GLOBAL HUNGER NUMBERS ROSE TO AS MANY AS 828 MILLION IN 2021

The number of people affected by hunger globally rose to as many as 828 million in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a UN report that provides fresh evidence that the world is moving further away from its goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030.  

The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition report shows the world is moving backwards in efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. The report presents updates on the food security and nutrition situation around the world, including the latest estimates of the cost and affordability of a healthy diet, and how governments can repurpose support to agriculture to reduce the cost of healthy diets.

Jointly published today by WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), findings paint a grim picture:

• As many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021: 46 million people more from a year earlier and 150 million more from 2019.
• Around 2.3 billion people in the world (29.3 per cent) were moderately or severely food insecure in 2021: 350 million more compared to before the outbreak of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
• The gender gap in food insecurity continued to rise in 2021: 31.9 percent of women in the world were moderately or severely food insecure, compared to 27.6 percent of men.
• Almost 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, up 112 million from 2019, reflecting the effects of inflation in consumer food prices stemming from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to contain it. 
• An estimated 45 million children under the age of five were suffering from wasting, the deadliest form of malnutrition, which increases children’s risk of death by up to 12 times. 149 million children under the age of five had stunted growth and development due to a chronic lack of essential nutrients in their diets, while 39 million were overweight. 
• Progress is being made on exclusive breastfeeding, with nearly 44 percent of infants under six months of age being exclusively breastfed worldwide in 2020. This is still short of the 50 percent target by 2030. 

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022 report finds the world is moving backwards in its efforts to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition by 2030, a goal set by the United Nations in 2015. Hear Dr Máximo Torero, Chief Economist at FAO, discuss the report’s findings and what governments need to do to act.

VISIT OF ST JUDE DELEGATION TO WHO DISCUSSING WAYS TO ACCELERATE CHILDHOOD CANCER OUTCOMES

Each year, an estimated 400 000 children worldwide develop cancer. The majority of children living in low- and middle-income countries are unable to consistently obtain or afford cancer medicines. As a result, nearly 100 000 children die each year.

WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital first collaborated in 2018, when St. Jude became the first WHO Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer and committed US$ 15 million for the creation of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Recently, we were delighted to welcome a delegation from St Jude, to meet with Dr Tedros and WHO staff working on childhood cancer. 

The delegation discussed progress in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which now includes more than 60 countries who have committed to the targets. We have active implementation projects in about 30 countries.

A central focus was the recent WHO/St Jude collaboration on the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines. The first of its kind, this will provide an uninterrupted supply of quality-assured childhood cancer medicines to low- and middle-income countries. The new platform aims to provide safe and effective cancer medicines to approximately 120 000 children between 2022 and 2027, with the expectation to scale up in future years.

During an initial two-year pilot phase, medicines will be purchased and distributed to 12 countries through a process involving governments, cancer centers and nongovernmental organizations already active in providing cancer care. By the end of 2027, it is expected that 50 countries will receive childhood cancer medicines through the platform. 

St. Jude is making a six-year, US$ 200 million investment to launch the platform, which will provide medicines at no cost to countries participating in the pilot phase. This is the largest financial commitment for a global effort in childhood cancer medicines to date.

Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director for Noncommunicable Diseases, and Dr Slim Slama, Unit Head for NCD Management, welcome delegates from St Jude Children's Research Hospital, including Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Director, St. Jude Global!

NEW VIRTUAL COURSE ON THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER

PAHO/WHO has launched a new virtual course on the early diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence, intended to provide a framework for healthcare workers aimed to strengthen their capacities on the early diagnosis of such cancers. 

As well as strengthening the capacities of healthcare professionals with concepts and learning instruments on signs and symptoms of cancer, the course will cover epidemiological, genetic, clinical and initial management aspects of children with suspected cancer. Information will also be provided on the interpretation of complementary tests for the timely diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define what the key concepts of cancer in childhood and adolescence.
• Describe the risk factors and genetic syndromes associated with cancer in childhood and adolescence.
• Apply knowledge in clinical practice (especially primary care).
• Examine the process of initial diagnosis and management of various types of cancer in childhood and adolescence.
• Know the interpretation of complementary tests used in the initial diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence.

The course is self-study course, free, open to the public and without deadlines to complete. It has also been published in Spanish and Portuguese, if preferable for your study.

Primary health care is the best and only choice to achieve universal health coverage. One of the biggest gains that can be made in primary health care is the adoption of essential interventions for NCDs: catching diseases and mitigating risk factors at the earliest possible opportunity, and in the community at the most local level.

As Dr Shannon Barkley shows us in this video, WHO is working with countries to accelerate actions and increase investments in primary health care. to deliver health for all

NCD HARD TALK: GOING BIG ON NCDs IN TECHNOLOGY, CLINICAL CARE AND THE COMMUNITY

A rapid epidemiological shift, limited funding and weak health systems are placing the global NCD agenda at great risk. Profound and urgent changes are required to respond to the accelerating NCD burden to deliver on the promise of SDG 3.4. 

What will make the difference? A global shake-up is needed to reimagine the possibilities – and invent solutions fit for this new era. 

An opportunity has availed itself through the established Global Group of Heads of State and Government on NCD, to engage the highest authorities of nations on these Big NCD Solutions. The first annual gathering of the group will take place during the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2022 where such solutions could be shared to enthuse other countries. 

In our latest NCD Hard Talk, ‘Going BIG on NCDs: Technology, Clinical Care and the Community’ on 13 July, we explore three examples of distinct, cutting-edge visions that can radically impact NCD outcomes and be easily implemented in countries. By addressing health system challenges head-on, countries can move closer to delivering on their promise to people living with NCDs. Three key areas ripe for innovation and change covered in this session include:

• Medicines: technology transfer for local production of insulin and NCD medicines to increase access.
• Acute care: strengthening immediate care for saving lives. 
• Community: leveraging community leaders for NCD prevention and control.

We hope you can join us!

Last week, WHO hosted a live Q&A about UV radiation and how people can protect themselves. This comes after our recent announcement in the WHO NCD Newsflash of a new global SunSmart UV app, provides localized information on ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels. 

JOIN US IN OUR NEW WORLD REHABILITATION ALLIANCE

There is an urgent need to strengthen rehabilitation around the world. Globally, an estimated 2.4 billion people are living with a health condition that could benefit from rehabilitation. This number is expected to grow due to people living longer and with more chronic disease and disability. 

However, in low- and middle-income countries, more than 50% of people do not receive the rehabilitation they require. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future rehabilitation needs is also yet to be seen.

The World Rehabilitation Alliance is a new WHO global network of stakeholders, working together to support the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through advocacy. It focuses on promoting rehabilitation as an essential health service that is integral to Universal Health Coverage and to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Specifically, it has objectives to:

• Conduct evidence-based advocacy activities that increase support and raise awareness on rehabilitation, and
• Strengthen networking and knowledge sharing within the rehabilitation sector.

Last month, we announced an online application process for joining the World Rehabilitation Alliance. Membership approval will be based on an assessment, due diligence process, and review of submitted documents, in accordance with the eligibility criteria and with WHO rules and policies.

We hope you will join us!

JOIN OUR ROSTER OF CONSULTANTS FOR INTEGRATED NCD SERVICE DELIVERY

Within the NCD Department, our Integrated Service Delivery unit works with Regional and Country Offices and partnering organizations, supporting Member States to design and deliver quality, equitable and people-centered NCD services. 

The Unit’s current work includes developing and translating evidence-based guidance for NCDs into practical solutions at country level, by shifting from fragmented models of care, toward an integrated continuum of NCD care models throughout the life-course. 

We are seeking to build a roster of consultants who can help the delivery of the Unit’s functions. Specifically, the consultant will contribute to NCDs service delivery model and implementation work in countries as follows:

• Provide technical expertise on NCD service delivery and models at countries, focusing on implementation research, services integration and models, process monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes.
• Assess and facilitate the engagement with implementation stakeholders at the implementation sites including private service providers, proposing and testing solutions and approaches to integrate, scale up the NCD service coverage, improve uptake and retention, optimize NCD care pathways and strengthening continuity of care. 

If this sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you!

HOUSEKEEPING AND COUNTRY IMPACT

As part of efforts to improve WHO communications, we always want your feedback of what you like, and what you would like to see more of! Send me your feedback below.

We are also piloting a new On The Pulse feature series, working with WHO Regional and Country Offices to explore our country impact on NCDs! If you would like to be kept in the loop about this, please also let me know by writing.

THE TWEETS WE RETWEET

• Dr Tedros thanking colleagues in Ghana for hosting a first training course on air pollution and health for over 40 health workers from across Africa (July 2022)
• A new briefing from @NCDAlliance on Bridging the Gap on NCDs, covering leadership, care, accountability, investment and community engagement (July 2022)