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Individuals 60 and Older are Very Happy with their Sex Lives

Some individuals feel that getting older isn’t going to be very much fun. They believe that everything on their body is going to start to move in directions that aren’t very appealing. It is this ideal that they have that makes them think that older individuals much must not take part in having sex. They also believe those that do don’t get very much pleasure out of it. Yet they are very wrong in their thinking based on what is really taking place out there.

Most people over the age of 60 are definitely having sex and they are very happy about it. They take part in the activity at least one a week with a regular partner that they have been with for some period of time. They are past the time in their lives when they have to be everything to everyone. It is now time to really focus on their own needs, and that applies to their sexual desires as well.

Some individuals who are over the age of 60 grew up in a very different world. Men were mainly dominant and women were submissive. They stayed at home and took care of the house and the children. Today, there is much more equality among men and women in society. That means women can be more assertive in regards to sexual activities they wish to engage in.

Contrary to popular belief, men really like this. They don’t want to be the one to always initiate sexual activities. They want to know they are needed and that they are desired. They want to be sure their partner is having sex because it feels good to them, not just because they feel obligated to keep their partner happy.

Some may think that sex for those over 60 would be boring. After all they should enough experience under their belt to have tried it all. Yet many people in this age group will tell you they are still learning. They are finally following what they wanted to try long ago. Also, as they have gotten older their sexual needs and desires have changed from what they once were.

Communication about sex seems to be more of a standard for people over the age of 60 They feel a connection that goes much deeper now than they did earlier in their lives. While they realize sex isn’t what the relationship is all about, it is definitely a very important part of it. They want to become more intimate with their partner and having a great sexual relationship allows that to take place.

For those who have been with the same partner for a very long time, many of the tensions that were once there are gone. With the children grown and retirement in place the struggles over child rearing, money, and even time that were once there aren’t anymore. This means that the couple can focus their attention on the needs of each other emotionally and sexually instead of it being consumed by day to day needs.

The sexual behaviors of those over the age of 60 may not be of interest to younger generations. In fact, they find it hard to swallow that their parents or grandparents are taking part in such activities. Yet it should be reassuring to younger generations that such a big part of their life now can continue on as they reach that age themselves down the road before they know it.

While most people you likely know who are over the age of 60 don’t go around discussing their sex life in public, you can be sure there is plenty of action still taking place. It is evident from various surveys and questionnaires. The reports from medical offices around the world tell the same story. A great deal of information about those over 60 enjoying sex is also found online where people can share it without disclosing their identity.

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April 15, 2022
How Text Messaging Can Help to Improve Your Sex Life

Are you looking for an easy, yet unique way to improve your sex life or even just your relationship in general? If you are, do you and your partner own and use cell phones? If so, improving your relationship through the use of text messages is a fun and creative, yet unique approach to take. If you haven’t already tired this approach, you should.

As nice as it is to hear that text messaging can help to improve your communication or your sex life, you may be looking for more information. First, you may be wondering if it is really possible to do. Can a simple text message ignite passion in your relationship? Yes, it can. In fact, you may be surprised just how much passion can be ignited. Please continue reading on for more information on just how it can and should be done.

For starters, do you have any sexual fantasies or desires that you would like to see transformed into reality? Are you bored with your current level of intimacy and would like to make changes? If so, you need to speak with your partner. Unfortunately, this is often a lot easier said than done for some men and women. You should have no problem talking to your partner about intimacy, but the subject may be one that makes you feel uncomfortable. If that is the case, text messaging may be an easy approach to take. The ability to mask yourself behind a cell phone may provide you with a certain level of comfort and peace of mind.

In addition to using text messages as a way to improve your communication and your sex life, you can and should use it as a form of foreplay. Unfortunately, many individuals make the mistake of assuming that foreplay can only happen in the bedroom, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Is your partner on their way home from work? Are you in the mood for intimacy? If you are, send them a few sexy, seductive, and suggestive text messages. In a few creative words, let them know that you are at home waiting for them and ready for an adventure.

As romantic and as adventurous as using a cell phone to add new life to your intimacy can be, it is also important to proceed with caution. There are a few important dos and don’t that you first need to know. Do not send sexy or seductive text messages to a family cell phone. A family cell phone can be defined as one that all members of the family uses, like one that your son or daughter may borrow. These types of text messages are and should be private. Also, avoid sending text messages to work issued cell phones. Often times, text messages are not allow, but they may also be viewed by others.

In addition to spicing up your current relationship or marriage, text messages can also be used as a way to court new partners. Did you just recently get the phone number of a nice and attractive man or woman at a bar or party? If you did, send them a flirty text message. For many, sending a text message is a lot easier than placing an actual phone call. When first making contact, be sure to use caution and your best judgment. Do not go overboard or be too sexy or seductive. There is a better time and place for these types of messages. Speaking of that time and place, wait until after you have received a response back or until after your first real date.

As a recap, text messaging is a unique, fun, and creative way to improve your sex life. If you and your partner own cell phones, start using them today. You may be more than pleased with the results. As a reminder, text messages can also be used to get the communication started in a new relationship.

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April 15, 2022
How Happy are those in their 60’s with their Sex Life?

It may surprise you to find out how happy many people in their 60’s are with their sex life. This is due to people living longer lives than ever before due to effective health care. We also know how important it is to take care of our bodies. Sex isn’t something that has to go out the window just because you have aged. In fact, more people that are 60 years of age or older are having a great time with it than you might think.

The act of those over 60 enjoying sex isn’t something new though like many people think. What has changed though is that there is more freedom to talk about it and to express information about it. You can even find places online where these people are talking about their sexual feelings and experiences. There are also many people in this age group still dating.

Since they are on the dating scene, it is reasonable to expect that they will one day take those relationships to another level. They can have a very satisfying sexual lifestyle that helps keep them both young and vibrant. In fact, there is information to suggest that the more sexually active individuals are as they get older the happier they will be.

Not everyone in this age group is happy with their sex life though. Women tend to have more problems with it then men. This is because there are more women in those older age groups than men. Not all of them are comfortable being with younger men due to how they feel society is going to see it. Yet there is really nothing wrong with it if both parties are happy with the relationship.

For males, the inability to maintain an erection is the number one reason why they aren’t happy with their sex life in their 60’s. Yet there are many ways in which this problem can be resolved. Most doctors can help men get to the core of the issue and then let them know what options they have. Just because a person is older and things aren’t working on their own like they one did doesn’t mean you have to let it continue to be that way.

Being sexually intimate is a great way to for older individuals to feel that they are loved and appreciated. They certainly don’t want to be lonely as they get older. Even if they do have friends and family, nothing can make you feel as wonderful as the respect and admiration from someone else. It is a good feeling to know someone desires you sexually as well.

Don’t under estimate the power of having a sex life you are happy with at any age. It can only become more rewarding as an individual gets older. If you are over 60 and not happy with your sex life, then you do have the power to change it. Take an honest look at what you are happy with and what you aren’t.

Once you have done this, evaluate what can be done to change it. These factors will fall into one of three categories – what you can do on your own, what you can do with your partner, and what you can change with the help of your doctor. Those things you can change on your own include your attitude towards sex, your feelings towards your body, and getting into touch with your feelings.

You can make sex more rewarding when you are older by asking your partner to tell you what they need to make it more pleasurable. At the same time, express what the do that turns you on and what you need more of. If you find you don’t enjoy sex like you used to then you should speak to your doctor about what can be done.

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April 15, 2022
How Menopause can Decrease Sexual Desire for Women over 60

There are some significant changes that take place in a woman’s life. One of them is menopause. This marks the end of her ability to conceive a child. There will be no more menstrual cycles once the woman is in complete menopause. Yet it can take years to go from the start of menopause to completely finishing it. Most women start the process around 45 and finish around 60. It can be sooner or later though as each woman is different.

There is a common misconception that women who have gone through menopause no longer have any sexual desire. They may continue to engage in the activity to keep their partner happy, but they don’t get any pleasure out of it. This is certainly not the truth though.

Many women over the age of 60 are involved in very fulfilling sexual relationships. They love not having to worry about their period. They also don’t have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy very late in life. This new found freedom for them means they are able to fully focus on the act of sexual activity and not the various repercussions of it.

Some women do experience a drop in their sexual desire though after menopause. Many women experience problems with the vagina being dry after menopause. This can make it hard for them to get pleasure out of sexual activity. There are some great products on the market though that will allow you to moisturize the vagina without any negative side effects.

It is a good idea for a woman with such issues to see a gynecologist for a complete evaluation though. They may be able to help come up with a natural remedy that can prevent ongoing issues having to be addressed with it. For many women, dealing with vaginal dryness can cause a mental block with sexual intercourse.

They may connect it with being undesirable now that they are in their 60’s. This low self confidence can cause women to shy away from sexual intercourse as well. Being able to really enjoy your body and your sexual desires when you are over 60 is very important. It will encourage you to do what you can to be able to bring back a high level of sexual desire to your life.

Sometimes something over the counter though isn’t enough for a woman to get back the sexual desire she once had. Your doctor may offer you supplements of hormones in the form of estrogen. Since the level of it in the body drops dramatically due to menopause, replacing it definitely can be helpful.

Menopause doesn’t have to hinder your sex life though for women over 60 years of age. If you enjoy sex and you want to continue doing so, there are remedies out there that can help. Don’t be embarrassed to discuss the issue with your doctor either. They deal with such issues all the time. They will know how to help you get back to where you want to be sexually.
For many older couples, menopause can throw a wrench into what was once a very enjoyable part of their intimate relationship. It is important to discuss what has taken place. A woman doesn’t want her partner to assume the lack of sexual responsiveness has anything to do with them not being attractive anymore. Find a good solution that works for you so that menopause won’t stop you from engaging your sexual relationship.

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April 15, 2022
Experimenting in the Bedroom: Your Options Reviewed

Are you tired of having the “same ole sex,” with your spouse? If you are, you may be looking for ways to experiment in the bedroom. After all, experimenting in the bedroom has been successful for many other married couples and you may experience the same results.

As much as you may know that you want to spice things up in the bedroom, you may not know how you should go about doing so. What is nice about bedroom experimenting is the options that you have. There are so many for you to choose from. Just a few of those options are highlighted below for your convenience.

Trying a new sex position is a simple, yet effective way to increase the amount of pleasure and that you receive from intimacy. Does your current sex just involve you or your wife on top? If it does, expand your horizons. There are literally hundreds of different ways that you can have sex. Starting trying them out today.

Sex toys are another great way that you can experiment in the bedroom. If you aren’t already using sex toys, starting doing so. There are so many toys and accessories for you to choose from. This means that something out there will be able to heat up your bedroom. For privacy, as well as the largest selection of sex toys, consider shopping online.

Pornographic videos can also be used to heat up your bedroom. Unfortunately, many men and women are afraid to bring porn into the bedroom, but you shouldn’t have to be. For example, just because your wife has never suggested watching a movie before, it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t seek enjoyment or pleasure from them. For the ultimate level of satisfaction, you and your partner should pick out a movie together.

In addition to full-blown pornographic films, there are also instructional sex videos available for sale and for renting. Although these videos may not be romantic or seductive in nature, they can show you new ways to have sex. As it was previously stated, there are a number of benefits to spicing up your sex positions.

The use of lingerie and sex costumes in the bedroom is another form of experimentation that you may want to try. It is an approach that you may want to take if you or your partner want to start out slow. If you are the wife, remember that there are costumes and pieces of lingerie that your husband can wear as well. You don’t have to be the only one who dresses up. In fact, you can and should encourage your husband to do the same.

In keeping with dressing up for sex, role playing can also help you bring new fun and excitement into the bedroom. Role playing and costumes often go together. For example, if you have a robe and a maid’s outfit, your wife can be the maid who carries on an affair with her boss, and so forth. In fact, when it comes to role playing, you have so many different options. Be sure to use your imagination.

As you can see, you do have a number of different options when looking to experiment in the bedroom. There are also many more options that you have, including the addition of a third participant. No matter which way you choose to spice up things in the bedroom, be sure to use your best judgment. Make sure that your partner is a ready and willing participate.

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April 15, 2022
Beauty Supply Stores: Is It Better to Shop Locally or Online?

Are you interested in revamping or updating your appearance? If you are, you may want to think about going shopping for new beauty products and supplies. There are a large number of beauty products and beauty product supplies that are designed to help improve one’s appearance.

When it comes to buying beauty products and beauty supplies, you will find that you have a number of different options. For starters, beauty products are most commonly sold at beauty supply stores, but they are also available at other locations, including department stores and fashion stores. If you are looking for the latest selection of beauty products and supplies, you may want to think about sticking with beauty supply stores. Even then though you still have a choice. Beauty supply stores are operated both in storefront retail locations, as well as online.

If this is your first time deciding to take your appearance, beauty wise, seriously, you may have never shopped at a beauty supply store before or it may have been a while since the last time that you did. If that is the case, you may be wondering whether you should shop online or locally and if there is even a difference between the two. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the most commonly asked questions, concerning beauty supply stores, is what is the difference between a locally operated beauty supply store and an online beauty supply store. As you likely already know, a locally owned and operated beauty store is one that you physically visit, pick out what you like, pay for it, and then leave. When shopping at an online store, you just need to enter in your shipping information and your payment information. You can buy beauty products and supplies from an online beauty store anytime of the day, from the comfort of your own home.

Another difference between a storefront beauty supply store and an online beauty supply store is the assistance that you will receive. That is one of the reasons why many consumers prefer buying their beauty supplies and products from locally owned and operated beauty supply stores. When shopping online, the online retailer in question may have a customer service number that you can call, but you will likely not be able to receive help with buying makeup or suggestions. Help and suggestions, also commonly known as consultations, are one of the many reasons why many prefer shopping at a locally owned and operated beauty supply store, as most have very helpful and knowledgeable staff members.

The product selection is also something that you may want to think about taking into consideration. While many storefront beauty supply stores do carry a large selection of beauty product and supplies, you may find that some stores are limited on space. There are also stores that focus only on certain individuals, like men or women. This limits your selection of beauty supplies and products to choose from. What is nice about online beauty supply stores is that they do not have to worry about fitting all of their merchandise onto a sales floor. That is why you can often find a large selection of beauty supplies and products when shopping online. Also, you will find that you are instantly able to gain access to as many as fifty or more beauty supply stores in a matter of seconds. This is something that you cannot do just driving around town in your car.

As you can see, there are a few differences between online beauty supply stores and locally owned and operated beauty supply stores. There are also a number of pros and cons to each. For the best shopping experience, you may actually want to think about experimenting with both locally owned and operated beauty supply stores and online beauty supply stores. If you are like many shoppers, you will likely develop a preference almost right away.

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April 14, 2022
Billions worldwide living with herpes

About half a billion people worldwide are living with genital herpes, and several billion have an oral herpes infection, new estimates show, highlighting the need to improve awareness and scale up services to prevent and treat herpes.

About 13% of the world’s population aged 15 to 49 years were living with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in 2016, the latest year for which data is available. HSV-2 is almost exclusively sexually transmitted, causing genital herpes. Infection can lead to recurring, often painful, genital sores in up to a third of people infected.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact to cause oral herpes infection – sometimes leading to painful sores in or around the mouth (“cold sores”). However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex, causing genital herpes.

Around 67% of the world’s population aged 0 to 49 had HSV-1 infection in 2016 – an estimated 3.7 billion people. Most of these infections were oral; however, between 122 million to 192 million people were estimated to have genital HSV-1
infection.

Genital herpes is a substantial health concern worldwide – beyond the potential pain and discomfort suffered by people living with the infection, the associated social consequences can have a profound effect on sexual and reproductive
health” says Dr Ian Askew, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Herpes and HIV

People with HSV-2 infection are at least three times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed. Thus, HSV-2 likely plays a substantial role in the spread of HIV globally. Women are more susceptible to both HSV-2 and HIV. Women living in
the WHO Africa Region have the highest HSV-2 prevalence and exposure to HIV – putting them at greatest risk of HIV infection.

No cure: vaccine needed

There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms but cannot cure the infection.

Better awareness, improved access to antiviral medications and heightened HIV prevention efforts for those with genital HSV symptoms are needed globally. In addition, development of better treatment and prevention interventions is needed, particularly
HSV vaccines.

“A vaccine against HSV infection would not only help to promote and protect the health and well-being of millions of people, particularly women, worldwide – it could also potentially have an impact on slowing the spread of HIV, if developed
and provided alongside other HIV prevention strategies” says Dr Meg Doherty, Director of the WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes.

Authored by staff at the University of Bristol, the WHO, and Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, and published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, this new study estimates the global infection prevalence and incidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2
in 2016.

Read More
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/01-05-2020-billions-worldwide-living-with-herpes

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May 9, 2020
Massive proportion of world’s population are living with herpes infection

Virus causing genital herpes may put millions of people at greater risk of infection with HIV

About half a billion people worldwide are living with genital herpes, and several billion have an oral herpes infection, new estimates show.

Authored by staff at the University of Bristol, World Health Organization (WHO), and Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, and published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization,
the new study estimates the global infection prevalence and incidence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in 2016.

“Herpes infection affects millions of people across the globe and can have far-reaching health effects. We need more investment and commitment to develop better treatment and prevention tools for this infection.” says Dr Sami Gottlieb, Medical
Officer at WHO and an author of the study.

Prevalence and incidence

An estimated 491.5 million people were living with HSV-2 infection in 2016, equivalent to 13.2% of the world’s population aged 15 to 49 years. HSV-2 is almost exclusively sexually transmitted, causing infection in the genital or anal area (genital
herpes).

An estimated 3.7 billion people had HSV-1 infection during the same year – around 66.6% of the world’s population aged 0 to 49. HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes). However,
HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact – during oral sex – to cause genital herpes. Most HSV-1 infections were oral; however, between 122 million to 192 million people were estimated to have genital
HSV-1 infection, depending on the assumptions used in the estimation model.

Because herpes is a lifelong infection, estimated prevalence increased with age; HSV-2 prevalence was also higher among women and in the WHO African Region.

Health and social impacts

Most people living with herpes, caused by either HSV-1 or 2, are unaware they have the infection.

When symptoms do occur however, oral herpes infection can lead to painful sores around the mouth (“cold sores”). Genital herpes infection can cause recurring, often painful, genital sores, often referred to as genital ulcer disease.

WHO and partners published a study in March 2020 estimating that around 5% of the world’s population (187 million people) suffered from at least one episode of herpes-related genital ulcer disease in 2016 (1). Most of these episodes were due to
HSV-2, which can recur frequently over many years.

Recurrent symptoms of genital herpes can lead to stigma and psychological distress, and can have an important impact on quality of life and sexual relationships. However, in time, most people with herpes adjust to living with the infection.

“Genital herpes is a substantial health concern worldwide – beyond the potential pain and discomfort suffered by people living with the infection, the associated social consequences can have a profound effect on sexual and reproductive health”
says Dr Ian Askew, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO.

Herpes and HIV

A strong association exists between HSV-2 infection and HIV infection. In 2019, WHO commissioned a modeling study to estimate how much HSV-2 infection might contribute to HIV incidence. The study estimated that almost 30% of new sexually acquired HIV
infections in 2016 worldwide were likely attributable to HSV-2 infection (2).

Evidence shows that people with HSV-2 infection are at least three times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed. HSV-2 leads to inflammation and small breaks in the genital and anal skin that can make it easier for HIV to cause infection.
In addition, people with both HIV and HSV-2 infection are more likely to spread HIV to others.

Women have higher biologic susceptibility to both HSV-2 and HIV. Women living in the WHO Africa Region have the highest HSV-2 prevalence and exposure to HIV – putting them at greatest risk of HIV infection, with negative implications for their health
and well-being.

For people living with HIV (or who are living with other conditions that compromise their immune systems) as well as HSV-2, the symptoms of herpes can be more severe and more frequent.

Neonatal herpes

Neonatal herpes can occur when an infant is exposed to HSV in the genital tract during delivery. This is a rare condition, occurring in an estimated 10 out of every 100,000 births globally, but can lead to lasting neurologic disability or death. The risk
for neonatal herpes is greatest when a mother acquires HSV infection for the first time in late pregnancy. Women who have genital herpes before they become pregnant are at very low risk of transmitting HSV to their infants.

No cure – better treatment and prevention needed

There is no cure for herpes. At present, antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms but cannot cure the infection.

As well as increasing awareness about HSV infection and its symptoms, improved access to antiviral medications and heightened HIV prevention efforts for those with genital HSV symptoms are needed globally.

In addition, development of better treatment and prevention interventions is needed, particularly HSV vaccines. WHO and partners are working to accelerate research to develop new strategies for prevention and control of HSV infections. Such research includes
the development of HSV vaccines and topical microbicides. Several candidate vaccines and microbicides are currently being studied.

“A vaccine against HSV infection would not only help to promote and protect the health and well-being of millions of people, particularly women, worldwide – it could also potentially have an impact on slowing the spread of HIV, if developed
and provided alongside other HIV prevention strategies” says Dr Meg Doherty, Director of the WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes.

Related publications

WHO guidelines for the treatment of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus

WHO preferred product characteristics for herpes simplex virus vaccines

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(1) Looker KJ, Johnston C, Welton NJ, et al. The global and regional burden of genital ulcer disease due to herpes simplex virus: a natural history modelling study. BMJ Glob Health. 2020;5(3):e001875. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019- 001875.

(2) Looker KJ, Welton NJ, Sabin KM, et al.Global and regional estimates of the contribution of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection to HIV incidence: a population attributable fraction analysis using published epidemiological data. Lancet Infect Dis.2020;20(2):240-249. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30470-0.

Read More
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/01-05-2020-massive-proportion-world-population-living-with-herpes-infection

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May 9, 2020
Maternal infections in health facilities

A clearer picture of the global impact

New research from the Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS), a major WHO/HRP initiative, shows that infection has a much larger impact on global maternal mortality and morbidity than previously thought.

The
results from GLOSS, published in The Lancet Global Health, are the first to provide data on frequency of maternal infections and
sepsis across the pregnancy and post-pregnancy period, in a large number of health facilities around the world.

Around 11 women per 1000 live births had an infection which resulted in or contributed to what is known as a severe maternal outcome – either they died or nearly died – during their hospitalization.

Urgent improvement is needed to manage this life-threatening risk faced by all pregnant and recently pregnant women, wherever they are in the world.

What is maternal sepsis and how does it lead to maternal death?

Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs during pregnancy, child-birth, post-abortion or the postpartum period.

The latest global estimates place sepsis due to obstetric infections as the third most common cause of maternal mortality. However, this only includes infections as a direct result of pregnancy, such as endometritis or post-caesarean wound infections.

Few
previous studies include post-abortion infections. Neither do they address indirect infections such as respiratory and meningitis, which are aggravated by pregnancy but not directly caused by it.

A better understanding of maternal infection

GLOSS was a massive facility-based data collection effort led by WHO, accompanied by a ‘STOP SEPSIS!’ campaign to increase awareness among healthcare providers.

The study gathered data on women who were admitted with suspected or confirmed infection during pregnancy or post-pregnancy over a one-week period in 2017. More than 2800 women participated in the study in 52 countries.

GLOSS included healthcare facilities that care for women during pregnancy, childbirth or at the end of pregnancy, as well as facilities without maternity service but where women could be hospitalized during or after pregnancy, and data on infections
which are not usually recorded as maternal sepsis, including post-abortion and indirect infections.

The result is a more complete understanding of the frequency and impact of maternal infections in health facilities.

GLOSS calls attention not only to the wider range of risks faced by pregnant women but also to the long period of time during which they are at risk.

Putting global numbers on maternal infection and sepsis

Overall, around 70 pregnant or recently-pregnant women per 1000 live births were found to have a maternal infection needing hospital management.

Across the study, 11 women with either direct or indirect infection per 1000 live births developed a severe maternal outcome, but in low- and middle-income countries up to 15 women per 1000 births were affected.

Infections were the underlying cause of most of the deaths recorded during the study, primarily post-abortion infection and indirect infections. Infections were also present in about a third of deaths attributed to other causes, such as postpartum
haemorrhage.

This suggests that the contribution of infection to global maternal mortality and morbidity may be larger than current reports of maternal sepsis mortality suggest.

Preventing, identifying and treating maternal infection and sepsis

Some of the most common maternal infections found in the study, such as urinary tract infections, post-caesarean and post-abortion infections, are largely preventable and treatable.

GLOSS results suggest that current levels of monitoring and clinical care across health facilities are not enough to prevent, identify and treat levels of maternal infection effectively.

For instance, a complete set of vital signs was not reported for a third of the women in the study, on the day their infection was suspected or diagnosed. Delays in antimicrobial therapy were frequent.

GLOSS also shows marked differences across countries, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries, compared with high-income countries.

This may reflect the impact of broader health determinants in different country contexts. Challenges of overcrowding, limited access to water and sanitation and constraints to safe births by skilled birth attendants can reduce the ability of healthcare
providers to manage the frequency and outcome of maternal infections.

An opportunity to implement evidence-based practice

GLOSS gives healthcare providers, policy-makers, and the public at large an opportunity: to mobilise around these data improve evidence-based practice, and save lives.

WHO has produced a number of resources which can support timely action to prevent, diagnose and treat maternal infection, as well as activities such as the upcoming SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign
on 5 May which celebrates the central role played by nurses and midwives in clean health care.

In addition, WHO will publish a global sepsis epidemiology report around the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) in May, as requested in the
2017
WHA Resolution on Improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical managementof sepsis.

Understanding why and how infection affects women is essential for equipping healthcare providers with life-saving knowledge and enabling health care systems to bring down global maternal mortality and morbidity.

Related publications

WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections

WHO Clinical practice handbook for safe abortion

Global guidelines on the prevention of surgical site infection

WHO statement on maternal sepsis

World Health Assembly resolution on Improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of sepsis

Health Topics

Antimicrobial resistance

Infection Prevention and Control

Water Sanitation Hygiene

Other links

Global Maternal Sepsis Study

SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands 5 May 2020

Read More
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/27-04-2020-maternal-infections-in-health-facilities

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May 9, 2020
WHO urges countries to move quickly to save lives from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

Severe disruptions to insecticide-treated net campaigns and in access to antimalarial medicines could lead to a doubling in the number of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa this year compared to 2018, according to a new modelling analysis released by
WHO and partners ahead of World Malaria Day (25 April).

WHO urges countries to move fast and distribute malaria prevention and treatment tools at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa, and to do their utmost to safely maintain these essential malaria control services.

The analysis considers nine scenarios for potential disruptions in access to core malaria control tools during the pandemic in 41 countries, and the resulting increases that may be seen in cases and deaths.

Under the worst-case scenario, in which all insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaigns are suspended and there is a 75% reduction in access to effective antimalarial medicines, the estimated tally of malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020 would reach
769 000, twice the number of deaths reported in the region in 2018. This would represent a return to malaria mortality levels last seen 20 years ago.

According to the World malaria report 2019, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of deaths in 2018. More than two-thirds of deaths were among children under the age of five.

A window of opportunity

To date, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa has represented only a small proportion of the global total, though cases are increasing every week. This means that countries across the region have a critical window of opportunity
to minimize disruptions in malaria prevention and treatment and save lives at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mass vector control campaigns should be accelerated, while ensuring that they are deployed in ways that protect health workers and communities against potential COVID-19 transmission. WHO and partners commend the leaders of Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone and Chad
for initiating ITN campaigns during the pandemic. Other countries are adapting their net distribution strategies to ensure households receive the nets as quickly and safely as possible.

Preventive therapies for pregnant women and children must be maintained. The provision of prompt diagnostic testing and effective antimalarial medicines are also essential to prevent a mild case of malaria from progressing to severe illness and death.

WHO and partners have developed guidance to ensure that those suffering from malaria can safely receive the care they need within the package of essential health services to be delivered in COVID-19 settings. Tailoring malaria interventions in COVID-19 response includes guidance on the prevention of infection through vector control and chemoprevention, testing, treatment of cases, clinical services, supply chain and laboratory activities.

Note to the editor

The modelling analysis was conducted by WHO in close collaboration with partners, including PATH, the Malaria Atlas Project and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The analysis is subject to uncertainties. It does not consider, for example, the effects of an interruption in indoor residual spraying or seasonal malaria chemoprevention (except in Burkina Faso); a suspension of these core malaria prevention tools would
also lead to considerable loss of life.

In addition, there is limited understanding of the spread of COVID-19, its epidemiology and interactions with malaria. The model will be updated as such data become available, and countries will be provided with relevant information to tailor their responses
accordingly.

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https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/23-04-2020-who-urges-countries-to-move-quickly-to-save-lives-from-malaria-in-sub-saharan-africa

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May 9, 2020