News

15 years of partnership for health – ECDC and WHO/Europe agree on joint 2021 activities 21-05-2021
This year celebrates 15 years of successful cooperation between the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe, at a time when COVID-19 continues to underscore the importance of establishing strong partnerships.
Integrated screening for infectious diseases: a success story from Georgia 21-05-2021
Testing simultaneously for several infectious diseases in primary health care settings is feasible and can help to bring down the burden of chronic hepatitis C, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB) in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia, results from Georgia and elsewhere in the WHO European Region show.
Infectious disease specialist Nataliia Rudiuk - ensuring equitable access to health for HIV patients in Ukraine 08-04-2021
Health inequities, including in quality, availability and affordability of health-care services, lead to unnecessary suffering, avoidable illness, disability and premature death. These are real barriers to health for populations experiencing stigma and discrimination.
WHO/Europe looks ahead to a busy 2021 08-02-2021
Following an unprecedented year for WHO in 2020, WHO/Europe looks ahead to 2021 with a focus on the continuing COVID-19 pandemic alongside the implementation of the European Programme of Work.
World AIDS Day: supporting Ukraine in preventing and treating HIV 02-12-2020
World AIDS Day has been celebrated worldwide on 1 December since 1988. Thirty-two years on, HIV transmission remains a major public health concern. According to a new report from WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), “HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe 2020”, it affects more than 2 million people in the WHO European Region, including Ukraine. The data also demonstrates that in 2019, 136 449 newly diagnosed HIV infections were reported in 47 of the 53 countries of the Region.
Delivering good mental health for people living with HIV 01-12-2020
This World AIDS Day let’s take stock of progress made and reflect on what we have learned. 2020 has not been an easy year for anyone amid the disruption and devastation brought by COVID-19.
Ensuring PLHIV have continued access to treatment during COVID-19 pandemic 30-11-2020
The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it the risk of significant challenges for people living with HIV (PLHIV) who need antiretroviral treatment (ART). Uninterrupted access to ART is the key to staying healthy and keeping the virus under control so it cannot be passed on to partners. Clinical studies clearly show that interruptions in ART can have dangerous long-term consequences.
WHO and ECDC call for improved HIV testing in Europe 26-11-2020
The number of people living with undiagnosed HIV is increasing in the WHO European Region overall. According to data published today by ECDC and WHO/Europe, more than 136 000 people were newly diagnosed in 2019. Roughly 20% of these diagnoses were in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) and 80% were in the eastern part of the WHO European Region. Every second HIV diagnosis (53%) happens at a late stage of the infection when the immune system has already started to fail. This is a sign that testing strategies in the Region are not working properly to diagnose HIV early.
Launch of the Virtual Library of good practices in the response to tuberculosis, HIV and viral hepatitis, and a call for submissions 19-11-2020
To simplify, streamline and digitize the sharing of good practice experiences across the WHO European Region, the Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis programme has developed a Virtual Library of good practices.
United Nations at 75: bringing humanity together for a better tomorrow 23-10-2020
Seventy-five years ago, countries came together and formed the United Nations, in the hope of saving future generations from the scourge of war. Today, the United Nations is the only forum in the world where 193 countries can discuss issues affecting us all, find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Follow WHO’s online film festival throughout October 12-10-2020
WHO is holding an online film festival showcasing some of the entrants from the inaugural Health for All Film Festival. From 10 to 24 October 2020, films will be shown on WHO’s YouTube channel with the option to ask questions via live chat.
Self-testing for HIV at home – successful project in Bulgaria 18-09-2020
A demonstration project conducted in Bulgaria has shown that more people get tested for HIV when self-testing is available. In situations where testing is based in health-care institutions, it can be a challenge to encourage some people to come forward. Community-based testing is a good way to overcome those barriers, but it can be labour intensive. Self-testing can work out less expensive, and a demonstration project conducted last year clearly shows the role it can play. The findings are especially relevant to health authorities working hard to maintain essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainability of health care frameworks during the pandemic 29-07-2020
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge statement to the Virtual Symposium on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and HIV on SDG 3.3 organized by Dr Anna Popova, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being – Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation, and Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
Testing, treatment and comprehensive prevention – how a nurse-led program is dealing with hepatitis in prisons in Luxembourg 28-07-2020
A prison sentence may not feel like a stroke of luck, but it can mark an opportunity for testing vulnerable populations and providing care to detainees to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases.
European Laboratory Initiative on TB, HIV and Viral Hepatitis sets priorities for integrated testing and diagnosis in 2020–2021 13-01-2020
The European Laboratory Initiative on TB, HIV and Viral Hepatitis (ELI), a regional network supporting a joint, patient-centred response to the 3 diseases, has set priorities for the next 2 years to improve integrated diagnostic services.
Time for integrated and people-centred services for HIV, TB and viral hepatitis 10-01-2020
The international medical journal, The Lancet, has published an article demonstrating the benefits of integrated and people-centred services in responding to the rise of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis in eastern European and central Asian countries of the WHO European Region.
Half of all women with HIV are diagnosed late in Europe 28-11-2019
Many women in the WHO European Region, particularly those in their 40s, are diagnosed at a late stage of HIV infection when their immune system is already starting to fail. They are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed late than younger women. According to data for 2018 released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, women accounted for one-third of the 141 000 new HIV diagnoses in the Region, indicating that this population needs more attention in Europe's prevention and testing efforts.
Four countries pilot a joint, multisectoral response to tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis 19-11-2019
Following the launch in 2018 of the United Nations Common Position on Ending HIV, TB and Viral Hepatitis through Intersectoral Collaboration, Belarus, Georgia, Portugal and Tajikistan agreed to lead the way on adopting an intersectoral approach in their response to the 3 diseases.
WHO and the Russian Federation strengthen collaboration to address HIV drug resistance 11-11-2019
To strengthen the monitoring of HIV drug-resistant strains in the Russian Federation and improve technical cooperation at both the country and regional levels, WHO and the Russian Ministry of Health met with the technical sub-group on HIV drug resistance (DR), under the High-level Working Group (HLWG) on HIV, on 1 October 2019.
Rapid HIV testing saves lives – it’s time to make the switch 11-11-2019
Today WHO issued a strong recommendation on HIV testing, urging countries to stop using the slow, less accurate western blot and line immunoassay methods in favour of simple, rapid tests.
Russian Federation’s High-level Working Group celebrates 20 years of tackling TB and inspiring HIV working groups 16-10-2019
The Russian Federation’s High-level Working Group (HLWG) on tuberculosis (TB) marked 20 years of collaboration between national and international experts at a meeting in August 2019.
Call for applications to the Technical Advisory Group for Tuberculosis 2020–2021 11-10-2019
WHO/Europe seeks a maximum of 5 new members to join the Technical Advisory Group for Tuberculosis (TAG-TB) for 2020–2021. TAG-TB was established in 2003 to provide independent review and technical advice on TB to the WHO Regional Director for Europe, particularly on areas related to TB prevention and care.
Call for applications: experts in HIV and/or hepatitis sought to join ELI core group for 2019–2020 10-10-2019
WHO/Europe seeks a maximum of 3 new members to join the European Laboratory Initiative (ELI) core group for 2019–2020. With their expertise in HIV and/or hepatitis, the new members would strengthen ELI’s core group, following the recent expansion of ELI’s scope to encompass HIV and viral hepatitis, in addition to TB.
Call for good practices of intersectoral collaboration to end HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis 08-10-2019
WHO/Europe is calling for partners across the whole of society to showcase their work in responding to HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis from outside the traditional health sector.
Day 4 highlights: Regional Director thanks “the strongest minds and warmest hearts in public health” 19-09-2019
On the fourth and final day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69), Member States adopted a resolution on promoting health literacy that seeks to help people make informed health decisions. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab also expressed her deep thanks to delegates and staff for their commitment to public health during her 10-year mandate as WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Regional committee on TB expands to cover HIV and viral hepatitis 21-05-2019
In 2019, the scope of the Regional Collaborating Committee on Tuberculosis Control and Care (RCC-TB) was expanded to include HIV and viral hepatitis. The RCC-TB, originally focused exclusively on TB, was established by WHO/Europe in 2012.
Moving one step closer to better health and rights for transgender people 17-05-2019
On 17 May, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia commemorates the day in 1990 when the World Health Assembly stopped classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder. At the time, the classification was changed in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a standard guide used the world over as the basis for health statistics with implications for funding for health services and health insurance. Now, a new edition of the ICD, known as ICD-11, has made changes to reflect a modern understanding of sexual health and gender identity – notably, by replacing “transsexualism” with a new concept of “gender incongruence”, defined as a condition relating to sexual health rather than a mental and behavioural disorder.
Scaling up HIV prevention and treatment in the Russian Federation 15-05-2019
WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation have intensified their collaboration in the field of HIV prevention and treatment. This scale-up was embodied in 2 recent events: a workshop aimed at clinicians involved in HIV treatment and care, and the first meeting of the Thematic Working Group on HIV Treatment and Care on 25–27 March 2019 in St Petersburg.
“Nothing feels better than being confident that you are healthy” – a young man’s experience of PrEP 29-01-2019
PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is the use of medication that radically reduces the risk of an HIV-negative individual getting infected through sexual contact with an HIV-positive partner. WHO recommends offering PrEP to anyone who is at substantial risk of HIV infection. Groups considered at risk include men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who inject drugs.
Migrants and refugees at higher risk of developing ill health than host populations, reveals first-ever WHO report on the health of displaced people in Europe 21-01-2019
Migrants and refugees are likely to have good general health, but they can be at risk of falling sick in transition or while staying in receiving countries due to poor living conditions or adjustments in their lifestyle. This is the main conclusion of the first “Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region”, released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe today.
European Laboratory Initiative on TB expands to cover HIV and viral hepatitis 14-01-2019
To strengthen and streamline the joint response to tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region, the WHO-established European Laboratory Initiative on TB extended its scope to HIV and viral hepatitis. Through this development, WHO aims to address more effectively the specific needs of the Region.
2018: The WHO European Region’s Year in Review 21-12-2018
The year 2018 was a momentous one for WHO, which celebrated 70 years of working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Here is a look back at some of the key moments from the year – highlighting both country-level activities and the collective achievements of the Region, but also emphasizing areas where continued work and even accelerated efforts will be needed to make progress.
New HIV diagnoses at alarmingly high levels in the European Region despite progress in EU/EEA 28-11-2018
With nearly 160 000 people newly diagnosed with HIV, 2017 marked another year of alarming numbers of new HIV diagnoses in the WHO European Region. Encouragingly, the overall increasing trend is not as steep as before.
Countries of eastern Europe and central Asia improve access to HIV, TB and viral hepatitis diagnostic technologies and medicines 27-11-2018
In 2017, 130 000 people acquired HIV in countries of eastern Europe and central Asia. Since 2010, the number of new infections has increased by 29%, making it the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world.This region also faces the highest levels of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world: 1 in 6 newly diagnosed and 1 in 2 previously treated TB patients are estimated to have MDR-TB. It is also heavily affected by chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and accounts for the largest proportion of HIV-infected people with past or present hepatitis C infections.
Early diagnosis means successful treatment: 2 men living with HIV in Greece share their experience 23-11-2018
Late diagnosis of HIV remains a challenge across the WHO European Region. Every second newly diagnosed person has already reached an advanced stage of the infection. In the European Union/European Economic Area, the latest data from 2017 show that almost 90% of AIDS diagnoses happened within just 90 days of the HIV diagnosis. This indicates that the majority of these AIDS cases could have been avoided with early diagnosis.
Groundbreaking pledge of United Nations agencies to end HIV, TB and viral hepatitis epidemics in Europe at high-level meeting on ending TB 28-09-2018
For the first time, 14 United Nations agencies have joined forces to end the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis – Europe’s deadliest communicable diseases. The commitment was demonstrated with the launch of the first-ever United Nations Common Position on Ending HIV, TB and Viral Hepatitis through Intersectoral Collaboration in the WHO European Region.
New European HIV treatment reference group to boost scale-up of HIV treatment 30-08-2018
To support countries in scaling up antiretroviral treatment and care, and to meet an urgent need for quality technical guidance on HIV treatment, WHO has established the European HIV treatment reference group, and hosted the group’s first meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 12–13 July 2018.
WHO calls for urgent action to accelerate HIV response in eastern Europe and central Asia 23-07-2018
Ministers of health and senior policy-makers from 10 countries in eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) gathered for a ministerial policy dialogue on HIV and related comorbidities to revamp political commitment to fight HIV and scale up the HIV response.
Portugal on fast track to achieve HIV targets ahead of 2020 deadline 11-07-2018
Portuguese Minister of Health Dr Adalberto Campos Fernandes announced on 5 July 2018 that Portugal has achieved 2 of the 3 HIV targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), known as the 90–90–90 targets. This puts the country on track to reach all 3 targets ahead of the 2020 deadline.
WHO supports eastern European countries in securing funds to end TB and HIV 07-05-2018
For low- and middle-income countries in eastern Europe, ensuring donor funding in addition to domestic resources is crucial to sustain efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. However, applying for funds can be complex. WHO/Europe’s support in improving the quality of country applications, particularly to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, can make the difference in how these countries can tackle TB and HIV effectively.
Joint Germany–WHO/Europe high-level event highlights partnerships as key to ending TB in the WHO European Region 23-04-2018
To celebrate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day and the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Declaration on TB, a high-level event gathered representatives of foreign missions and embassies in Berlin, as well as representatives of key partners and other relevant high-level stakeholders, in Berlin, Germany. The event took place in the historic lecture hall of the Robert Koch Institute on 20 March 2018.
Visit to the Netherlands intensifies collaboration on TB and HIV 20-03-2018
During a series of meetings in the Netherlands on 24–25 January 2018, WHO engaged with the ministries of foreign affairs and health, and the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation to review and intensify collaboration on tackling tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in the WHO European Region.
Ukraine hosts study tour for Pakistani HIV specialists 25-01-2018
Ukraine recently hosted a study tour for Pakistani HIV specialists in Kyiv. The tour was requested by the Ministry of Health of Pakistan and was organized by WHO and its national partner in Ukraine, the Alliance for Public Health.
Call for good practices in the health sector response to HIV 17-01-2018
Implementing the Action plan for the health sector response to HIV in the WHO European Region requires effective, efficient and sustainable interventions and evidence-based responses. In order to scale up implementation, WHO/Europe is calling on Member States, partners and communities to share their examples of good practices.
The year ahead: key milestones and events for the WHO European Region in 2018 15-01-2018
In 2018, the WHO European Region will mark some significant milestones and will see countries coming together for a number of key events. Read on for a first look at some of the major moments for health in the Region coming up in the next 12 months.
Ukraine to finance expanded opioid substitution therapy programme 12-01-2018
The Government of Ukraine has committed to fund and expand access to opioid substitution therapy (OST) for over 10 000 patients at 178 health-care facilities in 2018. This represents a 100 fold increase in the number of OST patients in Ukraine since 2005.
World AIDS Day in Turkmenistan 04-01-2018
The WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan and the United Nations Country Team’s Health Group commemorated World AIDS Day on 1 December 2017. Together they promoted the importance of getting tested, and offered the opportunity for free and confidential testing to all United Nations employees. World AIDS Day was an opportunity to show support for and solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV.
Kyrgyzstan revising national protocols to improve HIV treatment 14-12-2017
A meeting on 7–10 August 2017 contributed to the ongoing revision of Kyrgyzstan’s national protocols to improve HIV treatment by bringing together national specialists and WHO experts.
Ukraine develops modern and progressive clinical protocol for HIV treatment 13-12-2017
WHO finalized an international review of a breakthrough clinical protocol for HIV infection in Ukraine that will put the country on the fast track to scaling up HIV treatment and care.
Have your say: take the WHO United Nations (UN) consultation survey and contribute to the UN’s work to end tuberculosis, HIV and viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region 11-12-2017
If you are a member of a civil society organization or a national or international partner organization, a patient, or part of an affected community, or if you simply have strong opinions you would like to share to contribute to the UN’s work to end tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis in the Region, WHO/Europe wants to hear from you.
Moscow Declaration to End Tuberculosis: global commitment to scale up action 05-12-2017
A global conference on tuberculosis (TB) held in Moscow, Russian Federation, on 16–17 November 2017 resulted in a collective commitment to scale up action to end TB with the signing of the Moscow Declaration to End TB.
1 in 2 people living with HIV in Europe is diagnosed late: ECDC and WHO urge improvement in testing practices 28-11-2017
The WHO European Region is the only region worldwide where the number of new HIV infections is rising. With more than 160 000 people newly diagnosed with HIV across the Region, including more than 29 000 new cases from the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), this trend continued in 2016. One reason for this worrying trend: over half (51%) of the reported HIV diagnoses happen in a late stage of infection.
European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2017: tackling late diagnosis 20-11-2017
This year, the theme of European Testing Week, 17–24 November, is aligned with World AIDS Day in raising awareness on the issue of late diagnosis of HIV infection. In the eastern part of the WHO European Region, 1 in 3 people are unaware of their HIV status. In the rest of the Region, the figure stands at 1 in 7.
National HIV programme managers meet to discuss progress and ways forward 04-10-2017
WHO/Europe in collaboration with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and partners brought together national HIV programme managers from countries of eastern Europe and central Asia and non-European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries in Copenhagen on 25–26 September 2017. The meeting provided a platform to review progress, good practices, challenges and ways forward in the field of HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
Master training on HIV treatment and care 26-09-2017
In July 2017, WHO issued new guidelines and updates on the management of advanced HIV infection, HIV drug resistance and transitioning to new antiretroviral drugs. To establish a pool of clinical consultants and update them with the latest WHO recommendations, WHO/Europe organized a master training for 23 practicing HIV clinicians from 14 HIV priority countries in the Region. The training took place on 28–30 August in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Workshop on new medicines for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis held in Copenhagen 21-09-2017
The regional Green Light Committee for the WHO European Region (rGLC/Europe) conducted a workshop on the “Introduction of new medicines for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region” on 25–26 July 2017, followed by a meeting on 27 July, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Treat all” policy to ensure universal access to ARVs in Belarus 19-06-2017
Following the approval of new HIV clinical protocols by the Ministry of Health of Belarus in June 2017, the “Treat all” policy will be implemented from 1 January 2018, ensuring access to antiretrovirals (ARVs) for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Belarus. All ARV regimens are aligned with the WHO consolidated guidelines issued in 2016, including the use of Efavirenz (EFV) during pregnancy, around which there was major discussion throughout the process.
Georgia hosts meeting on improving antenatal care in eastern Europe and central Asia 02-05-2017
At the opening of an intercountry meeting on antenatal care, the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, David Sergeenko, underscored the importance of providing pregnant women with adequate information, stating, “Child development begins before a child is born, therefore the right information and guidance is very important”. The meeting, which took place in Tbilisi, Georgia on 27–28 April, convened representatives from 12 eastern European and central Asian countries with international experts and development partners working in the area of maternal and perinatal health. Over the course of the two days, participants discussed implementation of the renewed WHO recommendations on antenatal care.
High-level Working Group on HIV established in the Russian Federation 27-04-2017
On 20 April 2017, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and WHO officially established the High-level Working Group on HIV (HLWG/HIV). HIV is one of the key public health priorities in the Russian Federation, where the number of new infections is increasing. The accumulated number of registered people living with HIV reported by the Ministry of Health has more than doubled since 2005, and reached over 824 700 in 2016. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Her Excellency Dr Veronika Skvortsova, Minister of Health, commissioned the HLWG/HIV.
WHO/Europe hosts joint workshop to estimate HIV incidence in countries of western and central Europe and North America 26-04-2017
The workshop provided an opportunity to apply 2 recently developed HIV modelling tools, and to revise and improve previous national estimates. Immediate output from the tools can be used to inform progress towards the ambitious 90–90–90 global targets (90% of people living with HIV know their status; 90% of people living with diagnosed HIV infection receive treatment; and 90% of people on treatment achieve viral suppression) as well as the 2016 United Nations Political Declaration target of a 75% reduction in new infections by 2020.
WHO supports the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the development of its National strategy for HIV/AIDS 2017–2021 24-03-2017
As part of its biennial collaborative agreement for 2016–2017, WHO/Europe is supporting the Ministry of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the process of developing its National strategy for HIV/AIDS 2017–2021. The first consultative workshop to develop the strategy and its action plan took place in Mavrovo on 6–8 March 2017.
World TB Day: leave no one behind 23-03-2017
The WHO European Region marks World TB Day on 24 March 2017 under the global theme “Unite to end TB: leave no one behind”. This year, the focus for the Region is on the particular challenges faced by people living with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV coinfection. Detection and treatment of TB are often hampered for this group due to stigma and marginalization.
TB/HIV co-infections up 40% across Europe over the last five years 20-03-2017
New data released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe ahead of World TB Day show that new tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region declined each year by 4.3% and 8.5% respectively between 2011 and 2015. However, vulnerable groups for TB infection, such as people living with HIV, prisoners and migrants, do not benefit from this overall trend. In particular, new TB/HIV co-infections increased by 40% over the same time period. Providing testing to all TB patients for HIV and vice versa, together with counselling and rapid treatment, could reverse the negative trend.
Russian version of "Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection", second edition 2016 21-02-2017
The Russian version of publication "Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection", second edition 2016, is now online.
Marking World AIDS Day in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 10-01-2017
As part of the project “Establishing models, mechanisms and activities for community strengthening”, funded by the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, WHO/Europe supported the organization of the 2016 national HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The campaign was aligned with the celebration of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2016.
HIV cases reach over 2 million for the first time in Europe 29-11-2016
For the first time, the cumulative number of HIV cases in the WHO European Region increased to over 2 million. More than 153 000 new HIV cases contributed to this figure in 2015 – a 7% increase compared to the previous year and the highest annual number since reporting began in the 1980s. These are the main findings of the new report "HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe 2015", released jointly by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) ahead of World AIDS Day 2016.
European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2016: Test. Treat. Prevent. 17-11-2016
Safe and effective treatments exist that allow people living with HIV and/or viral hepatitis B to lead healthy and long lives. Those living with hepatitis C can be cured. Knowing your health status, however, is the prerequisite to accessing treatment. This is why WHO strongly supports European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week, which aims to break the silence around HIV and viral hepatitis and build momentum to stop these epidemics by 2030.
Day 3 highlights: agreement on women’s health strategy and action plans for HIV and viral hepatitis 14-09-2016
Dr Margaret Chan welcomed the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s adoption of a European strategy for women’s health as well as action plans for both HIV and viral hepatitis in her plenary address, affirming the WHO European Region’s position at the forefront of global health developments.
Day 1 highlights: RC66 opens – health central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 12-09-2016
Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), welcoming over 400 delegates to Copenhagen, Denmark. The overarching theme was the central role of health in “leaving no one behind” as countries embark on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WHO governing body for the European Region convenes with eight strategic proposals on the agenda 08-09-2016
At the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, to be held in Copenhagen from 12 to 15 September, representatives from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region will debate a set of innovative action plans that affect public health. The plans call for accelerated action and stronger political commitment on refugee and migrant health, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, integrated health services and the use of data in public health.
Continuation of HIV/AIDS activities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 31-05-2016
HIV prevalence has remained very low in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, but the number of new cases is growing each year, primarily among most at-risk populations. The increase is partly due to earlier diagnosis of HIV, because of greater availability of services in the country.
Consultation for action plans on HIV and viral hepatitis 13-05-2016
The joint Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is developing two action plans to address the HIV and viral hepatitis epidemics in the WHO European Region.
Europe shapes new action plans on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis 12-04-2016
Two advisory committees met in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 4–5 April 2016 to guide new action plans on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis for the WHO European Region 2016–2021.
Redesignation of WHO Collaborating Centre for HIV Strategic Information 24-03-2016
On 11 March 2016, the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Medical School, Department of Medical Sociology and Health Economics of the University of Zagreb in Croatia was redesignated as the WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for HIV Strategic Information.
Joint ECDC/WHO meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance 24-03-2016
On 10–11 March 2016 in Bratislava, Slovakia, WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) jointly convened a meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance with representatives of 42 WHO European Member States.
Roundtable meeting on tuberculosis on the occasion of World TB Day 2016 22-03-2016
On 17 March 2016, a roundtable meeting on tuberculosis (TB), one of the top killer communicable diseases globally and in Europe, took place in Brussels, Belgium on World TB Day.
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation signs agreement with WHO/Europe 09-03-2016
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, Veronika Skvortsova, signed a biennial collaborative agreement for 2016–2017 in Moscow on 29 February 2016.
Slovenia observes World Aids Day noting first HIV patient diagnosed 30 years ago 26-01-2016
On 1 December 2015, Slovenia observed World Aids Day with a national conference held at the City Museum of Ljubljana. Mrs Milojka Kolar Celarc, Minister of Health, addressed participants at the conference, which focused on progress made in the 30 years since the first HIV patient was diagnosed in Slovenia.
New HIV guidelines will help Europe meet the ambitious global goal 27-11-2015
Globally, the spread of HIV has been halted and is now in reverse. However, during the past decade, the number of new diagnoses of HIV infection in the WHO European Region continued to increase, to reach the highest level ever in 2014. New guidelines and recommendations will support Europe in tackling the epidemic.
Highest number of new HIV cases in Europe ever 26-11-2015
With HIV infection diagnosed in over 142 000 people in 2014, the WHO European Region recorded the highest number of newly diagnosed infections in 1 year since the start of reporting in the 1980s. The most recent surveillance data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe indicate that the growth of the HIV epidemic is driven by the eastern part of the Region, where the number of new diagnoses has more than doubled during the past decade.
European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week: 20–27 November 2015 20-11-2015
This year, European Testing Week (20–27 November 2015) comes at an important time, with the recent launch of the WHO Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services and the imminent release of the WHO Guidelines on testing for hepatitis B and C.
Towards domestic funding of HIV and TB response in eastern Europe and central Asia 27-10-2015
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe visited Georgia from 29–30 September to take part in a high-level regional meeting to address challenges and discuss ways towards a successful transition to domestic funding of national responses to HIV and TB epidemics in countries of EECA and to hold bilateral meetings with ministers of health.
New WHO guidelines on antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection 07-10-2015
WHO has released new guidelines on antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection.
UN Joint Statement on ending violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people 29-09-2015
HIV/AIDS programme review in Turkey 21-09-2015
The HIV/AIDS programme review took place in Ankara and Istanbul on 7–11 September 2015 with the aim of assessing the current HIV/AIDS situation in Turkey.
Day 4 highlights: RC65 adopts new tuberculosis action plan and closes 17-09-2015
Highlights of the final day of the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC65) included adoption of the action plan, agreement on closer cooperation between WHO/Europe and the European Commission and a description of countries' experience in addressing the migration crisis in Europe.
Lithuania confirms no restrictions on entry, stay and residence for people living with HIV 17-09-2015
Relevant provisions of the 2011 UN General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, the European Convention on Human Rights and EU legislation adhered to in the Republic of Lithuania
Viral hepatitis – 400 deaths a day in the WHO European Region could be prevented 23-07-2015
Over 13 million people in the WHO European Region live with chronic hepatitis B infection and over 15 million with chronic hepatitis C infection, leading to 400 deaths every day. WHO calls on policy-makers, health workers and the public to act now to prevent infection and death from hepatitis. 28 July is World Hepatitis Day.
Georgia sets sights on eliminating hepatitis C 23-07-2015
In April 2015, Georgia launched a hepatitis C elimination programme by making the new curative treatment available to people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and suffering from severe liver disease. As the new antiviral drugs for hepatitis C, known as oral "directly acting antiviral agents" (DAAs), are not affordable by most people, the plan is to make discounted HCV diagnostics available to all and to build capacity to diagnose and treat all Georgians infected with HCV.
NIAID recently released its START study interim results 18-06-2015
On 28 May 2015 the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) released interim results of its START (Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment) study.
World Aids Day events in Slovenia focus on prevention and early testing 09-01-2015
World AIDS Day and the European HIV Testing Week were marked in Slovenia with a national conference on 27 November 2014 organized by the National Institute of Public Health in cooperation with the WHO Country Office in Slovenia and the Ministry of Health. In addition, through a project run by medical students, passersby were invited to chat about safe sex at the popular Prešeren Square in Ljubljana on 1 December, and free testing for HIV infection was provided by the nearby National Institute of Public Health and Clinic of Infectious Diseases.
Europe’s HIV response falls short in curbing the epidemic: 80% more new HIV cases compared to 2004 27-11-2014
The HIV epidemic has continued to spread in Europe since 2004 despite advances in medical treatment and new prevention options. In 2013, more than 136 000 new HIV cases were diagnosed across Europe and Central Asia, according to the most recent data published today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. This represents an 80% increase compared to 2004, when almost 76 000 new cases were diagnosed.
European testing week to generate awareness of HIV status 21-11-2014
The European HIV testing week 2014 is taking place from 21 to 28 November to make more people aware of their HIV status and reduce late diagnosis by communicating the benefits of HIV testing.
WHO Information Note: Reminder to retest all newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals in accordance with WHO recommendations 12-11-2014
This information note provides an urgent reminder to Ministries of Health and National AIDS Control Programmes to retest all persons newly diagnosed as HIV positive, with a second specimen at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, to rule out potential misdiagnosis.
WHO recommends steps to improve HIV/AIDS control in Estonia 20-10-2014
Estonia is among 5 European Union/European Economic Area countries with the highest rates of HIV– 24.6 per 100 000 populations in 2013. While the number of new HIV cases has been decreasing in Estonia since 2001, more needs to be done to address shortcomings in HIV/AIDS surveillance, treatment and care in order to halt the epidemic.
New regional training tool on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 14-10-2014
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - a new training tool was presented on 25-27 August 2014 to the partners attending a meeting on global and regional Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme and STI surveillance, at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Highlights of RC64 day 4 – Ebola emergency update, food and nutrition action plan adopted, and six European progress reports discussed 18-09-2014
On its final day, the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC64) enthusiastically adopted the European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020
Highlights of day 1 – Focus on more equitable, sustainable health for Europe 15-09-2014
“Our aim will be better health for Europe, more equitable and sustainable,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in her address to representatives of all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: vulnerability 09-09-2014
Many countries in the WHO European Region have laws, regulations or policies that hinder effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for vulnerable populations. WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015, including addressing vulnerability and access to HIV services, to the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: HIV treatment and care 25-08-2014
70 000 more people in the eastern part of the WHO European Region received antiretroviral therapy(ART) in 2012 than in 2010. In September, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015at the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. Each month until then, we highlight a specific area of the Action Plan, focusing in August on HIV treatment and care.
Global partners issue 'historic call to action' on hepatitis 21-08-2014
This year, the WHO and its member states have made significant advances to tackle the disease. In March, participants at the WHO's first global partners meeting on hepatitis agreed on a historic 'call to action to scale up the global hepatitis response'. In April, WHO issued new recommendations for treating hepatitis C. And in May, world health assembly delegates from 194 member states adopted a resolution to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis.
Final versions of documents for RC64 now available 14-08-2014
Final versions of documents for the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe are now available for download.
New guidelines stress increasing key populations’ access to HIV services 24-07-2014
Countries need to remove legal and social barriers that prevent many people from accessing services for HIV testing, treatment and care, according to new WHO guidelines.
Partners meet to discuss how better labs mean better outcomes for patients 07-07-2014
Some 60 participants met in Copenhagen at a two day regional meeting to discuss strengthening laboratory capacities to support national programs in eastern Europe and central Asia on 17 and 18 June. The meeting was jointly organized under the Better Labs for Better Health initiative and also a new initiative called Strengthening Laboratory Capacities to Support National Programs on HIV Prevention Treatment and Care in eastern Europe and central Asia.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: mother-to-child transmission 02-07-2014
Mother-to-child transmission accounted for just 1% of new cases of HIV infection reported in 2012. In September 2014, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015. Each month until then, we highlight a specific area of the Action Plan, focusing in July on mother-to-child transmission.
Regional Meeting on Strengthening Laboratory Capacities to support national programmes in eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) 20-06-2014
Well-functioning, sustainable laboratory services, operating according to international principles of quality and safety, are an essential part of strong health systems and are crucial to improving public health.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: sexual transmission of HIV 18-06-2014
In September, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015. Each month until then, it highlights a specific area of the Action Plan, focusing in June on the sexual transmission of HIV.
Let’s stop HIV together - awareness raising campaign on Youth Day in Tajikistan 17-06-2014
Youth Day in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 23 May 2014 focused on prevention of HIV/AIDS and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Joint ECDC/WHO meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance 05-06-2014
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe jointly coordinate the surveillance of HIV and AIDS in Europe. On 22 May 2014, ECDC and WHO/Europe jointly convened a meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance in Dubrovnik, Croatia, covering the 53 countries of the WHO European Region.
Prisons and health 23-05-2014
Prisons are not healthy places. WHO/Europe works with countries and partners to improve the health of prisoners. Good prison health reduces reoffending, the social costs of imprisonment, and public health expenditure.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: HIV transmission through injecting drug use 21-05-2014
Opioid substitution therapy is one of the best ways to prevent HIV transmission among people who inject drugs. Integrating such therapy with HIV treatment and care is key to addressing the HIV epidemic effectively.
WHO and Russian Federation sign country cooperation strategy 20-05-2014
On 18 May 2014, the Russian Federation and WHO signed a country cooperation strategy, providing a medium-term vision for technical cooperation, to support the country’s national health policy, strategy, action plan and related efforts, in line with Health 2020. The strategy will guide cooperation until 2020.
Applications now welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 16-05-2014
Members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) can apply now to spend 3 days as observers at WHO/Europe.
New global report: depression predominant cause of illness and disability among adolescents 14-05-2014
The report reveals that depression is the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years, so it recommends key actions to strengthen the ways countries respond to adolescents’ physical and mental health needs.
Regional Director presents progress against and challenges of HIV/AIDS in European Region 13-05-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the participants in the Fourth Conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECAAC 2014), held in Moscow, Russian Federation on 12–13 May 2014. They included national authorities and experts, and representatives of academe, civil society, communities, United Nations (UN) agencies and other international organizations active in eastern and central Europe.
New report: antibiotic resistance a global health threat 30-04-2014
A new WHO report, “Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance”, launched today, provides the most comprehensive picture of antibiotic resistance across the world to date, with data from 114 countries. The findings document resistance to antibiotics, especially so-called last resort antibiotics, in all regions of the world. It also shows the gaps in surveillance systems and the need for a standardized approach to tracking and monitoring the issue.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: progress on testing and counselling 30-04-2014
In September, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015. Each month until then, we highlight a specific area of the Action Plan – beginning with HIV testing and counselling.
HIV prevention antiretroviral guidelines now available in Russian 28-04-2014
The "Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection" is now available in a newly translated Russian version. Copies will be distributed at the Fourth Conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECAAC) and are available for download.
Zero Discrimination Day celebrated in Tajikistan 10-04-2014
Zero Discrimination Day was celebrated for the first time in Tajikistan on 27 February 2014, through a series of policy and public awareness events.
Getting to zero: World AIDS Day message heard throughout Tajikistan 07-01-2014
Reducing the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV was one of the priority topics for 2014's World AIDS Day (WAD) held 29 November to 3 December in Tajikistan.
Focus on HIV testing on World Aids Day in Slovenia 06-01-2014
Activities organized in Slovenia to mark World Aids Day on 27 November 2013 focused on expanding and improving HIV testing in the country.
Denmark celebrates new collaborating centre on HIV and viral hepatitis 17-12-2013
On 9 December 2013 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, a reception was held to celebrate the collaboration between WHO/Europe and the recently designated WHO Collaborating Centre on HIV and Viral Hepatitis.
WHO statement on the death of Nelson Mandela 06-12-2013
Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, 6 December 2013.
World AIDS Day in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 01-12-2013
To mark World AIDS Day on 1 December 2013, the WHO Country Office in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is conducting a national HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. The campaign aims to make preventive programmes more visible and accepted in order to tackle issues such as stigma, discrimination, gender equality and sexual/domestic violence and human rights on behalf of most-at-risk populations.
HIV/AIDS in the European Region 27-11-2013
HIV infections in Europe continue to increase. Scaling up preventive measures and antiretroviral treatment is key to effectively addressing the epidemic.
HIV infections up by 8% across Europe. More testing and better treatment coverage recommended 27-11-2013
According to new data issued today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe, more than 131 000 new HIV infections were reported in the WHO European Region in 2012: 10 000 (8%) more than in 2011. This confirms a steady increase across the Region over that year: a 9% rise in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) and a less than 1% rise in countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA).
Correction to HIV case study in Greece featured in WHO/Europe report on social determinants of health 26-11-2013
In September 2013, WHO/Europe published “Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region”. The report incorrectly states that, in Greece: “HIV rates and heroin use have risen significantly, with about half of new HIV infections being self-inflicted to enable people to receive benefits of €700 per month and faster admission on to drug substitution programmes”.
Post-2015, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria: roundtable discussion 18-11-2013
On 27 November 2013, WHO/Europe will organize and moderate a roundtable discussion on the theme: "Where do we stand with fighting these poverty-related diseases?"
WHO regional technical consultation on the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) 06-11-2013
On 29-31 October 2013, WHO/Europe organized a regional technical consultation in Istanbul, Turkey on the dissemination of the new "Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection". The guidelines were published by WHO in July 2013 and expand the eligibility criteria for antiretroviral treatment.
Belgium launches HIV plan 25-10-2013
On 15 October 2013, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium; Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe; Mr Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); and Ms Laurette Onkelinx, Federal Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Belgium, launched the Belgian HIV Plan 2014–2019.
HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in the health care sector in Belarus 18-10-2013
New research supported by WHO/Europe suggests that stigma and discrimination are barriers to effective HIV treatment and care in Belarus.
WHO regional technical consultation on the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) 02-09-2013
On 29-31 October 2013, WHO/Europe will organize a regional technical consultation on the dissemination of the "Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection", published by WHO headquarters in July 2013. The technical consultation will take place in Istanbul, Turkey.
Living with HIV in Belarus 28-08-2013
“Enjoying a healthy and productive life while living with HIV” was the theme of an awareness-raising event held in Minsk on 21 August. There was a round table discussion addressing issues such as access to treatment and dealing with stigma and discrimination, followed by the unveiling of a billboard depicting a Belarusian living with HIV.
New HIV surveillance guidelines by the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group on Global HIV/AIDS and STI Surveillance 12-08-2013
In 2000, WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) developed second-generation HIV surveillance guidelines, which encouraged the expansion of HIV surveillance activities tailored to the epidemic state of a country.
HIV prevention in drug users: technical guide in Russian now available 06-08-2013
The "Technical guide for countries to set targets for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care for injecting drug users, 2012 revision", first published in 2009, is now available in Russian.
Strengthening of STI surveillance in the Republic of Moldova 01-08-2013
WHO/Europe's new report is a review of surveillance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Republic of Moldova with the aim to better characterize the components and performance of the STI surveillance system and provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the system. A mission with four members visited the Republic of Moldova from 11-15 March 2013.
Evaluation report on HIV/AIDS treatment and care in Ukraine 16-07-2013
During September 2012, an evaluation of the Ukrainian National Programme to Ensure HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support to HIV-positive People and Patients with AIDS 2009-2013 (hereafter, the National AIDS Programme (NAP)) was conducted.
Wider access to antiretroviral therapy, but greater scale-up urgently needed 01-07-2013
A new WHO report reveals that 199 000 people in the 22 low- and middle-income countries in the WHO European Region received antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2012: 45% more than in 2011. Access to ART expanded substantially in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Official opening WHO Collaborating Centre for Harm Reduction 19-06-2013
On 11 June 2013, representatives of WHO/Europe visited the Vilnius University Public Health Institute (PHI) for the official opening of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Harm Reduction.
Living on the margins drives HIV epidemic in Europe and central Asia. Conclusion of new report 07-06-2013
Social and structural factors – such as poverty, marginalization and stigma – and not just individual behaviours are shaping the HIV epidemic in Europe and central Asia. This is the main conclusion of a new report released today by the World Bank Group, WHO/Europe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The study systematically reviews evidence on HIV vulnerability and response in all countries of the WHO European Region.
Launch event for “HIV in the European Region: vulnerability and response” 31-05-2013
The World Bank Group, WHO/Europe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will release findings and recommendations from a new assessment of HIV epidemics and vulnerability in Europe at a launch event on 7 June 2013 in London, United Kingdom.
WHO helps educate young health professionals in Tajikistan in HIV/AIDS treatment 31-05-2013
The gift of 600 copies of a training module to a university library in Tajikistan is set to help educate young health professionals in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. The WHO Country Office in Tajikistan officially handed over the books at a ceremony at Tajik State Medical University (TSMU) on April 29 2013, attended by the University Rector, Head of WHO Country office in Tajikistan, WHO Country Programme Coordinator on HIV/AIDS and TB and representatives from TSMU.
New WHO Collaborating Centre for Harm Reduction in Lithuania 22-04-2013
WHO has recently established a collaborating centre for harm reduction at the Vilnius University Public Health Institute (PHI).
Applications welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 18-04-2013
The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is sponsoring a three-day observership for five people in WHO/Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.
WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013
WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.
Tuberculosis (TB) concerns us all 22-03-2013
Almost half a million TB patients live in the European Region, and over 40 000 people die from the disease each year. Better diagnosis, treatment and care are vital to stop the disease. 24 March is World TB Day.
UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs adopts HIV resolution 19-03-2013
The central policymaking body within the United Nations system dealing with drug-related matters reaffirmed their commitment to the targets of the 2011 political declaration on HIV/AIDS among people who use drugs.
Key document on HIV response in people who inject drugs revised 31-01-2013
A joint publication by WHO, UNODC and UNAIDS, Technical guide for countries to set targets for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care for injecting drug users, broadly recognized as a key document for designing programmes for people who inject drugs, has been revised.
Joint HIV technical mission to Greece: report released 30-01-2013
A substantial increase in the number of HIV cases related to injecting drug use had prompted Greek authorities to approach the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe for technical assistance in 2012. The mission report is now available.
Monitoring the safety of antiretroviral medicines in Belarus 08-01-2013
The first national programme for cohort adverse event monitoring (CEM) of antiretroviral medicines in Belarus began on 20 December 2012. The Ministry of Health and the centre for examinations and tests in the health service in Belarus – with support from WHO and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, Sweden – carry out this intensive programme to monitor ART safety.
Tajik youth speak out on World AIDS Day 21-12-2012
The theme of World AIDS Day 2012 was “Getting to zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.” Highlighting the need for greater action to achieve these goals, a series of awareness and social activities were organized at the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University (RTSU) in Dushanbe on 3 December 2012.
HIV treatment as prevention: #HIVchat on Twitter 12-12-2012
Experts from WHO/Europe and the European AIDS Treatment Group will answer your questions on the strategic use of antiretrovirals, including to prevent HIV infections, during a live Twitter chat on Wednesday 19 December 2012, at 14:00–15:00 UTC/GMT (15:00–16:00 CET, Copenhagen time).
Human Rights Day 2012: “My voice counts” 10-12-2012
Everyone has the right to health. WHO/Europe works with civil-society organizations to ensure that socially excluded groups that experience discrimination and stigma are involved in the development of health policies affecting them and are empowered to make decisions about their own health.
First step to stronger collaboration with UNFPA 05-12-2012
WHO/Europe works closely with the United Nations Population Fund Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (UNFPA EECARO) in a broad range of health areas. On 3 December 2012, Werner Haug, Regional Director of UNFPA EECARO, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to discuss strengthening strategic collaboration between the two agencies.
Slovenia facing a concentrated HIV epidemic in vulnerable population 04-12-2012
World AIDS Day was marked in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with a national conference to discuss key issues related to HIV/AIDS, such as stigma, prevention and the importance of testing for early detection.
HIV rising in Europe 30-11-2012
New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen in recent years at the global level, but are rising in the WHO European Region. 1 December is World AIDS Day.
Investing in response essential to curb HIV transmission in Europe 30-11-2012
New data for 2011 show that more than 121 000 new HIV cases were reported in the WHO European Region, including more than 28 000 in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA). This indicates an increase for the Region from the previous year, which highlights the importance of sustaining interventions, even in times of economic austerity, to curb the continuing HIV transmission across Europe.
New guidance on HIV testing in indicator conditions 09-11-2012
HIV in Europe – a pan European initiative aimed at improving earlier diagnosis and earlier care across Europe – released a document “HIV indicator conditions: guidance for implementing HIV testing in adults in health care settings”.
BMJ article describes HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in parts of the Region 26-10-2012
A systematic review in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reveals major gaps in preventing HIV infection in people who inject drugs, while numbers of new HIV cases continue to increase in this key population in central and eastern parts of the European Region.
Training in Ukraine: tuberculosis and harm reduction services integration and advocacy 08-10-2012
During 25-27 September 2012, a training on tuberculosis (TB) and harm reduction (HR) services integration and advocacy was held in Kiev, Ukraine, organized by the WHO Knowledge Hub for Harm Reduction/Eurasian Harm Reduction Network and supported by WHO/Europe.
New report: Second Conference on Quality in HIV Prevention in the European Region 27-09-2012
The report from this meeting is now available. The conference was hosted by the group Improving Quality in HIV Prevention in Europe (IQhiv) and held in Berlin, Germany, on 23-24 April 2012.
Have your say on WHO’s upcoming global HIV guidelines 20-09-2012
Working to consolidate its HIV/AIDS guidance, WHO seeks feedback through an end-user survey to find out: whether its guidelines reach countries and help them to develop national guidelines, and what barriers may exist to using its guidelines.
Ukraine improves HIV treatment and decreases drug use 30-08-2012
Using an integrated care model, Ukraine is providing treatment to patients who are HIV positive and inject drugs.
AIDS 2012: growing HIV epidemic in eastern Europe and central Asia a concern 25-07-2012
Representatives from across the world gathered at a special session of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) this week, to highlight the key issues in and solutions to the growing challenge of HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia.
Central Asia in the spotlight: growing HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs 19-06-2012
In the WHO European Region, people who inject drugs are particularly at risk of being infected with HIV. Concern is increasing in five central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), where more than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections occur among such people. This is the focus of the first meeting organized by WHO/Europe to address HIV prevention in this group in the central Asian republics.
Questions answered: health advice for travellers to EURO 2012 11-06-2012
WHO/Europe has produced detailed health advice for people attending the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2012). It includes information on how to prepare before leaving home, stay safe in crowds, seek emergency health care, and avoid, recognize the symptoms of and treat common travellers’ illnesses.
New publication: integration of HIV, TB and harm reduction services in Portugal 01-06-2012
WHO/Europe has produced a new publication called "A rapid assessment of the accessibility and integration of HIV, TB and harm reduction services for people who inject drugs in Portugal".
HIV country profiles: situation across Europe 21-05-2012
How many HIV cases are there in each country in the WHO European Region? What are the current infection rates and most common transmission routes? How many people are being treated? Read WHO/Europe’s profiles on the situation in all countries.
HIV prevention guidelines now available in Russian 02-05-2012
The guidelines “Prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people” are now available in Russian.
Second Conference on Quality in HIV Prevention in the European Region 30-04-2012
Improving Quality in HIV Prevention in Europe (IQhiv), a joint initiative including WHO/Europe, hosted the 2nd Conference on Quality in HIV Prevention in the European Region in Berlin on 23-24 April 2012. This conference was a follow-up to one held in 2008 on the same topic.
WHO releases “Guidance on couples HIV testing and counselling including antiretroviral therapy for treatment and prevention in serodiscordant couples” 25-04-2012
WHO has developed this guidance to encourage the provision of couples HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) to support increased testing and earlier access to treatment and prevention. The guideline also considers the benefits of offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV prevention for serodiscordant couples, irrespective of his/her own immune status (CD4 count).
Progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in the WHO European Region: 2011 Update 20-04-2012
As called for by Regional Committee for Europe Resolution EUR/RC57/R2, this report constitutes the biennial update on the progress made towards the health-related Millennium Development Goals in the European Region. It draws on the most recent data sources available, as of July 2011, for Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 on, respectively, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases (including tuberculosis).
Collaborative TB/HIV activities: World TB Day 26-03-2012
The theme of this year’s World TB Day 2012 is “Stop TB in my lifetime” with a special focus on childhood TB. One of the critical areas is HIV/TB combined epidemics. HIV is not only a major risk factor for tuberculosis, but children with HIV are at markedly increased risk of TB.
WHO updates policy on collaborative TB/HIV activities 07-03-2012
The new policy guidelines are revising the previous TB/HIV interim policy published in 2004 and are based on the new evidence generated from research.
Joint WHO/ECDC meeting of the European Network for HIV/AIDS Surveillance 07-03-2012
On 17 February 2012 in Stockholm, Sweden, national HIV/AIDS surveillance focal points from 41 of the 53 WHO European Member States met at the annual meeting of the European Network for HIV/AIDS Surveillance to discuss the surveillance of HIV and AIDS at the European level.
Are prisons in Europe healthy? 27-02-2012
Over 2 million people across the WHO European Region are in prison. Prisoners are at greater risk of HIV, tuberculosis, poor mental health and drug addiction than people outside. Three short films look at health in prisons in Azerbaijan, Denmark and Kyrgyzstan.
Revised guidance on HIV treatment and care published 09-02-2012
WHO/Europe has revised two clinical protocols on the treatment of and care for people living with HIV, to reflect the latest evidence-informed approaches. The protocols take account of regional characteristics and should support countries in scaling up treatment coverage.
Tajik medical educators revise HIV/AIDS curriculum 08-02-2012
The number of new HIV cases in Tajikistan is growing from year to year. One of the objectives of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy of Tajikistan is aimed at guaranteeing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those living with HIV. Activities to achieve this goal include ART as part of the education for all medical students and training of family doctors in ART provision to support integration of HIV treatment into primary health care services.
Hungary draws attention to the fight against AIDS 08-12-2011
On the occasion of World AIDS day on 1 December 2011, the Ministry of National Resources and the WHO Country Office, Hungary, in cooperation with the media, drew attention to the importance of the fight against AIDS.
WHO and UNAIDS in Tajikistan: “Together we can combat AIDS - with effort, success can be achieved” 01-12-2011
On 1 December 2011, World AIDS Day is celebrated to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. In Tajikistan, on the initiative of the Republican HIV/AIDS Centre, the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan and in cooperation with all international partners, a regional scientific and practical conference on HIV/AIDS in the CIS countries will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Centre on 5-6 December 2011.
HIV cases continue to rise in Europe: WHO European Region launches new action plan to bring the epidemic under control 30-11-2011
The HIV epidemic is still not under control, according to a new surveillance report issued today. Over 118 000 cases of HIV were diagnosed in Europe in 2010, according to new data from 51 of the 53 of Member States in the WHO European Region, which were released today by WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Over three quarters of newly reported infections were from the eastern part of the Region.
Reaching those most at risk: tackling HIV in Azerbaijan 30-11-2011
Many people from the government-run centre, civil society groups, individuals and the WHO country office work to provide HIV prevention, treatment and care in Azerbaijan. In a series of interviews, those involved explain what they do and why.
Conference focusing on HIV prevention and human rights 10-11-2011
High level experts and policy-makers from all over the world will meet in Berlin on 21 November to take stock of what has been achieved so far and map out what can be done in the future to fight HIV and AIDS.
Linking sexual and reproductive health and HIV in countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Examining the future of integrated services 09-11-2011
Representatives from 13 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia met in Antalya, Turkey, on 2–4 November to examine how to develop better linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other services.
HIV prevention partnership goes online 03-11-2011
IQhiv – an initiative that identifies, adapts and disseminates practical tools to improve the quality of HIV prevention – is now online. The tools can be used to assess and strengthen operations and activities, as well as collect evidence on good practice.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in resource-constrained settings: expert panel consensus 02-11-2011
This article was published in Liver International, the official journal of the international association for the study of the liver. An informal World Health Organization consultation of experts made several conclusions, such as: chronic HBV is a major public health problem in emerging nations; all HIV-infected persons should be screened for HBV infection; HIV/HBV co-infected persons should be treated with therapies active against both viruses and that reduce the risk of resistance; standards for the management of chronic HBV infection should be adapted to resource-constrained settings.
WHO/Europe’s capacity on HIV surveillance further strengthened 31-10-2011
A key partner in WHO/Europe’s work on HIV surveillance - the WHO Collaborating Centre for Capacity Building in HIV/AIDS Surveillance - received a redesignation for a further period of four years.
Delivering integrated tuberculosis, HIV and drug dependence services – models for the Region 07-10-2011
The meeting that took place on 27-29 September 2011 in Chisinau, resulted in a comprehensive overview of successful models, best practices and barriers to effective TB, HIV and drug dependence service delivery, thus informing the development of a WHO regional operational guidance on health service integration.
New research gives impetus to WHO plan to halt HIV spread 14-09-2011
At the sixty-first session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 12 to 15 September 2011, the WHO Regional Office for Europe will present an action plan to Member States to halt the increasing spread of HIV in the WHO European Region.
Collaboration cemented between WHO/Europe and Global Fund 12-09-2011
Today, WHO/Europe and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria exchanged letters and initiated a joint operational plan for 2011/2012.
World Hepatitis Day: “Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere. Know it. Confront it.” 28-07-2011
28 July 2011 is the first World Hepatitis Day. In the European Region, the epidemic remains hidden and the public health response inadequate.
Training on antiretroviral therapy (ART) 23-06-2011
Multidisciplinary teams (consisting of doctor, nurse and psychologist/social worker) took a training course held in Minsk, Belarus on 7–10 June 2011.
New public health recommendations for men who have sex with men and transgender people 21-06-2011
WHO and partners launch new public health recommendations today, to help policy-makers and service providers scale up access to treatment and prevention services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and transgender people.
Fighting against the tide of HIV in Ukraine 06-06-2011
Photo story documenting personal accounts of people living with and fighting against HIV in Ukraine.
Unity in response is needed to halt diverse HIV epidemics in Europe 30-05-2011
This was the main message of the AIDS 2011 Conference that closed on Friday in Tallinn, Estonia. The event took place on 25-27 May 2011 and gathered over 500 participants from 45 European countries.
Member States endorse a 5-year global health sector strategy on HIV 30-05-2011
A resolution endorsing the new Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015 was adopted by consensus on 23 May at the 64th meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Opening of World Health Assembly: Director-General urges ministers to “remember the people” 17-05-2011
The Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly, WHO’s global annual meeting for ministers and senior health officials, opened yesterday.
Stop discrimination against homosexual men and women 17-05-2011
Despite the clear commitment to non-discrimination based on sexual orientation made by most Member States in the WHO European Region, many problems remain in protecting and promoting the rights of homosexuals. Sex between men is still a crime in some parts of the Region. 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia.
Groundbreaking study: early antiretroviral use prevents transmission of HIV 15-05-2011
HIV-positive people can reduce the risk of their spreading the virus to uninfected partners by 96% if they are given antiretroviral drugs immediately, according to a new study. Experts are discussing a draft European action plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015 in Geneva, Switzerland this weekend.
Addressing HIV/AIDS and TB through strengthening health systems in Tajikistan 28-04-2011
In order to strengthen the decision-making capacity to address communicable diseases issues, particularly TB and HIV/AIDS, a 3-day national workshop on Health System Strengthening concepts and approaches was conducted on 5-7 April 2011 in Tajikistan.
Designing HIV response for men who have sex with men 26-04-2011
There is increasing evidence of a hidden HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In response to this situation, United Nations agencies (UNDP, WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA) in collaboration with civil society organizations and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with the participation and support of governmental organizations, organized and conducted the regional consultation "Hidden epidemic: HIV, men who have sex with men and transgender people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia."
WHO/Europe and Global Fund reinvigorate partnership 18-04-2011
During discussions on 14 April 2011, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, agreed on immediate joint interventions to address multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region.
Celebration of World Health Day: 7 April 2011 07-04-2011
Around the world, WHO is celebrating World Health Day on 7 April 2011. This year’s topic is dedicated to the antibiotic resistance, under the slogan “Combat antibiotic resistance – No action today, no cure tomorrow”.
Web consultation for the emergency action plan on HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015 04-03-2011
The HIV/AIDS, STIs and Viral Hepatitis Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is developing an Emergency Action Plan on HIV/AIDS 2012–2015, to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the WHO European Region and lead an effective response to it.
Universal precaution and post contact prophylaxis for HIV infection in Tajikistan 17-02-2011
A seminar entitled “HIV/AIDS: universal precaution and post contact prophylaxis for HIV infection” was held 1-3 February 2011 in Dushanbe.
Training on national capacity development on monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programmes 28-01-2011
A training course on monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programmes was held 24-28 January 2011 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Assessment of TB and HIV control programmes in Belarus 27-01-2011
A WHO mission to assess the collaboration between TB and HIV programmes will be carried out 8-11 February 2011 in Minsk.
New publication on integrated care 24-01-2011
WHO commissioned a report to examine the development of integrated care services in three sites for people with a history of injection drug use in Ukraine, as part of the country’s ongoing response to the HIV epidemic.
HIV rising in Europe 01-12-2010
Eastern European and central Asian countries have the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world. World AIDS Day 2010 calls protecting vulnerable groups’ human rights essential to their accessing HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Consultation on HIV and sex between men in eastern Europe and central Asia a success 24-11-2010
Governments and civil society acknowledge the rising HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men and transgender people in eastern Europe and central Asia
Revised HIV Law in Ukraine 25-10-2010
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, through its Country Office in Kiev, has worked with UNAIDS and other United Nations' organizations in supporting the update of the Ukrainian Law on Prevention of AIDS and Social Protection of the Population.
Global Plan to Stop TB 2011–2015 launched 14-10-2010
The Stop TB Partnership released the Plan on 13 October 2010. At the launch, during the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, called on governments and partners to provide funding to carry out the Plan.
Significant progress in access to HIV/AIDS services in the European Region 28-09-2010
The new report, by WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), reviews the progress made in 2009 in scaling up access to HIV/AIDS services in the WHO European Region.
WHO developing a new Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015 11-08-2010
WHO has launched an extensive consultative process to determine priorities in a renewed global health sector response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic for 2011-2015.
WHO calls for united action against HIV in Europe 21-07-2010
At the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, WHO experts drew attention to the glaring disparities between countries in western and eastern Europe in providing access to HIV services for people living with HIV.
AIDS 2010: challenges in Europe 19-07-2010
WHO is one of the international partners supporting the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria, on 18–23 July 2010 (AIDS 2010), which will bring together over 25 000 participants from around the world. The Conference will focus on eastern Europe, where the greatest scaling up of efforts in the WHO European Region is needed.
WHO/Europe releases the Regional HIV testing and counselling policy framework 04-05-2010
WHO/Europe has developed a Regional HIV testing and counselling policy framework. It provides recommendations to Member States and outlines ten main principles for scaling up HIV testing and counselling as an essential component of efforts to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in the WHO European Region.
HIV This Week newsletter 13-03-2010
HIV This Week, published by UNAIDS, is a selective scan of new HIV-related information found in scientific journals.
Dispatch from Lithuania 12-02-2010
Knowledge Hubs: radiating expertise for HIV prevention, care and treatment across eastern Europe and beyond