A World Health Organization statement was released Dec. 24 titled, “10 Global Health Issues to Track in 2021.” . The WHO lists specific medical science and disease goals for next year, in addition to the five points most associated with combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. In summary, these additional areas of action are:
“Provide global leadership on science and data.” This is addressed to A to Z conditions ranging from “Alzheimers to Zika.” The WHO has revamped its program called SCORE Technical package, and sees its focus as aligned with the “health-related Sustainable Development Goals.”
“Revitalize efforts to tackle communicable diseases.” Efforts in 2021 are directed at fighting such conditions as polio, and NTDs—Neglected Tropical Diseases, and tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria and viral hepatitis.
“Prevent and treat NCDs and mental health conditions.” In 2019, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 7 of the top 10 causes of death. Work of all kinds—science, screening, treatment—must be done on such diseases as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and so on.
“Combat drug resistance.” Much work is needed to combat anti-microbial resistance.
The five WHO points most directly related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic are: on vaccines, tests and treatment availability, on building back post-pandemic, and on acting in solidarity, for “worldwide health security,” to “advance health for all, “and to “tackle health inequities.”
