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Global Issues
21 December marks the first World Meditation Day, a United Nations observance celebrating the power of meditation for physical and mental well-being. Rooted in ancient traditions and recognized globally for reducing stress and enhancing focus, meditation is a vital self-care tool highlighted by the World Health Organization for managing anxiety. As people across cultures and ages embrace this practice, the observance inspires collective mindfulness and a commitment to health and harmony. Join the global movement and explore the benefits of stillness for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Investing in improves equity and social cohesion. It also benefits national economies by improving health and well-being, increasing workforce participation and productivity, and building resilience in individuals, families and communities. And yet 4.5 billion people still do not have access to essential health services. This must change! On this International Universal Health Coverage Day (12 December) we call on governments to invest in health for all and to protect people – particularly the most vulnerable among us – from impoverishment through health spending.
Two decades ago, HIV infections peaked, with treatment available only to a select few. Since then, more affordable anti-retroviral medicines have transformed lives and improved prevention and testing efforts. However, progress does not equal success. Social and legal barriers still hinder access to HIV services, particularly for marginalized populations. Today, most new HIV infections occur outside sub-Saharan Africa. Although infections have declined more among women, adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa face infection rates more than than men. Through its partnerships with the , the United Nations Development Programme () aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Martha Adjorlolo’s beehives in Donkorkrom, Ghana, are both her livelihood and passion. Despite starting beekeeping only a year ago, she is dedicated to sustainable practices, using local methods like top bar hives and natural repellents such as lemongrass oil. Her recent training by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () emphasized the need to minimize chemical and antimicrobial use for the health of bees, food safety, and the environment. The workshop highlighted the dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which occurs when microorganisms become resistant to treatments, resulting in increased illness and mortality in various species.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. (18-24 November) is a global campaign to raise awareness of AMR and promote best practices to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The theme for WAAW 2024 is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”
After undergoing a Caesarean section days before the strike, Samah fled to the Syrian border. When her car was blocked by a crater, she had to continue on foot with her children. “I wrapped my stomach with a clean cloth and carried my son and went down to the border,” she said. Luckily, Samah reached a clinic at the border where a United Nations Population Fund () medical team examined her and confirmed she and her newborn were healthy. “I felt hope again,” she noted, as they provided antibiotics, nutrients, and a sense of safety. Samah was among the fortunate few to receive care amid the healthcare crisis in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, where conflict has severely impacted medical services.
Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, organised, and responsible, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. Diabetes care often focuses only on blood sugar, leaving many overwhelmed. This World Diabetes Day (14 November) let’s put well-being at the heart of diabetes care and start the change for a better diabetes life. With appropriate access to diabetes care and support for their well-being, everyone with diabetes has the chance to live well.
If you have children who play sports or if you play sports, you need to know about concussions. What is it? How do you know if you have had a concussion? What can you do to prevent it? Dr Tarun Dua explains the symptoms and prevention of concussion in a new episode of the podcast
The latest is clear: Catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity persist. In 5 countries - Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali - people are or may soon face catastrophic food insecurity mainly due to conflict. These high-risk areas demand urgent action. Also, over 15 countries face varying levels of acute food insecurity, with 4 new hotspot nations added to the list. The report also warns of an impending La Niña event, which threatens to bring extreme climate conditions that could further disrupt lives and livelihoods across numerous hunger hotspots.
A year has passed since war erupted in Gaza, causing immense suffering, especially for women and girls. More than 41,600 people have been killed, and 96,000 injured, so far, with most of those killed women and children. Palestinian women and girls from Gaza have reportedly been subjected to horrific levels of sexual violence, including while in detention. Ϲ Population Fund () looked back at the immense challenges faced by women and girls over the past 12 months.
October is month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with around 2.3 million new cases every year.
It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women, with 70% mortality occurring in resource constrained settings.
It is the most common type of cancer among women, and most breast cancers are self-detected.
expert Dr Mary Nyangasi explains in this .
On (10 October), the World Health Organization highlights the vital connection between mental health and work. A Safe and healthy work environment can protect mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work. With 60% of the world's population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure that work prevents mental health risks and protects and promotes mental health at work.
The has to promote health literacy and combat misinformation through engaging, science-based content on the platform.
Limited healthcare infrastructure in remote and conflict-affected areas and lack of comprehensive sexual education in Myanmar's remote and conflict-affected areas pose challenges for youth. Online platforms have become crucial for accessing health information, but they also contain misinformation. Ma Shet Ne (Don't Be Shy), a digital program launched in 2019 by BBC Media Action and supported by the -managed Access to Health Fund, is successfully delivering sexual and reproductive health education to youth through social media channels.