Latest news with #WorldHealthDay2025
Iraq Business
05-05-2025
- Health
- Iraq Business
Launch of National Strategy for Health of Women, Children, Adolescents
By John Lee. To mark World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Iraq's Ministry of Health held a high-level event themed " Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures ," launching a new national strategy for the health of women, children, and adolescents. The event underscored Iraq's shift from emergency health response to building sustainable, equitable health systems, with leaders from the government, UN, and diplomatic community highlighting progress and future goals. Key achievements, such as reductions in maternal and child mortality, were celebrated, alongside renewed commitments to collaboration and investment in Iraq's public health sector. The official statement did not provide a link to the new strategy. Full statement from WHO: Iraq and World Health Organization Celebrate World Health Day 2025 with the Launch of the National Strategy for the Health of Women, Children, and Adolescents In celebration of World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Iraq's Ministry of Health, organized a high-level event to highlight progress in public health and promote a shared vision for the future. Held under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," the event brought together senior government officials, UN agencies, donor partners, and members of the diplomatic community. The event featured the official launch of the National Strategy for the Health of Women, Children, and Adolescents, jointly developed by WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. It included a high-level panel discussion that emphasized Iraq's transition from emergency health response to building resilient and sustainable health systems. Discussions focused on strengthening national leadership, multisectoral collaboration, and ensuring equity in health service delivery. H.E. Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health, stated: "WHO has been a trusted and longstanding partner in supporting Iraq's health agenda. From emergency response and health system strengthening to technical guidance in developing national strategies, the Organization's leadership and expertise have been instrumental in advancing equitable, resilient, and people-centered health services." Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, noted:"The health sector plays a vital role in Iraq's development and recovery. This event marks a pivotal moment in our shift from emergency response to sustainable, resilient health systems that serve all. As UN partners, we are committed to supporting Iraq's leadership and national health agenda in delivering inclusive and sustainable healthcare for everyone." The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative in Iraq, and included participants from the UN, Ministry of Health, Prime Minister's Office, and international partners. The dialogue explored practical approaches to strengthen health systems, invest in early life stages, and integrate services across sectors. Dr. Al-Raiby emphasized that the event reflected WHO's core mission to convene, coordinate, and catalyze efforts for healthier communities, reaffirming the joint determination to place women, children, and adolescents at the heart of health policy and investment-because sustainable development begins here. The event also highlighted key recent health achievements in Iraq, including: Maternal mortality rate reduced to 29.6 per 100,000 live births Neonatal mortality rate reduced to 10.5 per 1,000 live births Under-five mortality rate reduced to 19.7 per 1,000 live births The event concluded with a renewed call for continued collaboration between the government, the United Nations, and the international community. WHO extends its sincere appreciation to all partners and donors for their continued support in improving health in Iraq. The Organization reaffirms its commitment to national priorities and to working alongside partners to ensure that every child in Iraq is protected by a health system that offers them a promising future. (Source: WHO via ReliefWeb)
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Managing Kota Kinabalu's bird population
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: Pigeon droppings could spread diseases such as Histoplasmosis and Salmonellosis, both of which pose serious health risks, particularly in areas with high human traffic. Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu City Hall on Saturday launched the 'Bandaraya Sihat, KomunitI Sejahtera (Healthy City, Prosperous Community)' campaign in conjunction with World Health Day 2025, with the aim of creating a healthier and more sustainable urban environment through the effective management of the city's bird population. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said that the campaign would run for two months, until 25 June 2025, and would focus on raising public awareness of current health issues, disseminating information on bird-borne infectious diseases, and implementing preventive measures to control the bird population, particularly pigeons, crows and the selangkir bird. He said that World Health Day celebrated annually on 7 April, is being marked this year at the city level through the launch of the campaign. The initiative specifically targets the management of urban bird populations in Kota Kinabalu, with a focus on pigeons, crows, and selangkir birds, which rising numbers have created environmental and public health challenges for the city. 'Although wildlife is an integral part of our ecosystem, the increasing population of birds such as crows, pigeons and selangkir in Kota Kinabalu has posed significant challenges for urban management,' he said. 'This campaign represents a crucial effort to manage urban wildlife more effectively and to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city that is welcoming to both residents and visitors,' he said. His speech was delivered by Director-General of the Planning and Development Sector, Lifred Wong. Dr Sabin said the campaign is not merely a local initiative but also forms part of Kota Kinabalu's commitment to supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It is designed to achieve urban progress without compromising the natural ecosystem, in line with efforts to conserve biodiversity. 'The presence of crows in Kota Kinabalu city is a relatively new phenomenon. City Hall's monitoring has revealed a growing population of crows, particularly in the Central Business District (CBD),' he said. Their increasing numbers not only affect the city's cleanliness but also impact public tranquillity, he added. Dr Sabin also highlighted the risks associated with pigeons, which are commonly found in tourist hotspots, shopping areas, and public spaces. He said that pigeon droppings could spread diseases such as Histoplasmosis and Salmonellosis, both of which pose serious health risks, particularly in areas with high human traffic. 'The selangkir bird, which was once predominantly found at the forest fringes, has also migrated into the city. Although these birds play a role in the ecosystem, their overpopulation within urban areas has led to hygiene problems and increased maintenance costs for city infrastructure,' he said. Dr Sabin said that, over time, such issues could harm the city's economy and damage Kota Kinabalu's reputation as a premier tourist destination. 'Tourists visiting Kota Kinabalu expect a clean and safe environment. The presence of large numbers of birds and the associated cleanliness problems could tarnish their experience and have negative consequences on the city's image,' he added. To address the challenges, City Hall will implement several measures throughout the campaign. The City Hall advised public members to prioritise cleanliness by ensuring that food waste and rubbish are disposed of promptly, thus removing potential food sources for birds. They are also encouraged not to feed pigeons in public areas to prevent attracting larger flocks. Building owners are advised to seal any openings and install bird deterrents, such as bird spikes, to prevent birds from nesting or roosting on structures. In addition to these public advisories, City Hall will strengthen public hygiene practices through regular sweeping and washing activities in the Central Business District (CBD) to minimise the health risks posed by bird droppings. Public awareness will be boosted through the distribution of health brochures and the installation of signboards prohibiting the feeding of pigeons at strategic locations across the city. City Hall will also carry out monitoring and enforcement activities, including issuing warnings and compounds to individuals caught feeding birds in public spaces. Bird population control efforts such as bird capture operations, nest removal activities (Ops Nyah Sarang), and tree pruning operations (Ops Pangkas) will be conducted to manage areas heavily populated by birds. Dr Sabin said that the success of the campaign relies heavily on smart collaboration between City Hall, the private sector, and the community, in line with the principles of the Local Agenda 21 programme. 'We all have a role to play in ensuring that our city remains balanced, where development and the preservation of nature go hand in hand, safeguarding a healthy and sustainable living environment for everyone,' he said. Dr Sabin thanked all parties involved in the campaign, particularly the Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Veterinary Services Department, Sabah Environmental Protection Department, Sabah Tourism Board, representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, restaurant and coffee shop associations, and participants from both public and private institutions of higher education. 'Let us join forces to build a city that is healthy, environmentally friendly, safe, and appealing for visitors. With the cooperation of all parties, I am confident that we can create a brighter future for the generations to come,' Dr Sabin said. About 350 people attended the event on Saturday. Also present were Robert Lipon Deputy Director-General (Operations) of City Hall and Chairman of the Organising Committee; Dr Noraziah Bakri Kota Kinabalu Area Health Officer and others. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
25-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
- PROTECTING MOTHERS, PROTECTING FUTURES
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. In conjunction with World Health Day 2025 , celebrated on 7 April 2025, there is a pressing need for Malaysia to champion a healthier environment for both mothers and newborns. An unspoken crisis shadows those embracing motherhood: perinatal mental health. The World Health Organisation reveals that nearly 1 in 5 women battle mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum . These struggles impact not only mothers, but the very foundation of their children's futures and our society. Malaysia cannot afford to overlook this critical need. Beyond genetic, psychological, biological, and environmental factors that impact our mental wellbeing, cultural factors also play a role in influencing a woman's experience of perinatal mental health issues. This is especially prominent in Malaysia, where a strong stigma surrounding mental health conditions and the pressure of societal expectations are prevalent. A 2011 systematic review reveals that maternal mental health disorders are more common in low- to middle-income countries where mental healthcare access is limited. Should Malaysia adopt the same approach, the nation could see similar long-term gains and benefits across the board: lower healthcare costs, improved workforce retention, and better childhood developmental outcomes. These can directly contribute to a stronger economic environment and greater career prospects for Malaysians. A study by the London School of Economics shows that integrating mental healthcare into maternal and child healthcare could lead to an increase in quality of life, alongside financial savings of up to £26.6 million over 10 years for otherwise required healthcare. Bridging the Gap through Research and Education Academic institutions play a crucial role in addressing the gap in perinatal mental healthcare. With thorough and collaborative research that considers Malaysia's cultural context and values, academicians and researchers can provide data-backed recommendations to inform public policy. For example, University of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Psychology has active collaborations with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, as well as the Royal Malaysia Police to advance human development and mental health research. However, research alone is not enough to bridge the gap; it must be coupled with practical interventions that support new mothers in managing mental health challenges. Protective factors such as supportive social networks and access to good prenatal care and psychological intervention are key in mitigating the negative effects of prenatal mental health issues. Psychological intervention in particular, has proven to be safe, effective, and cost-efficient, yet it remains underutilised in many settings. Academic institutions should, therefore, strive to ensure that research findings translate into practical solutions benefitting Malaysians on the ground. Education comes first; institutions should incorporate and prioritise maternal and child mental health modules in their health sciences curricula to ensure future professionals are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to identify early signs of distress. Additionally, we should provide practical learning opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging psychology practicums in suburban and rural areas, to help students apply theory in real settings. Increasing Mental Healthcare Accessibility with Technology and AI There is a severe shortage of trained practitioner psychologists in Malaysia. Many choose to work in urban areas and in private practice, leaving suburban and rural communities largely unsupported in mental healthcare. The conjunction of AI and technology with the field of mental healthcare can offer solutions in bridging this gap. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a marked increase in popularity and demand among childbearing women for telehealth services. Telehealth allows mothers in low-resource and low-mobility settings to access mental health professionals via videoconference consultations and interventions. However, while current research suggests that AI-driven tools have the potential to enhance the identification and management of perinatal mental health conditions, concerns remain about the ethical use of patient information. Effective AI systems also rely heavily on unbiased and culturally sensitive data for optimised performance; if these systems are not carefully monitored, misdiagnoses can occur – especially among the less informed – leading to further healthcare disparities. The Way Forward Protecting the holistic health of Malaysian mothers is synonymous with protecting the future of Malaysian society. Educational institutions are pivotal in bridging the gap by encouraging more research and data to fuel impactful public policies. Meanwhile, private sector players must work in tandem with government and educational institution efforts to provide stronger maternal well-being support through workplace policies. Through sustained efforts in building awareness and strengthening support for mothers and children, we can continue to destigmatise mental health and make support and resources widely accessible for all layers of Malaysian society. -- BERNAMA Dr Chung Kai Li is Head of the School of Psychology and Associate Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Day 2025
In commemoration of the World Health Day 2025 on 7 April 2025, the Kingdom of Eswatini joined global partners in launching a year-long campaign under the theme 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', calling for renewed commitment to end preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. The national commemoration brought together policymakers, health professionals, civil society, UN agencies, government officials, and children, reflecting a collective vision for safer pregnancies and healthier newborns. In his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, shared the country's progress in reducing maternal mortality. Over the past decade, maternal deaths in the country have declined dramatically—from 593 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2012 to 240 per 100 000 live births in 2020, with a further decline in institutional maternal mortality from 140 to 75 per 100 000 live births in 2024. About 99% of pregnant women attend at least one ANC visit. Statistics show that only 5% attend the recommended 8 ANC visits, and just 43% begin ANC in the first trimester, limiting opportunities for early detection of complications. Further, 93% of mothers deliver in health facilities attended by skilled health personnel. However, home deliveries still occur at 6% nationally. Despite this progress, the rate of decline in maternal deaths has recently plateaued. Preventable causes such as postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) continue to drive maternal deaths. 'These gains are a testament to improved quality of care in our health facilities. However, the work is far from over,' said Minister Matsebula. 'We must continue to scale up access to quality health care and ensure no woman dies while giving life.' Meanwhile, Eswatini's neonatal mortality rate currently stands at 23 per 1 000 live births, slightly below the regional average of 27/1 000. Most neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life, primarily due to prematurity (over 50%, birth asphyxia (18%) and malnutrition (16%), indicating the need for improved quality in antenatal and delivery services. World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Eswatini, Dr Susan Tembo, says these figures indicate that Eswatini continues to face significant challenges in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. She reiterated that the focus of this campaign on mothers and babies highlights the urgent need for comprehensive improvements in maternal and neonatal care to effectively reduce mortality rates. 'We must never forget that every maternal death is a tragedy, and the loss of every newborn life is a profound loss for our nation,' she said. Encouragingly, the country's investment in neonatal care has yielded results. The modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), established in 2019, has significantly reduced mortality rates among admitted newborns—even as referrals increase. WHO's call to Action Dr. Tembo emphasized that maternal and neonatal deaths should be everyone's business. 'We must invest in maternal and newborn health—not just because it's a moral imperative, but because it strengthens families, economies, and nations.' WHO calls on all stakeholders—governments, donors, civil society, and communities—to: 1. Strengthen primary healthcare systems, especially around childbirth. 2. Expand access to skilled personnel, supplies, and infrastructure. 3. Prioritize emergency care, newborn support, and follow-up services. 4. Empower families and community health workers. 5. Accelerate efforts to meet SDG targets and end preventable deaths. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Eswatini.
National News
15-04-2025
- Health
- National News
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
NNA – Time Topic 10:00 am Protests at Parliament: Demonstrations by the Cry of the Depositors Association and a warning sit-in by the Central Bank Retirees' Association calling for the amendment or return of a legislative proposal to the government. 10:00 am World Health Day 2025: Under the theme 'Healthy Start for a Promising Future – Maternal and Newborn Health,' a commemoration event is held at the Mövenpick Hotel, sponsored by Health Minister Dr. Rakan Nassereddine and organized by the WHO office in Lebanon. 10:30 am PM Nawaf Salam Launches Airport Road Rehabilitation: The project is launched at the MEA Training and Conference Center near Beirut Airport. 10:30 am 'Femme du Soleil' Project Launch: A press conference by "Sutooh Beirut" NGO, under the patronage of Information Minister Paul Morcos, at the Ministry of Information in Hamra. 6:00 pm Holy Week Prayer Service: Bishop Paul Abdel Sater presides over the Anointing of the Sick service at St. George Cathedral, Beirut.
