Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Today marks two years since the horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on #Israel - in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in Gaza.

We mourn every civilian lost in those tragic attacks and all who have suffered since.

Over the past two years, I’ve met with families of the hostages and with some who were released. Each encounter is a powerful reminder of how deeply violence and conflict scar everyone involved.

All hostages and detainees on both sides must be released -- now and unconditionally.

All hostages must have access to food, health care, and humane treatment at all times.

Today, we are closer than ever to peace.
Peace is not optional.
Peace is essential for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The most courageous choose peace.

It’s been over a month since the #DRC declared an #Ebola outbreak in Bulape, and we have some good news:
-Ten days have passed without any new reported case;
-Another survivor was discharged today, bringing the total number of survivors to 15.

Unfortunately, one confirmed patient died at the Ebola treatment centre yesterday.

With continued joint efforts by the government, WHO, and partners, this outbreak can be stopped and more lives can be saved. We must all remain vigilant.

I welcome Hamas’s commitment to release the hostages and Israel’s support of the US peace plan for #Gaza, which includes stopping the bombing within the Strip.

In two years, we have never been closer to securing peace than now. We cannot miss this opportunity. Too many lives been lost and shattered.

We must start building a healthy and safe future for all Palestinians and Israelis.

WHO has been the main provider of medicines and medical supplies in Gaza since before the conflict, and throughout the war, and we will keep supporting the delivery of health services to all in need.

Since 7 Oct 2023, we have provided supplies that have supported more than 22 million treatments and surgeries.

Going forward, we commit to continue working closely with all partners on the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza’s battered health system.

WHO welcomes the peace plan for #Gaza proposed by President Trump and supported by other countries for:
-an immediate end to the war
-the release of all hostages
-the resumption of humanitarian aid
-reconstruction, including of hospitals
-peaceful and prosperous coexistence for Palestinians and Israelis

The best medicine is peace.

#BreastCancer is the most common cancer worldwide.

Early diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment.

WHO's Global Breast Cancer Initiative guides governments in strengthening systems for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Our goal is to save 2.5 million lives over the next 20 years: bit.ly/42fXPOY

We call on all countries to join this effort and protect the health of women everywhere.

Today, WHO transferred three critically ill newborn babies from Al-Helou Hospital in #Gaza City to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive lifesaving care that could no longer be provided at Al-Helou, including for one infant on critical oxygen therapy.

A fourth baby, who had been scheduled for transfer, died this morning before the mission’s arrival.

Al-Aqsa itself is overwhelmed and facing severe shortages of medical supplies, as more people flee south from the north.

WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health care and for unhindered access to aid into and across Gaza.

We urge all parties to deliver peace, now!

66 000 people have been killed and almost 170 000 have been injured in #Gaza.

WHO estimates that at least 1/4 of those have life-changing injuries that require immediate and ongoing rehabilitation.

The explosions that cause these injuries also destroy the health facilities and services needed to deal with them.

I call on all parties to this conflict to choose peace, now.

WHO emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between #autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.  

WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines.

Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.  

The full WHO statement: bit.ly/47YsgwI

Looks like Gotham sent backup for #UNGA. We need some real superheroes to show up this week to make peace in our hurting world.

The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace - the WHO Constitution is timeless. It's as relevant today as it was in 1948.

Choose peace.

I often say peace is the best medicine. That's not just a slogan, it's based on evidence. In countries affected by conflict and insecurity:

-70% of disease outbreaks erupt

-Half of all child deaths globally occur

-1 in 5 people suffer from mental health disorders.

Peace isn’t just the absence of war; it is the foundation for survival, recovery, and health.

The most courageous choose peace.

#PeaceDay

Next week world leaders will meet at #UNGA.

WHO’s highlight will be the High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health on 25 September.

Noncommunicable diseases include 7 of the world’s top 10 causes of death. In addition, almost 1 billion people face mental health conditions.

Countries that act decisively to #BeatNCDs will save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.

WHO is doing all we can to alleviate suffering, and evacuate those who need urgent medical care outside Gaza.

The urgent problem we face is that too few countries are willing to receive them.

We call for countries to open their arms to these critically ill patients.

We call on Israel to allow people to be treated in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where hospitals closer to home can take many patients.

I was honoured to visit Imperial College London’s Centre for Pediatric Blast Injuries with the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, yesterday.

The work they're doing is impressive - connecting research and technological innovation, practical support in conflict settings, and advocacy to protect children.

During the visit, I was so impressed by a 15 year old Palestinian boy, Majd Alshaghnobi, who was injured by tank fire in #Gaza, and after being evacuated to Egypt was brought to London for medical treatment.

I thank all in the #UK, who have helped to provide needed treatment, care and respect to Majd and his family, and to offer a ray of hope amid the terror and darkness of the conflict in Gaza.

I am deeply grateful for the Duke's and Archewell Foundation's commitment towards WHO’s work to evacuate patients from Gaza needing life-saving care outside of the war-ravaged Strip.

The best medicine is peace.