WHO | Ending preventable deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025

 "The Integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD), by WHO/UNICEF, goes to the heart of the challenge by recognizing that the only way to combat these two preventable diseases is to not address them separately, but fight them together in an integrated approach.

We already know interventions that work, such as: exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months; vaccines; handwashing; drinking water; and appropriate treatments to name a few. To reduce preventable deaths, children most affected must have access to these interventions.

The GAPPD integrated approach will reduce the numbers of children under five years of age falling ill and dying by bringing more efficient and effective use of often scarce health resources. The goal is to see a drop in deaths from pneumonia to fewer than 3 children in 1000 live births, and from diarrhoea to less than 1 in 1000 by 2025.

This goal can only be achieved by engaging a wide range of actors, sectors and by attaining national political will. National governments are urged to take the lead and implement the GAPPD approach to move significantly in achieving the Millennium Development Goal to save children under the age of five (MDG4) as well as successfully implementing the UN Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health and Every Woman Every Child, and A Promise Renewed commitment to child survival."



WHO | Ending preventable deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025:10 April 2013 | Geneva -- Pneumonia and diarrhoea together account for 29% of all child deaths globally, resulting in the deaths of more than two million children each year. Children living in poor or remote communities are most at risk and evidence shows children are dying from these preventable diseases because effective interventions are not provided equitably across all communities. Countries most affected can end this staggering and unnecessary death toll.'via Blog this'

WHO | WHO calls for immediate action to save lives in Somalia

WHO is concerned by the chronic shortage of funding for life-saving work in Somalia in response to the ongoing drought that has plunged the country further towards famine, disease, and health insecurity. Drought in Somalia led to the destruction of crops and livestock, leaving more than 3.3 million people hungry every day. If the current situation continues, famine could soon be a reality, creating a devastating cycle of hunger and disease as the health of people deteriorates and they become more susceptible to infection. Drought has also led to lack of clean water and the largest outbreak of cholera Somalia has seen in the last 5 years, with more than 36 000 cases and almost 690 deaths so far in 2017 alone. With the beginning of the expected rainy season and floods this month, these numbers are expected to increase to 50 000 cases by the end of June. Cases of measles are also on the rise, with nearly 6 500 cases reported this year, 71% of them children under the age of 5 years.

"History has shown the terrible consequences of inaction, or action that comes too late. More than a quarter of a million lives – half of them children – were lost as a result of the devastating famine of 2011. This year, a much larger percentage of the population is now at risk. We will not stand by and watch millions of already vulnerable men, women, and children become victims of an avoidable catastrophe," said Dr. Peter Salama, WHO Executive Director for Emergencies.

WHO commends the Government of the United Kingdom for its leadership in hosting an international conference today to tackle the country’s most urgent challenges, and calls on the international community to take decisive action to help avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. So far in 2017, health sector requirements of US$ 103 million are only 23% funded and WHO has received less than 10% of US$ 25 million required for an organizational response. WHO urgently appeals for additional support from the international community to ensure the health response can continue and expand, to save lives and alleviate the suffering of millions of Somalis.

Background

Whilst the operating environment in Somalia remains challenging, and humanitarian access restricted as a result of ongoing conflict and violence in many parts of the country, WHO and health partners continue to scale up their response, with coordination hubs established in Mogadishu, Garowe, Hargeisa and Baidoa. In March and April 2017, WHO delivered nearly 50 tons of medicines and medical supplies to provide life-saving support for almost 4.3 million people. Cholera treatment centres are now operational in 40 districts, and the numbers of surveillance sites for epidemic-prone diseases have been increased across the country, with Rapid Response Teams deployed to support investigation and response activities. In March, WHO and partners conducted the first national oral cholera vaccination campaign in Somalia, reaching over 450 000 vulnerable people. A second campaign is ongoing in South West State and Middle Shebelle, targeting 463 000 vulnerable people.

Media contacts

Tarik Jašarević
World Health Organization
Telephone: +41 22 791 5099
Mobile: +41 79 367 6214
Email: jasarevict@who.int"



WHO | WHO calls for immediate action to save lives in Somalia: "WHO calls for immediate action to save lives in Somalia News release 11 MAY 2017 | GENEVA - 'via Blog this'

Nueva Ecija school teaches sustainable farming

"Agritechtural’ Farm and Training Center in Barangay Macatbong, Cabanatuan which is a 1.5-hectare piece of land.

There are 156 kinds of organic vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants grown here. There are livestock and a fishpond.

“Lahat ng kaylangan ng pamilya nandyan. Kung gusto mo ng may meat, meron kang alagang manok. Itlog nila napakarami. May fishpond doon within 3,000 square meters,” said Villegas Agritechtural Farm and Training Center executive director and school administrator Ed Reyes. (All the baasic needs of a family are there. If you like meat, there are chickens and eggs. There’s a fishpond within 3,000 square meters.)

This was made possible through the sustainable farming system.

Under this program, farmers may do organic farming and vermicomposting.

The livestock and fish must be fed with organic food to avoid spending much.

The system aims to make the work easier for farmers and increase their income.

“Kasi yong technology na ina-apply namin para magaan ang pagsasaka, pero marami kang inaani, hindi lang sapat, sobra pa at hindi lang basta pagkain, “safe” na pagkain,” Reyes added. (The technology we apply to make farming easier and increase harvest, is not just sufficient but more than sufficient. And its not just food, but “safe” food.)

The farm school encourages other farmers to try the sustainable farming system. — Danny Munar | UNTV News & Rescue

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"Nueva Ecija school teaches sustainable farming:



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