Erin Noste

Global military expenditure just hit $2.7 trillion - in a single year. According to @UN estimates, ending world hunger by 2030 would require $93 billion annually. That means we spend almost 30 times more every year on killing each other than on making sure everyone eats. Numbers don't lie. Our priorities do.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the impact on public health, are of great concern. Damage to petroleum facilities in #Iran risks contaminating food, water and air – hazards that can have severe health impacts especially on children, older people, and people with pre existing medical conditions. Rain laden with oil has been reported falling in parts of the country. In #Lebanon, nine health workers have been killed since 28 February and 16 injured. Additionally, 43 primary health care centres and 5 hospitals have closed due to evacuation orders. WHO is monitoring the situation in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and all affected countries closely and supporting local authorities to keep health systems running, protect communities, and reduce health risks. I urge all parties to de-escalate and prevent further risks to people’s health, impacts on health facilities and workers, a further expansion of the conflict across the region. Peace is always the best medicine.

Reports of Tehran's Gandhi Hospital being damaged during today’s bombardment of the Iranian capital are extremely worrying. @WHO is working to verify the incident. But it serves as a reminder that all efforts must be taken to prevent health facilities from being caught up in the ongoing conflict. Health facilities are protected under international humanitarian law. Health is #NotATarget

I am deeply troubled by the situation unfolding today across the Middle East. My heart goes out to the civilians trapped in the crossfire. Regardless of borders, everyone deserves to live without the threat of violence around them. Today, we urge leaders to choose the challenging path of dialogue over the senseless route of destruction. The world is watching and hoping for wisdom to prevail over weapons. Peace is the best medicine. 🌍🕊️

Peace is the best medicine.

.@WHO has almost 800 Collaborating Centres across the world, which help us to advance health research, scientific evidence and policy implementation that save lives. Their continuing support and partnership with WHO is admirable and invaluable. Thank you!

Since the 1970s, immunization has saved more than 150 million lives, from diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio.  That's more than 4 million lives per year.    With immunization for all, anything is possible – #HumanlyPossible. #WorldImmunizationWeek

When disaster strikes, the difference between life and death hinges on the speed, effectiveness, and quality of care people receive. As we are mark the 10th anniversary of the @WHO Emergency Medical Teams Global Classification, I want to thank the 52 international teams certified so far on their service and dedication to saving lives!

#Measles vaccines have saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years. The latest @WHO/@CDCgov data are worrisome: drops in immunization coverage drove a 20% increase in new measles cases last year — making the total number of cases over 10 million. To stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest and scale up immunization to reach every child, no matter where they live.