WHO was on the alert in those parts of the world experiencing humanitarian crises, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Horn of Africa, Iraq, Sudan and in particular Darfur, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and elsewhere. WHO provides technical assistance, supplies of drugs and equipment, coordination among health partners and disease surveillance. [click link for full article]

Two newspapers last week examined issues regarding changes to Medicare for 2007. Summaries appear below. [click link for full article]

Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women, with about 500 000 new cases and 250 000 deaths in 2005. Almost 90% of cases occur in developing countries. If untreated, cervical cancer is almost always fatal. In 2006, a vaccine that protects against infection and the disease associated with HPV received its marketing authorization and another vaccine could also shortly be authorized. [click link for full article]

Studies of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis in an HIV-positive population in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa have shown alarmingly high mortality rates. If this were to become a durable phenomenon, the progress made year after year against tuberculosis could be jeopardized, not only as regards tuberculosis control, but also HIV/AIDS, as together they form a fearsome enemy. [click link for full article]

A new study published by WHO has shown that women who have had Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are significantly more likely to experience difficulties during childbirth and that their babies are more likely to die as a result of the practice. Researchers found there was an increased need to resuscitate babies whose mothers had had FGM. It is estimated that in the African context an additional 10 to 20 babies die per 1000 deliveries as a result of the practice. [click link for full article]

Medicare beneficiaries who did not receive timely information about benefit and cost changes for their current Medicare prescription drug plans will have until Feb. 15 to select coverage for 2007, Reuters reports (Reuters, 12/29/06). [click link for full article]

Some Democratic Party strategists and nonpartisan pollsters are crediting Mara Vanderslice and her consulting firm Common Good Strategies — which advised candidates who support abortion rights to speak about reducing demand for the procedure — for helping some Democrats make “deep inroads” among “theological conservatives” in four states, the [click link for full article]

Conjoined 5-month old twins, Abygail and Madysen Fitterer from North Dakota, have been successfully separated by surgeons at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic. Doctors say they are doing well.The surgery took 6 hours and involved a large team of 40 surgeons and nursing staff, led by Christopher Moir, the lead surgeon.Abygail and Madysen’s parents, Stacy and Suzy Fitterer, of Bismarck, North Dakota, in a [click link for full article]

The publication of the first report on the health of people in Africa underscores the fact that the WHO Africa Region, in which some 738 million people live, is coming up with its own solutions to Africa’s health problems. Throughout Africa, innovative solutions are being found to reduce disease and mortality. This is proof that Africa is able to take up the huge challenges it has to face. [click link for full article]

On 22 May, the World Health Assembly opened in the presence of hundreds of delegates; on the same day Dr LEE Jong-wook died suddenly.Dr Anders Nordström was appointed and served as Acting Director-General during the last six months, thus ensuring continuity in the Organization’s work and the election of a new Director-General. The process is now complete with the election, on 9 November, of Dr Margaret Chan. Dr Chan will take office on 4 January 2007. [click link for full article]