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Friday 02.25.22 | Issue 146

WHO / Blink Media - Ricci Shryock

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) updates

For the latest news from WHO on COVID-19 and other breaking health stories, read WHO's news updates. COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological and Operational Updates are available here.

Monday, 28 February

9th ACT-Accelerator Facilitation Council meeting

The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator Facilitation Council will meet from 1230-1500 CET on Monday, with remarks by South Africa's Minister of Health, Mathume Joseph Phaahla; Norway's Minister for International Development, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim; Sandra Gallina, Director General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission; and more.

This virtual event is being held to take stock of progress to meet global COVID-19 targets for vaccines, tests, treatments and PPE and reinforce Facilitation Council commitment and political support for the ACT-Accelerator campaign. The agenda also includes country spotlights on Rwanda, focused on reaching COVID-19 vaccination targets, and scaling up testing and sequencing in Kenya. The livestream of the event and materials from the event will be available here.

Tuesday, 1 March

Second report of the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration series

On Tuesday from 14:00–15:00 CET, WHO will launch the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) on Continuum of Care for Non-communicable Disease (NCD) Management during Migration Cycles – the second report of the GEHM series, through a high-level webinar. The report provides an analytical review of the global published evidence on migration and NCDs and examines the existence of health policies and practices in health systems, enabling migrants and refugees to access the health care they need for NCDs.

The publication also provides an overview of barriers and gaps in ensuring the necessary continuum of care for NCDs as well as policy and practices across the migration cycle. Based on the findings, policy considerations are put forth on the need for strengthened governance and policies, vis-à-vis equity and inclusive NCD action in internationally agreed goals and targets, as well as promotion of migrant focused, culturally and linguistically versatile NCD care, and support for national and international capacity for robust data and analysis of NCD prevalence and risk factors. More here. Register here.

Expanding our understanding of post COVID-19 condition web series: Neurology and Mental Health

Over the past year, WHO has hosted a webinar series focused on the three “Rs”- recognition, research, and rehabilitation to advance the understanding of post COVID-19 condition. On Tuesday from 13:30–15:30 CET, WHO will host the next webinar focused on neurology and mental health in post COVID-19 condition.

As the understanding of post COVID-19 condition has evolved, we have learned that some of the most common symptoms experienced can affect a person’s neurological and mental health. More here. Register here.

Wednesday, 2 March

Scientific brief on COVID-19 and mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people around the world. The pandemic also continues to impede access to mental health services and has raised concerns about increases in suicidal behaviour.

Available Wednesday, the aim of this new scientific brief is to present current evidence regarding the mental health aspects of the pandemic and inform prevention, response and recovery efforts worldwide. Press release also expected.

New International Standards for Safe Listening to mark World Hearing Day (3 March)

To mark World Hearing Day (Thursday, 3 March), WHO is releasing a new international standard for safe listening at venues and events on Wednesday (2 March). The standard applies to places and activities where amplified music is played.

It highlights key recommendations for implementation to ensure that venues and events limit the risk of hearing loss to their patrons while preserving high-quality sound and an enjoyable listening experience.

Click here to register for the webinar launch on 2 March from 13:30-14:30 CET. The webinar will be moderated by Ricky Kej and Lucy Kalantari, Grammy award-winning musicians.

The standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative which seeks to improve listening practices especially among young people, drawing on the latest evidence and consultations with a range of stakeholders including experts from WHO, government, industry, consumers, and civil society.

Exposure to loud sounds causes temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. But prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage, resulting in irreversible hearing loss. More information on World Hearing Day 2022 campaign.

Thursday, 3 March

World Hearing Day 2022: To hear for life, listen with care

On World Hearing Day 2022, WHO will focus on the importance of safe listening as a means of maintaining good hearing across the life course. In 2021, WHO launched the World report on hearing that highlighted the increasing number of people living with and at risk of hearing loss. It highlighted noise control as one of the seven key H.E.A.R.I.N.G. interventions and stressed the importance of mitigating exposure to loud sounds.

The World Hearing Day 2022 with the theme “To hear for life, listen with care” will focus on the importance and means of hearing loss prevention through safe listening. More here.

EURO Regional Obesity report ahead of
World Obesity Day (4 March)

The WHO Regional Office for Europe (EURO) will publish a Regional Obesity report on Thursday ahead of World Obesity Day (Friday), highlighting the status on obesity in the WHO European region. The report reveals that almost 60% of adults, and one in three school-aged children, are living with overweight or obesity in the Region. Overweight and obesity are among the leading causes of death and disability in the WHO European Region, increasing the risk for many noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, and increased risk of mental health problems. EURO contact: kiaert@who.int

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