World Health Organization Podcast

WHO estimates that over 75% of people living in developing countries do not receive any mental health treatment or care. A new, easy-to-use guide to identify and provide care for mental health disorders will help expand care at a cost that is affordable, even for low- and middle-income countries.

The floods in Pakistan have had an enormous consequences for the health of millions of people. They have also impacted the ability to deliver emergency and routine health care across the country.

Thousands of humanitarian workers, either with local organizations or international bodies like WHO, strive during crises, to ensure survivors have access to the most basic human rights, including health, shelter and food.

Many young people engage in behaviours that are dangerous not only to their current state of health, but also puts their health at risk for years to come.

Demand for organs outstrips supply in almost every country of the world. In many places the wait for an organ can be measured in years. One way to improve the situation is by donors making sure their families understand their wishes, which allows doctors to proceed with the donation process.

High-income countries are increasingly dependent on doctors and nurses who have been trained abroad. But the migration of health workers weakens the health systems in the countries of origin. WHO's Code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel aims to achieve a balance between the interests of health workers, source countries and destination countries.

Polio eradication is at a critical juncture. While the world is close to stamping out polio, this will require renewed commitment. Specifically it will entail renewed political, financial and scientific commitment.

A statue was erected to mark the 30th anniversary of smallpox eradication. In this podcast past members of the Smallpox Eradication Programme explain challenges they faced in eradicating the disease.

World No Tobacco Day 2010 draws particular attention to female smokers. Women and girls are a major target for the tobacco industry.

In contrast to many other serious health conditions, a highly effective treatment to snakebites exists. Most deaths and serious consequences from snakebites are entirely preventable by making antivenom more widely available.

The WHO "Save lives: clean your hands" campaign invites healthcare workers, hospitals and organizations around the world to actively promote improved hand hygiene to reduce infections.

Better diagnostic testing may be a key to count malaria cases and help defeat the disease. Also better tests will more accurately identify who actually has the disease, make sure people get the correct medicines and prevent the misuse of malaria drugs.

With the majority of the world's population living in cities and towns, this podcast marking World Health Day addresses ways to build healthy and safe urban environments.

This episode marking International Women's Day looks at women through the themes of education, health care and armed conflict.

The fifth anniversary of worlds first global public health treaty, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a time to reflect on its achievements.