World Chagas Diseases Day 2021, April 14

FORUM: "Comprehensive and equitable health care and services for all" World Chagas Disease Day 2021.

                              

Since 2020, World Chagas Disease Day is celebrated every 14 April, after the approval and endorsement received by the World Health Assembly at WHO, in May 2019. One of the objectives of this event is give visibility and attention to the importance that this disease has in the public and individual health of the countries affected by it, and at the same time, give the opportunity to people who have Chagas disease to express their voice and needs, in addition to raising awareness to society about the disease and describe the resources needed to prevent, control and eliminate it when possible.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, has been classified as a "silent and silenced disease", not only because of its slow and frequently asymptomatic clinical course, but also because it mainly affects disadvantaged populations with restricted access to health care and other basic services. It is estimated that, in the Americas, there are about 6 to 8 million people infected with the parasite that causes the disease, most of whom are unaware of their condition. It is also estimated that in the Americas there are more than one million women of childbearing age who could be infected and who run the risk of perpetuating the annual occurrence of thousands of newborns who arrive in the world already infected by congenital transmission.

For the year 2021, within the framework of this celebration, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) seek to prioritize sensitization and awareness about Chagas disease among the Latin American media.

                        

The media can be great allies in the dissemination of truthful information to different groups of the population, including people at risk of infection. Chagas is a neglected disease, and therefore goes even more unnoticed than other diseases that are on the agenda of the media, either due to the political, economic and social situation, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. .

That is why PAHO, with the support of allies such as the Chagas Coalition, Florida International University, University of Chile, the What are we talking about when we talk about Chagas group? and the Medicines for Neglected Diseases Initiative, considered it necessary to carry out specific activities aimed at exchanging information, opinions and experience with journalists, so that they, in turn, can better recognize and disseminate the importance of covering this disease as a problem. of public health in our Region.

Key messages / call to action

• The general public: young people, patients, etc .:

Sensitization:

1) 2021: focus attention on Chagas disease, the suffering it causes, and advocate for comprehensive and universal care for all those affected by the disease.

2) The prevalence of Chagas disease mainly among the poor populations of continental Latin America; it is being detected more frequently in other countries and continents. It is estimated that worldwide between 10,000 and 12,000 people die a year.

3) Chagas disease is often called "a silent and silenced disease" since most of those infected are asymptomatic (or have mild symptoms). Furthermore, it mainly affects the poor who have no political voice and no access to health care. Currently, 67 million people in the Americas are at risk of infection.

4) It is time to end the stigmatization and discrimination of people affected by Chagas disease.

Call to action:

5) Chagas disease is often undiagnosed or diagnosed at an advanced stage. If you live or have traveled to an area with risk of transmission of Chagas disease, or if you have any symptoms, consult your doctor.

6) To prevent infection, protect yourself and your home from insects known as vinchucas, bed bugs, chirimachas, or Triatominae.

7) Please show affection and love towards infected people. Do not discriminate!

• Health workers and health collaborators

Sensitization:

1) Chagas disease patients need equitable access to safe treatment and care.

2) Joint efforts should be made globally to raise awareness of the extent of disease, suffering, disability and death associated with Chagas disease.

Call to action:

3) Early diagnosis and effective life-saving treatment.

4) Chagas disease patients should be prioritized for vaccination against COVID-19.

5) The implementation of control measures can eliminate domiciliary, transfusion, organ transplant and congenital vector transmission.

• Decision makers

Sensitization:

1) It is estimated that more than 10,000 people die each year due to the clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, and about 75 million people in the world are at risk of contracting the disease. In the fight against Chagas disease, achieving universal health coverage is essential.

Call to action:

2) Countries should increase capacity and resources to invest in diagnosis, control, prevention, surveillance, treatment, and clinical care.

3) Patients with Chagas disease should be prioritized for vaccination against COVID-19.

                              

ACTIVITIES: Commemoration of World Chagas Disease Day 2021.

1. Chagas: there are many more stories to tell Dialogue with journalists

Informative meeting and dialogue with selected journalists on Chagas disease in its different aspects (epidemiology, impact on health, multidimensionality, affected countries, etc.). The objective is to present to the participating media and journalists the challenge of visibility that Chagas disease faces in the current situation to increase the knowledge and visibility of this disease from updated and multidimensional approaches that do not deepen the stigmatization of people and contexts mainly affected. Update and generate spaces and resources to optimize the work of communication in the media on issues such as Chagas, through a call for journalists

Participants:

Selected journalists from Latin American media specialists in Chagas disease, Florida International University, Chagas Coalition, What are we talking about when we talk about Chagas group? University of Chile, DNDi and the Pan American Health Organization.

Virtual meeting, to be held on April 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (US Eastern time) and aims to generate ideas that help better coverage of the subject as a priority of international public health, so that the population in general and health providers, obtain more accurate and quality information to participate more actively in advocacy and communication on Chagas. To register for the meeting access:

2. Educational Video on Chagas: launched April 14 on the web and social networks

3. Live FB Session: Let's Talk About Chagas. April 15 11:00 a.m. EDT

Experts, patients and civil society come together in this dialogue on Chagas to learn more about this neglected disease.

International Day of Human Space Flight 2021, April 12

 Theme: Advancing sustainable development.

In 2011, the UN General Assembly declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight to celebrate “the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”

Directly or indirectly, space applications contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, space technologies can help optimize crop production and make the use of land, water, seeds, fertilizers and other resources more efficient, advancing Goal 2 on ending hunger.

Such innovations are all the more crucial given estimates that the coronavirus pandemic could push a further 132 million into hunger, adding to the 690 million globally who already do not have enough to eat.

In a message, Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), said that 60 years ago, “a new era for humanity began – with sky no longer the limit”. 

“Astronauts are envoys of humankind in outer space, embodying talent, skills, and bravery; and stretching the boundaries of what we can achieve as a civilization.” 

“Human space flight has changed our perspectives about the Earth, the universe and ourselves”, Ms. Di Pippo added. 

FAO envoy to bring ‘unique perspective’ 

To highlight the importance of world’s agri-food systems, and help make them more resilient, inclusive, efficient and sustainable, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Pesquet as its Goodwill Ambassador on Monday. 

An advocate for climate action, Mr. Pesquet highlighted the effects of climate change and called for more respect for the environment during his 196 consecutive days on board the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016 and 2017. 

The ESA astronaut brings “a unique perspective, from the vantage point of space”, Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General said. 

“Over the years, Thomas has helped raise awareness of the impact of climate change on agriculture, of the importance of access to nutritious foods, and of how critical it is for us to manage our natural resources wisely and reduce food loss and waste”, Mr. Qu added. 

‘Earth is also a spaceship’ 

Accepting the nomination, the French ESA astronaut said his first space flight drastically changed his perception about the challenges the world is facing, drawing parallels between planet Earth and a spaceship. 

“After all, Earth is also a spaceship, flying through space with limited resources. The problems are the same - a hostile environment that you have to deal with, limited resources that you have to share and there is a need to get along with crew members and work together to achieve your goals”, he said.  

Mr. Pesquet is preparing for his second mission to ISS, which is scheduled to be launched on 22 April and to last for six months. 

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

7 April is the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The date marks the start of the genocide perpetrated by the Hutu extremist-led government against the Tutsi minority.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres on the 2021 International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

This year marks 27 years since more than one million people were systematically murdered in less than three months in Rwanda.

They were overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide.

Those days in 1994 remain in our collective conscience as among the most horrific in recent human history.

On this Day, we honour those who were murdered, we reflect on the suffering and we recognize the resilience of those who survived.

As we join in solidarity with the people of Rwanda, we must take a hard look at today’s world and ensure that we heed the lessons of 27 years ago.

Today, around the globe, people are threatened by extremist groups determined on boosting their ranks through social polarization and political and cultural manipulation.

These extremist movements represent the principal security threat in many countries.

While the technology and techniques that extremists use are evolving, the vile messages and rhetoric remain the same.

The dehumanization of communities, misinformation and hate speech are stoking the fires of violence.

The Covid-19 pandemic underscores the urgency of addressing deepening divides.

The global health crisis has profoundly affected the entire spectrum of human rights in every region, further fueling discrimination, social polarization and inequalities – all of which can lead to violence and conflict.

We saw what happened in Rwanda in 1994, and we know the horrific consequences when hate is allowed to prevail.

Preventing history from repeating itself requires countering these hate-driven movements that have become a transnational threat.

We must redouble our efforts, and forge a Common Agenda, to renew and reinvigorate our collective actions going forward.

In doing this, we must defend human rights and continue to push for policies that fully respect all members of society.

Rwanda experienced one of the most painful chapters in modern human history, but its people have rebuilt from the ashes.

After suffering unspeakable gender-based violence and discrimination, Rwanda’s women now hold more than 60 per cent of parliamentary seats – making Rwanda a world leader.

The people of Rwanda have shown us the power of justice and reconciliation, and the possibility of progress.

On this solemn Day, let us all commit to building a world guided by human rights and dignity for all.

— António Guterres

WEBINARS: On the occasion of the International Day, UNESCO is organizing a panel discussion entitled From hate speech to genocide: lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda to mark the 27th anniversary of the start of the genocide. The event will take place online on 7 April 2021.

The commemoration is being organized by UNESCO and the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation UNESCO Chair on Genocide Education, with the Permanent Delegation of Rwanda to UNESCO, in partnership with Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC).

World Health Day 2021, April 7

Statement by Volkan Bozkir, President of 75th Session of the General Assembly, on World Health Day 2021, April 7th.

When COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill, most of us took to our homes for safety and comfort.
For millions of health and care workers, this was a luxury they could not afford.
These frontline workers stood and faced the unknown to help those who needed it most. They helped protect the scared, the confused, and the lonely.
We owe so much to the millions who risked their lives for the greater good.
We owe them gratitude.
We owe them recognition.
And we owe them support and the assurance of decent work environments, free from violence, stigma, and harassment, and equipped with the tools and resources needed to save lives.
2021 has been designated the International Year of Health and Care Workers.
As we mark World Health Day 2021, let us join together in celebrating – and supporting – the nurses and doctors, the midwives and EMTs, and all of the others who helped us feel safer and healthier.
And let us show them real, tangible support. As the World Health Organization has called for, let us work together to Protect, Invest, Together, so that our heroes are never forced to stand the line without the support and defences they need.

Thank you.

Five actions for World Health Day 2021;

The way forward: a fairer, healthier world,

World Health Day 2021 marks the start of WHO’s year-long campaign to place health equity centre stage of world attention. The campaign is timely, as it starts amid the colossal global effort to turn the tide on COVID-19, not least through international cooperation. Past global crises, such as in the aftermath of the Great Depression and the Second World War, triggered dramatic transformation in our societies, leading to wide-ranging improvements in health and social systems and reductions in inequalities. Those were deliberate choices made by global leaders at the time. We need such deliberate choices for the greater good again today. Our vision for World Health Day is to build afairer and healthier world, together. Prevailing over the pandemic can be the start of a new global compact that tackles poverty and health inequities, invests in health and wellbeing, promotes more equitable sharing of our resources, improves food security and nutrition, and finally turns the tide on climate change. Working together, we can build a healthier, greener, fairer world for all.

CAMPAIGN:

 This World Health Day, we urge everyone to join our campaign to make health equity areality through fairer, greener and healthiercommunities and economies.

International Day of Sport for Peace and Development 2021, April 6

 

Theme 2021: Only Together can we play or cheer again.

Between Wednesday, 31 March, through to, and on Tuesday, 6 April, we ask you share on your social media platforms a picture or video showing the value of sport in your life and highlight the importance of ensuring we are all protected from COVID-19 so we can return to moments like this in the future. 

                        

Sport can cross boundaries and defy stereotypes and inspire hope across nations, but we will only be able to get back to this, if we recover better and help end the pandemic by helping ensure everyone is protected from COVID-19.

Ahead of International #SportDay, join our call for solidarity to make sure everyone is protected against #COVID19 so we can get back to the things we love - like sport.

To raise awareness of sport,  6 April was declared as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the United Nations General Assembly. The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2021; 4 April

 

"Perseverance, Partnership, Progress." is the theme chosen to observe the International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 2021 - 4 April

Millions of citizens around the world are still faced with the daily and deadly threat of unexploded landmines and IEDs in their communities. We would like to take this opportunity to honour and support our courageous deminers who are working tirelessly to clear their communities of these deadly threats.

Statement by the U.N.Secretary-General's Message International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2021; 4 April.


Today, on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, we reflect on how far we have come in raising awareness of the dangers posed by landmines, and recommit to our target of a mine-free world.  

 More than 160 states are party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.  I call on those that have not yet acceded  to the Convention to do so without delay.

Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices disproportionally affect the vulnerable, the forcibly displaced, the dispossessed, and children. They impede peaceful solutions, hinder humanitarian responses and are an obstacle to sustainable, inclusive development.

Unfortunately, we sometimes make progress on clearing mines only to see it rolled back. But we cannot be content simply with advocacy and campaigning to create awareness of the dangers posed by landmines.

The United Nations Charter calls us to complete the work: to survey, clear and destroy these deadly devices.

Let’s make this the last decade when we need to devote ourselves to this task.

António Guterres




Statement by David Graig Global Advocate on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2021; 4 April



I am very pleased to add my voice today to that of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and many other leaders, activists, and concerned citizens, to call on all nations to keep their eye on the end-goal of ridding the world of landmines and explosive remnants of war. It takes determination.

As we come out of the shadow of the pandemic, I want to praise the men and women who steadfastly stuck to their routines and cleared and destroyed hundreds of thousands of explosives in 2020, from landmines, to unexploded bombs and improvised explosive devices. Work continued because individuals, organizations and governments stuck to it.

A new Safe Ground was built in Cambodia, Chile declared its territory mine-free, and all states party to the Mine Ban Convention have declared their intention to clear their territories of anti-personnel landmines by the end of this decade.

But there is new contamination. Last month we marked the 10-year anniversary of the war in Syria, a conflict that has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions displaced and thousands of tons of new explosive contamination. The fighting needs to stop. The clearance needs to begin in earnest and at scale.

And there is old contamination. The Viet Nam war officially ended more than 45 years ago, but landmines and explosive contamination still pollute wide swaths of territory.

One landmine can wreck a community: kill a father, a mother, and all too often a child.

The vision we must strive to attain is a world where individuals and communities live in safe homes, on safe ground, in safe environments. Where human rights, the right to life, liberty, personal security and basic needs are met and no one is left behind, including the survivors of explosive ordnance accidents, those wounded and disabled, who must be fully integrated as equal members of their societies.

April 4th is the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, please do whatever you can, in whatever position you hold, to reach this vision. Let’s stay focused.

Daniel Craig, UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards

World Autism Awaress Day 2021, April 2

"Inclusion in the Workplace:Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World." is thetheme chosen to celebrate the World Autism Awareness Day; 2 April.

Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General on the World Austism Awareness Day 2021; April 2nd.


As we work together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, one key goal must be to build a more inclusive and accessible world that recognizes the contributions of all people, including persons with disabilities.

The crisis has created new obstacles and challenges. But efforts to reignite the global economy offer an opportunity to reimagine the workplace to make diversity, inclusion and equity a reality.

Recovery is also a chance to rethink our systems of education and training to ensure that persons with autism are afforded opportunities for realizing their potential.

Breaking old habits will be crucial. For persons with autism, access to decent work on an equal basis requires creating an enabling environment, along with reasonable accommodation.

To truly leave no one behind in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, we must realize the rights of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, ensuring their full participation in social, cultural and economic life.

Let us work together with all persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to find innovative solutions to recover better and build a better world for all.

— António Guterres.

Key actions for WHO in collaboration with partners to support capacity building in countries