Bruno Meessen

.@WHO is appalled and deeply shocked by reports of the tragic killing of more than 460 patients and companions at Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, #Sudan, following recent attacks and the abduction of health workers. Prior to this latest attack, WHO has verified 185 attacks on health care in Sudan with 1204 deaths and 416 injuries of health workers and patients since the start of the conflict in April 2023. Forty-nine of these attacks occurred this year alone, killing 966 people. All attacks on health care MUST STOP immediately and unconditionally. All patients, health personnel and health facilities must be protected under International Humanitarian Law. Ceasefire!

The deadly attack against eight @PalestineRCS ambulance workers in #Gaza while on duty is deplorable. @WHO is gravely concerned about the well-being of ambulance worker Assad Al-Nassasra, who is still missing. Under International Humanitarian Law, health workers must be protected at all times. We mourn the deaths of these colleagues, and we urge for an immediate end to attacks on health and humanitarian workers. Resume the ceasefire. x.com/palestinercs/s…

Today, we have reached a grim milestone. 281 aid workers have been killed this year, the highest toll on record. "They show the best humanity has to offer and they are getting killed in return." Those in power must #ActForHumanity and ensure the protection of humanitarians.

We are outraged after an Israeli drone strike almost hit 5 of our Palestinian and international staff on their way home from Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. As always, the Israeli authorities were notified about our movements and the vehicle was identifiable with an MSF logo. This attack, which occurred on the afternoon of 20 November, killed 20 people and seriously injured 10 others according to the Ministry of Health. These indiscriminate attacks on civilians and healthcare must stop. “Repeated security incidents in the humanitarian zone pose a real threat to the safety of our staff and patients and the continuity of our activities in Gaza. Humanitarian workers must be protected at all times,” says Caroline Seguin, MSF coordinator in Gaza.

🚨New opportunity alert 🚨 Call for proposals: Implementation research for the integrated management of noncommunicable diseases (deadline: 24 October 2024) More info > ahpsr.who.int/funding-opport…

Important new #healthtaxes report from @MikeBloomberg @LHSummers @miaamormottley @HelenClarkNZ @SaniaNishtar ++---> increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 50%, governments could raise $3.7 trillion (USD) globally over next five years. bit.ly/47y1xF0

Am I too old for #SexualHealth? There is no upper age limit for good sex. It can help keep you healthy into your later years.

How much more do those in power need to see before they act? It's time they #ActForHumanity! International humanitarian law is being violated, and civilians and aid workers are paying the price. This #WorldHumanitarianDay, @muzoonrakan1 added her voice. Add yours and share.

Aid workers on the frontlines of the world's conflicts are being killed in unprecedented numbers. ❗On #WorldHumanitarianDay, we reiterate: All parties to conflict MUST uphold the rules of war and protect humanitarians and assets. Press Release ⬇️ #ActForHumanity

Fascinating read: "There is a need to revisit the definition of ‘effectiveness’ in the context of ‘best buys’ and for further exploration of the specific factors that should be accounted for in research on the ‘effectiveness’ of a policy" gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/…

With a powerful ´polycrisis era’ framing.

Today, @CGDev we were proud to support @MikeBloomberg @miaamormottley @LHSummers in reconvening the Task Force on Fiscal Policy for Health. In this new paper, we review how the current health & fiscal crises makes health taxes an even more vital policy. cgdev.org/blog/health-ta…

🫁 Smoking causes asthma and COPD 🫁 Smoking makes asthma and COPD worse Join our WHO webinar on 11 July 1400 CEST to learn how health care workers can support people to quit smoking Free registration: who.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

We are outraged and strongly condemn the killing of our colleague, Fadi Al-Wadiya, in an attack this morning in Gaza City. The attack killed Fadi, along with 5 other people including 3 children, while he was cycling to work, near the MSF clinic where he was providing care.

Understanding & amplifying the #LivedExperience of people affected by cancer creates more effective support systems. Here’s your opportunity to influence global cancer policies & help co-design better solutions for health⬇️ extranet.who.int/dataformv3/ind…

Happening now!

Ukraine has progressed in health financing reforms for universal health coverage, establishing new health financing systems & institutions. Read our recent article with Mark Hellowell & @JoeKutzin on how to sustain this progress amid the war bit.ly/4h7nm #URC2024

New @WHO guidelines--->strongly recommends implementation of a policy to tax sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). See here for more: who.int/publications/i…

“I call for the world to stand united to safeguard @UNRWA in the face of outrageous and relentless attacks. UNRWA’s role will remain critical not only during the conflict, but afterwards.” - @antonioguterres

Tax on soda is a win-win for everyone. Lower consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks means ⬇️ 🟢 Fewer health issues 🟢 Reduced treatment costs 🟢 Revenue for governments Let’s not tax the healthiest drink of all – water! 💧 bit.ly/415SFDf