World Tuberculosis Day 2026; March 24th.

FORUM: "Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries. Powered by people" World Tuberculosis Day 2026. The theme is a bold call to action and a message of hope, affirming that it is possible to get back on track and turn the tide on the TB epidemic, even in a challenging global environment. With decisive country leadership, increased domestic and international investment, rapid uptake of new WHO recommendations and innovations, accelerated action, and strong multi-sectoral collaboration, ending TB is not just aspirational - it is achievable. WHO is calling for urgent action to: accelerate the roll out of diagnostic technologies that can be used near the point-of-care and other innovations as part of a comprehensive testing network; To strengthen people‑centred TB care with meaningful community leadership and continuous engagement; To build resilient health systems to safeguard health security; To tackle the social and economic drivers of TB through multisectoral action; and To protect essential TB services amid global crises and funding constraints. While new diagnostic tools represent a critical step forward, ending TB will require sustained investment in research and innovation. Global funding for TB research remains far below the estimated annual need of around US$ 5 billion, leaving major gaps in the development of new diagnostics, medicines and vaccines needed to end the epidemic. WHO is working with partners to accelerate progress through initiatives such as the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, launched to fast-track the development and equitable access to new TB vaccines by aligning governments, researchers, funders and industry around shared priorities and coordinated investment. As countries mark World TB Day 2026, The WHO urges governments and partners to prioritize TB as a central pillar of health security and universal health coverage. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldTBDay, #24March, #YesWecanEndTB, #Tuberculosis.

EVENTS: On Monday; March 24th; The World Health Organization (WHO) will commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day 2026 to urge countries to ramp up progress; Under the theme ''Yes! We Can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people'' the campaign highlights a rallying cry for urgency, and accountability and hope. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment to end TB. On the occasion on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, March 24th, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an urgent investment of resources to protect and maintain tuberculosis (TB) care and support services for people in need across regions and countries. TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for over 1 million deaths annually bringing devastating impacts on families and communities. The Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000. However, the drastic and abrupt cuts in global health funding happening now are threatening to reverse these gains. Rising drug resistance especially across Europe and the ongoing conflicts across the Middle-East, Africa and Eastern Europe, are further exacerbating the situation for the most vulnerable. Register to participate!

ONLINE TALK SHOW: On March 18th, 2026; From 13:30 to 16:00 CET; an Online Talk Show entitled ‘‘Yes we can end TB.’’ was held. Watch the talk show!

WEBINAR: A joint webinar of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day 2026. Campaign theme: “Yes! We Can End TB!: Led by countries, powered by people!” The event presented key findings, trends, and epidemiological signals based on data from the joint report “Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2026”. It also highlighted the high burden of MDR/RR‑TB, gaps in treatment, and the scale-up of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Get the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!

A

RESEARCH: A New Tuberculosis Strategy Shows Promise from Science | AAAS. Now a group in the Republic of Korea reports what they believe could be a potent new method of fighting TB: a combination of cheap drugs and a DNA vaccine. Learn more.

PUBLICATIONS: Funding: threat to global TB efforts - Early reports to WHO reveal that severe disruptions in the TB response are seen across several of the highest-burden countries following the funding cuts. Countries in the WHO African Region are experiencing the greatest impact, followed by countries in the WHO South-East Asian and Western Pacific Regions. Twenty seven countries are facing crippling breakdowns in their TB response, with devastating consequences, such as: Human resource shortages undermining service delivery; Diagnostic services severely disrupted, delaying detection and treatment; Data and surveillance systems collapsing, compromising disease tracking and management; Community engagement efforts, including active case finding, screening, and contact tracing, deteriorating, leading to delayed diagnoses and increased transmission risks. Nine countries report failing TB drug procurement and supply chains, jeopardizing treatment continuity and patient outcomes. The 2025 funding cuts further exacerbate an already existing underfunding for global TB response. In 2023, only 26% of the US$ 22 billion annually needed for TB prevention and care was available, leaving a massive shortfall. TB research is in crisis, receiving just one-fifth of the US$ 5 billion annual target in 2022 – severely delaying advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. WHO is leading efforts to accelerate TB vaccine development through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, but progress remains at risk without urgent financial commitments.
New guidance on TB and lung health: As one of the solutions to combating growing resource constraints, WHO is driving the integration of TB and lung health within primary healthcare as a sustainable solution. New technical guidance released by WHO outlines critical actions across the care continuum, focusing on prevention, early detection of TB and comorbidities, optimized management at first contact and improved patient follow-up. The guidance also promotes better use of existing health systems, addressing shared risk factors such as overcrowding, tobacco, undernutrition and environmental pollutants. By tackling TB determinants alongside communicable and non-communicable diseases, lung conditions, and disabilities through a unified strategy, WHO aims to reinforce the global response and drive lasting improvements in health outcomes. On World TB Day, WHO calls on everyone: individuals, communities, societies, donors and governments, to do their part to end TB. Without concerted action from all stakeholders, the TB response will be decimated, reversing decades of progress, putting millions of lives at risk and threatening health security. TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for over 1 million deaths annually bringing devastating impacts on families and communities.

STATEMENTS:

Statement by Dr. Tedros; Director of the World Health Organization on behalf the World TB Day 2026; March 24th.


Statement delivered by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director, WHO Regional Office for Europe on World TB Day 2026.


Statement delivered by Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO's department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs on World TB Day 2026.


Statement delivered by Hon. Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa on World TB Day 2026.

World Diabetes Day 2025; November 14th.

FORUM: "Diabetes across life stages.” World Diabetes Day 2025. Diabetes can impact people across all life stages, including childhood, the reproductive years, working age and older adulthood. The theme of this year’s obervance recognizes that every person living with diabetes should have access to integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self-management. This campaign emphasizes the importance of a life-course approach to diabetes prevention, management and overall well-being. The celebration provide an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue. Join us in raising awareness, spreading knowledge and creating lasting change for all affected by diabetes. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Diabeteslife, #14November, #WorldDiabetesDay, #AccesstoDiabetesCare.

EVENTS: On November 14th; The World Health Organization's World Diabetes Day 2025 live Q&A  #AskWHO will be live-streamed on WHO X, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channels at 2:30pm CET. Learn more about the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Diabetes Day commemoration event. Register to participate!

Día Mundial de la Diabetes 2025

PLEDGE: Let's  work togerher to achieve the Global Diabetes Coverage Targets.

WHO Member States endorsed 5 global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030:

• 80% of people with diabetes are diagnosed;
• 80% of people with diagnosed diabetes have good control of glycaemia;
• 80% of people with diagnosed diabetes have good control of blood pressure;
• 60% of people with diabetes of 40 years or older receive statins; and
• 100% of people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring.

About the Regional Revolving Funds

The PAHO Regional Revolving Funds (RRFs) are technical cooperation mechanisms that enable countries in the Americas to access quality medicines, vaccines, and public health supplies at affordable prices in a timely and transparent manner. Their main objective is to reduce economic and logistical barriers that impede access to essential treatments, including quality medicines and technologies for diabetes care. 

Through the Regional Revolving Funds, The PAHO:

1. Advises countries on the joint procurement of essential supplies, including medicines and technologies.
2. Promotes transparency, efficiency, and quality in procurement processes.
3. Strengthens national capacities to ensure a continuous and equitable supply.

Since their inception, the Regional Revolving Funds have been a vital instrument for guaranteeing access to health supplies in the Americas. They have been key in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, and have directly contributed to improving immunization, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and eradicating polio, among other advances. The PAHO Regional Revolving Funds are an essential tool for improving health and well-being in the Americas. They help countries ensure that everyone has access to the health supplies they need. More information about the fund.

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024; December 27th.

FORUM: “Early detection, early action, healthier communities.” International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024. Epidemics and pandemics are some of the biggest threats to a safe and healthy world. They are on the rise, and in today’s connected world, they are spreading further and faster than ever before.   Known epidemics—such as cholera, measles, Ebola, and malaria—continue to threaten large parts of the world’s population. And, as we saw with COVID-19, the world is also at risk from new infectious diseases that can claim millions of lives, bring health systems to their knees, and reverse decades of development progress.  But the good news is that with effective preparedness and response measures, we can reduce the impacts of epidemics and pandemics and even stop them in their tracks.  The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the need to equip the world and ensure that we are all ready to take on the health challenges to come. We must heed the lessons learnt from the recent pandemic and invest in epidemic preparedness, prevention and response to save the world from the scourge of epidemics. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EpidemicPreparedness, #27December, #InternationalDayofEpidemicPreparedness.

EVENTS: On December 27th, the World Health Assembly (WHA) and World Health Organization (WHO) will hold a webinar to mark the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024. The Secretary-General said these efforts are making progress and recalled that the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, concluded with a robust political declaration which complements negotiations underway towards a pandemic accord. The pandemic accord will help to create a safer and healthier world with a universal system of response to disease eruptions, he added.

Statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the International Day of Epidemic preparedness 2024; December 27th.


COVID-19 was a wake-up call to the world. Millions of lives lost, economies shattered, health systems pushed to the brink and daily life upended for all of humanity. The crisis may have passed, but a harsh lesson remains: the world is woefully unprepared for the next pandemic. Outbreaks of mpox, cholera, polio and Marburg are startling reminders that infectious diseases remain a real and present danger to every country. On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I call on countries to heed the lessons of past health emergencies to help prepare for the next. This means building resilient public and primary health care systems and making good on the promise of Universal Health Coverage. It means making bold investments in pandemic monitoring, detection and response. And it means ensuring equitable access to life-saving tools like vaccines, treatments and diagnostics. Most of all, it means global solidarity. I call on countries to deliver on the historic Pandemic Agreement to ensure the world works better, together, to prevent and contain future pandemics. Today, and every day, let’s commit to working together for a safer and healthier world for everyone, everywhere.

The United Nations Secretary-General.

World Food Safety Day 2024; June 7th.

FORUM: "Food safety: prepare for the unexpected." World Food Safety Day 2024. On World Food Safety Day, we remember that food safety is a collective responsibility – everyone from producers to consumers needs to play their part. This is the only way we can be sure the food on your plate will be safe. However, there are exceptional situations where even if we have all played our part, the unexpected intervenes and food safety is compromised. Even then, there is always something we can do to avoid illness. Are you ready for the unexpected? Food safety incidents can range from minor events to major international crises, whether it is a power outage at home, a food poisoning at a local restaurant, a voluntary recall of contaminated products by a manufacturer, an outbreak from imported products, or a natural disaster. Food safety hazards do not recognize borders, so in an increasingly interconnected global food supply, risks posed by unsafe food can rapidly evolve from a local problem to an international emergency.

EVENTS:  From 05 to 11 June, 2024 A series of webinars and panel discussions hosted by the FAO and the WHO will be held to mark the World Food Safety Day 2024.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Colombia/ Free webinar on how to prepare for the unexpected,

Colombia.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day Portugal/ Workshop on parasites in sushi,

Portugal.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day/ Japan Food Safety Management Association hybrid event,

Japan.

07 June 2024 - World Food Safety Day/ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye to promote importance of food safety.
Türkiye.

KEY MESSAGES

Preparedness is key When the unexpected happens, preparedness is key. National food safety emergency response plans and strengthened/strong surveillance systems are essential to manage food safety events. Food businesses should have a management and response plan in place that facilitate immediate action in case of a food safety incident.
Multisectoral collaboration - ensures effective responses: Shared responsibility for food safety requires collaboration on issues that affect us all ‒ globally, regionally, nationally and locally. A coordinated approach across government agencies, national authorities and the food industry helps minimize public health impact.
Rapid exchange of information saves lives: Fast and accurate information sharing among all relevant partners, including government agencies, food inspection services, food businesses, laboratories, international organizations and others helps identification of the nature and origin of food safety events and saves lives.
Effective communication maintains confidence in the food supply: Providing accurate, open and timely information to stakeholders, including healthcare providers, the media and the general public, helps maintain faith in the food supply and prevents further illness.
Food safety management plans help protect consumers: Food producers, importers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers should all have established and regularly updated food safety management plans to protect public health.
Decisive action of food operators benefits all:Food industry stakeholders must be ready to implement emergency response plans and approaches, including procedures for withdrawal and recall.
Traceability systems are an effective tool to track food through the food chain.
Everyone is a risk manager - Everyone evaluates food safety risks as part of their daily choices. These choices are made by individuals and collectively by families, communities, businesses and governments.

FACTS & FIGURES

• One in ten people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year. It affects all countries.
• Over 200 diseases are caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances such as heavy metals.
• Children under 5 make up 9 percent of the population, but carry 40 percent of the foodborne disease burden, being at a higher risk of malnutrition and mortality due to unsafe food.
• Since its creation in 2004, the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) has facilitated the rapid exchange of information across borders and between members, during thousands of food safety events.
• Food safety incidents are not only caused by foodborne illness. They can be due an unexpected event that can lead to contamination or cause a break down in food safety controls, such as power outage or flooding.

Governments can:
commit to developing or updating national food safety emergency response plans
strengthen national food control systems
increase surveillance and coordination capacities
improve communication with food businesses and the general public
Food businesses can:
improve food safety management plans
share “lessons learned” and work collaboratively with each other
improve the way they communicate with consumers
Consumers can:
ensure they know how to report or respond to a food safety incident
ensure they understand the implications of the unexpected at home, and how to react

World Malaria Day 2024; April 25th.

FORUM:"Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable World." World Malaria Day 2024.

This year’s International Malaria Day theme underscores Gender, Health equity and Human Rights as a cornerstone to building resilient societies. When we invest in women, Health and Human Rights we make strides towards a healthier, more equitable world. World Malaria Day, observed globally annually on 25th April serves to emphasize the importance of ongoing investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. On World Malaria Day 2024, we will highlight malaria's heavy toll on women and girls, impacting their health, roles, and economic outcomes. Malaria perpetuates inequality and hinders Universal Health Coverage. A gender-focused approach is vital, focusing resources and targeted interventions in vulnerable areas. Focus areas include addressing gender disparities, improving pregnancy-related prevention, and promoting inclusive health systems. Community engagement ensures equitable access to malaria prevention and treatment interventions. Let's recommit to women and girls' well-being, pursuing equity in the fight against malaria. We encourage partners to use the following hashtags in social media posts to join the conversation: #AccelerateTheFight, #WorldMalariaDay #GenderEquityHumanRights, #EndMalaria #ZeroMalariaStartswithMe.

World Malaria Day Symposium  is held yearly @jhmalariarsch in Baltimore on the 25th of April. The latest research is presented. It is one of the largest events of its kind in the western hemisphere
Focused on four major areas of research — entomology, parasitology, epidemiology and immunology — JHMRI boasts experts from around the globe, all working to prevent and cure malaria

World Cancer Day 2024; February 4th.

FORUM: "Close the Care Gap." World Cancer Day 2024. The Day will focus on examining the socioeconomic factors that lead to disparities in cancer prevention, incidence and survival, such as cultural and gender norms, income and education levels, and biases based on age, gender, ethnicity, disability and lifestyle. Additionally, there will be a call for increased action to improve cancer awareness, prevent cancer, support advancements in diagnostics and treatment, and address the shortcomings in health systems highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There will also be opportunities for interviews with WHO and partners in different regions and WHO countries worldwide. World Cancer Day aims to promote awareness on cancer as a public health issue and to strengthen actions towards improving access to quality care, screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care. This year’s theme marks the second year of the campaign “close the care gap” which is about understanding the inequities in cancer care and taking actions to make the necessary progress to address them.

EVENTS: On February 4th, for the World Cancer Day 2024 various activities will take place globally, including the "5k Challenge" by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking or walking to symbolize closing the gap in care. Additionally, there will be "21-day challenges" for individuals to create new healthy habits, raise awareness about cervical cancer, and educate themselves about inequalities in accessing cancer services.

STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the the WHO Africa Director-General Dr. Matshidiso Moeti on World Cancer Day 2024; February 4th.

In August 2023, I attended a cervical cancer meeting with survivors and was excited by the potential of new tools to accelerate access to vaccination, screening, and treatment. One of the things survivors said was the need for leaders to listen to their stories.

On the 4th of February every year, the world unites to raise awareness on fundamental cancer issues; we at the WHO African Region connect with the public in spearheading this annual awareness day and beyond.

Between 2022 and 2024, the focus of World Cancer Day is to help “Close the cancer gap.” This year marks the third and final year of the campaign. The theme for this year is “Together, we challenge those in power”. This theme encompasses the global demand for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world.

The cancer situation in Africa is disheartening. In the year 2020, approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases occurred on the continent, with around 700 000 deaths. About 50% of new cancer cases in adults in Africa are due to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers. If urgent measures are not taken, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030. Also, in 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa will overtake the global average of 30%. This is more so because cancer survival rates in the WHO African region currently average 12%, much lower than the average of over 80% in High-Income Countries.

Nevertheless, we commend the progress made in cancer prevention and care in our region. For instance, 17 countries have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with the WHO recommendations. Also, 28 of our Member States have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination to reach about 60% of the priority population targeted with HPV vaccination.

This year’s theme is auspicious as it reinforces all persons and groups’ universal right to health. We believe that regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, and gender, every person must be afforded an equal chance at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

We call on the region’s countries, communities, partners, and civil society to unite and foster universal access to cancer prevention and care.

Stakeholders must identify feasible priorities, implement evidence-based population-wide interventions and invest in cancer control.

Countries should use the updated WHO Best Buys , the facilitative tool designed to enable governments to select lifesaving policies and interventions for noncommunicable diseases.

Leaders are responsible for ensuring that cancer prevention and care deploy technologies and therapies that are available at low cost to affected persons and their families, which are value for money. Furthermore, countries should strengthen information systems to gather quality data for decision-making.

We reiterate that civil society, especially organizations of cancer survivors or persons with lived cancer experiences, are critical in the fight against cancer in Africa. Such a whole-of-society approach to cancer prevention and care is the essence of this year’s World Cancer Day theme.

“Together, we challenge those in power” to go the extra mile for a cancer-free Africa!

WHO Africa Director-General Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.

 

WEBINARS: Join us for a live to kick-off World Cancer Day. Our first speaker will be Cary Adams, CEO Union for International Cancer Control. Tune in to learn about the campaign, get ideas on how to get involved and more.

#Cancer kills an estimated 3.5M people in the Western Pacific each year. Top cancer risk factors in the Region: Tobacco & alcohol use Infections Obesity UV exposure Tobacco use is the highest cancer risk factor, responsible for approximately 1 in 4 cancer deaths. #WorldCancerDay.WHO in the Western Pacific Region.

International Day of Epidemic preparedness 2023; December 27th.

FORUM: "Enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future." International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic affected hundreds of millions of lives, caused millions of deaths and inflicted devastating impacts on humanity. After three years of unprecedented global efforts, on 5 May the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, stressing however, that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EpidemicPreparedness, #27December, #InternationalDayofEpidemicPreparedness.

EVENTS: On December 27th, the World Health Assembly (WHA) and World Health Organization (WHO) will hold a webinar to mark the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2023. The Secretary-General said these efforts are making progress and recalled that the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, held in September, concluded with a robust political declaration which complements negotiations underway towards a pandemic accord. The pandemic accord will help to create a safer and healthier world with a universal system of response to disease eruptions, he added.

STATEMENTS: "This first-ever global agreement aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future " said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in his end-of-year message.

Statement from the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the International Day of Epidemic preparedness 2023; December 27th. 

COVID-19 is no longer the international public health emergency it was, but it is still circulating, and its devastating effects are still with us. Economic damage inflicted by the pandemic endures. Many healthcare systems are struggling. Millions of children are threatened by disease after missing out on routine childhood vaccinations. And three years after the first COVID-19 vaccines were developed, billions of people remain unprotected – overwhelmingly in developing countries.

When the next pandemic arrives, we must do better. But we’re not yet ready. We must prepare and act on the lessons of COVID-19.

Working together, the world must improve surveillance of viruses, strengthen health systems, and make the promise of Universal Health Coverage a reality. We must renounce the moral and medical disaster of rich countries hoarding and controlling pandemic healthcare supplies, and ensure everyone has access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. And we must strengthen the World Health Organization’s authority and financing.

These efforts are making progress. The High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in September agreed a robust political declaration. This complements the negotiations on a pandemic accord in Geneva.

On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I urge countries to build on this momentum by delivering a strong, comprehensive accord, focused on equity, by next year’s World Health Assembly in May.

Together, let’s act on the lessons of COVID-19, prepare, and build a fairer, healthier world for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

World Diabetes Day 2023; November 14th.

FORUM: ”Access to Diabetes Care.” World Diabetes Day 2023. WHO will highlight the need for equitable access to essential care, including raising awareness of ways people with diabetes can minimize their risk of complications. Activities will also celebrate the experiences of people with all forms of diabetes to help those impacted to take action, including seeking and obtaining essential care. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #14November, #WorldDiabetesDay, #AccesstoDiabetesCare.

EVENTS: Regional Offices celebrations World Diabetes Day 2023.

On November 13th, 2023. from 14:00 – 15:00 (Central European Time); The WHO and International Diabetes Federation organized a World Diabetes Day joint webinar: Marking the diabetes community and progress towards 2030.

On November 4th, 2023 from 12:00 – 15:00 in commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2023, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is organizing a thought-provoking and informative 3-hour webinar under the theme "Access to diabetes medicines and care: using WHO packages as enablers".


On November 14th, 2023 from 16:00 – 17:00 (Central European Time), in collaboration with the WHO, is hosting a hybrid event in Mexico City to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2023, which will be broadcast via Zoom. The event will highlight regional successes, challenges and opportunities in diabetes prevention and control.

INITIATIVES: Join the Global Diabetes Walk, an initiative created by the World Diabetes Foundation in support of World Diabetes Day. Take to the streets to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes and the importance of physical activity.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023; September 10th.

FORUM: "Creating hope through action." World Suicide Prevention Day 2023.

The theme of WSPD 2023, “Creating hope through action,” reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments- can take action to prevent suicide in the Region. The overall goal of this day is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide. Objectives include promoting stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action. These can be achieved through capacity building of healthcare providers and other relevant actors, positive and informative messaging aimed at the general population and at-risk groups such as young people, and facilitating an open discussion on mental health at home, at school, in the workplace, etc. Those contemplating or affected by suicide are also encouraged to share their stories and seek professional help.

EVENTS: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2023 is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. Join us on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EDT) for our live regional event, United to make suicide prevention a priority. The live conversation aims to give a platform to two different experiences from Barbados and Chile with live audiences in each country and we want you to be part of it by joining online. The event will focus on the role of media in appropriate suicide reporting as an evidence-based strategy to reduce suicide in the Region without losing the focus on the theme “Creating Hope through Action”.

STATEMENTS: Remarks by WHO/PAHO Director General on World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

Under the theme of #CreatingHopeThroughAction, we continue to strive to encourage understanding and compassion by reaching out a helping hand and listening. IASP President, Professor Rory O'Connor address for World Suicide Prevention Day 2023.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can be the light.

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Get the communication materials!
WSPD Film & the World Suicide Prevention Day Campaign Pack

World Blood Donor Day 2023; June 14th.

FORUM: “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.” World Blood Donor Day 2023.

The slogan for the campaign is “Give blood; Give plasma; Share life; Share often.” It will focus on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underline the role every single person can play, by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma. It will also highlight the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, all over the world, so that all patients in need can receive timely treatment. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #GiveBlood, #GivePlasma, #14june, #DonateBlood, #WorldBloodDonorDay, #BloodDonations.

EVENTS: The host country for the global event of World Blood Donor Day 2023 is Algeria through its National Blood Transfusion Service and the OMS Algeria.

Activities that would help promote the slogan of this year’s World Blood Donor Day may include donor appreciation ceremonies, social networking campaigns, special media broadcasts, social media posts featuring individual blood donors with the slogan, meetings and workshops, musical and artistic events to thank blood donors, and coloring the iconic monuments red or yellow. Countries are encouraged to disseminate to various media outlets stories of people, in particular transfusion-dependent patients, whose lives have been saved through blood or plasma donation as a way of motivating blood and plasma donation.

Message from the WHO Director General on World Blood Donor Day 2023; June 14th.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

The objectives of the World Blood Donor Day 2023 are to:

• celebrate and thank individuals who donate blood and encourage more people to become new donors;
• encourage people in good health to donate blood regularly, as often as is safe and possible, to transform the quality of life for transfusion dependent patients and help to build a secure blood supply in all countries in the world;
• highlight the critical roles of voluntary non-remunerated regular blood and plasma donations in achieving universal access to safe blood products for all populations; and
• mobilize support at national, regional and global levels among governments and development partners to invest in, strengthen and sustain national blood programmes.

KEY MESSAGES

The need for blood is universal; access to blood, no. Blood shortages are most pressing in low- and middle-income countries.

Regular blood donations are needed around the world to ensure that safe, quality-assured blood and blood products are available to individuals and communities.

Every blood or plasma donation is a precious gift that saves lives; regular donation is the key to having a safe and sustainable supply.

Broad population participation in regular blood and plasma donations ensures that blood and plasma proteins are available to everyone when they need them.

Blood and plasma donors collectively provide valuable protection for patients and communities.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of blood and plasma donors is essential; makes it easier for them to commit to making regular donations.

A special thanks to blood and plasma donors on behalf of people in need of lifelong transfusions or plasma protein treatments. We live because you give. Thank you so much!

Donate blood, donate plasma, share life, share it frequently.

World Malaria Day 2023; April 25th.

FORUM: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement.”World Malaria Day 2023
At WHO, we’re focused on raising awareness about the need to “implement” the tools and strategies we have available today to reach those who continue to be unreached.  On April 25th, we want to remind each other that the fight against malaria still needs critical attention. If we: invest in malaria control, innovate new tools and implement new approaches we can eliminate Malaria. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldMalariaDay, #TimetoDeliverZeroMalaria, #InvestInnovateImplement, #25April, #EndMalaria.

Malaria-affected countries and partners are strongly encouraged to deliver the WHO-recommended tools and strategies that are available now for all at risk of malaria – and particularly those most vulnerable. According to the latest World malaria report, countries have made some progress in expanding access to malaria services for most-at-risk populations. However, too many people at high risk of malaria are still missing out on the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease. 

Challenges in expanding access to malaria services have been compounded, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, converging humanitarian crises, restricted funding, weak surveillance systems, and declines in the effectiveness of core malaria-fighting tools. 

To address these threats and support countries in building more resilient malaria programmes, WHO recently published new guidance, strategies and frameworks. WHO has also increased the transparency, flexibility and access to its malaria recommendations.

In addition to addressing the technical challenges facing implementation, there is a critical need to address the barriers people face in accessing quality health services. Investments in well-functioning health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care, can address people’s health needs close to where they live and work while, at the same time, reducing the cost of care and enhancing equity.

WHO guidance and strategies


To address these threats and support countries in building more resilient malaria programmes, the WHO recently published new guidance, including:a new strategy to contain antimalarial drug resistance in Africa;
- A new initiative to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi in urban environments;
- A new framework, developed jointly by WHO and UN-Habitat, to guide city leaders in urban malaria control.
- A new toolkit to help countries assess their malaria surveillance systems and identify areas for investment.

To support malaria-endemic countries, the WHO has also increased the transparency, flexibility and access to its malaria recommendations. The WHO encourages countries to tailor the recommendations to local disease settings, using local data, for maximum impact. All WHO malaria guidance is available through two digital platforms: 

MAGICapp – The consolidated WHO guidelines for malaria are accessible through the MAGICapp platform in several languages.

Malaria Toolkit app – WHO’s most up-to-date recommendations on malaria can also be found in the Malaria Toolkit app.


WHO’s consolidated guidelines are a “living” document that is updated periodically as and when new guidance becomes available. In June 2022, WHO updated its recommendations for 3 key chemoprevention strategies.

1. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is recommended for children living in areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission in Africa.
2. Perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) is recommended for young children living in areas where malaria is a year-round disease, and where transmission is high.
3. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is recommended for all pregnant women living in areas of moderate-to-high malaria transmission in Africa.

When given to the young children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable to malaria, preventive chemotherapy has been shown to be a safe, effective and cost-effective strategy for reducing the disease burden and saving lives. The WHO recently published recommendations on new types of insecticide-treated nets (March 2023) and on the treatment of malaria cases (November 2022).

WEBINARS: World Malaria Day 2023 - Q&A with Against Malaria Foundation and Malaria Consortium.