
The Convention is the key piece of international law for the protection and fulfilment of the health, developmental, social, economic, and cultural needs of all children. WHO uses the CRC and works with countries to get the right laws and policies in place so that all kids get the food they need, the right treatment when they get sick, and grow up to be healthy adults.
To mark the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction, we look at why hospitals must be ready to provide health care in times of crisis.
More than four million HIV-positive people are now receiving life-saving treatment. In this episode we look at a new report that shows progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead.
Violence kills as many people as tuberculosis and approximately one and a half times as many people as malaria. In this episode, we look at the magnitude of the problem and what some countries are doing to prevent violence.
A recent WHO study shows that young people are often at risk, and that suicide is the second largest cause of mortality in the 10-24 age group. However, there are different risk factors in different cultures.
Battered by conflict and flooding, hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines have been displaced and face multiple health risks. In this episode we look at how WHO is working to respond to the enormous health challenges they face.
For the first ever World Humanitarian Day, this podcast focuses on how WHO works in the world's most dangerous regions to save lives.
This year the focus of World Breastfeeding Week is on the importance of breastfeeding during emergencies such as war or natural disasters. Emergencies jeopardize the health and survival of large populations, with infants being the most vulnerable. But breastfeeding in emergency situations can be a lifesaver.
Drug studies are showing that treatment for onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, could help to eliminate this debilitating skin disease. River blindness affects 37 million people, mostly living in poor, rural African communities.
Two million people have been displaced by the conflict in northwest Pakistan, putting the region's health services under siege. In this episode, we report on how WHO and its partners in Pakistan are facing the challenge.
Road traffic crashes around the world take the lives of 1.2 million people every year. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are most at risk, finds the first global assessment of road safety.
About 10 percent of the world's population have a disability. In this episode, we look at why they are particularly vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.
WHO is urging that governments require tobacco companies to put pictures on their products to make people aware of the sickness and suffering caused by tobacco use.
The 62nd session of the World Health Assembly took place in Geneva in the middle of concerns about an influenza pandemic.
In this episode, as we mark World Malaria Day on 25 April, we look at what needs to be done in all endemic regions to control, eliminate and ultimately eradicate malaria.
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin lining that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. It is epidemic prone, and this episode discusses the transmission of the disease and its symptoms.
This week, WHO has launched a campaign to make hospitals and other health facilities safe in emergencies. In this episode, we examine what the issue is.
This week, in the Chinese capital of Beijing, health leaders gathered to discuss the threat of the new forms of tuberculosis that are resistant to drugs.
Do condoms help in the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission? We find out in this episode.
Bolivia is currently suffering one of its worst dengue epidemics in decades. In this episode, we find out the current situation there and how dengue can be prevented.
Domestic violence has a big impact on women's health, both physical and mental. In this episode we find out how men can be engaged to end such violence.
People with disabilities make up more than 10% of the world's population. In this episode we find out the challenges they face while trying to get health care services.
About 16 million teenage girls become mothers every year. In this episode we talk about the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancies.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day this week, this episode looks at how an active healthy childhood can prevent cancer later in life.
The financial and economic crisis is in the news everywhere. What kind of impact can it have on global health? We bring you some views from the health sector.
Can lifestyle changes really improve people's health? In this episode we look at the evidence from new research.
More than 2000 children die every day as a result of unintentional or accidental injuries. In this episode, we look at how these deaths and many more lifelong disabilities can be prevented.
The spread of Cholera continues in Zimbabwe, with more than 12 000 cases reported, out of which 560 have died. WHO is helping the country to manage the emergency and improve its overall health system.
In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, renewed hostilities are putting health facilities under extreme pressure. We find out what is being done to provide essential health services for the people pushed out of their homes and forced to abandon their communities.
WHO publishes a new a study on the global burden of disease, with comparisons between deaths, diseases and injuries by region, age, sex and country income.
WHO launches a new programme to help millions with mental disorders in the developing world.
The World Health Report calls for a revival of the primary health care approach to steer health systems towards better performance and greater equity.
WHO says there is no evidence that the electronic cigarette helps smokers to quit smoking. WHO this week asked manufacturers and marketers to stop their unproved therapy claims.
The "World malaria report 2008" finds that progress in malaria control has accelerated since 2006. We look at the main findings of the report and their implications.
Heavy rains and flooding have made thousands of people in Pakistan and Haiti homeless and cut off their access to health care. In this episode, we find out what WHO is doing to provide emergency health care in these two countries.
A new meningitis vaccine is being introduced to prevent epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. We find out how big a problem meningitis is and how the vaccine will help.
The WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health submits its final report to the WHO Director-General.
The XVII International AIDS Conference which was held in Mexico City in early August was truly an international event with participants from every corner of the world. With over 20 000 participants, this meeting was the second largest International AIDS Conference, and the largest health-related summit ever held in the southern hemisphere.
The role of ethics in global public health and the key ethical questions that arise during demographic and health surveillance discussed, in the context of this month's Bulletin of the World Health Organization.
The International AIDS conference opens today in Mexico City. One focus of the conference will be the status of the pandemic in the Americas. World Breastfeeding week raises awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies; this year the focus is particularly on supporting mothers to breastfeed successfully.
New funding announced to expand the fight against the growing use of tobacco products, specifically in the developing world; WHO and its partners shift emphasis in Myanmar from relief to early recovery, focusing particularly on rebuilding health facilities and restoring essential health services after Cyclone Nargis.
WHO international staff return to work in Iraq after five years; and a new report says more than 2.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Health ministers from the 53 countries of the WHO European Region have signed a new charter on health systems, committing themselves to improving the health and wealth of people in Europe.
World leaders call for action to reduce tuberculosis deaths among people living with HIV; a new report highlights how much disease can be prevented by improving access to safe water and better sanitation and hygiene; and, a look at the achievements of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative since its launch in 1991.
WHO makes polio eradication top operational priority; an update on the situation in Myanmar six weeks after Cyclone Nargis; and why there is a need for volunteer blood donors.
Nearly 3 million HIV-positive people are now receiving anti-retroviral therapy; a look at what WHO is doing to address health impacts of climate change; and a new campaign for a total ban on all forms of tobacco advertisements.
WHO sends emergency help to people affected by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities comes into force; and volunteers help improve treatment coverage for malaria and river blindness in Africa.
In this episode, Experts assess progress in tackling extensively drug-resistant TB; and Countdown 2015 conference identifies steps to further reduce maternal and child deaths.
In this episode, On World Health Day, a look at how climate change is going to affect human health in different parts of the world.
In this episode, With no new cases reported in a year, Somalia is again polio-free; and why is history important for public health today?
In this episode, The Global Tuberculosis Control 2008 report is launched; an emergency vaccination campaign takes place in Iraq; and a new edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships is published.
In this episode, Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been recorded at the highest rate ever; and WHO and its partners ship vaccines to Paraguay in response to the yellow fever outbreak.
In this episode, WHO releases the first comprehensive analysis of tobacco use and efforts to control the tobacco epidemic, and marks 6 February as International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.
In this episode, new research by WHO and the Iraqi government estimates that 151 000 Iraqis died from violence in the three years following the March 2003 invasion of the country.
In this episode, putting health at the centre of the climate change agenda; help for west Africa to recover from flooding; avian flu updates; Ebola outbreak in Uganda; and a new campaign to make medicines child-size.
In this episode, measles vaccination in Africa results in a 90% reduction in deaths; WHO investigates bromide poisoning in Angola; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International team up against polio; and keeping women and Africa in clear view on World AIDS Day.
In this episode, governments negotiate a plan to ensure people in poor countries have better access to medicines; researchers find interesting trends in diabetes along the US-Mexico border; and a field report on efforts to control a polio outbreak in Sudan.
In this episode, why half a million women still die every year giving birth - and what can be done about it; getting medicines to people with drug-resistant tuberculosis; and how peanut butter could be the best recipe for malnourished children.
In this episode, a frontline report from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; WHO and partners respond to cholera in Iraq; and, one year on, UNITAID announces success in lowering the cost of medicines.
In this episode, The world health report 2007 highlights threats to global public health security, including the emerging diseases that spread from animals to humans; and tracking a killer virus in the mines of Uganda, WHO scientists believe they may have new information about Marburg fever.
In this episode, WHO scientists hunt for Marburg fever clues in Uganda; WHO issues new guidance on use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets; and Bangladeshis affected by the monsoon floods need more medicines.
In this episode, new WHO report highlights the risks children face from harmful chemical exposure; China and India join WHO clinical trial registry platform; and for World Breastfeeding Week, why every baby's first meal should be yellow and sticky.
In this episode, a special focus on HIV/AIDS and women's leadership, and success driving change at a Kenya AIDS clinic.
In this episode: New study shows risk of blood clots rises after long travel, although the risk remains relatively low; how to stay safe in the summer sun; and Assistant Director-General sets out her hopes for improving the health of mothers, children and the communities where they live.
In this episode: The revised International Health Regulations come into force; new data from WHO show 13 million deaths could be prevented every year by making environments healthier; and WHO begins a new programme to get safe blood to expectant mothers.
The 60th World Health Assembly opens on an optimistic note; WHO Member States discuss challenges surrounding avian influenza vaccine production; and new initiative is launched to battle yellow fever.
World Health Assembly to debate key health issues as new Director-General sets out her vision; supermodel Liya Kebede talks about being a WHO goodwill ambassador; and keeping vaccines at the right temperature - a simple technology celebrates its 10th birthday.
In this episode, WHO reports on the latest avian influenza news from Jakarta, and the role of male circumcision in HIV prevention.
Meningitis in Africa: more vaccine urgently needed as the death toll rises; Positive news on tuberculosis - but HIV and drug resistance are obstacles to further progress; and on World Water Day, a call for more focus on the impact of water scarcity on women and girls.
A new report highlights the impact of neurological disorders around the world. Yellow fever vaccination campaign protects more than one million people in Togo. And WHO Director-General announces a new senior management team.
A new report highlights the impact of neurological disorders around the world. Yellow fever vaccination campaign protects more than one million people in Togo. And WHO Director-General announces a new senior management team.
In this episode, WHO's top infectious disease expert gives the latest update on avian flu. And people in the Indonesian capital face health risks after the severe floods.
The WHO Executive Board closed its 120th session this week with key decisions on polio, tuberculosis and avian influenza. And, yaws, a deadly disease that was almost eradicated 40 years ago, is making a comeback. What needs to be done to bring it back under control?
WHO and its partners announce an historic triumph for publich health, as 2.3 million children's lives are saved in just six years. The Measles Initiative announces a new, even more ambitious measles goal.
WHO outlines the risks of communicable diseases to those affected by recent flooding, and describes how we are minimizing those risks.
WHO and UNAIDS have recently released the 2006 AIDS epidemic update. The update warns that the AIDS epidemic continues to grow, but it also reports some reason for optimism.
Dr Margaret Chan of China will be the next Director-General of the World Health Organization. Following her appointment, she told the World Health Assembly she wanted to be judged by the impact WHO's work has on the people of Africa and on women across the globe: "I want us to be judged by the impact we have on the health of the people of Africa, and the health of women. Improvements in the health of the people of Africa and the health of women are key indicators of the performance of WHO."