World Health Organization Western Pacific Region

A woman in a patterned shirts speaks into a microphone at what looks to be a conference setting

A man in business attire speaks into a microphone at what looks to be a conference or large meeting

Antimicrobial resistance - #AMR - is no longer a ‘silent pandemic.’ It's reversing decades of progress in safeguarding health in Asia-Pacific.

Drug-resistant infections are making common illnesses harder and more expensive to treat, including #tuberculosis, one of the world’s leading killers.

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background. Inside the pop‑up window, bold text reads women are not all the same. Below it, smaller text reads neither are their health needs. To the right is an illustration of several different legs wearing various types of shoes, flat shoes, high heels, boots, stepping up a set of light blue stairs. One leg uses a prosthetic limb.

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background. Inside the pop‑up window, bold text reads women are not all the same. Below it, smaller text reads neither are their health needs. To the right is an illustration of several different legs wearing various types of shoes, flat shoes, high heels, boots, stepping up a set of light blue stairs. One leg uses a prosthetic limb.

We need coordinated action across sectors to ensure women and girls can live healthy, safe, and empowered lives.

One size does not fit all. Health services need to be inclusive and tailored.

#ForAllWomenAndGirls
#WomensDay

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background, with text that says reproductive health and rights shape women's lives. But...

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background, with text that says women's health > pregnancy and childbirth. At every age every woman faces unique needs.

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background, with text that says and every need matters.

A graphic styled like a pop‑up computer window appears against a blue background, with text that says from chronic diseases to mental health and care in later life.

Women’s health encompasses far more than pregnancy or childbirth. It spans the full life course and is shaped by social, economic, and environmental conditions.

#ForAllWomenAndGirls
#WomensDay

Learn more about #WorldHearingDay at: www.who.int/campaigns/wo...

Infographic listing signs that may indicate a child has an ear or hearing problem: often asks you to repeat, struggles with attention or school performance, shows delayed speech and language development, complains of ear pain or has ear discharge. Highlighted text below says to refer the child for an ear or hearing check without delay. Small text at the bottom states that the tile’s text is adapted from PPC/NMH/NSO 2025.1.

Infographic highlighting that teachers and parents have a role in spotting signs of hearing loss. Smaller text below it reads: “Act early so no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems.“ Illustration shows a child, in the middle of reading a book, turning to another child behind them peeking from a doorway – as if indicating the former is trying to hear the latter.

If a child:
👉 frequently asks you to repeat
👉 struggles with attention
👉 has ear pain/discharge
👉 or has delayed speech
This could indicate an ear or hearing problem.
 
Teachers & parents: act early and refer the child to a healthcare provider.

Infographic stating that in the Western Pacific, 19.5 million children aged 5 to 19 years live with hearing loss. Large text below it reads: “Majority of cases of childhood hearing loss are due to preventable causes.” Below it is a highlighted shape with the text “Here’s what to know.” On its right is an arrow pointing to the right. An illustration at the bottom-right shows a child with a hearing aid sitting at a desk with sound waves around their ears.

Infographic highlighting that early diagnosis and care for children at risk of hearing loss are essential to prevent long-term impacts. Additional text below it explains that unadressed hearing loss “harms not just hearing but also speech, language, cognitive and social development – often leading to poorer educational and employment outcomes.” Illustration shows a child running wearing headphones with sound waves around their ears. On the bottom-right is an arrow pointing to the right.

Today is #WorldHearingDay!

The Western Pacific has the highest prevalence of hearing loss globally  🌏   affecting 19.5 million children aged 5-19 years in the region.
 
The majority of cases of childhood hearing loss stem from preventable causes.
 
Early diagnosis and care are key. 🔑

Learn more: bit.ly/3ZSsqk1

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WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala meets with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala visited #Samoa for a three-day mission focused on Pacific-led science and collaboration.

The visit included engagements with national leaders and partners, and discussions on strengthening health and well-being across Samoa.

📷 WHO / Faizza Tanggol

Solomon Islands and WHO: Working together to strengthen health security In a world being reshaped by threats from an increasingly changing climate, the prevalence of zoonotic diseases, and the frequency of man-made and natural disasters, the need for countries to be adequ...

In a world being reshaped by threats from an increasingly changing climate, the prevalence of zoonotic diseases, and the frequency of man-made and natural disasters, the need for countries to be adequately prepared and ready to respond to health emergencies is even more important.

bit.ly/4aNzuTM

A circle filled with smaller circles, next to a vial with the word "Vaccine" written on the label. At least 95% vaccine coverage of two doses is needed to stop measles outbreaks

At least 95% measles vaccine coverage is needed in all communities to prevent #measles and stop outbreaks.

The only way to prevent measles? Two doses of measles vaccine.

Let’s close the gap and keep measles away!

Fiji strengthens its HIV response through evidence-based harm reduction Fiji is taking decisive steps to address a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic. Among people starting HIV treatment in 2024, 48% were people who inject drugs, highlighting the disproportionate impact on t...

Learn more: www.who.int/news-room/fe...

Fiji 🇫🇯 strengthens its response to the escalating #HIV epidemic through evidence-based harm reduction. 📊

Evidence gathered from a rapid assessment highlighted unsafe injecting drug use is a major driver of transmission and exposes urgent gaps in access to prevention and stigma-free care.

Good habits can bring good fortune… and even good health! ❣️Which healthy habit are you bringing into the New Year? 👇 (2/2)

This Lunar New Year, #CelebrateSafely by choosing practices that invite good health and wellbeing for everyone. Swipe through to see which healthy habits score the highest! (1/2)

A bright orange Lunar New Year–themed graphic featuring several large glowing lanterns in the background. At the center, bold white text reads healthy beginnings. Smaller text says wishing everyone a healthy, safe and prosperous Lunar New Year! At the bottom, two yellow hashtags read celebrate safely and health for all.

Wishing all who celebrate a healthy, safe and prosperous #LunarNewYear!

May the year ahead be filled with success, joy and #HealthForAll!

Illustration of a person sitting up in bed, wrapped in a blanket and drinking from a cup. Text reads: “Stay home if feeling unwell.”

🏠 If you are feeling unwell, stay home. Monitor your symptoms and contact your health-care provider.

“An illustration of people sitting close together in a crowded room, all wearing face masks. Several individuals have their hands raised. The text above reads: ‘Wear a mask in crowded or poorly‑ventilated areas to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.’ The World Health Organization Western Pacific Region logo appears in the corner.”

Illustration of a healthcare worker giving a vaccination injection in a person’s upper arm. Text reads: “If you’re travelling, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.” Includes the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region logo.

😷 If you are in a crowded or poorly ventilated area, wear a mask to help you and others stay safe from respiratory illnesses.

👩‍⚕ Get #COVID19, #flu, and #measles vaccines as advised by your health-care provider.

Illustration of three passengers inside public transport. One person wears a mask while using a phone, another sits by the window with airflow shown, and a third person covers their mouth while coughing. Text bubbles read: “Open the windows when you can for good ventilation” and “Cover sneezes and coughs.”

Illustration of a person standing at a sink using hand sanitizer or soap. People are seated at tables in the background. Text reads: “Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

🪟 Open windows when possible to allow fresh air to circulate.
🤧 Cover coughs & sneezes with a bent elbow or a tissue. Dispose of the used tissue in a closed bin.
🙌Clean your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 40-60 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Illustration of a family gathered together indoors during a festive occasion. An adult holds a baby while others stand nearby. Text reads: “Spread joy, not viruses this festive season. Take these simple measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, influenza, measles and other respiratory illnesses.”

This festive season, celebrate safely by following these tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones from #COVID19, #flu, #measles or other respiratory illnesses.
🧵

#LunarNewYear
#Ramadan

Two emergency responders work together outdoors to secure ropes attached to a large white tent or shelter, surrounded by lush greenery and banana trees. A caption explains that they tested preparedness through a simulation exercise involving a Category 4 cyclone. The WHO Vanuatu logo is visible at the top.

An outdoor emergency setup is shown with portable tables, chairs, and equipment arranged under a canopy tent. Nearby, shipping containers and tents stand on a grassy area. A quote on the image emphasizes the importance of being ready when emergencies occur. The WHO Vanuatu logo appears at the top.

Read Bong's first person account here: www.who.int/westernpacif...

Several emergency responders gather around equipment inside a tent, examining and discussing logistics materials. A quote on the image highlights the importance of reviewing logistics systems to improve rapid deployment of clinical services after an emergency. The WHO Vanuatu logo is visible at the top.

A group of team members sits at the entrance of a newly retrofitted shipping container equipped with emergency supplies and organized shelving. The group poses together, relaxed and smiling. A caption states that Bong and his team are enjoying a moment in the refurbished container. The WHO Vanuatu logo is displayed at the top.

" #Vanuatu 🇻🇺 is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. We can’t stop the storms from coming, but after this training, I know that when the situation arrives, VanMAT is ready to move faster and more effectively than ever before! " - Mr Bong Masseng

A member of Vanuatu’s emergency medical assistance team stands inside a tent, holding a plastic bottle with multiple red and orange color codes on it. Text on the image introduces him as Bong George Masseng and notes that he shares how the team is mastering emergency response logistics. The World Health Organization (WHO) Vanuatu logo appears at the top.

Several team members gather around a large sheet of paper on a checkered table, sketching logistics or deployment plans with markers. A caption notes that the group was trained to rapidly deploy a Type 1 Mobile emergency medical team. The WHO Vanuatu logo sits at the top.

Meet Bong Masseng!

A member of Vanuatu's #emergency medical assistance team (#VanMAT), who shares his recent experience mastering emergency response logistics in a WHO-led training.

An illustration of a group of women raising their arms in solidarity. They hold a banner that reads: “End female genital mutilation!” Text beside them says: “Every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and harmful practices.” WHO and HRP logos appear at the bottom.

The @who.int guideline on the prevention of female genital mutilation and clinical management of complications provides evidence-based strategies to support health workers & policymakers in ending FGM: bit.ly/4rraAQA

#EndFGM

A list titled “Reduce your cancer risk” on a yellow‑orange gradient background. It includes icons and tips: avoid tobacco use, avoid alcohol, protect yourself from UV rays, eat a healthy diet, keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly, practice safe sex, and get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV. WHO Western Pacific Region logo at the bottom.

Reduce your risk of cancer:

🚭Don't use tobacco & alcohol
🏃🏽‍♂️Exercise regularly & stay within a healthy weight
🥗Eat a varied, healthy diet
🕶Limit UV exposure
💋Practice safe sex
💉Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, HPV & other cancer causing infections

#WorldCancerDay

Stylized illustration of a search engine search with how to prompting a series of results including: how to manage cancer diagnosis, what are common cancer symptoms, cancer doctor near me, types of cancer treatment

All #cancer journeys are different.

While experiences differ, early detection and screening, timely access to treatment, survivorship and palliative care should be accessible to all.

4 February is #WorldCancerDay.

We must protect the progress we’ve made and keep investing in better tools, diagnostics, and treatments—so we can close gaps and move closer towards eliminating NTDs.

Learn more about the milestones in addressing neglected tropical diseases via this link: www.who.int/campaigns/wo...

A photo of a man in a blue polo shirt speaking at a podium with the WHO logo. The text reads: "To date, in the Western Pacific Region, 14 countries and areas have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. We need to safeguard the collective effort and commitment over the past two decades, which have enabled these milestones Let us continue to champion collaborative action by investing in the development and uptake of new tools, diagnostics, and treatments to eliminate NTDs."

14 countries and areas in the Western Pacific have eliminated diseases like trachoma and lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. Many others are moving closer to reaching elimination status.

#WorldNeglectedTropicalDiseasesDay
#BeatNTDs

Two children have a healthy snack of fresh papaya. The photo shows a young girl eating a slice while the other smiles at something off camera while she holds a half-eaten slice in her hand.

WHO has just released a ✨new✨ global guideline on evidence-based policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments.

Get the guideline here: www.who.int/news/item/27...

Photo: © WHO / Tom Vierus

There are many ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia: not smoking, keeping your mind active, maintaining a health weight, exercise, healthy eating, avoiding harmful alcohol use, maintaning good blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

There are many ways to reduce your risk of developing #dementia:
🏃‍♂️ Exercise
🚭 Don’t smoke
🍺 Avoid alcohol use
⚖️ Manage your weight
🍐 Eat a healthy diet
🧠 Keep your mind active
✅ Ensure your blood pressure, cholesterol & blood sugar levels are optimal.

A young girl swings on a swingset in a public park as her mother looks on. The text reads: Open spaces are the prescription for a healthier childhood.

Safe, inclusive public spaces are essential for children’s health, learning and social connection.
Yet access is shrinking: only 44% of urban residents live near open public space.
Cities can change this. Learn more: www.who.int/publications...