Reaching the unreached

Reaching the unreached

© WHO/Yoshi Shimizu
© Credits

Overview

Over the last few decades, our Region has seen marked improvements in maternal, child and family health, and the control of communicable diseases.

Yet, progress remains fragile. In several countries, improvements in mother and infant deaths have stalled. Rates of hepatitis, HIV, TB and some other communicable diseases remain high in a number of places. Some diseases are resurging, as seen with recent outbreaks of measles, polio, diphtheria and dengue. Within countries, it is the most disadvantaged and marginalized people who are most at risk. 

We will support countries to:

  • Sustain momentum for ending epidemics and improving mother and child health.
  • Link efforts to address communicable diseases and maternal, infant and child mortality to the universal health coverage (UHC) agenda.
  • Harness the potential of “grounds-up” solutions, innovation and the strategic use of data for action to accelerate progress.

We remain committed to supporting countries to meet their goals on child and maternal health, as well as communicable diseases. WHO will work with countries to find new ways of addressing emerging health challenges that also reframe responses to existing challenges, with both ultimately requiring resilient health systems.

Learn more about how we are tackling this challenges in For the future.


Key facts

  • More than 750 million people are at risk of malaria infection in the Western Pacific Region.
  • In our Region, 115 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B.
  • More than 1000 children under 5 die every day in our Region.

Related links

Towards the healthiest and safest region

For the future

Delivering Better Health in the Western Pacific Region