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.

Getting closer together – one vaccination at a time 26-04-2021

The past year has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought tragedy, suffering and frustration to so many, and which will leave its mark on our society for many years to come. To help us put this pandemic behind us, we have our hopes firmly pinned on the new vaccines that have been developed in record time.

WHO, FAO, OIE and UNEP join efforts to raise awareness of rabies in the Russian Federation 14-10-2020

The Tripartite Plus Alliance – WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – together with Russian government agencies in Moscow marked World Rabies Day on 28 September 2020.

WHO addressing leishmaniasis in high-risk areas of Syrian Arab Republic 24-07-2019

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease. It is estimated that every year over 40 000 new cases occur in Idleb, northern Hama and rural Aleppo alone, making this one of the worst-affected areas in the Syrian Arab Republic. It causes immense human suffering. Prevention and treatment solutions are in hand, and some countries have realized eradication. Despite the urgency and potential for eradication, leishmaniasis control and treatment activities have been structurally underfunded every year.

Day 4 highlights: countries at the centre of health work 20-09-2018

“It is now clearer than ever that we need to be bolder and reach further, to engage effectively with all those that have a stake in health,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab on the final day of RC68. Many non-State actors were accredited to attend future sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, and Member States applauded the work of country offices.

Europe tops rankings on life satisfaction index, but findings expose not for all and not everywhere, WHO says 14-09-2018

WHO Regional Committee for Europe annual meeting in Rome will discuss new findings on health and well-being of people in Europe and track progress against key health targets

West Nile virus infections spike in southern and central Europe 21-08-2018

West Nile virus (WNV) infections have sharply increased in 2018 as compared to the previous 4 years. This is largely due to the early start of the 2018 transmission season in the WHO European Region, which normally lasts from July to October. This year’s season has been characterized by high temperatures and extended rainy spells, followed by dry weather. Such weather conditions have been conducive to mosquito breeding and propagation.

Annual meeting of ministers to set health priorities in Europe 14-08-2018

On 17 September 2018 in Rome, Italy, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region will gather for the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe. At this year’s 68th session, participants will consider topics including a new strategy on men’s health, financial protection and an action plan to improve public health preparedness and response.

2018 FIFA World Cup: protect your health and score! 13-06-2018

With the 21st Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup just around the corner, many people across the world are waiting eagerly to fly to the Russian Federation and cheer on their home teams. The Russian Federation’s health authorities, supported by WHO/Europe are preparing for the event; together they have published public health advice to ensure the tournament is safe from public health risks.

Over 100 cases of Chikungunya confirmed in Italy 29-09-2017

Disease outbreak news, 29 September 2017.

Europe prompts updates to guidance on mosquito control for passenger aircraft worldwide 26-09-2017

Under the auspices of WHO/Europe and within the framework of the International Health Regulations (IHR), 14 experts have identified and agreed criteria for standard procedures for the elimination of insects from passenger aircraft (disinsection). At the gathering in Frankfurt, Germany on 1 September 2017, the group initiated preparatory work for the development of global standard procedures on mosquito control that will upgrade and extend to passenger aircraft those currently established for cargo flights.

Chikungunya outbreak confirmed in Italy 18-09-2017

In Italy, 14 autochthonous cases of chikungunya have been confirmed , 6 in Rome and 8 in the coastal area of Anzio (Lazio region). Additional cases are being investigated. The date of onset of symptoms of the first case was on 5 August 2017. The dates of onset of the latest cases are between 25 August and 7 September 2017.

The Ashgabat Statement: Europe commits to staying malaria free 04-09-2017

The WHO European Region is marking an important step on the road from malaria control to malaria elimination, and then on to maintaining malaria-free status, with the launch of The Ashgabat Statement: Preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission in the WHO European Region. The Statement is being formally presented on 4 September in Moscow, Russian Federation.

Chikungunya cases reported in France 25-08-2017

Local transmission of chikungunya has been confirmed in south-eastern France, with four cases diagnosed in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region as of 23 August 2017.  In addition, there is one probable case, and eight suspected cases.

The Ashgabat Statement: countries commit to preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission in the Region 24-08-2017

The WHO European Region was declared malaria-free on 20 April 2016. Following this milestone, 10 countries at risk of malaria reintroduction – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – reaffirmed their commitment to control malaria importation, prevent the re-establishment of local transmission and rapidly contain any resurgence of the disease. This commitment forms the Ashgabat Statement.

World Health Assembly Day 8: progress on addressing noncommunicable diseases in focus 31-05-2017

Delegates endorsed an updated set of policy options and interventions to help countries meet global targets to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It places a particular focus on measures to reduce people’s exposure to factors that increase the risk of developing NCDs. These include taxing tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, banning tobacco advertising and reformulating food products to reduce salt content.

World Health Assembly Day 4: polio, pandemic influenza preparedness and health workforce in focus 29-05-2017

On Day 4 of the World Health Assembly, delegates made decisions relating to poliomyelitis (polio), the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and the health workforce. Side events focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

European experts scale up work on surveillance and control of leishmaniasis 09-05-2017

Experts from participating countries, international leishmaniasis networks and from WHO discussed the situation of leishmaniasis at regional and national levels, analysed challenges on surveillance, and identified needs and areas for WHO support. During the meeting, WHO presented available tools and options to strengthen surveillance of leishmaniasis and offered support in tailoring the tool to the specific needs of national leishmaniasis programmes.

The WHO European Region remains malaria free 25-04-2017

In 2015, the WHO European Region became the first in the world to achieve interruption of indigenous malaria transmission and, in 2016, to be declared malaria free. One year later, the Region has maintained this status, further contributing to the 2030 elimination targets of the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria and the Agenda for Sustainable Development. On World Malaria Day 2017, WHO places a special focus on prevention as a critical strategy for advancing towards these global targets.

Neglected tropical diseases: Collaborate Accelerate Eliminate 19-04-2017

In the WHO European Region, much progress has been made in controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): leprosy has been eliminated as a public health problem, and the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in high-burden countries has dropped from 70% to 30%. However, work continues on the surveillance and control of invasive vectors and re-emerging mosquito-borne diseases, control of leishmaniasis and control and prevention of soil-transmitted helminthiasis.  WHO is hosting a Global Partners Meeting on NTDs on 19 April 2017.

WHO updates classification of countries at risk for Zika virus 10-03-2017

WHO released today the Zika virus country classification scheme (interim guidance). The updated classification of countries can help public health authorities and policy-makers to assess the risk of Zika virus infection according to place and time of transmission and the location of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which carry the virus.

Zika: Then, now, and tomorrow 03-02-2017

Where do we stand one year after WHO announced Zika as a public health emergency? International spread has continued, while surveillance has improved. In line with WHO advice, innovative approaches to mosquito control are being piloted in countries and WHO will provide sustained guidance for effective interventions and support for families, communities, and countries experiencing Zika virus.

Toxoplasmosis: greater awareness needed 09-11-2016

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is estimated to affect more than 2 million people every year in the European Region. Although most people do not have symptoms, if a woman becomes infected just before or early in her pregnancy, it can have very serious health consequences for her child. WHO has interviewed people who work with, and have first-hand experience of this common, but largely unknown disease.

Kyrgyzstan receives WHO certification for malaria elimination; Europe is the first WHO region to interrupt indigenous malaria transmission 04-11-2016

In April 2016, WHO declared that the European Region had achieved an important milestone:  all 53 countries in the region had interrupted the chain of indigenous malaria transmission for at least 1 year.

Countries commit to keep Europe malaria-free 15-08-2016

Countries in the WHO European Region at risk of malaria reintroduction – the same countries that signed the 2005 Tashkent Declaration – have reaffirmed their commitment to keep the Region malaria-free.

Countries in the Region agree to build on existing systems for rapid response to Zika virus 24-06-2016

Countries in the WHO European Region need to build on existing systems for vector control, disease surveillance, laboratory testing and emergency risk communications in order to prevent or quickly contain any outbreak of Zika virus in the Region.

Conclusions of the third meeting of the Emergency Committee regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus 15-06-2016

The third meeting of the Emergency Committee (EC) convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR 2005) regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus was held by teleconference on 14 June 2016.

WHO calls on countries to prepare as Zika virus expected to spread in Europe in late spring and summer 18-05-2016

A new WHO report assesses the risk of a Zika virus disease outbreak occurring during late spring and summer in the European Region. While the overall risk is low to moderate, countries where Aedes mosquitoes are present are more likely to experience a Zika virus outbreak.

From over 90 000 cases to zero in two decades: the European Region is malaria free 20-04-2016

The European Region is the first in the world to have achieved interruption of indigenous malaria transmission. The number of indigenous malaria cases dropped from 90 712 in 1995 to zero cases in 2015. Ahead of World Malaria Day 2016, WHO announces that the European Region hit its 2015 target to wipe out malaria, thus contributing to the global goal to "End malaria for good". Key partners funded malaria elimination efforts in European countries substantially.

Consensus on causal link between Zika and neurological disorders 06-04-2016

Scientific consensus has been reached on Zika virus being a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, based on a growing body of preliminary research.

Zika virus vectors and risk of spread in the WHO European Region 18-03-2016

The largest outbreak of Zika virus disease ever recorded began in the continental Americas in 2015. Since then, the geographical distribution of Zika virus has steadily widened, and local transmission has been reported broadly in the Region of the Americas.

Statement — WHO urges European countries to prevent Zika virus disease spread now 03-02-2016

Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe

Zika virus: risk of importation increases, but risk of spread in Europe remains extremely low during winter 29-01-2016

Since May 2015, Zika virus disease – an emerging viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquito bites – has spread in the Americas and the Caribbean, following the reporting of the first cases in Brazil. The arrival of the virus has been associated with steep increases in babies born with abnormally small heads and in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A causal relationship between Zika virus infection and birth defects and neurological syndromes has not been established, but is strongly suspected.

A strong agreement from COP21 matters to health – and to the European Region 11-12-2015

As negotiations continue in Paris, it is important to emphasize the vital and central role of health in climate change action. Without a strong, binding agreement from COP21, the WHO European Region, and the world, can expect to experience serious and even life-threatening effects.

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.

West Nile virus confirmed in Portugal for first time 18-09-2015

On 14 September 2015, the first confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Portugal was notified to WHO/Europe. Even though the presence of WNV is known in Portugal, where three previous probable cases were reported (two in 2004 and one in 2010), this is the first laboratory-confirmed case that fully meets the European Union case definition for WNV.

Chikungunya infection ruled out in case reported in Spain 18-09-2015

On 11 September 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for Spain reported to WHO that the definitive laboratory results regarding the first case of chikungunya infection in Spain ruled out this infection.

First case of chikungunya diagnosed in Spain 13-08-2015

For the first time, an individual with no history of travel to a chikungunya-endemic area has tested positive for the disease in Spain. On 3 August 2015, WHO/Europe was notified of a case of chikungunya infection in the city of Gandia, Valencian Community.

National campaign against soil-transmitted helminthiases conducted in Tajikistan 09-06-2015

A large-scale deworming campaign was carried out in Tajikistan on 12–22 May 2015 with support from WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the health and education ministries.

Bulgaria: 50 years malaria free 29-05-2015

On 29 May 2015, Bulgaria celebrates 50 years of being malaria free. This is the result of the enormous efforts of several generations of health workers, who first combated malaria and then managed to keep the country free of the disease. The Ministry of Health of Bulgaria, the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and the Bulgarian Society for Parasitology are hosting the anniversary event.

Towards a malaria-free European Region by the end of 2015 24-04-2015

The number of malaria cases in the WHO European Region has dropped dramatically. Cases reported locally have declined from above 90 000 in 1995 to only two reported in Tajikistan in 2014. Statistics indicate, however, that about 5000 cases were imported into the Region in 2014, and the threat of reintroducing the disease remains. The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by the end of this year.

Four confirmed cases of Chikungunya in France 30-10-2014

On 21 October 2014, WHO was notified of four laboratory confirmed cases of locally acquired chikungunya fever in Montpellier, France.

Regional training on malaria vectors and vector control methods 17-10-2014

A regional WHO training course on taxonomy, morphology, biology and ecology of malaria vectors and vector control methods was organized in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 22 September to 2 October 2014 by WHO and the Tajik Ministry of Health. 

Tajikistan initiates national deworming campaign 10-10-2014

A deworming campaign covering 1 580 000 children aged 5–14 years was carried out in Tajikistan 15–20 September 2014 with WHO support and in collaboration with the ministries of health and social protection, and education.

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

Country cooperation strategy signed with Portugal 17-09-2014

The Ministry of Health of Portugal and WHO have signed a country cooperation strategy (CCS), setting the vision for creating synergy and alignment between WHO leadership priorities and Portuguese national health policies, strategies and plans for 2015–2020. The CCS is aligned with both Portugal’s national health plan and the WHO European policy framework Health 2020. 

Tajikistan celebrates World Health Day 29-04-2014

Several activities were organized in Tajikistan this year to celebrate World Health Day on 7 April 2014, including a radio broadcast, meeting with health workers, an exhibition and a community awareness campaign.

Marking World Health Day 2014 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 29-04-2014

World Health Day 2014 was celebrated through a series of events in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia organized by the WHO Country Office in cooperation with relevant institutions, particularly the Ministry of Health, Institute for Occupational Health, WHO Collaborative Centre and the Macedonian Doctor’s Association.

World Health Day draws media attention to vector-borne diseases in the Russian Federation 25-04-2014

Public awareness of vector-borne diseases was raised in the Russian Federation through media coverage of World Health Day 2014.

Malaria: great progress towards elimination, but persistent threat of imported cases and reintroduction 25-04-2014

The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by 2015.

Experts review status of vector-borne diseases in Slovenia 15-04-2014

National experts presented information on the global and national burden of vector-borne diseases, blood safety and the protection of travellers at an event organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, the National Institute for Public Health and the WHO Country Office in Slovenia.

World Health Day celebration in Turkmenistan 10-04-2014

On 4 April 2014, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan hosted a stage performance and contest by medical personnel, with a focus on vector-borne diseases, including leishmaniasis, polio, helminthiasis and malaria.

First-hand experience: vector-borne diseases 07-04-2014

People in the European Region are at risk from diseases carried by vectors – both within the Region, and when travelling abroad. Individuals whose lives have been touched by these diseases, having caught them or through working with them, tell their stories.

How to protect yourself from vector-borne diseases: World Health Day 2014 03-04-2014

Whether travelling to or living in an area with diseases spread by mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks or other vectors, take steps to protect yourself. Check out these top tips and fact sheets on 7 vector-borne diseases affecting the WHO European Region.

77 000 Europeans fall sick every year with vector-borne diseases 02-04-2014

People living in the WHO European Region do not escape diseases carried by vectors. On World Health Day, 7 April 2014, WHO calls on everyone to protect themselves from vector-borne diseases.

Two confirmed cases of Chikungunya on Caribbean island of Saint Martin 11-12-2013

As of 10 December 2013, a total of two confirmed, four probable and twenty suspected cases of chikungunya infection have been reported on Saint Martin/ Sint Maarten.

New publication - Eliminating malaria in Turkey 21-11-2013

This case-study describes the history of malaria in Turkey up to 2011 and evaluates the policies and strategies used for malaria control and elimination.

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?"

Tajikistan wages war on worms 02-10-2013

A campaign to treat people infected by worms was launched in Tajikistan and drew to a close at the end of September. Reaching some 4 578 000 people including pre-school and school-age children and women of reproductive age (17 – 49 years), the campaign aimed to reduce morbidity caused by soil transmitted helminthiases and protect the health of the population.

Tajikistan conference on malaria elimination 25-09-2013

On 13 August 2013, an international scientific conference on malaria elimination was held in Tajikistan with the aim of exchanging experiences, learning from best practice in malaria elimination and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Turkmenistan meeting brings Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan one step closer to malaria-free status 23-09-2013

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan hope to begin the certification process for malaria-free status at the end of 2013. This process is initiated by WHO at the request of the Member State once there have been no locally acquired malaria cases for at least three consecutive years.

WHO cross-border meeting on malaria held in Turkmenistan 23-09-2013

A cross border meeting about Malaria, involving health officials from Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 27-28 August 2013.

Progress towards control and prevention of soil transmitted helminths 20-09-2013

A WHO meeting on regional framework for control and prevention of soil transmitted helminths in the European region was held in Bonn, Germany on 16-17 September 2013.

Russian Federation helps strengthen malaria surveillance across Regions 31-07-2013

On 5-26 June 2013, in collaboration with Russian Federation institutes, WHO conducted the 6th international advanced course on malaria surveillance, monitoring and evaluation at the Martzinovski Institute of Medical Parasitology and Tropical Medicine. Upon completion, 13 participants from WHO Regional Offices for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region developed recommendations on improving current malaria surveillance systems in their respective countries.

Malaria elimination training in Azerbaijan 27-06-2013

A group of fourteen malaria specialists from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended a course from 10-21 June in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Georgia hosts Regional meeting on surveillance and control of leishmaniasis 06-05-2013

A WHO Regional meeting on leishmaniasis was held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 16-18 April 2013 and attended by technical experts and other stakeholders from countries in the Region most affected by the disease.

Greater effort needed to eliminate malaria from Europe by 2015 25-04-2013

Malaria remains a health challenge in the WHO European Region, where 253 cases of locally acquired Plasmodium vivax malaria were reported in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece, Tajikistan and Turkey in 2012, an increase from 2011. On World Malaria Day 2013, WHO calls on affected countries to sustain malaria interventions even in times of economic austerity. The theme for 2013 and coming years is: “Invest in the future; defeat malaria”.

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.

Continued support for leishmaniasis control in Tajikistan 18-09-2012

WHO/Europe in cooperation with the Ministry of Health conducted a mission to Tajikistan on 3–5 September 2012 focused on leishmaniasis control. The mission included a training for health care authorities and clinicians to review the current situation and needs for technical expertise in clinical features, case management and treatment of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Combating malaria remains a priority in Tajikistan and Afghanistan 16-05-2012

A cross-border malaria meeting was organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with the governments of Tajikistan and Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 7-8 May 2012. The discussions included a review of the current malaria situation and identification of problems/constraints related to malaria elimination encountered in the participating countries.

World Malaria Day 2012: Special events organized in Tajikistan to raise public awareness 10-05-2012

A circus performance, exhibition and radio broadcast were among the various creative events organized in Tajikistan to celebrate World Malaria Day on 25 April 2012.

World Malaria Day 2012: Armenia highlights efforts to prevent re-introduction of malaria transmission 01-05-2012

On 25 April 2012, the Ministry of Health of Armenia organized a workshop dedicated to World Malaria Day. Speakers highlighted the extensive efforts taken by Armenia to achieve its certification in 2011 as a malaria-free country, and the importance of sustaining this status. 

World Malaria Day 2012: Turkmenistan focuses on remaining malaria free 27-04-2012

Lessons on “healthy lifestyles and malaria” given in various schools to mark World Malaria Day 2012 were among several activities organized in Turkmenistan to raise public awareness on malaria prevention. Other activities included contests organized by medical professionals and students to test participants’ knowledge about malaria and articles published in the media.

Eliminating malaria from Europe by 2015: realistic and attainable 25-04-2012

Intensive anti-malaria interventions have cut the number of reported autochthonous malaria cases in the WHO European Region from 90 712 in 1995 to 102 in 2011. World Malaria Day is 25 April.

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).

Kazakhstan acknowledged by WHO as malaria-free 04-04-2012

On 20 March 2012, Kazakhstan was officially acknowledged by WHO to be malaria-free.

Assessing the situation on leishmaniasis in Tajikistan 12-12-2011

WHO headquarters and WHO Regional Office for Europe organized a mission on leishmaniases in Tajikistan 31 October - 2 November 2011, to provide technical assistance and to advise the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan on assessing the current situation on leishmaniases and measures to be taken.

WHO European Region aims to wipe out malaria in 4 years: Roll Back Malaria partners target strongholds of the disease 21-10-2011

Eliminating malaria by the end of 2015 in at least 8–10 additional countries globally, and thus from the entire WHO European Region, is one of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership’s objectives. A new WHO report, “Eliminating malaria: learning from the past, looking ahead”, clearly indicates that the 53 countries that make up the European Region are very close to reaching the goal.

Armenia: free of malaria 14-10-2011

On 7 October 2011, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan granted Armenia malaria-free status in an official letter to the Government.

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 Malaria Day 2011 in Azerbaijan 02-05-2011

Activities on World Malaria Day this year focused on raising media awareness about the progress and achievements of the national malaria programme, and key messages for the public. Representatives from 15 newspapers and news agencies took part in a media workshop.

Continued fall in malaria cases across Europe 29-04-2011

Substantial progress towards eliminating malaria has been made across the WHO European Region. On 25 April 2011, World Malaria Day, the countries that remain affected reaffirmed their commitment to elimination, as agreed in the Tashkent Declaration: “The Move from Malaria Control to Elimination”.

World Malaria Day 2011 – success and challenges in the fighting against malaria disease in Tajikistan 28-04-2011

World Malaria Day (25 April) is one of the most important and key elements in raising awareness of the population on issues related to the disease and measures for its prevention.

Turkmenistan Interagency Coordination Committee addresses issues of sustaining malaria-free status and leishmaniasis control 26-04-2011

On 11 April 2011 a meeting of the Interagency Coordination Committee of the National Programme on Malaria control was held. Meeting participants reviewed a report on the introduction of a national action plan to prevent re-introductoin of malaria transmission in turkmenistan for the period 2010-2015.

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.

Cost-effective and environmentally sound control of vector-borne diseases in southern Caucasus and central Asia 16-03-2011

A sub-regional project on demonstrating and scaling up sustainable alternatives to DDT to control vector-borne diseases in southern Caucasus and central Asia was launched at an inception meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia 8 to 11 February 2011.

Malaria elimination a step closer 14-12-2010

Since 2009, no locally transmitted cases of Plasmodium falciparum, the most common and fatal malaria type, have been recorded in the WHO European Region. This is one of the main findings of the “World malaria report 2010”, released today.

Strengthening cross-border collaboration on malaria elimination, November 2010 12-11-2010

In October 2010, an inter-country meeting between Tajikistan and Afghanistan took place in Kurgan-Tjube, Tajikistan, with the aim to strengthen cross-border collaboration on issues of malaria elimination and control. A joint statement on malaria elimination between the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Health of Afghanistan was thoroughly discussed, and WHO/Europe, WHO/EMRO and the Global Fund/Tajikistan took part in the discussion.

Turkmenistan: free of malaria 27-10-2010

On 19 October 2010, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan granted Turkmenistan malaria-free status in an official letter to the Government.

Strengthening cross-border collaboration on malaria elimination 14-10-2010

In the context of malaria elimination, particular emphasis should be given to situations, where there is a risk of spread of malaria between countries.

Progress with certification of malaria elimination in Turkmenistan and Armenia 14-10-2010

When a country has zero locally acquired malaria cases for at least three consecutive years, it can request WHO to certify its malaria-free status.

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan reaffirm cooperation on malaria 14-05-2010

Joint statement and agreement on the next steps to be taken

Malaria cases falling rapidly in the WHO European Region 27-11-2009

The number of reported cases of locally transmitted malaria in the WHO European Region fell to just 589 in 2008 from more than 90 000 in 1995. This dramatic decrease came largely as a result of intensive anti-malaria interventions.