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2010 was a year of public health challenges stemming from a series of natural disasters. But it was also a year when a long-term collaboration culminated an affordable vaccine to eliminate one of Africa's biggest health problems.
The year began with news of a devastating earthquake in Haiti. WHO spearheaded the health response, working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. When a cholera outbreak struck in Haiti at the end of the year, WHO ramped up activities once again. Also in 2010, severe floods devastated large areas of Pakistan where WHO and health partners provided enough medicines to cover the basic health needs of 6.7 million people.
2010 saw steady – but fragile – progress towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals. Following the pandemic of 2009, the H1N1 virus had largely run its course and by August 2010 had entered a post-pandemic period. The year concluded with the announcement of a new, affordable and effective vaccine against meningitis, a disease that threatens the lives and health of more than 450 million in the African region.
>>> This photo feature presents a selection of the major health issues in 2010.
Summary:
Haiti: devastated by earthquake and cholera outbreak
Drug-resistant tuberculosis at record high levels
Urban planning essential for health
Combating the harmful use of alcohol
H1N1 in post-pandemic period
Covering the health needs of more than six million flood-affected people in Pakistan
Progress in health-related Millennium Development Goals
Strengthening health financing to increase access to health services
Control of neglected tropical diseases is feasible
Africa seizes chance against polio
Meningitis vaccine in Burkina Faso
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