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New diagnostic test could "revolutionize" TB health care
Fri, Sep 03, 2010
One of the deadliest diseases in the world, tuberculosis (TB), kills about 1.8 million people a year, while also affecting approximately 9.4 million people annually. Concerns regarding TB have grown over the years, as the bacterial disease has become increasingly drug-resistant.
New Zealand and India remain world's hotspot for H1N1 flu
Fri, Aug 20, 2010
Although pandemic H1N1 flu is over, influenza H1N1 (2009) virus transmission remains locally intense in India and New Zealand, according to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) update on Friday (August 20). The Associated Press (AP) reported that New Zealand has been experiencing rising levels of H1N1 flu infections since early August with nine deaths this year, including three fatalities in the past three days, health officials said Thursday (August 19).
New "superbug" calls for close monitoring worldwide
Fri, Aug 20, 2010
After the pandemic H1N1 flu was declared over on August 10, a new global health threat has emerged. A new superbug, known as New-Delhi- Metallo (NDM-1), could constitute a global public health problem as the bacterial gene has reportedly become resistant to all known antibiotics, including the most powerful class carbapenems, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday (August 16).
WHO ends H1N1 flu pandemic, enters post-pandemic phase
Fri, Aug 13, 2010
Following media reports on Monday (August 9) saying that the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency committee would meet this week to discuss the status of the H1N1 flu pandemic, the UN agency declared the end to the influenza H1N1 (2009) pandemic on Tuesday (August 10) saying, "The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course," according to BBC News. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in a teleconference that they were now moving into a post-pandemic period.
India continues to report increasing infections of H1N1 flu
Fri, Aug 06, 2010
Ensuring there are no surprises like last year's H1N1 flu virus, government officials and vaccine makers in the US are already ready for flu season in October. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season, and this year's dose will protect against three strains of flu, including the H1N1 flu virus that caused the pandemic last year.
H1N1 flu cases surge in India following monsoon
Fri, Jul 30, 2010
According to the Times of India (ToI), health ministry officials are concerned with the growing number of H1N1 flu cases in various parts of the country since the beginning of monsoons. The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that 38 casualties were recorded during the past week with the states of Maharashtra and Kerala enduring the brunt of the infections.
WHO close to declaring an end to the H1N1 pandemic
Fri, Jul 23, 2010
As influenza levels remain low worldwide, the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency committee (EC) is closer to possibly declaring an end to the H1N1 pandemic, which officially began in June 2009. But, a WHO spokesman on Tuesday (July 20) announced that the EC would not meet this week as they continue to monitor the behavior of the virus for the remainder of the southern hemisphere winter, Reuters reported.
Over 19,000 meet at International AIDS conference in Vienna
Fri, Jul 23, 2010
The 18th International AIDS Conference closed in Vienna, Austria on Friday (July 23) after six days. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), more than 19,200 people attended the conference, including policymakers, scientists, advocates and people living with HIV/AIDS.
WHO delays decision on swine flu pandemic
Fri, Jul 16, 2010
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that experts advising the UN health agency on whether to end the A (H1N1) pandemic alert have delayed their meeting and could now meet as late as August. The WHO declared a swine flu pandemic on June 11 of last year and a committee of 15 scientists, led by Australian infectious disease expert John Mackenzie, was scheduled to meet by mid-July to decide whether or not to recommend an end to the pandemic, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
UN and US unveil new AIDS strategy ahead of international conference
Fri, Jul 16, 2010
The UN and US on Tuesday (July 13) released new plans to tackle HIV/AIDS. The plans were released ahead of the International AIDS conference to be held in Vienna, starting Sunday (July 18) and will involve around 25,000 policy makers, activists, researchers and journalists, according to Reuters.
Japanese encephalitis outbreaks reported in India and Taiwan
Fri, Jul 16, 2010
In India's northeastern state of Manipur, at least 15 people have died of suspected Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and more than 100 others are undergoing treatment, according to The Hindu on Sunday (July 11). Dr.
UN official says WHO may soon downgrade H1N1 pandemic
Fri, Jul 09, 2010
The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to downgrade the H1N1 influenza pandemic when its emergency committee meets later this month, according to Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO Regional Director for Europe. The global pandemic alert level was raised to phase six a little over a year ago, becoming the first full-scale global pandemic in 41 years.
Mexican officials announce end of H1N1 health alert
Fri, Jul 02, 2010
On Tuesday (June 29), the government of Mexico lifted the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) alert, officially ending the health emergency in the country. According to the Associated Press (AP), 72,546 infections, including 1,289 deaths have been registered since the H1N1 outbreak was first detected in Mexico in April of last year.
Council of Europe calls for probe into WHO's handling of H1N1 outbreak
Fri, Jun 25, 2010
On Thursday (June 25) the Council of Europe called for a probe into the UN's World Health Organization (WHO's) handling of the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak. According to Agence France Presse (AFP), a statement said a council parliamentary assembly identified "grave shortcomings" of WHO transparency about its position on the flu," generating concerns about the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on decisions taken." According to AFP, the session adopted a text that says there was "overwhelming evidence that the seriousness of the pandemic was vastly overrated by WHO." AFP said, the group called for an inquiry that would take into account "a wide range of expertise and opinions" and also demanded that "declarations of interest of experts involved are made public without exception." In a BBC report on Thursday, Paul Flynn, a British MP who compiled a report on the H1N1 virus for the council, said that billions of pounds in public money were wasted worldwide on buying drugs to combat a "pandemic that never was." He also said that the WHO made a "terrible mistake" in causing a public panic.
Two members of WHO H1N1 flu expert panel resign
Fri, Jun 25, 2010
On Tuesday (June 22) the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) said that two members of the expert panel reviewing the WHO's response to the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak resigned over concerns of perceived conflict of interest. The WHO's handling of the outbreak is being reviewed by a 29-member expert panel that is expected to report its findings at the beginning of next year.
Researchers call for tighter surveillance of pigs after finding new swine flu virus
Fri, Jun 18, 2010
Researchers from Hong Kong are calling for increased surveillance of pigs after discovering a new swine flu virus that is a hybrid of the H1N1 virus and viruses previously found in pigs, according to media reports. The report was published Friday (June 18) in the journal, Science, by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and Shantou University Medical College in Guangdong province in China.
Researchers warn drug-resistant bugs on rise
Fri, Jun 18, 2010
According to a report released Tuesday (June 14) from the Center for Global Development, the World Health Organization (WHO), nonprofit groups and governments are not paying enough attention to the dangers of drug-resistant bugs. According to the report, the WHO and others are saving lives by distributing drugs to developing countries, but such distribution programs are creating drug resistance and may be endangering the lives they were meant to save, Reuters reported.
WHO defends management of H1N1 pandemic
Fri, Jun 11, 2010
On Tuesday (June 8), the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) defended its handling of the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic in the wake of criticism from a leading medical journal last week. "At no time, not for one second, did commercial interests enter into my decision-making," Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, as saying in a letter sent to the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Researchers develop new malaria treatment
Fri, Jun 04, 2010
On Thursday (June 3), Australian scientists announced that they have found a way to block malaria infection, according to various news reports. According to The Australian and Xinhua news agency, scientists at the Melbourne-based Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research identified a method that kills off the mosquito-borne parasite once it has gained access to a person's red blood cells.
WHO Emergency Committee continues H1N1 flu pandemic alert despite declining activity
Fri, Jun 04, 2010
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday (June 3) that the H1N1 pandemic is not over and the current pandemic alert level will remain at the top level 6, which it has been at since June 2009. The announcement was made after a review of the outbreak by the WHO emergency committee on Tuesday (June 1), which is composed of 15 external advisers.
H1N1 flu response examined by Pacific Avian and Pandemic Influenza Task Force
Fri, May 28, 2010
The Pacific Avian and Pandemic Influenza Task Force commenced a three-day meeting on Tuesday (May 25) in Nadi, Fiji to review the region's responses to the H1N1 2009 pandemic and to determine how preparedness and response plans can be improved, the Saipan Tribune reported. The Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) learned how important it is to have preparedness and response plans in place, including necessary resources to implement them, after almost all Pacific areas confirmed cases of the H1N1 pandemic influenza last year.
Expert panel commences H1N1 flu investigation at the World Health Assembly
Fri, May 21, 2010
The current pandemic H1N1 flu situation is largely unchanged since last week's UN World Health Organization (WHO) update, and continues to affect over 214 countries and overseas territories or communities with laboratory confirmed cases, including more than 18,097 deaths worldwide, according to the UN agency's update on Friday (May 21). One of the more active areas of pandemic influenza virus transmission is in the Caribbean.
WHO emergency committee to determine status of H1N1 pandemic soon
Fri, May 14, 2010
As the case count for H1N1 flu cases wanes, an expert panel advising the UN World Health Organization (WHO) on pandemics is preparing to review the status of the H1N1 flu later this month or in early June to determine if the pandemic is over, Reuters reported on Tuesday (May 11). The 15-member independent panel is waiting till the end of May or in early June because the Emergency Committee wants to wait for the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere before making recommendations, WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said.
US states advised to save 71 million unused H1N1 flu vaccine doses
Fri, May 07, 2010
As of Sunday (May 2), the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 18,001 fatalities worldwide across more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities that have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, according to their latest update on Friday (May 7). West Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia are currently the most active areas of H1N1 flu transmission.
Threat of H1N1 flu makes seasonal flu vaccinations soar
Fri, Apr 30, 2010
The global H1N1 flu situation as of Friday (April 30) is largely unchanged from the last UN World Health Organization (WHO) update, adding only 66 new confirmed casualties that brings the estimated global pandemic death toll to 17,919 as of Sunday (April 25). According to the situation update, the most active areas of transmission continue to be parts of West and Central Africa along with a few focal areas of activity in South and Southeast Asia.
WHO H1N1 flu death toll nears 18,000 as international conference on animal and pandemic influenza begins in Vietnam
Fri, Apr 23, 2010
One year after the H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, began spreading across the globe, the new virus has infected people in over 214 countries and overseas terrirories or communities, including 17,853 laboratory-confirmed deaths as of Sunday (April 18), according to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) latest report on Friday (April 23). The Americas region has consistently reported the most deaths, and as of Sunday tallied at least 8,309 deaths.
Research finds bacterium that halts replication of dengue virus in mosquitoes
Fri, Apr 16, 2010
Research conducted by entomologists at Michigan State University (MSU) about their findings of a bacterium that can halt dengue fever virus transmission was published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) Pathogens on April 1. Their study saw the Wolbachia bacteria stop the replication of the dengue virus in mosquitoes.
Worldwide polio campaign gains progress
Fri, Apr 16, 2010
The campaign against polio worldwide is showing signs of progress, according to a report by the New York Times (NYT). According to the Times, India and Nigeria, where the disease is endemic, has shown progress in halting the spread of the virus.
Experts hold three-day review of WHO's handling of H1N1 flu pandemic
Fri, Apr 16, 2010
Going into a three-day review by 29 external experts of the handling of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic on Monday (April 12), the UN World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed a frank and critical review to help extract lessons for future public health emergencies, Reuters reported. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the review should be "independent, credible and transparent," and told the session, "We want to know what worked well.
New meningitis vaccine protects against four major strains
Fri, Apr 09, 2010
A new meningitis vaccine, called Menveo, which protects against four major strains of the disease is available in Europe, the BBC reported on March 30. According to the BBC, Menveo is made by Novartis Vaccine and Diagnostics and at least one other pharmaceutical company is expected to launch a similar vaccine.
Committee to review WHO's handling of H1N1 flu pandemic
Fri, Apr 09, 2010
In the past week, the global H1N1 flu situation is largely unchanged, according to the UN World Health Organization's update on Friday (April 9). Two-hundred and thirteen countries and overseas territories or communities continue to report laboratory-confirmed cases of the new flu, including more than 17,700 deaths, as of Sunday (April 4).
WHO to review H1N1 flu response while southeastern US states see uptick in case count
Fri, Apr 02, 2010
The UN World Health Organization’s (WHO) weekly update on Thursday (April 1) reported the global H1N1 flu death toll as more than 17,843 as of Sunday (March 28) in more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities reporting laboratory confirmed cases. Active areas of the H1N1 flu have been identified in parts of the tropical zones of Asia, the Americas and Africa.
Studies show 2009 H1N1 flu virus "remarkably similar" to 1918 pandemic strain
Fri, Mar 26, 2010
Since the onset of the pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 outbreak in April last year, more than 16,931 deaths have been confirmed across more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities worldwide as of Sunday (March 21), according to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) weekly update on Friday (March 26). The Americas region tallies the most deaths with at least 7,673, followed by the European region with at least 4,637.
UN setting up patent pool for cheaper HIV drugs
Fri, Mar 26, 2010
A patent pool will be set up to begin operating in June to allow developing countries to manufacture cheaper HIV drugs, according to SciDev.net. The patent pool will be based in Switzerland, and will be set up after formal approval by the executive board of UNITAID, an international drug purchase facility established to purchase drugs against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Drug companies agree to supply low cost pneumonia vaccines to developing countries
Fri, Mar 26, 2010
The Geneva-based GAVI Alliance said Tuesday (March 23) that pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer Inc. have made a 10-year commitment to supply developing countries with new pneumonia vaccines.
WHO says drug-resistant TB now at "record levels"
Fri, Mar 26, 2010
In a new report on the global status of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) said that one in four people with TB become ill with a form of the disease that can no longer be treated with drugs. The health agency says for example that 28 percent of all people newly diagnosed with TB in one region of northwestern Russia had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 2008.
UN says unsafe water kills more people worldwide than violence
Fri, Mar 26, 2010
A new UN report released Monday (March 22), to coincide with World Water Day, says that more people die from polluted water every year than from all forms of violence, including war, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The report, titled "Sick Water," written by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) says that some 2 billion tons of waste water is being discharged daily, fueling the spread of disease and damaging ecosystems, the AP reported.
WHO reports death toll from H1N1 flu nearing 17,000
Fri, Mar 19, 2010
According to the UN's World Health Organization (WHO), as of Sunday (March 14), more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16,813 deaths. WHO reports that the most active areas of pandemic influenza transmission continue to be in Southeast Asia and West Africa.
WHO reports global H1N1 flu death toll at 16,713
Fri, Mar 12, 2010
Pandemic H1N1 flu transmission has significantly slowed, but the most active areas are currently in Southeast Asia, while lower levels of frequency persist in other parts of Asia and in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) update reported on Friday (March 12). Although data is limited in West Africa, data suggests that H1N1 flu may be increasing in some countries in the region, including Senegal, Rwanda and Cote D'Ivoire.
Mexico reports detection of first H1N1 flu mutation
Fri, Mar 05, 2010
The latest UN World Health Organization (WHO) update on Friday (March 5) reported that transmission of influenza activity in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere is generally declining or is at low levels in most areas. The new virus does persist in parts of Southeast Asia and East and South-eastern Europe, but the UN agency noted that cases of influenza type B are spreading in Asia.
H1N1 pandemic flu has not passed peak, WHO says
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
As of Sunday (February 21) , more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1, including 16,226 fatalities, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Friday (February 26). Similar to previous weeks, the H1N1 flu continues to wane in most places in the northern hemisphere, but is still being detected across many countries.
WHO says worldwide H1N1 death toll nears 16,000
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (February 19) said that the global death toll from swine flu approached the 16,000 mark as the pandemic wanes in much of Asia and Europe, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. The toll recorded grew by 629 compared to the previous week.
WHO recommends this year's seasonal flu vaccine to include H1N1 strain
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (February 18) recommended that this year's seasonal flu vaccine in the northern hemisphere should include protection against three strains, including the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus had emerged too late last year to be added to the regular flu vaccine and a separate vaccine was needed.
WHO emergency committee to decide if H1N1 flu pandemic has peaked
Fri, Feb 12, 2010
An emergency committee meeting will be held by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) later this month to examine whether the H1N1 flu pandemic has passed its peak, the Associated Press (AP) reported a senior official saying on Thursday (February 11). The emergency committee will make recommendations on the state of the pandemic to WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, and decide whether the global outbreak has entered a post-peak transition phase, Keiji Fukuda, WHO's flu chief said.
Gates foundation to donate US$10 billion for vaccines over next decade
Fri, Feb 05, 2010
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in late January said it would donate US$10 billion over the next 10 years to research new vaccines and bring them to the world's poorest countries, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The Gates' said that the money will produce higher immunization rates and aims to make sure that 90 percent of children are immunized against diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia in poor nations and called on governments and businesses to also contribute.
Poor countries not receiving H1N1 flu vaccine despite surplus
Fri, Feb 05, 2010
As of Sunday (January 31), the latest UN World Health Organization (WHO) update on Friday (February 5) reported the worldwide H1N1 flu death toll as at least 15,174, with laboratory-confirmed cases in more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities. The Americas region reported the most deaths with at least 7,261, the European Region reported 3,605, the Asia-Pacific region had 3,127, while the Eastern Mediterranean Region tallied 1,014 and the African region reported 167 deaths.
Global H1N1 flu death toll nearing 15,000
Fri, Jan 29, 2010
The UN World Health Organization's (WHO) newest update on Friday (January 29) reported 569 more deaths from H1N1 flu in the past week, bringing the global death toll to at least 14,711 in over 209 countries and overseas territories or communities as of Sunday (January 24). The Americas region this week accounted for the most casualties with at least 7,166.
Birds not affected by H1N1 flu strains, study says
Fri, Jan 22, 2010
A new study says that birds do not become sick when exposed to the H1N1 influenza strains that caused the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics, HealthDay news reported. The finding suggests birds played no role in the spread of pandemic-causing viruses to humans, the report published in the February issue of the Journal of General Virology said.
WHO says H1N1 flu pandemic remains moderate; death toll passes 14,000
Fri, Jan 22, 2010
According to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) update on Friday (January 22), the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus appeared to be easing, and said that the overall situation was largely unchanged since last week. As of Sunday (January 17), the UN agency reported more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities worldwide reporting laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, including at least 14,142 fatalities.
WHO criticized for its handling of the H1N1 flu pandemic
Fri, Jan 15, 2010
Pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 continues to afflict people across more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities, and is reportedly most transmissible in parts of North Africa, South Asia and east and southeastern Europe, according to the UN's World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (January 15). As of Sunday (January 10), the UN agency tallied at least 13,554 casualties with the Americas region reporting at least 7,016, which accounts for most of the deaths worldwide.
Health officials encourage vigilance against H1N1 flu despite waning infections
Fri, Jan 08, 2010
According to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) latest Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (January 8), 579 additional fatalities were reported this week, bringing the worldwide death toll to at least 12,799 as of Sunday (January 3). Since the new virus first emerged in Mexico in March 2009, more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of the disease.
H1N1 flu declining worldwide, but WHO warns against complacency
Wed, Dec 30, 2009
The UN's World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Wednesday (December 30) reported that as of Sunday (December 27), at least 12,220 deaths due to the pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 virus have been confirmed worldwide in 208 countries and overseas territories or communities since the disease was discovered in April. Since the last figure was reported, about 700 more fatalities were tallied.
H1N1 flu vaccine plentiful in the US
Fri, Dec 18, 2009
Eight months after the pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 was uncovered, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least 10,582 deaths have been confirmed as of Sunday (December 13) in more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities world wide. The Americas region still tallies the most casualties with at least 6,335, the Asia-Pacific region reports, 1,912, the European region notes 1,654, the Eastern-Mediterranean region has 572, while the African region's count remains at 109 as no update was received by the WHO this week.
WHO's tuberculosis strategy helps cure 36 million in last 15 years
Fri, Dec 11, 2009
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Tuesday (December 8) that an aggressive tuberculosis (TB) treatment method has cured some 36 million people over the last 15 years, and averted up to 8 million deaths. Cure rates have consistently increased ever since the WHO adopted the six-point strategy to curb the spread of TB.
WHO's tuberculosis strategy helps cure 36 million in last 15 years
Fri, Dec 11, 2009
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Tuesday (December 8) that an aggressive tuberculosis (TB) treatment method has cured some 36 million people over the last 15 years, and averted up to 8 million deaths. Cure rates have consistently increased ever since the WHO adopted the six-point strategy to curb the spread of TB.
H1N1 flu waning in the US, while winter flu appears
Fri, Dec 11, 2009
The UN World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (December 11) stated over 208 countries and overseas territories or communities are reporting laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 9,596 casualties. The Americas region continues to have the most casualties with at least 6,131, the Asia-Pacific region reports 1,662, the European region tallied at least 1,242, while the Eastern Mediterranean Region had 452 and the African region recorded 109.
H1N1 flu waning in the US, while winter flu appears
Fri, Dec 11, 2009
The UN World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (December 11) stated over 208 countries and overseas territories or communities are reporting laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 9,596 casualties. The Americas region continues to have the most casualties with at least 6,131, the Asia-Pacific region reports 1,662, the European region tallied at least 1,242, while the Eastern Mediterranean Region had 452 and the African region recorded 109.
Measles Initiative funding gap causes fear of a resurgence
Fri, Dec 04, 2009
Mass childhood vaccination campaigns have shown their impact with global deaths from measles dropping by 78 percent between 2000 and 2008, Reuters reported on Thursday (December 3). But, experts are saying death rates may increase again if complacency causes a lag in immunization efforts.
H1N1 flu infections slowing in the US
Fri, Dec 04, 2009
At least 8,768 deaths have been confirmed worldwide in more than 207 countries and overseas territories or communities as of Sunday (November 29), according to the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) update on Friday (December 4). Because many countries have ceased to count individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the actual case count is likely to be significantly higher than any reported case count.
Health experts say diarrhea and pneumonia remain biggest killers of children
Wed, Nov 25, 2009
According to global health experts, diarrhea and pneumonia remain the diseases that are the biggest child killers, killing an estimated 3.5 million kids under five each year globally. According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the figure is more than HIV and malaria combined.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria to spend US$2.4 billion over next two years
Wed, Nov 25, 2009
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said November 12 that it had approved grants worth US$2.4 billion to combat the diseases over the next two years. The amount is a slight decrease in funding levels, according to the Voice of America (VOA).
UN says over 33 million infected with AIDS virus
Wed, Nov 25, 2009
According to a UN report released this week, an estimated 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the AIDS virus, slightly up from 33 million in 2007. The report says that more people are living longer because of the availability of drugs, however, more than half of the people who need the life-saving drugs are not receiving them, Reuters news agency reported.
WHO investigating reports of drug resistant H1N1 flu
Wed, Nov 25, 2009
The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) says that it is investigating reports in Britain and the US that the H1N1 flu may have developed a resistance to oseltamivir, the generic name of Roche and Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug, Tamiflu, in people with severely suppressed immune systems. Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that five cases have been confirmed in Wales, while the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week also reported four cases of drug resistance at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina, Reuters news agency reported.
65 million H1N1 flu vaccine doses administered across the globe
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
An estimated 80 million doses of the pandemic vaccine have been distributed, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) noted in its latest update on Friday (November 20), while around 65 million people have been inoculated. According to the UN agency, even though intense monitoring of vaccine safety continues, all data gathered to date shows that pandemic vaccines match the excellent safety profile of seasonal influenza vaccines.
H1N1 flu activity appears to decline in US, but four drug-resistant cases emerge
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
According to the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) latest Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (November 20), more than 6,770 people have been killed among over 526,060 laboratory-confirmed cases across more than 206 countries and overseas territories or communities in the world. From the previous update, some 500 more casualties were tallied, with the most deaths (4,806) still recorded in the Americas region.
H1N1 flu intensifies in North America, Europe and Central Asia
Fri, Nov 13, 2009
The UN's World Health Organization's (WHOs) latest update on Friday (November 13) has reported more than 206 countries and overseas territories or communities registering laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, commonly known as swine flu, since the outbreak emerged in April. As of Sunday (November 8), at least 6,260 H1N1 flu deaths have been confirmed among more than 503,536 cases across the globe.
WHO urges the value of the H1N1 flu vaccination
Fri, Nov 06, 2009
According to WHO flu expert Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine that has been administered to millions of people in some 20 countries in the past weeks has shown to be "very safe," while providing protection with no unusual side effects, Reuters reported.
H1N1 flu cases spike in the northern hemisphere
Fri, Nov 06, 2009
In over 199 countries and territories worldwide, the H1N1 flu virus has caused more than 6,000 deaths among over 482,300 confirmed cases as of Sunday (November 1), according to the UN World Health Organization's (WHOs) latest Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (November 6). As the H1N1 flu virus picks up steam in the northern hemisphere, deaths have increased by more than 370, with the majority coming from the Americas region, where nearly three quarters of the global death toll, 4,399 deaths, have been tallied, which is an increase of 224 casualties per week.
H1N1 flu infections widespread in the northern hemisphere
Fri, Oct 30, 2009
As expected, a second wave of H1N1 flu is hitting the northern hemisphere and transmission of the new virus is intensifying. According to the UN's World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (October 30), North America, the US and parts of Western Canada continue to report high rates of influenza-like-illness and high numbers of the H1N1 flu virus, making the Americas region the worst-affected region.
WHO experts meet on H1N1 flu vaccine policies and strategies
Fri, Oct 30, 2009
According to the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Dr. Anthony Fauci, it is unlikely that the US will attain its initial goal of delivering 195 million H1N1 flu vaccines during the US government's fall vaccination campaign, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Tuesday (October 27).
US frustrated as H1N1 flu vaccine production lags
Fri, Oct 23, 2009
H1N1 flu vaccines are en route to the US, but demand has outstripped supply, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week due to vaccine production being slower than expected, CNN News reported on Friday (October 23). According to Bloomberg, the H1N1 flu is now widespread in 46 states and is responsible for 411 confirmed deaths in the nation since August 30 and over 8,200 hospitalizations.
New data reveals HIV vaccine trial results as significant
Fri, Oct 23, 2009
On Tuesday (October 20), new details published at a conference in Paris have indicated that, while small scale, the results from September's HIV vaccine trial were, "robust and statistically significant," BBC News reported. Last month, scientists announced that a trial of an HIV vaccine, a combination of two vaccines, had yielded a 31 percent level of protection among 16,000 volunteers in Thailand.
CDC reports widespread H1N1 flu activity in 46 US states
Fri, Oct 23, 2009
The latest UN World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (October 23) revealed that nearly 5,000 people have been killed since the new virus emerged in April, among more than 414,945 cases across the globe, as of Saturday (October 17). Since last week, 265 more deaths were recorded, which include Iceland, Sudan and Trinidad and Tobago's first reported fatal cases.
Diarrhea reported as second greatest killer of children
Fri, Oct 16, 2009
A report issued on Wednesday (October 14) by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) said that diarrhea was the second deadliest illness for children, following malaria, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. The UN's report, titled, "Diarrhea: Why Children Are Still Dying and What Can Be Done," contains information on the causes of diarrhea, data on access to means of prevention and treatment and a seven-point plan to decrease diarrhea deaths, PTI said.
International donations of the H1N1 flu vaccine made to poorer countries
Fri, Oct 16, 2009
Since the last UN World Health Organization (WHO) update on October 7, 210 more fatalities have been reported, bringing the worldwide laboratory-confirmed case count of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 to over 399,232, including more than 4,735 deaths. The Americas region still tallies the most deaths with 3,406, followed by the Asia-Pacific region reporting 962 deaths.
H1N1 flu vaccination drives continue as Asia prepares for a second wave of infections
Fri, Oct 09, 2009
As an expected second wave of H1N1 flu infections near, Asia is taking precautions to combat the illness and prevent further spread. Pharmaceutical firms around the world have been racing to develop vaccines against the virus before the autumn flu season goes back to the northern hemisphere.
Over 4,500 H1N1 flu deaths reported as northern hemisphere cases rise
Fri, Oct 09, 2009
Over 375,000 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 have been accounted for as of Sunday (October 4), including more than 4,500 deaths reported around the globe, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) released on Friday (October 9). Since the last web update, Tajikistan is the only country to have newly reported their first case of H1N1.
H1N1 flu death toll over 4,100 among more than 340,000 cases
Fri, Oct 02, 2009
The UN World Health Organization's (WHOs) latest Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (October 2) noted there were more than 343,298 H1N1 flu cases worldwide, including at least 4,108 deaths as of Sunday (September 27). Since the last web update, no new countries and overseas territories/communities have newly reported their first H1N1 flu cases.
Vaccine shipments sent to US as Australia begins vaccination drive
Fri, Oct 02, 2009
As countries worldwide continue to work on H1N1 flu vaccines, Australia on Wednesday (September 30) launched the country’s largest vaccination program for the new flu in Perth, Western Australia, to protect itself against a possible second wave of the disease. According to Australia Health Minister Nicola Roxon, Australia has ordered 21 million doses of the flu vaccination from the country’s pharmaceutical company, CSL Ltd, and 5.5 million doses of the vaccine will be delivered across the country, which is sufficient to vaccinate about 30 percent of the population.
WHO concerned for developing nations as H1N1 flu case count passes 300,000
Fri, Sep 25, 2009
According to the UN's World Health Organization's (WHO) latest Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 update on Friday (September 25), more than 300,000 laboratory confirmed-cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 have been reported across 191 countries and territories, including 3,917 deaths, as of Sunday (September 20). The Americas region remained at the top for the most fatalities with 2,948, followed by the Asia-Pacific region recording 702, Europe reporting at least 154, the Middle East reporting 72, while Africa tallied 72 deaths.
AIDS vaccine trials show a reduced risk of infection
Fri, Sep 25, 2009
Trials to test an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) vaccine have for the first time ever, resulted in the protection of people from the viral disease by reducing the risk of infection by 31.2 percent, several media sources reported on Thursday (September 24). The trial, which was sponsored by the US government and organized by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, was conducted on 16,402 volunteers considered to be at "community risk" of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Reuters reported.
WHO estimate of vaccine production capacity slashed
Fri, Sep 25, 2009
The global production estimate of the H1N1 flu vaccine was reduced from 5 billion doses per year to 3 billion doses per year, which is only sufficient for half of the world, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday (September 24). Pharmaceutical companies have cut their production forecasts due to poorer expected yields from the so-called "seed virus" strains developed by WHO-approved laboratories, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
H1N1 flu vaccinations could begin earlier than expected
Fri, Sep 18, 2009
A week after researchers determined that one shot was sufficient for protection against the H1N1 flu, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unexpectedly announced on Sunday (September 13) that the US' first round of H1N1 flu vaccines could be available as early as the first week of October, which is sooner than projected. The next day (Tuesday September 15), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the new H1N1 flu vaccine, giving the green light to pharmaceutical companies to begin mass vaccinations next month.
Experts say H1N1 flu may spread week or more after symptoms appear
Fri, Sep 18, 2009
The World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (September 18) registered 3,486 deaths among 296,471 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu worldwide. The Americas region still has the highest death toll at 2,625, while the Asia-Pacific region had 620 deaths, Europe reported 140 deaths, while in the Middle East 61 people died from the virus and in Africa, 40 deaths have been reported.
Studies reveal one dose of swine flu vaccine sufficient in adults
Fri, Sep 11, 2009
The 62nd meeting of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia began its four-day annual gathering on Monday (September 7) in the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, with a means to strengthen public health measures to combat the H1N1 flu and other diseases, Xinhua news agency reported. Health ministers from 11 Southeast Asian countries - Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste - attended to discuss the impacts of the global economic downturn on health, the swine flu pandemic and on strategies to protect health facilities in emergencies.
Experts meet at dengue symposium in Manila
Fri, Sep 11, 2009
Health experts at a dengue symposium in the Philippines this week said that the rapid growth of crowded cities has helped spread and increase the transmission of dengue fever around the world, according to a report by Reuters. The experts warned that up to 3 billion people were already at risk.
Northern hemisphere countries observe growing H1N1 flu activity as winter approaches
Fri, Sep 11, 2009
In both the northern and southern hemisphere, the pandemic (H1N1) influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu, continues to be the predominant circulating flu that is affecting people across the globe, but has not shown signs of becoming more serious, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The UN agency's latest update on Friday (September 11) reported at least 3,205 deaths among more than 277,607 laboratory-confirmed worldwide cases as of Sunday (September 6).
Researchers say new form of malaria poses threat to humans
Fri, Sep 11, 2009
An international team of researchers say that an emerging new form of malaria poses a deadly threat to humans, the BBC reported. According to the researchers, the parasite Plasmodium knowlesi (P.
China's Sinovac produces first H1N1 flu single dose vaccine
Fri, Sep 04, 2009
After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an H1N1 flu pandemic on June 11, pharmaceutical companies across the globe have been working rapidly to develop, test, and ship vaccines to combat the new virus as an expected second wave of the pandemic approaches. On Thursday (September 3), two pharmaceutical companies unveiled a newly developed H1N1 flu vaccine that provides immunity after one dose.
H1N1 flu circulates widely as death toll nears 3,000
Fri, Sep 04, 2009
Across the globe, the influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, continues to cause widespread infection and be the predominant circulating virus of influenza in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Friday (September 4). Continued monitoring of the H1N1 flu situation by the UN agency has also emphasized that there are still no signs that the virus has mutated into a more virulent strain as temperatures cool and schools return from summer break in the Northern Hemisphere.
Global H1N1 flu vaccine shortage expected as flu season returns to Northen Hemisphere
Fri, Aug 28, 2009
Since the H1N1 flu first emerged back in April in Mexico, the US has been the hardest hit country, suffering the most infections and deaths for the majority of the outbreak. However, Brazil passed the US death toll, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at 555 on Thursday (August 27), recording 584 fatalities among 5,206 confirmed cases, Xinhua news agency reported health authorities as saying.
H1N1 flu wanes in Southern Hemisphere as death toll passes 2,000
Fri, Aug 28, 2009
The Influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, continues to afflict people across the globe, but the UN's World Health Organization's (WHO) latest update on Friday (August 28) stated H1N1 flu infections in the Southern Hemisphere are declining as their seasonal flu period ends. In particular, the WHO highlighted countries such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia of appearing to have passed their peak of influenza activity, while countries such as South Africa and Bolivia continue to endure high levels of influenza activity, mostly identified as the H1N1 flu, Gregory Hartl, a WHO spokesman, reported.
H1N1 flu vaccine shortage expected due to production delays
Thu, Aug 20, 2009
On Tuesday (Aug 18), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Northern Hemisphere countries had already ordered more than 1 billion doses of the H1N1 pandemic vaccine, which created concerns of possible shortages, WHO spokesman Melinda Henry told the Agence France-Presse (AFP). According to experts, the huge demand plus production delays could result in shortages, which would force governments preparing for a second, possibly more severe, wave of the H1N1 flu to make difficult choices of who to vaccinate first.
WHO ensures developing countries priority for H1N1 flu aid
Thu, Aug 20, 2009
The influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, has in most cases been mild to moderate since it emerged in Mexico in April, but as the Northern Hemisphere approaches its winter season, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that the world must remain vigilant against the virus as the situation could become much worse. Director General of the WHO, Margaret Chan told Reuters that the world must remain on its guard and "see how the disease will evolve." According to the WHO's latest H1N1 flu figures on August 13, there have been 1,799 fatalities among more than 182,166 laboratory-confirmed cases across nearly 180 countries.
H1N1 flu vaccine trials begin as death toll nears 1,500
Fri, Aug 14, 2009
The UN's World Health Organization (WHO) reported the influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, death toll at 1,462 among at least 177,457 global cases as of Wednesday (August 12), but the UN agency said the true number of infections is certainly much higher. With new countries reporting their first infections and other countries confirming more deaths and cases each day, the WHO said countries are now only obligated to report their first confirmed cases because the H1N1 flu virus is "unstoppable" and it is unnecessary to count each case, Reuters noted.
Clinton Foundation and pharmaceutical companies announce cheaper HIV/AIDS drugs
Fri, Aug 07, 2009
Former US President Bill Clinton and drug makers on Thursday (Aug 5) announced an agreement that would lower the price of treatments for patients with drug-resistant forms of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. Clinton and representatives of drug makers Pfizer and Matrix Laboratories Ltd., a unit of U.S.-based Mylan Inc., made the announcement from Clinton's foundation headquarters in Manhattan, New York.
New strain of HIV identified in gorillas
Fri, Aug 07, 2009
Researchers say they have identified a new strain of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from gorillas. According to CNN, it is the first strain derived from gorillas, as all three previous variants have come from chimpanzees.
WHO reports H1N1 flu vaccine will be available from September
Fri, Aug 07, 2009
The World Health Organization's (WHO) most recent influenza A (H1N1) virus update on Tuesday (August 4) confirmed 1,154 deaths among 162,380 cases since the outbreak emerged in Mexico and the US in April. In the last week, 338 casualties have been tallied across the globe.
WHO reports more than 800 H1N1 flu deaths among nearly 135,000 infections worldwide
Fri, Jul 31, 2009
As the world vigilantly monitors the H1N1 flu pandemic, the number of affected countries, infections and deaths continue to rapidly increase. The disease has also spread to the most remote parts of the globe, including popular island getaways and holiday destinations such as the Seychelles, Turks and Caicos and France's Reunion Island.
Pregnant women at top of priority groups to receive H1N1 flu vaccine
Fri, Jul 31, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday (July 28) that they will be consulting experts on the way antiviral drugs are used to handle the H1N1 flu pandemic and the possibility of drug resistance, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. According to WHO spokeswoman Aphaluck Bhatiasevi, the WHO's recommendations for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) remain the same for now, but said they will be focusing on specifics related to antiviral resistance and the use of Tamiflu.
WHO says H1N1 flu outbreak has killed more than 700 worldwide
Fri, Jul 24, 2009
The UN said Tuesday (July 21), that the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, has so far killed more than 700 people worldwide since April. The UN's World Health Organization (WHO), said that countries should consider closing schools to slow the spread of the virus.
Global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria seeks US$30 billion for 2010
Fri, Jul 24, 2009
The executive director of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said that the fund wants up to US$30 billion next year. Since its inception by the G8 grouping of major industrial nations in 2002, the fund has distributed grants worth some US$16 billion in 140 countries around the world, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, Reuters news agency reported.
CDC reports over 40,000 H1N1 cases in US
Fri, Jul 17, 2009
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday (July 17), reported 263 deaths from the H1N1 flu, out of 40,617 lab-confirmed and probable infections across all 50 states, the District of Colombia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The numbers are up from 21 deaths and 37,246 cases reported last week.
Researchers say H1N1 flu virus similar to virus that caused 1918 pandemic
Fri, Jul 17, 2009
An international team of researchers reported Monday (July 13) that the new H1N1 influenza virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, bears a resemblance to the virus strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic. The team of international researchers said that the H1N1 virus had a greater ability to infect the lungs than common seasonal flu viruses, Reuters and the BBC reported.
H1N1 flu cases surge in the Southern Hemisphere
Fri, Jul 10, 2009
In the midst of winter flu season in the southern hemisphere, observations have shown that the H1N1 flu seems to be replacing the seasonal flu viruses that have been circulating, which is common pandemic behavior, the New Scientist magazine reported. In Australia's state of Victoria, the H1N1 flu has been responsible for 99 percent of all flu cases.
Concerns raised as 3 Tamiflu-resistant cases surface
Fri, Jul 10, 2009
Health Ministries around the world have reported numerous additional cases and deaths from the H1N1 flu throughout the week, but the UNs World Health Organization (WHO) has not updated their figures since Monday (July 6), reporting 94,512 cases, including 429 deaths, across 136 countries and territories. From the WHO's last update on July 2, 4,591 new cases and 47 more deaths were confirmed.
Rockefeller Foundation announces initiative to boost health systems in Africa and Asia
Thu, Jul 02, 2009
The Rockefeller Foundation announced its plans to implement a US$100 million initiative to support the strengthening of health systems in Africa and Asia on Wednesday (July 1), Xinhua news agency reported. The initiative, called Transforming Health Systems (THS), will tackle the global need for affordable, accessible and quality health services, the Foundation's President, Judith Rodin, said while addressing a news conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
World health officials address H1N1 flu challenges in Mexico
Thu, Jul 02, 2009
As H1N1 flu infections continue to rise across the globe, the virus is spreading rapidly in the Southern Hemisphere and Europe, and is showing sings of resurging in Mexico, where the outbreak was first detected in April. To address swine flu challenges and concerns, WHO Director-General Dr.
More than 77,000 H1N1 flu cases confirmed worldwide
Thu, Jul 02, 2009
Since Monday's (June 29) update by the UN's World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 6,308 new influenza A (H1N1) virus infections and 21 new deaths. More commonly known as swine flu, the new virus has now afflicted 77,201 people, including 332 deaths across 120 countries, the UN agency reported on Wednesday (July 1).
More than 77,000 H1N1 flu cases confirmed worldwide
Wed, Jul 01, 2009
Since Monday's (June 29) update by the UN's World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 6,308 new influenza A (H1N1) virus infections and 21 new deaths. More commonly known as swine flu, the new virus has now afflicted 77,201 people, including 332 deaths across 120 countries, the UN agency reported on Wednesday (July 1).
Case of drug resistant H1N1 flu surfaces as global count passes 70,000
Mon, Jun 29, 2009
The number of worldwide influenza A (H1N1) virus infections surged over the weekend to over 70,000 cases, including 311 deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday (June 29). Their tally confirmed 11,079 new H1N1 flu cases and 48 additional deaths since Friday's (June 26) WHO update, bringing the worldwide total to 70,893 infections across 116 countries since the outbreak began in April.
Scientists reveal major discovery for AIDS cure
Fri, Jun 26, 2009
Canadian scientists have discovered where the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) virus hides in the human body that makes it unaffected by medical treatment, a major finding researchers say could pave new ways to treat the disease and even a possible cure, the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) reported on Monday (June 22). Currently, the anti-viral drugs administered to HIV patients are only able to subdue and not cure the virus, as it lies latent waiting to attack the body again.
WHO says H1N1 virus is stable as infections near 60,000
Fri, Jun 26, 2009
As of Friday (June 26), the latest World Health Organization (WHO) update has officially reported 59,814 cases of the influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, including 263 deaths. In two days, a significant amount of new cases have been confirmed worldwide.
WHO says H1N1 virus is stable as infections near 60,000
Fri, Jun 26, 2009
As of Friday (June 26), the latest World Health Organization (WHO) update has officially reported 59,814 cases of the influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, including 263 deaths. In two days, a significant amount of new cases have been confirmed worldwide.
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