Global health news briefs - December 2021
November/ December 2021 | Volume 20 Number 6
Report calls for increased global pandemic preparedness capacity
The 2021 Global Health Security Index report measured the ability of 195 countries to respond to pandemics and found all countries, across all income levels, remain dangerously unprepared to meet future health threats. The report was developed in consultation with 18 experts from 13 countries.
Measles progress threatened by COVID
The largest increase in unvaccinated children in 20 years occurred in 2020 and is increasing the risk of measles outbreaks, according to a report jointly issued by the WHO and CDC. During 2020, more than 22 million infants missed their first doses of measles vaccine. Measles surveillance also deteriorated.
TB deaths rise due to pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of global progress in tackling tuberculosis and for the first time in over a decade, TB deaths have increased, according to a WHO study. In 2020, more people died of TB, and far fewer were diagnosed and treated than in 2019.
Road accidents are a leading global killer
Globally, 3,500 people die every day on the roads, according to the WHO. Its new Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety lays out practical, evidence-based steps all countries and communities can take to save lives.
NIH’s Eye Institute unveils strategic plan
The NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI) has released a new strategic plan for activities over the next five years to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research. NEI said it plans to increase its international partnerships, which currently include government agencies in India, China, Brazil, Ireland, Nigeria and Japan.
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