Call for Experts! Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy
Call for Proposal, EOI & RFPCommunicable DiseasesInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health Opportunity

Call for Experts! Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members on the Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy. This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.

Background

The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy (TAG-Leprosy) serves as the principal advisory body to the WHO on matters related to the elimination of leprosy. TAG-Leprosy is mandated to provide guidance on global policies and strategies encompassing a broad range of areas, including epidemiology, monitoring and implementation, patient care, prevention, research and development in newer drugs, diagnostics and surveillance tools, and the delivery of interventions, in coordination with other health programs.

The Group was first constituted in 2013 and has since been re-established at regular intervals. As per the NTD Roadmap, leprosy is one of the diseases targeted for elimination. The Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030 sets forth the goal of “Zero Leprosy” — zero disease, zero disability, and zero stigma and discrimination.

To ensure the effective implementation of this strategy and support countries in reaching elimination, sustained technical and strategic advisory input is essential. As the tenure of the current TAG-Leprosy concludes in 2025, WHO aims to re-establish the Group for a further period of three years (September 2025 to August 2028).

Functions of the Technical Advisory Group for Leprosy

  1. To provide independent assessment of the technical and strategic aspects related to leprosy care and prevention, including social aspects and inclusion of persons affected by leprosy.
  2. To recommend priorities for the Global Leprosy Programme on the development of the technical products, implementation of the guidance and research needs.
  3. To advise WHO on planned activities and approaches as outlined in the Global Leprosy Strategy and corresponding annual action plans.
  4. To advise WHO on advocacy, integration within the primary health care and collaboration with partners for coordinated support to the countries for leprosy elimination; and
  5. To review and make recommendations to WHO on planning and implementation of the WHO strategies and guidelines on leprosy care, prevention, digital tools and elimination of leprosy.

Operations of the Technical Advisory Group for Leprosy

The TAG shall normally meet at least twice each year. TAG meetings may be held in person or virtually. However, WHO may convene additional meetings as per need. The working language of the group will be English.

TAG meetings may be held in open and/or closed session, as decided by the Chairperson in consultation with WHO.

  • (a) Open sessions: Open sessions shall be convened for the sole purpose of the exchange of non-confidential information and views and may be attended by Observers.
  • (b) Closed sessions: The sessions dealing with the formulation of recommendations and/or advice to WHO shall be restricted to the TAG members.

Who can express interest?

The Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to clinical and public health aspects of leprosy and health system. Approximately 15 members may be selected.

WHO welcomes expressions of interest from:

  • Healthcare professionals, researchers and persons affected by leprosy with expertise on the following areas:
    • Clinical aspects of leprosy care and prevention among children and adults
    • Public health aspects of leprosy care and prevention including disability management
    • Laboratory diagnosis and drug resistance
    • Integrated service delivery within the primary health care
    • Global health
    • Ethics, equity, human rights and gender including stigma, discrimination and mental health

Submitting your expression of interest

To register your interest in being considered for the Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy, please submit the following documents by 15 August 2025, 23:59 CET to India time to glp@who.int  using the subject line “Expression of interest for the Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy:

  • A cover letter, indicating your motivation to apply and how you satisfy the selection criteria. Please note that, if selected, membership will be in a personal capacity. Therefore, do not use the letterhead or other identification of your employer);
  • Your curriculum vitae; and
  • A signed and completed Declaration of Interests (DOI) form for WHO Experts, available at https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest.

See the application form.

After submission, your expression of interest will be reviewed by WHO. Due to an expected high volume of interest, only selected individuals will be informed.

Important information about the selection processes and conditions of appointment

Members of WHO advisory groups (AGs) must be free of any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. To this end, applicants are required to complete the WHO Declaration of Interests for WHO Experts, and the selection as a member of an AG is, amongst other things, dependent on WHO determining that there is no conflict of interest or that any identified conflicts could be appropriately managed (in addition to WHO’s evaluation of an applicant’s experience, expertise and motivation and other criteria).

All AG members will serve in their individual expert capacity and shall not represent any governments, any commercial industries or entities, any research, academic or civil society organizations, or any other bodies, entities, institutions or organizations. They are expected to fully comply with the Code of Conduct for WHO Experts (https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest). AG members will be expected to sign and return a completed confidentiality undertaking prior to the beginning of the first meeting.

At any point during the selection process, telephone interviews may be scheduled between an applicant and the WHO Secretariat to enable WHO to ask questions relating to the applicant’s experience and expertise and/or to assess whether the applicant meets the criteria for membership in the relevant AG.

The selection of members of the AGs will be made by WHO in its sole discretion, taking into account  the following (non-exclusive) criteria: relevant technical expertise; experience in international and country policy work; communication skills; and ability to work constructively with people from different cultural backgrounds and orientations .The selection of AG members will also take account of the need for diverse perspectives from different regions, especially from low and middle-income countries, and for gender balance.

If selected by WHO, proposed members will be sent an invitation letter and a Memorandum of Agreement. Appointment as a member of TAG will be subject to the proposed member returning to WHO the countersigned copy of these two documents.

WHO reserves the right to accept or reject any expression of interest, to annul the open call process and reject all expressions of interest at any time without incurring any liability to the affected applicant or applicants and without any obligation to inform the affected applicant or applicants of the grounds for WHO’s action. WHO may also decide, at any time, not to proceed with the establishment of the AG, disband an existing AG or modify the work of the AG.

WHO shall not in any way be obliged to reveal, or discuss with any applicant, how an expression of interest was assessed, or to provide any other information relating to the evaluation/selection process or to state the reasons for not choosing a member.

WHO may publish the names and a short biography of the selected individuals on the WHO internet.

AG members will not be remunerated for their services in relation to the AG or otherwise. Travel and accommodation expenses of AG members to participate in AG meetings will be covered by WHO in accordance with its applicable policies, rules and procedures.

The appointment will be limited in time as indicated in the letter of appointment.

If you have any questions about this “Call for experts”, please write to glp@who.int  before the applicable deadline. 

Related document: Terms of reference

Deadline: 15 August 2025

Official Announcement: WHO

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Disclaimer: The resources, documents, guidelines, and information on this blog have been collected from various sources and are intended for informational purposes only. Information published on or through this website and affiliated social media channels does not represent the intention, plan, or strategies of an organization that the initiator is associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly indicated.
If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
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Call for Experts: WHO SEA Region Strategic Advisory Group on Prevention and Control of NCDs
Call for Proposal, EOI & RFPNon- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)Public Health OpportunitiesSouth-East Asia Region

Call for Experts: WHO SEA Region Strategic Advisory Group on Prevention and Control of NCDs

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Call for Experts 2025/July/213: Establishment of the Strategic Advisory Group on Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease of the WHO South-East Asia Region

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members one of the Strategic Advisory Group on Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease . This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.

 Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health and economic burden in the WHO South-East Asia (SE) Region, accounting for 55% of all deaths, with half occurring prematurely between ages 30-69. The four major NCDs—cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes—make up 83% of NCD-related deaths, driven by risk factors such as tobacco  and areca nut use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption.  The latest estimates of World Health Statistics 2024, shows the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4.1 indicator on  probability of death from the four major NCDs among those aged between 30 and 70 years is still unacceptably high in the SE Asia Region and the progress stagnated from 2000 to 2019. The Implementation Roadmap for accelerating the prevention and control of NCDs in South-East Asia 2022–2030, along with WHO technical packages to address the risk factors, guide the Member States provides strategic directions on prevention and control of NCDs with  Member States  demonstrating sustained, high-level commitment to addressing the rising burden.

Against this backdrop, WHO SE Asia regional office is planning to formulate a Strategic Advisory Group (AG) o Prevention and Control of NCDs to act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.Against this backdrop, WHO SE Asia regional office is planning to formulate a Strategic Advisory Group (AG) on Prevention and Control of NCDs to act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.

Functions of the Strategic Advisory Group on  Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease

In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the AG shall have the following functions:

  1. To provide independent evaluation of the scientific technical and strategic aspects of context specific issues related to scaling up services for NCD management in the region;
  2. To provide independent evaluation of the scientific technical and strategic aspects of context specific measures in implementing the WHO technical packages on controlling  NCD risk factors;
  3. To advise WHO on strategies to  overcome the challenges of implementing WHO technical packages for control  NCD risk factors in the context of SE Asia region;
  4. To advise WHO on strategies to support the Member States to scale up the  NCD services  through evidence in the context of SE Asia region;
  5. To advise WHO SEARO on strengthening of NCD and risk factors surveillance in SE Asia region

Operations of the Strategic Advisory Group on  Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease

The AG shall normally meet at least once each year. However, WHO may convene additional meetings.  AG meetings may be held in person (at a location determined by WHO) or virtually, via video or teleconference.

 AG meetings may be held in open and/or closed session, as decided by the Chairperson in consultation with WHO.

  • Open sessions: Open sessions shall be convened for the sole purpose of the exchange of non-confidential information and views, and may be attended by Observers (as defined in paragraph III.3 below).
  • Closed sessions: The sessions dealing with the formulation of recommendations and/or advice to WHO shall be restricted to the members of the AG and essential WHO Secretariat staff.

The quorum for AG meetings shall be two thirds of the members.

WHO may, at its sole discretion, invite external individuals from time to time to attend the open sessions of an advisory group, or parts thereof, as “observers”. Observers may be invited either in their personal capacity, or as representatives from a governmental institution / intergovernmental organization, or from a non-State actor. WHO will request observers invited in their personal capacity to complete a confidentiality undertaking and a declaration of interests form prior to attending a session of the advisory group.  Invitations to observers attending as representatives from non-State actors will be subject to WHO internal due diligence and risk assessment including conflict of interest considerations in accordance with the Framework for engagement with non-State actors (FENSA). Observers invited as representatives may also be requested to complete a confidentiality undertaking. Observers shall normally attend meetings of the AG at their own expense and be responsible for making all arrangements in that regard.

 At the invitation of the Chairperson, observers may be asked to present their personal views and/or the policies of their organization. Observers will not participate in the process of adopting recommendations of the AG.

 The AG may decide to establish smaller working groups (sub-groups of the AG) to work on specific issues. Their deliberations shall take place via teleconference or video-conference. For these sub-groups, no quorum requirement will apply; the outcome of their deliberations will be submitted to the AG for review at one of its meetings. 

 AG members are expected to attend meetings. If a member misses two consecutive meetings, WHO may end his/her appointment as a member of the AG. 

 Reports of each meeting shall be submitted by the AG to WHO (Director, Dept. of Healthier Population and NCDs). All recommendations from the AG are advisory to WHO, who retains full control over any subsequent decisions or actions regarding any proposals, policy issues or other matters considered by the AG.

 The AG shall normally make recommendations by consensus. If, in exceptional circumstances, a consensus on a particular issue cannot be reached, minority opinions will be reflected in the meeting report.

 Active participation is expected from all AG members, including in working groups, teleconferences, and interaction over email. AG members may, in advance of AG meetings, be requested to review meeting materials and to provide their views for consideration by the AG.

WHO shall determine the modes of communication by the AG, including between WHO and the AG members, and the AG members among themselves.

 AG members shall not speak on behalf of, or represent, the AG or WHO to any third party.

Who can express interest?

The Strategic Advisory Group on  Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease. Approximately 15 may be selected.

WHO welcomes expressions of interest from:
Public health professionals, Scientists, clinicians, researchers and healthcare regulators with expertise the following areas:

  • Programme planning and management
  • control of tobacco and areca nut use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption;
  • control of commercial determinants of health
  • management of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes;
  • surveillance of NCDs

Submitting your expression of interest

To register your interest in being considered for the Strategic Advisory Group on  Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease, please submit the following documents by 29 August 2025  20:00Hrs (Indian Standard Time) to gunawardenan@who.int using the subject line “Expression of interest for the Strategic Advisory Group on  Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable disease”:

  • A cover letter, indicating your motivation to apply and how you satisfy the selection criteria. Please note that, if selected, membership will be in a personal capacity. Therefore, do not use the letterhead or other identification of your employer);
  • Your curriculum vitae; and
  • A signed and completed Declaration of Interests (DOI) form for WHO Experts, available at https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest.

After submission, your expression of interest will be reviewed by WHO.  Due to an expected high volume of interest, only selected individuals will be informed. 

Important information about the selection processes and conditions of appointment

Members of WHO AGs must be free of any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. To this end, applicants are required to complete the WHO Declaration of Interests for WHO Experts, and the selection as a member of a AG is, amongst other things, dependent on WHO determining that there is no conflict of interest or that any identified conflicts could be appropriately managed (in addition to WHO’s evaluation of an applicant’s experience, expertise and motivation and other criteria).

All AG members will serve in their individual expert capacity and shall not represent any governments, any commercial industries or entities, any research, academic or civil society organizations, or any other bodies, entities, institutions or organizations. They are expected to fully comply with the Code of Conduct for WHO Experts (https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest). AG members will be expected to sign and return a completed confidentiality undertaking prior to the beginning of the first meeting.

 At any point during the selection process, telephone interviews may be scheduled between an applicant and the WHO Secretariat to enable WHO to ask questions relating to the applicant’s experience and expertise and/or  to assess whether the applicant meets the criteria for membership in the relevant AG.

The selection of members of the AGs will be made by WHO in its sole discretion, taking into account  the following (non-exclusive) criteria: relevant technical expertise; experience in international and country policy work; communication skills; and ability to work constructively with people from different cultural backgrounds and orientations .The selection of AG members will also take account of the need for diverse perspectives from different regions, especially from low and middle-income countries, and for gender balance.

If selected by WHO, proposed members will be sent an invitation letter and a Memorandum of Agreement. Appointment as a member of a AG will be subject to the proposed member returning to WHO the countersigned copy of these two documents.

WHO reserves the right to accept or reject any expression of interest , to annul the open call process and reject all expressions of interest at any time without incurring any liability to the affected applicant or applicants and without any obligation to inform the affected applicant or applicants of the grounds for WHO’s action. WHO may also decide, at any time, not to proceed with the establishment of the AG, disband an existing TAG or modify the work of the AG.

WHO shall not in any way be obliged to reveal, or discuss with any applicant, how an expression of interest was assessed, or to provide any other information relating to the evaluation/selection process or to state the reasons for not choosing a member.

WHO may publish the names and a short biography of the selected individuals on the WHO internet.

AG members will not be remunerated for their services in relation to the AG or otherwise. Travel and accommodation expenses of AG members to participate in AG meetings will be covered by WHO in accordance with its applicable policies, rules and procedures.

The appointment will be limited in time as indicated in the letter of appointment.

If you have any questions about this “Call for experts”, please write to gunawardenan@who.int well before the applicable deadline. 

Related Documents: Terms of Referance AG on NCDs

Deadline: 29 August 2025

Official announcement: WHO SEARO

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If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
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World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future!
Health Literacy, Health Education & PromotionMaternal, Newborn and Child HealthPH Important DayPublic Health Update

World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future!

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in the first week of August, championed by WHO, UNICEF, Ministries of Health and civil society partners around the globe. It’s a time to recognize breastfeeding as a powerful foundation for lifelong health, development, and equity, and a critical investment in the future. This year’s theme” Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future”calls for;

  • Health systems that offer skilled, sustained breastfeeding support from pregnancy through early childhood
  • Policies, laws and programmes that prioritize women, babies, and breastfeeding
  • Community solidarity to uphold every woman and baby’s right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

Key messages 

Why invest in breastfeeding:

  • Breastfeeding is not just a health intervention—it’s smart economics. Every $1 invested in breastfeeding support is estimated to return up to $35 in public health and productivity gains. 
  • Breastfeeding protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. In addition to essential nutrition, it provides critical antibodies that protect against many common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia, and infections. 
  • The impacts of breastfeeding extend well beyond infancy. Breastfed children are less likely to become overweight or obese and have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. Mothers also benefit – breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. 
  • With the right investments, countries can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Around 10% more infants today are exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months compared to 2013, with some countries seeing 20% increases over this same period. 

Key actions for governments 

  • Invest in the future. Allocate dedicated funding for breastfeeding support, including by ensuring all mothers have access to skilled breastfeeding support in hospital and when they take their babies home, alongside robust maternity protections like paid leave after having a baby. 
  • Implement the WHO Code. Fully adopt and enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to safeguard public health. 
  • Lead by example. Champion investment in breastfeeding in national health strategies and ensure accountability through legislation, regulation and monitoring of breastfeeding programmes. 
  • Put babies before bottom lines. Enact and enforce policies that protect breastfeeding and prevent commercial influence over infant feeding. 

Key actions for the health sector 

  • Support every step of the journey. Provide skilled, compassionate breastfeeding support from pregnancy through early childhood, ensuring mothers have ongoing access to trained breastfeeding counselling from pregnancy through the early years – providing particular support at moments of transition. 
  • Train and empower health workers. Ensure all health workers covering maternal and child health are equipped with up-to-date breastfeeding knowledge and skills. 
  • Create breastfeeding-friendly health systems. Make hospitals and clinics safe, supportive spaces for breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and beyond. 

Key actions for the general public 

  • We can all step up to support mums. Families, friends, employers, and communities all play a role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and creating supportive environments for them to breastfeed anytime, anywhere. 
  • Know the facts. Breastfeeding is a natural, powerful way to give babies the best start in life strengthening their immune systems, helping them fight diseases – now and in the future – and providing vital comfort and nutrition. 
  • Speak up for breastfeeding support. Advocate for policies and environments that make breastfeeding easier and more accessible for all families. 

WHO communications

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #HopefulFutures

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Handbook on Breastfeeding (For Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother)
Health Literacy, Health Education & PromotionMaternal, Newborn and Child HealthNational Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic Health Update

Handbook on Breastfeeding (For Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother)

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The Family Welfare Division, DOHS has released a new Informative Handbook on breastfeeding aimed at empowering pregnant women and new mothers with essential knowledge on breastfeeding.

The primary goal of this handbook is to increase awareness and education on the breastfeeding, ensuring a higher rate of successful breastfeeding practices across the country. This handbook provides information on;

  • Recommended practices for breastfeeding
  • Problems that may arise during breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding and special situations; breastfeeding during sickness, tuberculosis, HIV use of medicine, HIV etc.
  • Additional support for breastfeeding
  • Answers to common questions and curiosities
  • Potential problems that may arise and solutions

Download handbook

Download handbook

Lactation Management Centre Guideline 2079

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World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness
Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs)PH Important DayPlanetary HealthPublic Health Update

World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Lung Cancer Day is celebrated annually on August 1 to raise awareness about lung cancer, promote prevention, early detection, and improve access to treatment. It was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with global health organizations. This year’s theme is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness.”

Facts

  • Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide for both men and women.
  • In 2020, there were 2.5 million new lung cancer cases globally and 1.80 million deaths.
  • Smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of cases, but other factors like air pollution and occupational exposures also contribute significantly.
  • Early diagnosis remains a challenge, making lung cancer a major public health concern globally.
  • Primary prevention (such as tobacco control measures and reducing exposure to environmental risk factors) can reduce the incidence of lung cancer and save lives.

This day reminds us of the importance of:

  • Prevention: Quitting smoking, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, and workplace safety can dramatically lower lung cancer risk.
  • Early Detection: Screening high-risk individuals through low-dose CT scans can catch lung cancer early, improving survival chances.
  • Access to Care: Advanced treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy offer hope but must be accessible to all.
  • Support: Offering emotional and supportive care to patients and families improves quality of life through every stage of the disease.

World Lung Cancer Day also recognizes those affected by this disease and calls on governments, healthcare providers, and communities to act collectively. Together, we can promote healthier environments, advance research, and ensure equitable access to care.

Source of Information: WHO & FIRS

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Disclaimer: The resources, documents, guidelines, and information on this blog have been collected from various sources and are intended for informational purposes only. Information published on or through this website and affiliated social media channels does not represent the intention, plan, or strategies of an organization that the initiator is associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly indicated.
If you have any complaints, information, or suggestions about the content published on Public Health Update, please feel free to contact us at blog.publichealthupdate@gmail.com.
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World Hepatitis Day 2025: H̶e̶p̶a̶t̶i̶t̶i̶s̶: : Let’s Break It Down
Fact SheetHealth in DataPH Important DayPublic HealthPublic Health Update

World Hepatitis Day 2025: H̶e̶p̶a̶t̶i̶t̶i̶s̶: : Let’s Break It Down

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

The World Hepatitis Day, marked annually on 28 July, aims to increase awareness about viral hepatitis; a liver inflammation that can lead to serious liver disease and liver cancer.

The 2025 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasizes the urgent need to address and remove the financial, social, and systemic obstacles; including stigma — that hinder progress toward eliminating hepatitis and preventing liver cancer.

Key facts

In 2022:

  • 304 million lived with chronic hepatitis B or C
  • Only 45% of babies received the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth
  • Chronic hepatitis B and C silently cause liver damage and cancer – despite them being preventable, treatable, and, in the case of hepatitis C, curable.
  • Chronic viral hepatitis causes 1.3 million deaths every year, mostly from liver cancer and cirrhosis. That’s 3500 deaths every single day – on par with tuberculosis.
  • We can prevent 2.8 million deaths by 2030 – but only if countries invest in integrated, primary care-based hepatitis services.

Call to Action

Individuals:

  • Get tested for hepatitis B & C
  • Vaccinate newborns within 24 hours
  • Share facts, not stigma
  • Speak to your provider about treatment

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand achieve Hepatitis B control: WHO

Policymakers & Public health leaders:

  • Expand hepatitis B birth-dose coverage
  • Decentralize testing/treatment through primary care
  • Integrate hepatitis into HIV, cancer, maternal, and NCD services
  • Fund data-driven, people-centered programs
  • Embed hepatitis into Universal Health Coverage frameworks.

With commitment, collaboration, and investment – H̶e̶p̶a̶t̶i̶t̶i̶s̶ elimination is possible!

#WorldHepatitisDay #LetsBreakItDown #HepatitisAwareness #PublicHealth #SDG3 #HepatitisElimination #VaccinesWork #WHOFides #HealthForAll 

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Call for Applications! Youth Engagement Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Asia-Pacific
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)Call for Proposal, EOI & RFPInternational Jobs & OpportunitiesOpportunities by RegionPublic Health OpportunitiesPublic Health OpportunitySouth-East Asia RegionWestern Pacific Region

Call for Applications! Youth Engagement Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Asia-Pacific

by Public Health Update
written by Public Health Update

Overview

ReAct Asia-Pacific is calling on passionate young individuals, as well as youth-led and youth-serving organizations, to join the Youth Engagement Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This initiative aims to empower youth voices and strengthen their role in combating AMR through collaborative action and a One Health approach across the Asia-Pacific region.

Objective

The objective of the Task Force is to support the engagement of ReAct with youth in order to mobilise
them and other important stakeholders in the regional response of AMR. The Task Force should have no
legal identity and should be time bound with focused terms of reference and a plan of action. The scope
of the Task Force should be broad enough to address all five strategic objectives of the global action plan on AMR, prioritizing activities in a step-wise approach.

Functions of the Youth Engagement Taskforce

  • Provide inputs to the work done by ReAct on Youth Engagement on AMR.
  • Identify and express the views and needs of youth of the Asia-Pacific region and their respective countries to highlight areas for support in youth engagement on AMR.
  • Participate in, provide feedback and promote AMR related capacity building and development opportunities widely, particularly amongst the youth population, in order to mobilise them
  • Actively participate in antimicrobial resistance focused events such as the World Antimicrobial
  • Awareness Week and promote it in their respective sectors;
  • Facilitate youth engagement in the development of AMR awareness and advocacy initiatives by ReAct for the Asia-Pacific region and their country
  • Promote and disseminate evidence-based AMR examples of best practices, and relevant initiatives to reach youth population and networks, utilising both formal media and social media channels;
  • Explore and use unconventional or previously untapped methods of youth engagement in the Asia-Pacific region for AMR
  • The Task Force may decide to establish smaller working groups (sub-groups) to work on specific issues as agreed upon by RAP and as resources allow.

Composition and Membership

The Youth Engagement Task Force, convened by ReAct Asia Pacific (RAP), will consist of youth-led and youth-serving organizations with expertise in youth engagement, and with representation from across the One Health spectrum. Organisations interested or who had previously worked in AMR are also encouraged to apply and will be considered. They must be free of any real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. Representatives should be given sufficient authority by their institutions/organisations to make decisions. RAP will participate in an ex-officio capacity to provide guidance and oversight. Applicants or their representatives should manage or actively support programs focused on youth. Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) must be an area of work for the network or organization they represent.

The Task Force will be encouraged to build a collaborative, cooperative, supportive environment for sharing knowledge, information and experience. The Task Force will aim to ensure representation from different regions of the Asia-Pacific region, and will strive for gender balance. Members will not be paid for their work.

Members can not issue statements or communicate positions on behalf of RAP and may not use RAP’s name or logo without due permission. Members are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to raising AMR awareness and promoting stewardship, facilitating discussions and debates through online and offline platforms. As spokespersons for their organization’s work on the Task Force, members should allocate a reasonable portion of their time to Task Force activities, with organizational endorsement of their participation.

Term
Selected members will serve for a term of two years at the discretion of RAP, with flexibility for early termination or renewability for a second 2-year term. Members may withdraw at any time; a notice period of at least 30 days must be provided to the organization. Similarly, RAP reserves the right to terminate a member’s participation or dissolve the Task Force at its discretion. Members who fail to actively participate in meetings and events without valid justification will be considered to have withdrawn from the Task Force. The term of each member may be renewed by RAP based on its assessment.

Selection

  • Open Call for Applications: Membership will be advertised through an open call to ensure a transparent and inclusive selection process.

Application Requirements:

Interested individuals must submit the following documents and information:

  • A CV or personal profile detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
  • Institutional affiliation, if applicable.
  • Demographic data, including: Date of birth (Individuals above the age of 35 will NOT be considered), Gender
  • A cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining:
  • Motivation for applying to the Task Force
  • Relevant experience with AMR-related initiatives, especially those: Involving youth participation, Utilizing or supporting youth networks.

Deadline to apply: 15th August 2025 (23:59 IST)
Tenure: 2 years
Meetings: Virtual (monthly) + potential annual in-person event
Open to individuals ≤35 years old affiliated to youth-led and youth-focused organizations

Please read the Terms of Reference (link) before applying.

Application form: Youth Engagement Task Force on AMR (by ReAct Asia Pacific)

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    National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic Health UpdateResearch & PublicationVector-Borne Diseases(VBDs)

    Short Guideline on Dengue Case Management

    by Public Health Update
    written by Public Health Update

    Overview

    The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has released a new Short Guideline on Dengue Case Management to provide clear information on case definitions, diagnosis, and a step-by-step guide for the treatment and monitoring of patients.

    Dengue is one of the re-emerging arboviral diseases transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. The hallmark features of severe dengue include plasma leakage, bleeding, and severe organ impairment which can lead to severe complications and death.

    Case definition of probable dengue

    Patients having acute febrile illness with at least 2 of the following symptoms and signs:

    • Headache, Retro-orbital pain
    • Myalgia, Arthralgia
    • Rash/Exanthema
    • Hemorrhagic manifestations as indicated by positive tourniquet test, cutaneous bleeding and mucosal bleeding
    • Leukopenia as indicated by white blood cells count ≤4,000 cells/mm3
    • Hematocrit 5-10% increased from baseline
    • Platelets count ≤100,000/mm3

    Note: Patients who presented with acute fever, positive tourniquet test and leukopenia had positive predictive value of 70-83% for dengue diagnosis.

    Download flowchart and Guideline

    Diagnosis of plasma leakage

    If patients with diagnosis of dengue or probable dengue develop at least 1 of the following:

    • Hemoconcentration ≥20%
    • Pleural effusion and/or ascites and/or thickening of gallbladder wall
    • Serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dl in normal weight or ≤4.0 g/dl in obesity.

    Clinical symptoms and signs of severe dengue 

    If patients with diagnosis of dengue or probable dengue develop at least one of the following symptoms and signs of severe dengue:

    • Severe plasma leakage evidenced by high or progressively rising hematocrit leading to shock or fluid accumulation (pleural effusion or ascites) with respiratory distress.
    • Circulatory failure indicates as rapid and weak pulse, cold clammy skin particularly cold extremities, and pulse pressure _≤20 mmHg
    • Hypotension with tissue hypoperfusion indicate as dizziness, fainting, syncope, decrease urine output, restlessness, altered sensorium, and capillary refill time >2 seconds

    Warning signs for development of severe disease in dengue

    • No clinical improvement and/or weakness when fever subside
    • Abdominal pain or vomiting >3 times/day (persistent vomiting)
    • Mucosal bleeding
    • Altered sensorium, drowsiness, irritable, restlessness
    • Refuse to eat or drink, crying infants
    • Dizziness, fainting, syncope, cold clammy skin or sweating
    • Decrease urine volume in 4-6 hours.

    Tourniquet test

    • Take the patient’s BP and record it, example 120/80 mm Hg
    • Inflate the BP cuff to a point midway between the systolic and diastolic pressure (120+80) /2= 100 mm Hg
    • Wait for 5 minutes
    • The test is considered positive when 10 or more petechiae per sq. inch are observed.
    • The test may be negative or only mildly positive in obese patients and during the phase of profound shock. It usually becomes positive, sometimes strongly positive after recovery from shock.

    Indications for Admission

    If patients with diagnosis of dengue or probable dengue have at least 1 of the following:

    • No clinical improvement and/or weakness when fever subside
    • Abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and/or poor appetite with moderate to severe dehydration
    • Significant bleeding as indicated by blood loss >6–8 ml/kg (children) or > 300 ml (adults), and hematocrit decrease >10 % or below baseline after Dextran-40 infusion
    • Decreased urine volume in 4-6 hours
    • White blood cells count ≤4,000 cells/mm3 in high risk groups (infants, elderly, pregnant women, prolonged shock, abnormal bleeding, underlying diseases and neurological manifestations)
    • Platelets count ≤100,000/mm3 with weakness and/or poor appetite 
    • Rising hematocrit ≥10%.

    Indications for transferring dengue patients to referral hospitals/Require emergency treatment 

    • Prolonged shock 
    • Clinical symptoms and signs of severe dengue 
    • Clinical symptoms and signs of fluid overload
    • Significant bleeding 
    • High risk groups (Infant, Elderly, Pregnant, Obese patients, bleeding, Underlying disease)
    • Organ(s) involvement such as AST/ALT >500 U/l, altered sensorium, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.
    • Beyond potential of hospital to patient care such as health care staffing shortages, unavailable laboratory investigations, shortages of intravenous fluid or blood products etc. 

    Indications for starting intravenous fluid

    • Patients with persistent vomiting
    • Patients with signs of moderate to severe dehydration
    • Patients having plasma leakage in the critical phase with hematocrit rising ≥10%* or refuse to eat or drink 
    • Patients with dengue shock syndrome.

    Note: *Patients with bleeding may not have hematocrit rising.

    Disease phase in dengue

    There are 3 phases of disease in dengue.

    1. Febrile phase: 2–7 days with mean duration of 4 days (Encourage for oral intake as much as possible and avoid i/v fluids
    2. Critical/Leakage phase: 24–48 hours after febrile phase
      a) A practical indicator for determining critical phase is platelets count ≤100,000/mm3.
    3. Reabsorption/Recovery phase: 3–5 days after critical phase
      a) Clinical symptoms and signs of recovery: A–Appetite, B–Bradycardia, C–Convalescence rash or itching, D–Diuresis
      b) Be aware of fluid overload as reabsorption of extravasated plasma occurs in 36 hours after starting shock or 60 hours after platelets count ≤100,000/mm3 

    Clinical and laboratory parameters for monitoring critical phase of dengue

    Parameters for monitoring critical phase of dengue are as follows:

    • Clinical: consciousness, appetite, bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting
    • Vital signs:
      a. Temperature: every 4–6 hours
      b. BP, PR, PV, RR, capillary refill time, cold clammy skin/cold extremities: every 1–3 hours in non-shock patients.
      c. BP, PR, PV, RR, SpO2, capillary refill time, cold clammy skin/cold extremities: every 15 minutes − 1 hour in shock patients or until stable
    • Hematocrit: every 6 -12 hours or more frequent in cases of suspected bleeding and after blood transfusion
    • Urine output: every 6–8 hours in non-shock patients and every 1–4 hours in shock patients (keep urine output 0.5–1 ml/kg/h except infants, obese patients and pregnant women keep urine output 0.5 ml/kg/h).

    Management of common complications in dengue 

    Practical investigations (ABCSF) in the following cases:

    • Dengue patients with prolonged shock 
    • Complicated cases: organs impairment (liver, kidney etc.), bleeding, fluid overload
    • Dengue shock syndrome patients with no clinical improvement after receiving adequate fluid resuscitation.

    Download flowchart and Guideline

    Download flowchart and Guideline

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    WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk
    Global Health NewsPublic Health NewsPublic Health UpdateVector-Borne Diseases(VBDs)World News

    Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO

    by Public Health Update
    written by Public Health Update

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, a remarkable achievement for a country that prioritized the disease and embarked on a concerted, nation-wide response shortly after gaining independence in 2002.

    “WHO congratulates the people and government of Timor-Leste on this significant milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Timor-Leste’s success proves that malaria can be stopped in its tracks when strong political will, smart interventions, sustained domestic and external investment and dedicated health workers unite.”

    With today’s announcement, a total of 47 countries and 1 territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO. Timor-Leste is the third country to be certified in the WHO South-East Asia region, joining Maldives and Sri Lanka which were certified in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

    Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

    “We did it. Malaria has been one of our most relentless enemies – silent, persistent, and deadly. We lost too many lives to a disease that should be preventable. But our health workers never gave up, our communities held strong, and our partners, like WHO, walked beside us. From 223 000 cases to zero – this elimination honours every life lost and every life now saved. We must safeguard this victory with continued vigilance and community action to prevent malaria’s re-entry,” said Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, SH, Minister of Health, Government of Timor-Leste.

    A rapid shift from high burden country to malaria-free

    Since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has made remarkable strides in the fight against malaria – reducing cases from a peak of more than 223 000 clinically diagnosed cases in 2006 to zero indigenous cases from 2021 onwards.

    Timor-Leste’s success in eliminating malaria was driven by the Ministry of Health’s swift action in 2003 to establish the National Malaria Programme, a dedicated programme for planning, implementing, and monitoring malaria control efforts nationwide. With only two full-time officers initially, the programme was able to lay the foundation for progress early on through strong technical leadership, managerial capacity and attention to detail.

    Within a few years, the country introduced rapid diagnostic tests and artemisinin-based combination therapy as part of the National Malaria Treatment Guidelines and began distributing free long-lasting insecticide treated nets to communities most at risk.

    In 2009, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Timor-Leste scaled up nationwide vector control efforts through the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. Malaria diagnosis was also expanded using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests at the point of care across all local health posts.

    Facing the challenges of severe shortages of health workers and doctors, Timor-Leste made investments and developed its three-tier health system – comprising national hospitals, reference hospitals, community health centers (CHCs), and health posts – to ensure most residents can access care within an hour’s walk. Additionally, citizens are provided with free health services at the point of care, as part of the government’s policy on free universal health care. Monthly mobile clinics and community outreach programmes further enhance health services in rural areas.

    Timor-Leste’s success in combating malaria highlights the importance of country leadership and strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO, local communities, non-governmental organizations, donors, and multiple government sectors. A real-time integrated case-based surveillance system ensures rapid data collection and response, while trained health workers ensure timely detection and screening of malaria cases, including at borders. These integrated efforts have paved the way for the country to be officially certified malaria-free.

    “Timor-Leste’s malaria-free certification is a defining national triumph – driven by bold leadership, tireless efforts of health workers, and the resolve of its people. As a young nation, Timor-Leste stayed focused – testing, treating, and investigating swiftly. Ending transmission and maintaining zero deaths takes more than science; it takes grit. This victory protects generations, present and future, and shows what a determined country can achieve,” said Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste.

    WHO News release (24 July 2025)

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    Social Service Unit, OCMC and Geriatric Health Service Programme Implementation Guideline 2082/83
    National Plan, Policy & GuidelinesPublic Health ProgramsPublic Health Update

    Social Service Unit, OCMC and Geriatric Health Service Program Implementation Guideline 2082/83

    by Public Health Update
    written by Public Health Update

    Overview

    The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has released program implementation guidelines for the Social Service Unit (SSU), One-Stop Crisis Management Centers (OCMC), and the Geriatric Health Service Programme for the fiscal year 2082/83.

    Objectives of Social Service Unit, OCMC and Geriatric Health Service Programme

    • One-Stop Crisis Management Centers (OCMCs): Services provided by OCMCs have been expanded to 97 hospitals across all 77 districts of Nepal. OCMC aims to provide comprehensive, integrated support to individuals experiencing crises, particularly gender-based violence survivors, offering medical, legal, and psychosocial support under an integrated service delivery model.
    • Social Service Units (SSUs): A total of 95 hospitals are now designated to provide Social Service Unit functions. The core objective of the SSU is to ensure no citizen is denied healthcare due to financial hardship, aligning with the Government of Nepal’s policy. The SSU aims to provide partial or free health services to targeted patient groups in hospitals and facilitate their access to necessary social services. The SSU helps to ensure equitable access to and utilization of health services for these groups, offering specialized services either freely or at a discount, and integrating various health-related social security programs (such as insurance, geriatric care, emergency services, and disability support) for an intergated approach.
    • Geriatric Health Service Programme: For the fiscal year 2082/83, 67 hospitals are listed to deliver Geriatric Health Services. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish and operate Geriatric-Friendly Health Services across various hospitals, ensuring that senior citizens receive healthcare that is easy, simple, and readily accessible. This goal will be achieved by facilitating the provision of services in strict adherence to the frameworks outlined in the Hospital Geriatric (Senior Citizen) Health Service Operation Guidelines, 2078, and the Geriatric Health Service Standards, 2079. Ultimately, the aim is to deliver services that are specifically tailored to be friendly and accommodating to senior citizens.

    Download Guideline

    Download Guideline

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