Publications

Sexual health services for the YKPs are key programs that contribute to reducing the increased risks of STI and HIV infection, including not only HIV/ STIs services, but also harm reduction, mental health and specialized services for each population. It is essential to understand the characteristics of the YKPs in order to promote their access to sexual health services. The study, with the sample of 65 people who self-identified as YKP, investigated their views on sexual health and the factors influencing their access to and use of sexual health services. The average age of the participants is 20.5 years old. The age at which they initiated sexual experiences varies widely. Most participants had their first sexual intercourse between the ages of 18 and 20, with the earliest at 14 years old.

Violence against children is an epidemic that does not make headlines. 1 billion children experience violence and abuse ever year, with significant health, educational, social and economic consequences. Considerable gains have been made in recent years, but emerging threats—such as online exploitation and abuse of children—continue to grow.

The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse the extraordinary gains made by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria partnership in the fight against the three epidemics. In 2020 we will likely see increases in deaths and new infections across all three diseases for the first time in many years as health and community systems are overwhelmed, treatment and prevention programs are disrupted, and resources are diverted. In many of the countries most heavily affected by HIV, TB and malaria, the knock-on impact of COVID-19 on these three diseases in terms of incremental deaths may outweigh the direct impact of the virus. 

The WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (2019–2023) set the goal of one billion more people enjoying better health and well-being, which can be achieved only by strengthening community engagement efforts. Community and civil society engagements are fundamental components of any strategy to achieve all health goals and targets of the SDGs. Action on UHC and the SDGs can be expedited if strategies for community engagement are put in place in existing ‘healthy settings’ initiatives and localities that have SDG projects. 

Gender equality is central to realizing the Millennium agenda, which risks failure without the full participation of all members of society. Within the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals, and at the heart of the United Nations itself, is the acknowledgement that the vulnerable, especially children, require special care and attention. Gender equality will not only empower women to overcome poverty, but also their children, families, communities and countries. This report intends to provide a road map to accelerate progess towards gender equality and empowering women through education, financing, legislation, legislative quotas, engaging men and boys, women empowering women and improved research and data.

This annual report highlights UNDP's progress on its Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2021 and key achievements made in closing gender gaps in 2019. The report explores emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead, including addressing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on gender equality. Learning from these lessons will be vital to accelerate progress towards gender equality at the speed and scale needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's leading infectious disease, killing around 1.5 million people each year. Despite global and national efforts to end TB and the availability of cost-effective medicines to treat and cure it, too many people continue to suffer from this old disease. In response to early warnings that COVID-19 was having a devastating impact on people affected by TB and TB programs around the world, 10 global networks quickly came together to take action.

The standards for the care of small and sick newborns in health facilities define, standardize and mainstream inpatient care of small and sick newborns, building on essential newborn care and ensuring consistency with the WHO quality of care framework. The standards will guide countries in caring for this vulnerable population and support the quality of care of newborns in the context of universal health coverage. They will provide a resource for policy-makers, health care professionals, health service planners, programme managers, regulators, professional bodies and technical partners involved in care, to help plan, deliver and ensure the quality of health services.

This year’s edition of “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot” brings together the latest available evidence on gender equality across all 17 Goals, underscoring the progress made, but also the progress interrupted as a result of COVID-19.

The recommendations are intended to support a humanitarian response planning by care and service providers including health providers, street units, meal service and shelter providers. It is extremely important from protection, human-rights and public health perspectives, that people who use drugs are included in all COVID-19 outbreak readiness and response strategies, plan and operations. There is a strong public health rationale to extend all measures to everyone, regardless of status and ensuring inclusiveness.