health

Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

Head of UN health agency outlines reforms to improve efficiency

1 November 2011
The head of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today stressed that planned reforms are intended to make the agency more efficient as it strives to improve global health amid multiple challenges that have an impact on human well-being.
A woman poses in front of a graffiti representing the sun on the occasion of the observance of the World Mental Health Day. UN/M. Perret

On World Mental Health Day, Ban urges greater resources for mental disorders

10 October 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the world to allocate more resources for the treatment of mental disorders, saying that too little funding was devoted to mental health despite the debilitating nature of the illnesses and the fact they can be prevented or treated effectively.

Lauding progress to date, Ban calls for boosting efforts to save women and children

20 September 2011
While lauding the progress made over the past year in the global effort to save women’s and children’s lives, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today noted that millions of them are still dying needless deaths and called for advancing the goal of saving 16 million lives by 2015.
UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

UN meeting calls for secure supply of contraceptives in developing countries

7 September 2011
First ladies, health and finance ministers, and parliamentarians from 12 developing countries at a United Nations meeting declared today that voluntary family planning, secured by a steady supply of contraceptives, is a national priority for saving women’s lives.

UN’s message to mothers: breastfeeding can save your baby’s life

1 August 2011
The United Nations and its partners are promoting the use of all possible means of communication, including social networking, blogs and even flash mobs, to get the message out on the benefits of breastfeeding beyond clinics and delivery rooms to the wider public.
Special Rapporteur Anand Grover

UN expert urges Ghana to tackle health funding, maternal mortality

30 May 2011
An independent United Nations human rights expert today commended the Government of Ghana on its commitment to realizing the right to health while underscoring key challenges regarding maternal mortality, mental health and adequate funding.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Maitama General Hospital in Abuja

UN chief commends Nigeria's investment in women's and children's health

22 May 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the Nigerian Government for investing in women's and children's health, saying the United Nations would support efforts to make communities in the West African country healthier.
Headaches are the most common health disorders across the world

Headaches most common disorder but widely untreated – UN study

3 May 2011
Headaches are the most common health disorders across the world, yet they remain neglected and under-treated, according to a United Nations study released today, which calls for greater investment in health care to treat the problem effectively through better services and awareness.
Photo: CARE/David Rochkind, Design: Kim Conger

UN chief marks Autism Awareness Day with call for greater support to those affected

1 April 2011
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for increased support for children and adults with autism and their families, saying public awareness about the condition remains low, with those affected suffering discrimination, abuse, isolation and violation of their fundamental rights.
A type of blade used to carry out the FGM operation

Top UN officials call for abolishing female genital mutilation

6 February 2011
Stressing that all girls deserve to grow up free from harmful practices that endanger their well-being, United Nations officials on Sunday called for abolishing the practice of female genital mutilation to help millions lead healthier lives.