WHO South-East Asia Region is officially certified polio-free
A quarter of the world population lives in the 11 countries of the Region – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. With this certification on 27 March 2014, 80% of the world’s population now lives in polio-free certified Regions.
WHO urges countries to reach 1 million “missing” TB cases
Of the approximately 3 million people who get sick with TB every year in the WHO South-East Asia Region, a third do not get the TB services. On World TB Day, WHO is urging countries to find, treat and cure the “missing” 1 million who do not get TB services, in order to accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, infections, suffering and stigma.
Water sanitation planning in South-East Asia Region
WHO works with several countries in the South-East Asia Region to improve their water quality and to support system planning and implementing improvements. World Water Day is 22 March. Here are examples of our work in the region:
ASHAS: improving rural women’s health
In India, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) form an essential link between the community and the health care delivery system. ASHAs, usually women, provide information, health education, and basic care. Each ASHA is responsible for around 1000 people. Saturday 8 March is International Women’s Day.
fact buffet
Widespread testing
16WHO accredited polio laboratories ensure quality testing of field specimens from all of WHO South-East Asia Region countries.
Network Speed
87%of AFP (acute flaccid paralysis) stool specimens were sent to the polio laboratory network within 72 hours of collection in SEAR between 2011 and 2013.
Prompt Results
14 daysafter reaching the laboratories, virus culture results were provided between 2011 and 2013.