News

SocialNet 2019: a real-life rehearsal on risk communication, community engagement and social science for the COVID-19 pandemic 08-09-2020

“When COVID-19 emerged, we quickly committed to daily press conferences and answered each and every question. If we didn’t have the answer, we said so honestly and promised to get more information as soon as possible,” says Oskars Sneiders, Head of the Communication Division in the Latvian Ministry of Health. “We saw a strong effect: people really listened and followed our recommendations, which has helped us to keep case numbers down so far.”

Well-prepared laboratories are first line of defence against novel coronavirus in Europe 07-02-2020

Timely detection of a contagious pathogen is vital to controlling its spread. In response to the emergency of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), WHO is working closely with a network of designated laboratories in the WHO European Region and other WHO regions to ensure that every country has the capacity and resources required to quickly test, report and respond to any suspected cases of the disease. In particular, WHO/Europe is facilitating shipment of testing kits, within a month of the virus first being isolated.

2019-nCoV outbreak is an emergency of international concern 31-01-2020

The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020. This is the 6th time WHO has declared a PHEIC since the International Health Regulations (IHR) came into force in 2005.

Increase in ‘bird flu’ outbreaks – WHO/Europe advice for handling dead or sick birds 27-01-2020

Since the end of 2019, several countries in the WHO European Region have reported avian influenza outbreaks in poultry and detections in wild birds. No human infections have been reported in connection with the current outbreaks. However, since some avian influenza viruses, also known as ‘bird flu’, can infect humans, it is important that people take protective steps and avoid contact with sick and dead birds or contaminated environments.

Turkey earthquake: health infrastructure intact, WHO supporting emergency response 27-01-2020

At least 40 people have died and over 1600 were injured following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in eastern Turkey, which took place at 20:55 local time on Friday, 24 January 2020. Of those injured, around 100 are undergoing treatment and the rest have already been discharged.

Statement – Novel coronavirus outbreak: Preparing now as one 25-01-2020

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China is a sign that every country needs to be ready to timely detect and manage outbreaks of any type. At the WHO Regional Office for Europe we have been investing all our expertise and passion in supporting European countries in this endeavour. This is at the core of our mandate.

2019-nCoV outbreak: first cases confirmed in Europe 25-01-2020

France has notified 3 confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV on 24 January. All 3 had travelled from Wuhan, China. The Regional Office is in contact with the French authorities.

Novel coronavirus outbreak in China – What does it mean for Europe? 24-01-2020

Following notification of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified as the cause by Chinese authorities on 7 January.

Novel coronavirus emerges in China 10-01-2020

On 31 December 2019, the WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities have made a preliminary determination of a new coronavirus, identified in a hospitalized person with pneumonia in Wuhan.

New generation of mobile laboratories improve rapid response to health emergencies 19-12-2019

WHO is setting up a system of classification and standards for rapid-response mobile laboratories (RRMLs) together with its collaborating centre the Robert Koch Institute within the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).

Assessing and prioritizing hazard risks in Kazakhstan 18-12-2019

To support health emergency response planning in Kazakhstan, WHO trained over 20 emergency professionals in assessing and prioritizing the risks of hazards in the country and in developing contingency plans. A strategic risk assessment tool is used to guide risk-informed programming that will catalyse action to prevent and prepare for hazard risks, and reduce the level of risks associated with a particular hazard and its consequences for health.

Universal health coverage on the agenda as Ukraine’s Health Minister visits WHO/Europe 11-12-2019

Reforms to reduce the financial burden of health care in Ukraine were discussed as Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Dr Zoryana Skaletska, visited WHO/Europe in Copenhagen on 2 December 2019.

Health needs top priority after Albania’s devastating quake 10-12-2019

During the evening of November 25, Piro, a young architect from Tirana, Albania, had just finished setting up the Christmas tree at his home. "I fixed it firmly so it could survive an earthquake," he joked with his fiancée. A few hours later, just before dawn, a massive jolt shook their building. The strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Western Albania lasted for nearly 30 seconds.

WHO working with health authorities in European Region after outbreak of Lassa fever in Sierra Leone 29-11-2019

WHO/Europe is working closely with partners and health authorities in several Member States following reports of an outbreak of Lassa fever in Sierra Leone.

Medical facilities coping well in Albania following earthquake 27-11-2019

At least 25 people have been killed and over 650 injured, according to official reports following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Albania which happened shortly before 04:00 local time on 26 November 2019.

WHO Representative in Serbia receives award for public advocacy and contribution to public health 11-11-2019

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the Institute of Public Health of Serbia has recognized Dr Marijan Ivanusa, WHO Representative and Head of Country Office in Serbia, for his public advocacy and contribution to public health. He received the award together with Tamara Vučić, First Lady; Dr Zlatibor Lončar, Minister of Health; and Dr Nebojša Lalić, Dean of the Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade.

Improving patient safety in conflict-affected areas 16-10-2019

On the first-ever World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2019, WHO recognized the efforts of health-care workers in the north-western Syrian Arab Republic, which has been affected by intense conflict for over 8 years.

Kyrgyzstan to endorse first national action plan for health security 11-10-2019

Kyrgyzstan has completed the last step towards endorsing its first action plan for health security by conducting a cost assessment, based on a WHO planning and costing tool which validated the feasibility of the plan. The Government will now route the plan through the formal ratification process in the coming months.

13 countries in the European Region better equipped to assess their public health capacities at airports and ports 24-09-2019

Diseases know no borders. In today’s globalized world, points of entry such as ports and airports are at the frontline for prevention, detection and response to diseases associated with international movements of people and goods. To protect population health and avoid unnecessary disruptions to travel and trade, WHO/Europe supports countries in the European Region to assess and enhance public health capacities at points of entry and exit. On 16–19 July 2019, WHO conducted a training in Albania on the use of the “Assessment tool for core capacity requirements at designated airports, ports and ground crossings”.

WHO urges investments to stop measles transmission in Europe 24-09-2019

The first-ever WHO Strategic Response Plan (SRP) for a measles emergency was launched today to ensure financial commitment to stop the spread of this highly contagious and serious disease in the WHO European Region.

Dr Satoo’s story: treating the mental health crisis with dedication and hope 23-09-2019

The ongoing escalation of the conflict in north-western Syrian Arab Republic continues to impact heavily on civilians. Between 1 May and 18 August 2019, over 570 000 people were displaced. Access to health care has also been severely limited.

World Patient Safety Day: making infection prevention and control everyone’s business in conflict-affected areas 16-09-2019

In conflict-affected areas, health-care facilities provide life-saving services with very limited resources. Combined with poor infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, inadequate water supply and sanitation, and weak hygiene infrastructure, this can often result in disease amplification among staff and patients, and in some situations in the community itself. On the first-ever World Patient Safety Day, the WHO Regional Office for Europe draws attention to patient safety and safer health care in various settings, including in the conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine and north-western Syria that the Regional Office is supporting.

Scaling up emergency health services in eastern Ukraine: the ABCDE of trauma care 26-08-2019

Trauma care, as an area of essential expertise for saving lives and protecting people from disabilities, is vital in eastern Ukraine’s conflict affected areas. Accordingly, the WHO Health Emergencies Programme provides state-of-the-art knowledge and experience to upgrade the skills of health care professionals so they are better enabled to treat injured patients and more confident in their interventions.

Syrian Arab Republic: tackling noncommunicable diseases in emergencies through primary health care 08-08-2019

Providing primary health care services in a country like the Syrian Arab Republic, which is facing one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies, presents many challenges for addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). With a severely weakened health system, challenges include short supplies of medicines and ensuring access and continuity in health services.

Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern 18-07-2019

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The declaration followed a meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee for Ebola in the DRC.

Vaccination against measles increases amid ongoing measles outbreaks in Europe 15-07-2019

The WHO European Region achieved 91% routine immunization coverage for the second dose of measles vaccination in 2018. This marks the second consecutive year in which the level of coverage has reached a record high in the Region, according to the WHO–United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates of national immunization coverage released today. It is a welcome sign that an increasing number of parents are choosing vaccination as the safest way to protect their children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

Kyrgyzstan strengthens capacities to prepare for and respond to measles outbreaks 20-06-2019

A simulation exercise and workshop were conducted in Kyrgyzstan as part of ongoing capacity-building activities to respond to the current measles outbreak and prepare parts of the country not yet affected by the outbreak.

Turkish and Syrian health workers stand together to deliver health services for refugees 19-06-2019

Before joining the Refugee Health Training Centre in Izmir, Turkey, in 2017 as Chief Doctor, Dr Umit Sezginer had never worked closely with anyone speaking a different language. He had devoted more than 10 years to delivering health care in several hospitals of this coastal city, but he felt he still had much to give to support the Syrian population in Turkey. Language, however, was a significant barrier. “The job was not easy in the beginning,” he explains. Turkish health-care workers could not communicate easily with Syrian patients and interpretation was doubling the time required for consultations. “This can become tiring for both the doctor and the patient, and more importantly, it can lead to miscommunication during medical examinations.”

Supporting Syrian refugees in Turkey with the health services and guidance they need 20-05-2019

With Syria’s health-care system shattered by years of conflict, patients with chronic diseases have seen their much-needed treatments interrupted. In Aleppo, Mohammed watched in desperation as his daughter Vale failed to receive the blood transfusion needed to treat thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder commonly found across Syria and other parts of the Middle East. “Before the war, Vale received her treatment from a local hospital,” he explains. “When the war began, she could not access the service anymore. For some months she didn’t get any blood transfusion; I was very scared.”

Over 100 000 people sick with measles in 14 months: with measles cases at an alarming level in the European Region, WHO scales up response 09-05-2019

WHO is scaling up its response to the ongoing measles outbreaks in the European Region, including by creating an operational platform to accelerate its support to affected countries.

Kyrgyzstan recognizes need to focus on health emergency preparedness 07-05-2019

“Health emergencies often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. That is why we need to ensure that our health systems can deliver timely, quality health services to those in need, in a comprehensive way and on an adequate scale,” said Karatayev Madamin, Deputy Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic. “These systems are especially important during emergencies, when access to quality essential health services can be severely compromised.”

Emergency risk communication package pioneered by WHO/Europe rolls out globally 07-05-2019

WHO/Europe’s 5-step emergency risk communication (ERC) package, first launched in 2018, was rolled out to the global organization on 2 May this year, following its proven use as an effective tool for numerous countries in the WHO European Region.

New report released on WHO’s response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis within and from Turkey 30-04-2019

The report just released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe on its response in 2018 to the Syrian humanitarian crisis details the operations of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and its health impacts for the affected Syrian population. The 2 programmes in the WHO Country Office in Turkey – cross-border operations into north-west Syria and the Refugee Health programme – have tailored their activities to the scale of the emergency and people’s health needs

8 ways WHO supports health in Syria 15-03-2019

The Syrian crisis is one of the world’s biggest and most complex humanitarian emergencies. Eight years of conflict have taken a huge toll on a health system that was once among the best in its region.

European countries commit to accelerate action to protect people from health emergencies together 25-02-2019

Sustained investment, mutual learning and support, and regular monitoring of progress – ministers of health and high-level delegates identified these as critical to scaling up health emergency preparedness and response in the WHO European Region.

Scaling up preparedness for high-threat pathogen outbreaks in Kyrgyzstan 15-02-2019

Over 50 epidemiologists, veterinarians and laboratory technicians from across Kyrgyzstan participated in a 5-day specialized training to deepen their knowledge on existing diagnostic methods and procedures to prevent outbreaks caused by high-threat pathogens – such as anthrax, cholera, rabies and brucellosis – and minimize their impact on human health in Kyrgyzstan.

Scaling up health emergency preparedness and response capacities in the European Region 11-02-2019

In alignment with the new Action Plan to Improve Public Health Preparedness and Response in the WHO European Region, the WHO Regional Office for Europe is supporting its Member States in scaling up their health emergency preparedness and response capacities through a series of capacity building initiatives.

Social science training enhances community engagement in health emergencies in 11 countries of the European Region 06-02-2019

Under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework, WHO provides support to Member States to improve national capacity to engage communities through enhanced use of social science-based interventions (SSIs) before, during and after health emergencies. The SocialNET training, a global initiative of WHO, was the first of its kind in the European Region and was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 10–14 December 2018. It strengthens WHO/Europe’s efforts to build skills in emergency risk communication (ERC) and community engagement as part of the ERC five-step capacity-building package.

Better emergency health care for 40,000 people in eastern Ukraine 31-01-2019

To improve the quality of health care services and reduce health risks for over 40 000 people in need in non-government controlled areas of Ukraine’s Luhansk region, WHO trained over 30 health workers on 23—25 January 2019. The training focused on supporting emergency health care specialists in trauma emergency care and lifesaving procedures.