A new technique for cancer treatment thanks to CERN’s technology
The state-of-the-art technologies behind particle physics have historically contributed to innovations in medical technologies. CERN’s latest addition to this is GaToroid, a “gantry” design that can potentially revolutionize cancer treatment. The new Hadron therapy is an advanced radiotherapy technique to treat tumours with intrinsic precision, sparing the surrounding healthy tissues from unwanted radiation. The accuracy of this technique makes it particularly suitable for treating tumours in children, or tumours that are close to organs at risk.
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Hearing loss from audio devices can now be prevented with ITU’s new standards
“Sound-induced hearing loss” is the world’s leading cause of preventable hearing loss, and is increasing among young people. WHO’s initiative, ‘Make Listening Safe’, is supported by ITU for the development of new standards for the safe listening of music. Their support is a prime example of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Improved satellite imagery analysis will improve crisis management thanks to UNDP and UNOSAT
In October 2017, UNDP and UNOSAT strengthened collaborations for the integration of geospatial technology in support of emergency and crisis response after signing a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). UNOSAT and UNDP will work together in the areas of early warning and preparedness, risk assessment and recovery planning at country level.
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Saving lives on the roads since 1968 thanks to UNECE
Over the years, there has been an increase in motor vehicles on the road and this is anticipated to double worldwide by 2040. This makes the Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic and on Road Signs and Signals from 1968 more relevant than ever. Coupled with the other United Nations road safety legal instruments, UNECE is committed to leveraging the practical value of these tools to save lives on the roads.
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WHO trains health workers to respond to violence against women
One in three women around the world experiences physical or sexual violence. This makes it the most widespread human rights abuse, and the risks are seen to escalate when a crisis strikes. WHO has published new guidelines and tools to ensure that health workers are appropriately trained to provide effective, empathetic support, and that health facilities can provide safe and confidential care. With partners, more and more countries around the world are now adapting or updating their own guidelines, as well as providing new training programmes for health workers in line with these recommendations.
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UNAIDS report shows that 75% of all HIV-positive people know their HIV status
The UNAIDS report released in November 2018 shows that there is an increase in the number of HIV testing and treatment efforts for people living with HIV. The report also calls for increased efforts to reach the 9.4 million people living with HIV who are not aware that they are living with the virus and the HIV-positive people who do not have a suppressed viral load. UNAIDS is calling for a global commitment to remove the barriers preventing people from testing for HIV, which include eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination, ensuring confidentiality in HIV testing and treatment services, and more.
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Born on a beach - an ICRC midwife in Myanmar
Olivia Hill, a British midwife, was recently on a mission with the ICRC in Myanmar helping pregnant women fleeing from violence. The stress of being in a situation like this can bring on premature labour and birth, as was the case for one woman who gave birth to her child on the beach in precarious conditions, thankfully without complications. ICRC helped provide food for the baby and the mother, who was unable to breastfeed.
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100 Years of original files from the League of Nations go online for global access thanks to UNOG
The Palais des Nations in Geneva was once the headquarters of the world’s most important multilateral institution – the League of Nations, or the League. After the Second World War, it was replaced by the United Nations, as we know it today. Until now, the archives of the League have been difficult for scholars and others to access. Thanks to UNOG and UNOPS, the full archive of the League will be made available online. The project will cover the period from 1919 to 1945.
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Sea life is better protected thanks to UNDP and the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
A new collaboration between UNDP, IMO and partners – including the private sector - address the build-up of bio invasions through ships’ hulls and other marine structures, to combat the negative environmental impacts of the transfer of aquatic species. The project will provide guidelines on how to control and manage biofouling in order to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species through ships’ hulls. The project will also spur other ocean industries to improve the management of biofouling.
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