Medical supplies air-delivered to north-east Syria

WHO supplies arrive at Al Hasakah governorate10 February 2014 – The World Health Organization (WHO) started this week to deliver medicines, vaccine and medical supplies to north-east Syria by chartered flights from the capital Damasacus.

A first plane, loaded with 40 tons of medical supplies, landed on Saturday at Quamishli airport in Al Hasakah governorate. With additional 80 tonnes that are expected to arrive in the coming days aboard two flights, WHO is providing medical supplies for more than 335 000 beneficiaries.

Medicines for chronic and infectious diseases, including skin diseases, as well as medical supplies needed to treat patients with injuries, are being distributed to health authorities and nongovernmental organizations providing health services.

Overseen by the WHO focal point based in Al Hasakah, life-saving supplies are foreseen to also reach Al Shaddah, an area that has not received medical supplies for two years.

A (H1N1) seasonal influenza virus: guidance on prevention and treatment

7 February 2014 - WHO has recently been notified by the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt, of an increase in seasonal influenza activity. In some governorates, severe respiratory illnesses have been reported, of which a few were laboratory confirmed as influenza A (H1N1) pdm 2009. To date, 25 deaths associated with influenza have been reported in Egypt since December 2013.

This type of seasonal influenza pattern has been observed in many other countries of the Region, as well as globally.

WHO is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Population in Egypt to continuously assess and monitor the situation and provide technical support and guidance on appropriate public health measures to mitigate the current situation.

The influenza A (H1N1) pdm 2009 virus first emerged as a new virus that was responsible for pandemic influenza in 2009. WHO declared the end of the pandemic influenza in August 2010. Since then this virus has been circulating in humans as seasonal influenza virus. Seasonal influenza viruses can cause from mild to severe illness, including deaths among a number of hospitalized patients. The elderly, young children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and people with underlying chronic health conditions are at higher risk of severe complication.

World Cancer Day 2014: Debunk the myths

4 February 2014 – World Cancer Day is observed every year by the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Union for International Cancer Control on 4 February. The slogan for this year’s Day is "Debunk the myths", which builds on the success of last year's campaign.

The 2014 campaign focuses on dispelling four key damaging myths and misconceptions that people often have about cancer.

• We shouldn’t talk about cancer.
• There are no signs or symptoms of cancer.
• There is nothing we can do about cancer.
• Not everyone has the right to cancer care.

The truth is, in many cultures and settings talking about cancer is difficult but stigma, fear and silence create barriers that can negatively affect the health outcomes of those living with cancer.