Preventing disease outbreaks after the tsunami in Solomon Islands
SOLOMON ISLANDS, 8 May 2013 – Early-warning surveillance systems are crucial to identify post-disaster disease outbreaks. This photo story tells how a surveillance system was implemented in Solomon Islands after a tsunami and shows some of the logistical challenges of deploying a new system in this remote island context.
Read the photo story about Solomon Islands
Less Salt – Less Pressure ! (World Health Day 2013: Control Your Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. Between 30% to 40% of the adult population of the Pacific Island countries has high blood pressure. This year WHO is focusing on high blood preesure on World Health Day 2013 (Arpril 7) to encourage action to reduce high blood pressure.
[full version of text above]
The need for a balancing act between trade agreements and health
Nadi – February 11 - The Pacific should take the best of what trade and trade agreements have to offer and ensure that they do not add to the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis in the region, Pacific Islands’ country delegates heard today at a sub-regional workshop which highlights the intersect between trade agreements and health.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause about 80% of all deaths in the Pacific. They are a significant cause of disability and premature death affecting people in the workforce and adversely impact on the economic development of the region.
[full version of text above]
WHO provides immediate health sector response to damage caused by tropical cyclone Evan in Samoa
APIA , Samoa, 18 December 2012 - The World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Samoa joined other bilateral and multisectoral organizations in undertaking an initial rapid assessment of the damage caused by tropical cyclone Evan that hit Samoa on 13 December 2012.
Read the press release on Cyclone Evan
Solomon Islands hospital declared smoke, alcohol, betel-nut free zone
The new Gizo Hospital in the Solomon Islands has officially declared its premises to be a no-go zone for tobacco, alcohol and betel nut use this week as part of ongoing efforts to reduce exposure to the main risk factors for non communicable diseases.
[full version of text above]
Innovative strategy addresses triple threat to the health of Pacific people
Pacific island countries and territories are
confronted with a triple burden – communicable disease, noncommunicable disease and the health impact of climate change – that causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. The newly launched WHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy for the Pacific 2013–2017 (MCCS) has been developed together with the Pacific countries and territories to address these issues. The MCCS identifies common challenges across the Pacific, and outlines strategies to address them. The country-specific strategies complement this with a synopsis of the national health plan and priorities, and the specific action WHO agrees to undertake in support of those goals.
WHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy for the Pacific 2013–2017 (MCCS)
[full version of text above]
Upgrading WHO's office in Solomon Islands
HONIARA, Solomon Islands, 28 August 2012 – An important milestone was reached today in relations between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Solomon Islands with a ceremony marking the official upgrade of the Organization’s country presence to full status as a WHO Representative Office.
Among the special guests were WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Shin Young-soo, Solomon Islands Minister for Health and Medical Services Charles Sigoto and Solomon Islands Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Seth Gukuna.
[full version of text above]