Latest news with #HananBalkhy
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt becomes first country in Eastern Mediterranean to meet WHO target for hepatitis B control
Egypt has become the first country in the World Health Organization's Eastern Mediterranean Region to meet the WHO target for hepatitis B control, a milestone achievement officially recognized during a ceremony held in Cairo on Sunday. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar received a formal certificate from WHO, confirming Egypt's success in achieving the benchmark for reducing hepatitis B prevalence among children and maintaining sustained vaccine coverage. According to national surveys conducted between 2008 and 2024, hepatitis B prevalence among individuals under 60 has declined by 15% since 2015, while rates among children under ten have dropped by 50%. Notably, prevalence among children under five now stands at below 1%—the threshold established by WHO for hepatitis B control. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, praised Egypt's public health infrastructure and long-standing commitment to immunization. She highlighted that Egypt has maintained over 90% coverage of the hepatitis B third-dose vaccine for more than a decade, as well as consistent coverage of the birth dose for five consecutive years. 'This is a turning point in Egypt's healthcare journey,' said Abdel Ghaffar. 'It reflects our national commitment to prevention, immunization, and universal health coverage, in alignment with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's vision for health security.' The success was largely driven by Egypt's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), which achieved over 95% vaccine coverage, providing free hepatitis B vaccines to all newborns—Egyptian and non-Egyptian alike. The program also ensures immediate birth doses and immunoglobulin for infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers. Egypt also expanded immunization access to high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, dialysis patients, people living with HIV, and household contacts of hepatitis B carriers. These efforts were supported by upgrades to the digital infrastructure that improved vaccine tracking, reduced waste, and ensured equitable service delivery across the country. WHO Representative in Egypt, Naeema Al-Gasseer, commended Egypt for its technical capacity and long-term planning. 'Egypt fully deserves this recognition. It is a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated health policy and sustained investment in public health.' Beyond immunization, the Ministry of Health launched the Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance (EVMA) to localize vaccine production and strengthen domestic supply chain resilience, a key pillar in Egypt's drive toward health system sustainability. Hesham Sateet, Head of the Unified Procurement Authority, emphasized the importance of securing vaccines and medical supplies through transparent, efficient mechanisms. 'This achievement would not have been possible without the full backing of Egypt's political leadership and the close coordination among state institutions,' he said. Ali El-Ghamrawy, President of the Egyptian Drug Authority, added that local manufacturing and regulatory governance are central to Egypt's broader health strategy, which is aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'The Egyptian experience proves that with strategic planning, institutional coordination, and political will, even complex public health challenges can be overcome,' Abdel Ghaffar concluded, expressing gratitude to frontline health workers and international partners who supported Egypt's journey.
4 days ago
- Health
Region has highest youth smoking rate in the world: WHO
Cairo, Egypt – The Eastern Mediterranean Region has the highest youth smoking rate in the world, according to World Health Organization Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy. 'We must act to protect the next generation. Let us stand together and make it crystal clear. No more tricks. No more traps. Let's unite for a tobacco-free future,' she said on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, held on Saturday under the banner 'Bright Products. Dark Intentions'. This year's theme sheds light on the tobacco industry's tactics to lure women and young people into addiction through flavoured and colourful products. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region bearing a significant burden. The region has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, with countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt ranking among the highest globally. The promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has led to higher dependency rates among vulnerable groups, WHO stated. Globally, 37mn children aged 13–15 years use tobacco. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, smoking rates in some areas have reached 43% among adolescent boys (aged 13–15 years) and 20% among adolescent girls. The highest prevalence of tobacco use among boys is recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory (West Bank) at 43.3%, followed by Jordan at 33.9% and Syria at 31.6%. Alarmingly, the gap in tobacco use between men and women is narrowing, with more women and girls taking up smoking, exposing them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility issues.
Days of Palestine
4 days ago
- Health
- Days of Palestine
WHO: Gaza's Children Are Dying from Hunger
DaysofPal – Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World Health Organization (WHO), confirmed that children in Gaza are dying of hunger, as famine reaches catastrophic levels under Israel's ongoing blockade. Speaking during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, Dr. Balkhy addressed the dire humanitarian and health crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has endured more than 20 months of Israeli military aggression and siege. 'The health infrastructure in Gaza is essentially destroyed,' she stated. 'People are living in dangerously unhygienic conditions. Hygiene is the cornerstone of health—and it is simply absent in Gaza.' Dr. Balkhy emphasized that the healthcare system is collapsing. Only a handful of hospitals remain partially operational, while a devastating shortage of medical supplies persists. 'Roughly 41–42% of essential medications are completely unavailable, the same applies to key vaccines. Additionally, around 64% of medical equipment is no longer functioning,' she said. Despite these challenges, she praised the resilience of health workers in Gaza who continue to provide care with minimal resources. Addressing the delivery of humanitarian aid, Dr. Balkhy revealed that 51 WHO aid trucks remain stuck at Gaza's border, unable to enter. 'We're trying to distribute what we can from WHO warehouses, but the incoming food since the eleventh week of this blockade is far from adequate.' 'Hunger and famine levels are now extremely high. People urgently need food and basic nutrition. Children are dying—some from hunger alone,' she warned. 'When people don't eat, they starve. Without food, without medicine or treatment—people die. This is the reality,' she concluded. Since March 2, Israel has maintained a near-total closure of border crossings, blocking humanitarian aid—especially food—into Gaza. This deliberate starvation policy has pushed over 2.4 million Palestinians to the brink of famine, with mounting deaths from hunger and preventable disease. Shortlink for this post:
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Experts warn of 'growing concern' over fungus which is a 'threat to humanity'
Experts warn of 'growing concern' over fungus which is a 'threat to humanity' 'The reality is already scary enough', one expert has shared Candidozyma auris has been identified in the UK - but it's not widespread (Image: Getty ) Experts have issued a warning about a deadly fungus dubbed a "threat to humanity" which is now rapidly spreading. Originally discovered in Japan in 2009, Candidozyma (formerly known as Candida) auris (C. auris) has appeared in over 40 countries across six continents since it was identified in a patient's ear canal. It poses a significant threat according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) due to its extraordinary tenacity and ability to last for extensive periods on surfaces. The fungus's survival skills are not limited to persistence on surfaces: it often also shows resistance to everyday disinfectants and many antifungal medications. Infections can occur through various anatomical pathways, including invasion into the bloodstream, central nervous system (encompassing the brain and spinal cord), bones, abdominal cavity, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, or urinary system, reports the Mirror. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here People with existing medical conditions are at heightened danger, faced with potential mortality rates ranging from 30% to 60%, an alarming statistic highlighted by the Express. The UKHSA emphasised the public health issue, stating: "C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants." "While not yet widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. "Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. "C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised. People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or drip." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has spotlighted this fungus among 19 deadly fungi that represent a "serious threat to humanity", according to its recent report. The WHO highlighted how fungal infections "receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns." Article continues below The organisation added: "As a result, the exact burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, are unknown, and the response is therefore undermined." Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) said: "Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Killer fungus warning as pathogen dubbed 'threat to humanity' spreading in UK
Candidozyma auris is 'particularly concerning' due to its 'remarkable resilience' which means it can survive on surfaces for a long time, said the UK Health Security Agency An urgent warning has been issued as a fungus described as a "threat to humanity" is now spreading across the UK. Candidozyma (formerly Candida) auris (C. auris) was first identified in the external ear canal of a patient in Japan in 2009, but has since been found in more than 40 countries across six continents. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the fungus is "particularly concerning" because of its "remarkable resilience" which allows it to survive on surfaces for long periods of time. The yeast species is often resistant to disinfectants and common antifungal drugs too. A person can contract it through a fungal infection into the blood, brain and spinal cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, and urinary system. People who already have existing health issues are particularly at risk, as in extreme cases the fungus can be fatal in between 30% and 60% of patients, reports the Express. UKHSA said in a statement released yesterday: "C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants. "While not yet widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. "C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised. People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or drip." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed the fungus among 19 lethal fungi that pose a "serious threat to humanity" in a recent report. The health organisation said fungal infections "receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns." It added: "As a result, the exact burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, are unknown, and the response is therefore undermined." Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), said: "Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide." Earlier this month, a new climate change study warned that a deadly fungus that already infects millions of people in warmer parts of the world could soon spread across Europe and reach the UK. The Aspergillus fungus - already a known threat in tropical and subtropical climates - causes serious brain infections in humans, kills livestock, and renders crops unsafe to eat. Now, with global temperatures rising, researchers say its reach is expanding rapidly, and the UK could be next. Viewers of The Last of Us might recognise the fictional version of this threat, but "the reality is already scary enough," said lead author Dr Norman van Rhijn from the University of Manchester, speaking to Sky News. Dr van Rhijn warned that infections like invasive aspergillosis - which spreads from the lungs to other organs - currently kill 1.8million people globally each year. 'Most fungi live in the environment,' he said. 'Because that environment is rapidly changing, we will definitely see different kinds of diseases and infections popping up over the next 50 years or so.' The new research shows that species such as Aspergillus fumigatus, flavus, and niger are set to move northward from their current hotspots in Africa and South America, reaching parts of Europe, the UK, and even Scandinavia. In an optimistic climate scenario where warming is limited to around 2C, Aspergillus fungi would still expand significantly - while likely retreating from southern Europe, which may become too hot even for these heat-loving pathogens.
