WHO launches global encephalitis policy The release comes as one GP expert says ‘it’s very likely that Japanese encephalitis is now endemic in Australia’.
WHO releases lower back pain guideline The document, the first of its kind to be released by the WHO, considers 37 different interventions for the management of chronic lower back pain.
Global immunisation coverage in biggest dip for 30 years Australia largely seems to have bucked the international trend, but immunisation experts warn the country has not dodged the impact altogether.
First Omicron studies hint at enhanced role for boosters The first laboratory studies have emerged on Omicron and its impact on vaccination, suggesting ‘extensive but incomplete’ loss of protection – but the picture for severe disease remains unclear.
WHO gives warning on missed measles vaccinations Measles vaccination has fallen sharply globally, but Australian immunisation rates appear to have held up despite the challenges of COVID-19.
‘A welcome step’: WHO acknowledges aerosol spread of COVID-19 But experts say the Australian Government’s infection control group must now update its advice to ensure new strategies to reduce transmission risks.
WHO report into origin of coronavirus released The virus most likely arose in bats before spreading to humans via an unidentified intermediary animal, according to report findings.
‘There is hope’ for COVID vaccine by end of 2020: WHO The global health body also estimates around 10% of the global population may already have contracted coronavirus.
Questions raised over WHO’s seemingly conflicting COVID-19 advice The World Health Organization has said asymptomatic spread is ‘very rare’, leading some to ask why it recently advised healthy people to wear a mask when unable to socially distance.
Wear masks when unable to distance: WHO The World Health Organization for the first time advised masks for healthy people in settings ‘where social distancing is not possible.’