WHO | Week Ahead for media | 26 November 2021

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Friday 11.26.21 | Issue 135

© WHO / P.Phutpeng

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) updates

A virtual press briefing with simultaneous translation in all UN languages with the participation of the WHO Director-General is planned for next week. Media advisories with Zoom links/dial-in details will be emailed in advance. For the latest news from WHO on COVID-19 and other breaking health stories, read WHO's news updates.

29 November - 1 December
Special session of WHA to consider global agreement to prevent and respond to future pandemics

WHO Member States will gather for a special session of the World Health Assembly on 29 November to 1 December to consider the need for developing an international instrument to better prepare for and prevent future pandemic threats.

Member States will consider one agenda item during the special session -- the second such meeting in its history -- namely the need for a WHO convention, agreement or other international agreement on pandemic preparedness and response with a view towards the establishment of an international process to draft and negotiate such a convention taking into account the report of the Working Group on Strengthening WHO Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies.

The sessions will be public and webcast here and via other WHO channels.

WHASS Agenda and all documents can be viewed here.

Wednesday, 1 December

Join WHO and UNAIDS for a special commemoration of World AIDS Day on the occasion of the 40 years of AIDS. The event - End inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics will feature leaders from across the AIDS response along with a special guest appearance from Zolani Mohani, renowned South African singer. Wear your red t-shirt and bring a candle to commemorate this very special World AIDS Day with us.

To join follow the link below: https://bit.ly/3FGKnWB ¦ Meeting ID: 868 9938 6650 ¦ Passcode: 478833

The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”. With a special focus on reaching people left behind, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to rally to confront the inequalities that drive AIDS and to reach people who are currently not receiving essential HIV services.

WHO World AIDS Day Campaign

Thursday, 2 December
Embargoed World malaria report 2020 VPC

An EMBARGOED virtual press conference will be held 2 December at 3 pm CET regarding the World malaria report 2020 amid COVID-19 related disruptions. A media advisory will be sent on Tuesday, 30 November.

Friday, 3 December

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

More than 1 billion people experience disability, and this figure is predicted to rise, due in part to population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. Despite this, few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond fully to the health priorities and requirements of persons with disabilities.

While disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether they have equal access to health, education and employment, among others. WHO is committed to supporting countries and development partners to fulfil their commitment to leave no one behind, by addressing disability inclusion in the health sector, including as part of our efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information.

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