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After the General Assembly highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism in 2007, the UN has been promoting the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic persons, ensuring their equal participation in society. More than 17 years later, the global movement has moved beyond awareness to promote acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion, recognizing the contributions of autistic people around the world. In 2025, World Autism Awareness Day (2 April) showcases how inclusive policies can benefit autistic persons and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
Did you know that diseases are being eliminated by countries all over the world. In the last five years alone, 44 eliminations have been confirmed by the World Health Organization (). What does it take to eliminate a disease? What needs to happen before WHO can certify an elimination? Once eliminated, can these diseases come back? Dr. J矇r繫me Salomon explains in a new episode of the podcast.
In 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill with tuberculosis, while 1.25 million lost their lives to it. (24 March) amplifies the urgency of ending TBthe worlds deadliest infectious disease. This bacterial infection, which primarily affects the lungs, continues to devastate millions of people worldwide, with serious health, social and economic consequences. This years theme, Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver, is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.
Families and people with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else. But today, many people with Down syndrome around the world don't get the support they need. Many countries do not have support systems that meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families. Or the support systems they have do not respect the human rights of people with disabilities. This World Down Syndrome Day (21 March), join us to ask our governments to make sure there is a support system, so people with disabilities are included in the community.
I am now that annoying friend who goes to parties and hands condoms to my friends, Jennifer, 22, says with a laugh. An intern with , a partner of , the 51勛圖 sexual and reproductive health agency, Jennifer says she doesnt want her friends to get sexually transmitted infections. She also encourages people to get sexual health checks and shares information about health, rights and choices. Jennifer, who lives in Mexico City, learned about such issues from a UNFPA programme called SAFETEEN First a initiative supported by and taught in workshops by Mexico Vivo. Here, UNFPA goes behind the scenes with Jennifer and other young leaders to illustrate how theyre making a difference in their communities in Mexico.
As Ukraine enters the fourth year of Russias full-scale invasion, pregnant women especially those living closer to front-line zones continue to face the consequences of war. One initiative that will make an important difference: bomb-proof maternity wards. , the 51勛圖 sexual and reproductive health agency, is supporting the construction of new, reinforced underground maternity and newborn units. These specialist units, designed within a bomb shelter, will ensure that women can give birth in safer conditions despite ongoing attacks.
Obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, with a significant increase in children and adolescents. It is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various forms of cancer. (4 March) promotes practical solutions to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, including limiting the marketing of unhealthy food to children, taxing sugary drinks, and improving access to affordable, healthy food. We also need to create safe spaces for walking and cycling and teach children healthy habits from an early age.
Did you know that if a child with measles walks into a classroom, every unvaccinated child will most certainly get it? Why are measles cases increasing worldwide? Why should you be concerned about it? And is the measles vaccine safe and effective? Dr Natash Crowcroft answers these questions in a new episode of WHO's podcast.
Congratulations to Niger for being verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first country in Africa to eliminate the transmission of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. This parasitic disease is caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm, which is transmitted through bites from infected black flies. Niger faced significant challenges due to this disease, particularly in communities near fast-flowing rivers. However, a strong national elimination program and collaboration with partners like the Ministry of Health, USAID, and WHO have led to this historic achievement. Onchocerciasis is one of the three diseases targeted for elimination of transmission in the , the other being leprosy and the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis.
Nino Kavtaradze, a skilled producer of dried fruits, jams, and distinctive Georgian cheeses, has relied on her income to support her health after being diagnosed with cancer nearly 20 years ago. The sales of dried fruits and tklapi [sheets of dried fruit puree which roll up like leather] helped cover her medical expenses while she underwent chemotherapy and managed her home-based business in the northwestern mountains of Georgia. Her resilience led her to become a Lead Farmer in a project aimed at empowering smallholder women dairy farmers. After connecting with a fellow cheese producer involved in a Farmer Field School initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization () and UN Women, Nino took on the challenge of recruiting participants. She exceeded expectations by bringing together 30 local women dairy farmers.
is an international day observed every 4 February眩o raise awareness of cancer, promote its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, United by Unique puts people at the centre of care and explores new ways to make a difference. Every cancer experience is unique, and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. A world where people and communities' needs are central to health systems. Join us on 4 February. Help us make a difference.
On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on everyone, to unite, act and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by making bold, sustainable investments to free the estimated 1.5 billion people from a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. The purpose of the observance is to raise the profile of NTDs, highlight the suffering they cause and garner support for their control, elimination or eradication, in line with the goals set out in WHOs and the commitments of the 2022 .
WHO's in Cartagena, with pre- and post-conference sessions, scheduled for 24 and 28 March 2025, will focus on health solutions and climate change combat.
How do we track the Influenza virus every season to decide what strains of the virus to include in a vaccine? Is the vaccine safe and when should you get vaccinated? Shoshanna Goldin explains in this of .