World Health Organization strategy for emerging infectious diseases
Article Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is strengthening its worldwide system of laboratories and public health programs to address the emergence of pathogenic organisms. The WHO acts in an advisory capacity to the health ministers of many countries and is linked to networks of research centers worldwide that could respond quickly to threatening diseases. The agency will use the Internet to enhance communications among its collaborating centers. A survey of the agency's 36 virus laboratories in 27 countries revealed that many lacked the reagents to adequately diagnose viral infections. WHO will provide reagents and host workshops to train virologists. The agency has also developed a software program called WHONET that is used by over 200 microbiological laboratories worldwide to collect data on antibiotic sensitivities of bacterial isolates.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Yellow fever: a decade of reemergence
Article Abstract:
The World Health Organization hopes to raise $70 million to battle a resurgence of yellow fever in Africa. Yellow fever is a viral infection that has a high mortality rate. Most cases of yellow fever occur in Africa, but it is also increasing in South America. The disease could also occur in the southern US. A total of 18,735 cases were reported worldwide between 1987 and 1991, but WHO estimates the true number at 200,000 each year. A very effective vaccine is available, but the countries most affected are the poorest countries in the world.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Infections old and new
Article Abstract:
WHO launched a health program on new, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in 1994. The program's main goals include more extensive monitoring of infectious diseases worldwide, development of more realistic solutions to problems related to infectious diseases and disease prevention.
Publication Name: World Health
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0043-8502
Year: 1995
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