Tag: Treatment

  • Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated)

    Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated)

    Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated) 1

    KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities will take a soft approach in enforcing the restriction of movement nationwide to allow Malaysians to adapt to the changes in their daily routine.

    Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said today that while there are provisions under the Penal Code which empower police to act on those who defy orders and isolation rules, police would take a subtle approach in the early stages of the exercise.

    He said in the two-week restriction of movement, police hope the people will play their role in strictly observing the law by self-imposing isolation without the need of police enforcement.

    “This is not a curfew. It is just a move to control movement. If the laws are not being adhered to then we will first advise, then warn and finally action will be taken. We hope everyone will cooperate or else the whole purpose of this exercise will be defeated,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman, after attending a high-powered meeting in Putrajaya with the National Security Council, military and other agencies.

    Abdul Hamid said those who plan interstate travel are required to notify the nearest police station of the purpose of their journey.

    He said the traveller will need to have a valid and urgent purpose of making such a trip before police consider issuing an approval letter.

    “This is to limit movement of people and to contain the spread of the virus. Please be responsible and not selfish. If there is no urgent need to travel then stay indoors. We seek your understanding in these difficult times. Do not make unnecessary travel or take family holidays.”

    Abdul Hamid said random checks will be conducted by police on motorists travelling from state to state to ascertain if they had obtained the necessary travel permit from police.

    Abdul Hamid said interstate travel would only be allowed for :

    – the demise of a close family member

    – the ill-health of a family member

    – medical treatment for one’s self or family member

    He said those who wish to seek approval for the travel for other reasons may discuss the matter with the officer-in-charge of station (OCS).

    Those who fail to produce the travel document during police checks can face action under laws of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Penal Code where the penalty is imprisonment up to two years or a fine or both.

    He added that traffic police counters for settling traffic summonses will be closed during the two-week period until March 31.

    He said those who intend to pay their fines urgently to renew their driving licence or road tax due to being blacklisted can do so online.

    Abdul Hamid said if they are unable to pay fines online, they can seek the assistance of the district police chief or his deputy in their respective areas.

    On another matter, Abdul Hamid said the police force is yet to have any positive cases of Covid-19.

    However, he said seven senior police officers, 34 junior officers, two civilian staff and 11 of their family members have been placed in self-quarantine after being suspected of exposure to the virus.

    Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated)
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/police-will-take-subtle-approach-in-enforcing-movement-control-order-updated-FC2141052

    Views: 0

  • `Tikus` caught, brothers sought for shooting construction supervisor

    `Tikus` caught, brothers sought for shooting construction supervisor

    `Tikus` caught, brothers sought for shooting construction supervisor 2

    SIBU: A 47-year-old man involved in the shooting of a construction supervisor in front of a restaurant in Paradom, about 14 km from here yesterday afternoon, has been arrested by police.

    The suspect known as Tie Teck Ming who goes by the nickname ‘Tikus’, was held by a team from the Sibu Criminal Investigation Department in the Sungai Bidut area, nearly 17 km from the scene today.

    “We are currently questioning (the suspect) and will get a remand order against him tomorrow,“ said Sibu District police chief Stanley Jonathan Ringgit when met at the Central Police Station here.

    Two of the suspects’ brothers, aged 43 and 46, are still at large.

    Asked if the suspect was mentally disturbed as reported in a newspaper yesterday or under the influence of drugs, Stanley said the suspect showed no signs of mental impairment.

    However, he said the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs when provoking the victim, which ended up causing a fight between them.

    “During this period, we will be conducting a urine test on him,“ he added.

    In the incident at about 5pm yesterday, the victim and his friend were at a restaurant before ‘Tikus’ came and caused a commotion.

    A fistfight ensued, in which the suspect used a piece of wood to whack Tikus before the latter ran away with his younger brother Teck Hing, 43.

    The two of them then returned to the scene with Teck Ha, 46, armed with a machete and shotgun, and the victim was shot and injured while trying to escape in his four-wheel-drive vehicle.

    The victim later gave his statement to the police while receiving treatment at the Sibu Hospital.

    Classifying the case under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Stanley urged those with information on the whereabouts of Tikus’ two brothers to immediately contact the police, and warned that the two were armed and dangerous. – Bernama

    `Tikus` caught, brothers sought for shooting construction supervisor
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/tikus-caught-brothers-sought-for-shooting-construction-supervisor-KC2136851

    Views: 0

  • Covid-19: 41 new cases reported, tally now 238

    Covid-19: 41 new cases reported, tally now 238

    Covid-19: 41 new cases reported, tally now 238 3

    KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 41 new COVID-19 cases were reported as at noon today, bringing cumulative cases in the country to 238, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said.

    He said all 41 new cases were linked to the tabligh religious gathering, and they involved 37 patient under investigation (PUI) cases while four more are close contact cases.

    “To date, a total 203 cases are still being treated, with five in the intensive care unit (ICU) and requiring ventilator support. The five are also being given anti-viral treatment.

    “Also, as of today, a total 1,321 samples from influenza-like-illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) have been tested at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), all public health laboratories and hospitals. Of those, three samples tested positive for COVID-19,” he said in a statement, here today.

    In another development, two earlier cases (case 35 and 61) have recovered and have been discharged from the Sungai Buloh hospital, he said.

    This brings the number of recovered cases to 35 so far.

    Dr Noor Hisham also advised the public to remain calm and not to spread inaccurate information with regard to the tabligh religious gathering that took place from Feb 28-March 1.

    Also, to prevent risk of infection on those from the vulnerable communities and those prone to infection, especially the Orang Asli community, the Health Ministry (MOH) is advising organisations or groups who have plans to conduct activities with these communities to postpone them, he said.

    Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry will continue to provide health services to rural communities through outreach activities.

    “The ministry also welcomes any form of medical aid, contributions or collaborations from any party, including non-governmental organisations,” he said, adding that offers or inquiries can be submitted through the ministry’s email cprc@moh.gov.my.

    Meanwhile in an updated statement issued at 7pm, the MOH said a total 4,942 participants from the tabligh event at the Sri Petaling mosque have been identified.

    Of these, 3,069 reported themselves in at Health Clinics for examination and screening while another 137 were referred to hospitals.

    “Only 1,634 of them experienced respiratory tract infection symptoms and samples were taken, while 2,932 of them were asked to undergo home surveillance for 14 days from the last day of the gathering. Investigations and tracking of the event participants is ongoing,” the statement read. — Bernama

    Covid-19: 41 new cases reported, tally now 238
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/covid-19-41-new-cases-reported-tally-now-238-EC2127446

    Views: 0

  • No ‘fairytale’ ending for 60 nightclub GROs in midnight raid

    No ‘fairytale’ ending for 60 nightclub GROs in midnight raid

    No ‘fairytale’ ending for 60 nightclub GROs in midnight raid 4

    KUALA LUMPUR: Police detained 60 female foreign guest relations officers (GROs) donning white ‘fairy’ dresses in a raid at a nightclub here early this morning.

    Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said 52 Thais, seven Vietnamese and one Laos national aged 19 to 33 were arrested in the 12.30am raid.

    “The GROs entertained the customers with a white fairy theme set for the night,” he told reporters at the scene.

    He said the customers then gave a sash, which they paid between RM100 and RM5,000, to the woman they wanted for special treatment.

    Nik Ros Azhan said they also detained a 49-year-old local man in charge of the premises, as well as three foreign male workers, comprising two Vietnamese and a Bangladeshi.

    He said investigations revealed that the night club had a valid operating license until the end of the year but illegally hired foreign women to work as GROs.

    He said all those arrested were taken to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters for further investigation under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Regulation 39B under the Immigration Regulations 1963 and Section 4 (1) of the Entertainment (Federal Territory) Act 1992.

    The raid by a team 18 enforcers of the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) from the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters ended at about 2am. — Bernama

    No ‘fairytale’ ending for 60 nightclub GROs in midnight raid
    Read More
    https://www.thesundaily.my/local/no-fairytale-ending-for-60-nightclub-gros-in-midnight-raid-MC2127358

    Views: 0

  • Cervical cancer elimination initiative updates

    Cervical cancer elimination initiative updates

     

    Banner of the Cervical cancer Elimination newsletter

    February: Garnering international support on the path to eliminate cervical cancer

    On
    5 February, the WHO Executive Board recommended to the 73rd World
    Health Assembly the adoption of the draft Global Strategy to accelerate
    the elimination of
    cervical cancer as a public health problem, and urged its
    implementation. The proposed resolution urges Member States to implement
    the strategy, calling for the support of international organizations
    and other relevant stakeholders, and includes a request
    for the Director General to support Member states in this endeavor.
     The WHA will consider the resolution when it convenes in May 2020.  The
    session included 23 interventions from EB Member States, most of them
    in full support of the Strategy and resolution;
    18 from other Member States, 6 observers and 6 non-state actors. Dr
    Nono Simelela, ADG and Special Adviser to WHO Director-General Dr
    Tedros, responded at the end of the session, thanking delegates for the
    broad support, and addressing some of the comments
    by sharing some of the ongoing work such as the efforts with the
    immunization partners to address HPV vaccine supply challenges and
    transparency in pricing.

    Read the full story

    Read the full draft resolution

    Download the
    Draft Strategy


    Dr Nono Simelela presented the draft Global Strategy towards Eliminating Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem during a webinar with partners. This presentation was given as part of
    the Us vs. HPV Prevention Week webinar series hosted by the Global
    Initiative Against HPV and Cervical
    Cancer. While highlighting WHO’s life-course approach to cervical
    cancer control, Dr Simelela also explained the proposed elimination
    threshold and targets as laid out in the strategy. She also discussed
    addressing salient challenges such as redressing inequities
    and taking special considerations for women living with HIV.

    Read the full story

    Listen to the full webinar “Gathering momentum for the global elimination of cervical cancer”

    Watch the video: Cervical Cancer Elimination – developed by Basic Health International (BHI), Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC)

    Read the story:To eliminate cervical cancer in the next 100 years, implementing an effective strategy is critical


    Dr
    Simelela was invited to Rwanda to support the kick off for a national
    cervical screening program set to put Rwanda on the path towards the
    Global Strategy goals
    for elimination of cervical cancer.

     

    Dr Simelala with the 1st Lady of of the Republic of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame

     

    HPV DNA test self-sampling demonstrated at cervical cancer screening facility, Muhoza Health Center

    Radiotherapy facility at Rwanda Cancer Center, colleagues from MOH, WHO, RBC and CHAI

     

    Amongst
    others, Rwanda’s First Lady Jeannette Kagame received her for a
    discussion on how WHO can support efforts against cervical cancer in her
    own country and
    throughout Africa. Dr Simelela held discussions on cervical cancer
    screening and treatment services, including building radiotherapy
    capacity, with the dedicated staff of Ruhengeri Hospital, Butaro
    Hospital, the Muhoza health center and hospital and the Rwanda
    Military Hospital. While cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most
    prevalent cancers among the women in the country, Rwanda has
    impressively reached a 97% HPV vaccination rate since introducing a
    vaccination programme in 2011, with a target to reach 70%
    screening coverage in five years. We look forward to a continuing and
    fruitful partnership with Rwanda and all the countries who have pledged
    their commitment to eliminate this preventable cancer. Together we can
    answer WHO’s call and improve the lives of
    girls and women around the world. 


    Follow us for more updates!

    Sign up for our newsletter
     

    Cervical cancer elimination initiative updates 5For
    news and real-time updates from around the world,
    follow Dr Princess Nono Simelela on Twitter
    @DrNonoSimelela
    ADG, Special Adviser to the Director-General on Strategic Programmatic Priorities

    Upcoming events

    International Women’s Day
    8 March 2020
     
    64th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women/Beijing+25
    9 – 20 March 2020

    World Immunization Week
    24 – 30 April 2020

     

     

    Copyright © 2019 World Health Organization, All rights reserved.

    You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from WHO.
    Thanks for helping to make the world a little healthier.

    Our mailing address is:

    World Health Organization

    Avenue Appia 20

    Geneva 27 1211

    Switzerland

     

     

     

     

    Cervical cancer elimination initiative updates
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/04-03-2020-cervical-cancer-elimination-initiative-updates-december-2019

    Views: 0

  • Charge batteries through skin with permanent implantable device concept

    Charge batteries through skin with permanent implantable device concept

    Soft and flexible materials can ultrasonically charge bioelectronic implants, which could help to reduce the need for surgical treatment.

    Read More

    Views: 0

  • End in sight, but flare-ups likely in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    End in sight, but flare-ups likely in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Remarks by Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, World Health Organization Assistant Director-General, Emergency Response

     

    Good afternoon. 

    I hope that your busy week was interrupted, like mine, with a moment of joy on Tuesday.

    That moment was the celebration of a woman being discharged from an Ebola treatment centre in Beni. Her name is Masiko.

    She was the last person in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed to have Ebola.

    Health workers and other responders sacrificed a lot to get to this point. 

    Since the outbreak was declared in August 2018 there have been 420 attacks on health facilities in DRC, resulting in 11 deaths and 86 injuries among health care workers and patients.

    It’s been a huge amount of work. At the peak of the outbreak, more than 120 cases were being reported each week. 28 health zones were affected, with cases appearing 1200 kilometres apart. In response:

    • 11 labs have been set up to test around 3500 samples each week
    • 11 Ebola treatment centres were set up to care for people with Ebola
    • 300 000 people have been vaccinated
    • 250 000 contacts have been registered
    • 26 000 safe and dignified burials have been conducted
    • More than 3000 health facilities were identified for infection prevention and control support
    • More than 1000 metric tonnes of supplies have been delivered
    • An Ebola vaccine has been licensed, and two treatments found to be highly effective
    • Almost 160 000 million people have been screened for Ebola symptoms at borders or other points of control

    This work is continuing. The outbreak isn’t over. WHO recommends waiting two full incubation periods – that’s 42 days – after the last person tests negative a second time before declaring the end of the outbreak.

    We must stay in active response mode to get us over that finish line.

    We have to be prepared for other cases emerging. It’s is a very real risk.

    Remember that during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa flare-ups of new cases occurred after the end of the outbreak.

    There are four reasons why new cases may emerge during this 42-day period, or even after the end of the outbreak.

    • First, because of the complex security environment, Ebola transmission outside of groups under monitoring is possible.  
    • Second, Ebola virus can persist in used needles, syringes or vials for several weeks.
    • Third, Ebola virus can persist in the body fluids of survivors for many months, and can be transmitted well after recovery, or in rare cases can result in relapse – as we’ve already seen during this outbreak.
    • Finally, Ebola virus is present in an animal reservoir in the region, and there is always a risk of a new spillover to humans.

    This is why it’s critical to maintain surveillance and rapid response capacities.

    And that’s what we are doing. We’re still in full response mode.

    In addition to the activities I already mentioned, I have to underline how critical it is to continue supporting the Survivor Programme, which provides follow-up care for almost all of the 1169 survivors in 26 health areas in North Kivu and Ituri. The programme also helps reduce the risks of re-introduction events. 

    We need to continue this work until the end of the outbreak, to keep the capacity in place to rapidly respond to flare-ups, to keep supporting survivors after the outbreak, and to transition the capacities built in this response toward building a stronger health system. 

    But to be very frank, right now the world risks dropping the baton at the finish line. WHO faces an immediate US $20 million funding gap. If no new resources are received, we will run out of money before the end of the outbreak.

    We appreciate the generosity of donors who have supported the response since August 2018. Now we need to get over the finish line. WHO is calling on the international community to help us end this outbreak, and keep our promises to communities to build a stronger health system.

    If we are forced to scale back operations because of a lack of funds, and then a new case emerges, we might not have the people and resources on the ground that we need to shut down transmission quickly. Just a single case could re-ignite the epidemic.

    That would be a tragedy. An avoidable tragedy. 

    It is important that the global community doesn’t only focus efforts when there is an immediate threat, then walk away when the threat subsides.

    The health system has to be strong to stop much more than Ebola. It has to stop malaria, measles, cholera, and now COVID-19.

    There is a lot more work to do.

    Thank you.

     

    End in sight, but flare-ups likely in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/06-03-2020-end-in-sight-but-flare-ups-likely-in-the-ebola-outbreak-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo

    Views: 0

  • The economic cost of female genital mutilation

    The economic cost of female genital mutilation

    An interactive data tool launched by WHO reveals for the first time the current and future financial cost of health care for women living with conditions caused by female genital mutilation (FGM).

    The total costs amount to USD 1.4 billion annually.

    fgm-cost-thumbnail

    The FGM Cost Calculator is being launched on this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. This new tool shows that if FGM were abandoned now the associated savings
    in health costs would be more than 60% by 2050. This data, available for 27 of the 30 countries where FGM is practiced, will strengthen the economic argument of community activists, policy makers, programme planners and donors working to end this
    human rights violation.

    Q&As on the FGM Cost Calculator
    Access the FGM Cost Calculator

    A human rights violation with economic costs

    FGM includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated.
    [1] An extreme form of gender discrimination, it is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women: including the right to health, security and physical integrity and the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman
    or degrading treatment.

    FGM has no health benefits and causes only harm. Women and girls who are subjected to FGM are at risk of both short- and long-term negative health consequences – including for their physical, sexual, mental, and social well-being.

    The direct financial cost of treating the negative health complications caused by FGM can span generations, starting as early as childbirth. This puts a significant economic burden on health systems and national budgets, especially in countries with rates
    of FGM greater than 10%.

    Until now, there have been limited data on the financial costs associated with FGM, making it hard to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of programmes and policies that can prevent FGM by 2030 – a global priority in the Sustainable Development Agenda.
    The new WHO Cost Calculator now provides an economic argument which can be used by those advocating for an end to FGM.

    Calculating health care costs of FGM

    Users of the new FGM Cost Calculator can choose a country and identify current costs of treating health conditions caused by FGM. Since the tool is interactive, it produces bespoke graphs showing the potential amount of money saved if FGM is prevented
    by a selected percentage.

    If no action is taken to prevent FGM, it is estimated that related health costs will soar by 50% by 2050, as populations grow and as more girls undergo the procedure.

    How it works

    The FGM Cost Calculator combines data on health risk associated with FGM, health costs and national FGM prevalence to analyze the economic impact on national health services of treating the consequences of these harmful practices.

    Health risk data were taken from a WHO database created for this analysis, pooling all available information from systematic reviews of health consequences of FGM. The following categories were used, each with a biological link to FGM: gynaecological,
    obstetric, urological, mental and sexual, as well as the immediate health complications that can result following the cutting.

    To be included in the calculator, a health condition needed to show evidence of increased risk when comparing women with and without FGM. It also needed to have a treatment which could be implemented and costed in the health sector.

    Health costs were calculated from the WHO One Health Tool and other data. The financial burden of treating selected health conditions was calculated at a national level.

    A strong case for investment in preventing FGM

    Rates of FGM have declined over the past 30 years, but not fast enough to keep up with population growth. If trends continue, the number of girls and women undergoing FGM will rise significantly in the next 15 years, in turn raising national health care
    costs of caring for them.

    Additional resources are urgently needed to scale up interventions that can prevent FGM in the future and reduce health complications.

    By providing quantifiable numbers on the cost of treating health conditions directly linked to FGM, for the first time, the FGM Cost Calculator can be a crucial tool in building an investment case for a future where no girl or woman is cut.


    [1] Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Global Concern, UNICEF, New York, 2016
    The economic cost of female genital mutilation
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/06-02-2020-economic-cost-of-female-genital-mutilation

    Views: 0

  • To eliminate cervical cancer in the next 100 years, implementing an effective strategy is critical

    To eliminate cervical cancer in the next 100 years, implementing an effective strategy is critical

    Vaccination, screening, treatment and palliative care are the key interventions of WHO’s Draft Global Strategy towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem,
    the fourth most common cancer in women.

    On World Cancer Day, new estimates show that this strategy could save more than 62 million girls and women from a cervical cancer death and prevent 74 million cases within the next 100 years – but only if these interventions are used effectively
    together.

    No single intervention can eliminate cervical cancer

    These estimates, published by the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Modelling Consortium (CCEMC) in The Lancet, are based on the draft strategy’s targets to achieve a global coverage of 90% vaccination, 70% screening and 90% treatment by 2030.


    lancet

    Impact of HPV vaccination and cervical screening on cervical cancer elimination: a comparative modelling analysis in 78 low-income and lower-middle-income countries

    Mortality impact of achieving WHO cervical cancer elimination targets: a comparative modelling analysis in 78 low-income and lower-middle-income countries



    Developed by Member States, UN agencies and other partners, the draft global strategy seeks to redress the unequal burden of cervical cancer around the world. Nine in 10 cervical cancer deaths occur in low and lower-middle-income countries, where
    women lack access to health services.

    As Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General has said, “It doesn’t have to be this way. Cervical cancer
    is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.”

    This new analysis compares the impact of vaccination, screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions as single or combined interventions. Focusing on 78 countries where cervical cancer mortality is highest, the results clearly show that no
    single intervention will be sufficient to reduce levels of cervical cancer in the next 100 years to below the elimination target of 4 cases per 100,000 women per year.

    Acting immediately on all three fronts is crucial.                                                                                       

    90-70-90: a triple intervention by 2030 and beyond

    Vaccinating girls against cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV) before the age of 15 is the foundation for bringing every country’s incidence rate of cervical cancer down to the agreed elimination level.

    Right now, however, vaccination is not enough. As a single strategy, vaccination targets would only deliver a 0.1% reduction in cervical cancer mortality by 2030. Scaling up screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions at the same time would
    reduce mortality by more than one third, or 300,000 deaths, in the same period.

    The evidence shows that when all adult women are screened for cervical cancer at least twice, at ages 35 and 45, abnormalities are more likely to be detected before they become cancerous. When cancer has developed, screening increases a women’s
    likelihood of early and successful treatment, as well as palliative care if recovery is no longer an option.

    Meeting these triple-intervention targets would be a major contribution to target 3.4 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030.

    The future of cervical cancer elimination

    WHO’s global strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer aims to set the world on the right track by 2030, but it is just the beginning.

    At this pace, global elimination of cervical cancer is not predicted until 2120.

    While high HPV vaccination coverage is the primary prevention intervention, ensuring every woman has two cervical screenings in her life would accelerate elimination by 11 – 31 years, depending on the country.

    If no action is taken, cervical cancer deaths will rise almost 50% by 2030. Approval of the draft global strategy at the WHO World Health Assembly in 2020, and investment in mechanisms to deliver it, is vital.

    As the new World Cancer Report shows, only 18% of countries that currently provide screening for cervical cancer reached the recommended target of more than 70% coverage. An estimated 55% of low-income countries that reported offering
    cervical cancer screening generally lack accessible radiotherapy or surgery services.

    Elimination of cervical cancer is possible within the lifetime of today’s youngest girls, but the clock starts now and every intervention counts.

     

    To eliminate cervical cancer in the next 100 years, implementing an effective strategy is critical
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/04-02-2020-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-in-the-next-100-years

    Views: 0

  • WHO outlines steps to save 7 million lives from cancer

    WHO outlines steps to save 7 million lives from cancer

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today spells out the need to step up cancer services in low and middle-income countries. WHO warns that, if current trends continue, the world will see a 60% increase in cancer cases over the next two decades. The greatest increase (an estimated 81%) in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently lowest.

    This is largely because these countries have had to focus limited health resources on combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, while health services are not equipped to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers. In 2019, more than 90% of high-income countries reported that comprehensive treatment services for cancer were available in the public health system compared to less than 15% of low-income countries.

    “This is a wake-up call to all of us to tackle the unacceptable inequalities between cancer services in rich and poor countries,” says Dr Ren Minghui, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage/ Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization. “If people have access to primary care and referral systems then cancer can be detected early, treated effectively and cured. Cancer should not be a death sentence for anyone, anywhere.”

    Yet, progress in poorer countries is achievable. WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) are releasing two coordinated reports on World Cancer Day (4 February), in response to government calls for more research into the scope and potential policies and programmes to improve cancer control.

    “At least 7 million lives could be saved over the next decade, by identifying the most appropriate science for each country situation, by basing strong cancer responses on universal health coverage, and by mobilizing different stakeholders to work together”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.

    WHO highlights a wide range of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases. These include controlling tobacco use (responsible for 25% of cancer deaths), vaccinating against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer, eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV, screening and treatment, implementing high-impact cancer management interventions that bring value for money and ensuring access to palliative care including pain relief.

    “The past 50 years have seen tremendous advances in research on cancer prevention and treatment,” says Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC. “Deaths from cancer have been reduced. High-income countries have adopted prevention, early diagnosis and screening programmes, which together with better treatment, have contributed to an estimated 20% reduction in the probability of premature mortality between 2000 and 2015, but low-income countries only saw a reduction of 5%. We need to see everyone benefitting equally.” The challenge will be for countries to select treatments balancing considerations including cost, feasibility and effectiveness. Each government is tasked with choosing the appropriate innovative cancer therapies, while recognizing that established treatments, many of which are very effective and affordable, can provide benefits for cancer without causing financial hardship.

    Note to editors

    World Health Organization

    Report on Cancer: Setting priorities, investing wisely and providing care for all

    The report aims to set the global agenda on cancer, mobilize stakeholders and help countries set priorities for investing in cancer control and universal health coverage. It introduces the principles, tools and current priority cancer control interventions in the context of the current and future cancer burden and opportunities.

    International Agency for Research on Cancer

    World Cancer Report “Cancer research for cancer prevention”

    The report focuses on prevention and offers the most comprehensive overview of relevant research available to date, ranging from descriptive etiology, cellular and molecular biology, toxicology and pathology through to behavioural and social science. Key chapters include discussions on the impact of inequalities in cancer, vaccination and screening, genomic individual susceptibility to cancer and the finer identification of those at risk, which may allow ‘precision cancer prevention’.

    WHO outlines steps to save 7 million lives from cancer
    Read More
    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/04-02-2020-who-outlines-steps-to-save-7-million-lives-from-cancer

    Views: 0