Cervical cancer prevention

Experts from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) briefed members of the U.S. Congress recently on a new method of cervical cancer prevention that has proven in studies to be simpler and more cost-effective than the traditional Pap smear in countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"This method is accurate, acceptable to women, faster in providing results and treatment, and less costly," said Silvana Luciani, a PAHO expert on cervical cancer. Following a series of successful pilot projects, "PAHO proposes to roll it out in countries with the highest burden of the disease." The new method, called "Screen and Treat," uses Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) to detect abnormal cervical cells and then provides immediate treatment with cryotherapy of patients who have pre-cancerous cells.

Source: Pan American Health Organisation

New guidelines on smoke-free environments

The 146 parties to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) decided unanimously recently to begin negotiating a protocol on illicit trade of tobacco products and adopt guidelines that stipulate 100 per cent smoke-free public places and workplaces. "I congratulate the parties for accomplishing all major objectives scheduled on the programme of work," said Conference President Juan Martabit of Chile.

"The degree of engagement, respectful discussion and commitment by all to reach these very productive outcomes remained exemplary throughout the entire Conference." In another key resolution, the parties adopted guidelines on protection from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. The guidelines, which were adopted unanimously on the Conference's second day, give national and local governments clear direction to establish smoke-free environments.

Source: The World Health Organisation

More vigilance on food safety

The Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation are urging all countries to strengthen their food safety systems and to be far more vigilant with food producers and traders. Recent food safety incidents - like the discovery of the industrial chemical melamine in animal and fish feed, or the unauthorised use of certain veterinary drugs in intense aquaculture - can affect health and often lead to rejections of food products in international trade.

Such food safety incidents are often caused by lack of knowledge of food safety requirements and of their implications, or by the illegal or fraudulent use of ingredients including unauthorised food additives or veterinary drugs.

During the last 12 months, an average of up to 200 food safety incidents per month have been investigated by WHO and FAO to determine their public health impact. Information about food safety incidents of international significance was shared with countries through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN).

Source: The World Health Organisation