health

UN and Nuclear Threat Initiative set up $500,000 fund to respond to disease outbreaks

2 December 2002
A $500,000 emergency fund to boost the global response to infectious disease outbreaks - whether naturally occurring or from the release of biological weapons - was set up jointly today by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI).

Annan pays tribute to century of efforts by Pan American Health Organization

2 December 2002
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today paid tribute to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), calling its contributions over the past century a “unifying, democratizing force” that has brought hope to many people.

UN health agency recommends measures to extend life expectancy

30 October 2002
Worldwide, life expectancy can be increased by 5 to10 years if governments and individuals make combined efforts against the prevailing major health risks, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) says in its latest annual report, issued today.

Safety procedures at Russian smallpox lab satisfy UN health agency

25 October 2002
A team of experts appointed by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has inspected a smallpox research laboratory in the Russian Federation, concluding that safety concerns are being addressed, the agency announced today.

UN agencies team up with key groups to prevent violence against health personnel

24 October 2002
Responding to the mounting toll of violence suffered by half of the world’s health workers, two United Nations agencies have teamed up with key international groups to launch a new initiative today aimed at helping health professionals fight fear, assault, humiliation and even homicide where they work.

UN health agency says poor countries must be able to provide safe medicines

14 October 2002
Developing nations need better access to information that can improve the safety and quality of their medicines, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said today.

UN health agency launches drive to address crisis in nursing, midwifery services

10 October 2002
In a bid to reverse the declining numbers of nurses and midwives, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today said it was launching a new strategy to help countries recruit and retain health care workers.
Gro Harlem Brundtland

Senior UN official reports sharp deterioration in Palestinians’ health conditions

27 September 2002
The Director-General of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today reported a sharp deterioration of medical conditions among the Palestinian people, blaming the trend on the escalating conflict in the Middle East and Israeli restrictions.

UN health agency publishes first-ever global reference guide for essential medicines

4 September 2002
In a bid to promote the safe and cost-effective use of medicines, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today released a guide to help governments develop their own national prescription formulas.
Dr. Brundtland

Head of UN health agency says she will not seek re-election for second term

23 August 2002
The head of the United Nations World Health Organization, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, announced today that she would not seek a second term next year when the UN agency is scheduled to choose its next leader.