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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 2h

It’s #GlobalHandwashingDay!

Clean hands save lives. Let’s all remember the key moments for washing our hands! ✋

Help protect yourself and others from getting sick by washing your hands with soap and running water for at least 40-60 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand rub.

Wash your hands. Protect yourself and others from getting sick. After coughing or sneezing. When caring for the sick. Before, during and after you prepare food. Before eating. After toilet use. When hands are visibly dirty. After handling animals or animal waste

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 22h

🚫 80 million women & girls in Asia have already suffered.

Health workers must say NO to this harmful practice.

Read joint statement by @unfpa.org, @who.int and partners at #FIGO2025 urging collective action to end the medicalization of female genital mutilation 👉 bit.ly/42ytZFn

#EndFGM
#DoNoHarm

80 million women and girls in Asia have undergone female genital mutilation. This must stop. Do no harm. End FGM

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 1d

At the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific #RCM76, we call for urgent #ClimateAction to protect lives and health.

Learn more about #RCM76: bit.ly/WPRORCM76

bsky.app/profile/whow...

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 7d

#Fiji is the place to watch. #RCM76 lands there this October!
From 20 to 24 October 2025, health leaders from across Asia and the Pacific will converge in Nadi to tackle challenges that touch 2.3 billion people across 38 countries.

Seventy-sixth session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, 20-24 October 2025, Nadi, Fiji

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 1d

Across the Western Pacific Region & globally, #ClimateChange is no longer a distant worry - it’s an everyday emergency threatening lives and health.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is a reminder that building climate resilience, including in health systems, saves lives.

#DRRday

43,000 lives lost annually to storms and floods in Asia Pacific. Climate-resilient facilities protect people when it matters most.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 3d

Know what to do after an earthquake to protect your health and support others.

#BePrepared
#StaySafe

Line illustrations of what to do to protect your health and support others after an earthquake. Text reads there may be unpredictable aftershocks, landslides and fires, disrupting infrastructure, access to services and deteriorating health conditions. Stay informed by using official sources of information. If your dwelling is unsafe, go to a temporary shelter or stay with acquaintances or family members. If you can, help injured and trapped persons and seek medical attention for them. Don’t move seriously injured persons unless the surroundings are unsafe; seek urgent medical help. Check official sources to locate functional hospitals if you need to access a hospital

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 3d

How do you take care of your #MentalHealth after a breast cancer diagnosis?
💟Seek professional help
💟Stay committed to completing your treatment plan
💟Practice stress management techniques
💟Focus on a balanced diet that supports your needs
💟Build a support network
💟Stay physically active if possible

Taking care of your mental health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Seek professional counseling for emotional support. Get physically active for your well-being. Stay committed to completing your treatment for the best chance of recovery. Practice stress management techniques. Focus on a balanced diet. Build a support network.

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Reposted by World Health Organization Western Pacific Region

WHO @who.int · 5d

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we shine a light on mental health in humanitarian crises.

When homes are lost & families separated, recovery must include #MentalHealth care.

Let’s ensure support is part of every response—before, during & after crisis http://bit.ly/3KBMUcp

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 5d

Healthy coping starts with:

🕊️ Giving yourself time to adjust
🤝Reaching out for support

Social connection is key to recovery.

Learn more about #WorldMentalHealthDay 👇

www.who.int/campaigns/wo...

World Mental Health Day 2025

Find out about this year's World Mental Health Day campaign (10 October) and how you can get involved.

www.who.int

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 5d

Are you struggling to cope after a crisis? You’re not alone.

After a disaster, it’s normal to feel:

😟Anxious or sad
😠Irritable or angry
💔Grief over loved ones
🏚️ Distress over loss of home or income

#MentalHealthMatters

Two people talking with a mental health professional. Text says healthy coping after a disaster starts with giving yourself time to adjust, reaching out for support. Social connection is key to recovery.

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Reposted by World Health Organization Western Pacific Region

WHO @who.int · 6d

It's #WorldSightDay

Prolonged screen or reading times can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and headaches.

DO take breaks!

Use the 20-20-20 rule to help your eyes:
🖥️ After using a screen for 20 minutes
📏 Look at an object 20 feet away
🕓 For 20 seconds

Infographic titled “Avoid eye strain & headaches – follow the 20-20-20 rule”. It explains:
After 20 minutes spent using a screen, look at an object 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 6d

⚕️ Medicalization of female genital mutilation betrays the trust placed in health workers.

It is always harmful.

We stand united to end it.

Read joint call to action from @unfpa.org and partners at #FIGO2025 👉 bit.ly/42ytZFn

#EndFGM #DoNoHarm

Medicalization of female genital mutilation is wrong. This must stop. Do no harm. #ENDFGM

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 7d

This year’s agenda is bold:

🌍 A brand-new climate change & health strategy
🍺 Alcohol control policies and framework
🔐 Key amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR)
🦷 Strengthening oral health systems

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 7d

#Fiji is the place to watch. #RCM76 lands there this October!
From 20 to 24 October 2025, health leaders from across Asia and the Pacific will converge in Nadi to tackle challenges that touch 2.3 billion people across 38 countries.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 9d

What happens when you stop smoking?

#CommitToQuit

When you stop smoking after one year, the risk of coronary disease is half that of a smoker’s. Between 5 to 15 years, stroke risk is reduced to that the non-smoker. After 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of someone who never smoked.

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 12d

Be aware of common breast cancer symptoms.

Early diagnosis of #BreastCancer generally increases the chances of successful treatment.

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth.

Breast cancer warning signs and symptoms

Nipple changes
Bloody discharge
Lump in breast or armpits
Change in breast colour
Breast or nipple pain

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 14d

Learn more about this partnership 👇

#InternationalDayOfOlderPersons

www.who.int/westernpacif...

Addressing megatrends of population ageing and NCDs: WHO launches new partnership with Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture

As population ageing accelerates across much of Asia and the Pacific, pushing higher the incidence and impact of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the Government of Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan and the...

www.who.int

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 14d

Big news for #HealthyAgeing in the Western Pacific!

WHO & Kanagawa Prefecture 🇯🇵 are teaming up to tackle noncommunicable diseases & mental health
challenges linked to ageing.

Together, we're working toward the promise of #SDG3 - the highest attainable standard of #HealthForAll, regardless of age.

WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Yuji Kuroiwa, Dr Yoichiro Matsumoto, President of the Global Strategic Centre for ME-BYO, WHO staff and partners at the signing ceremony formalizing plans to address noncommunicable diseases linked to ageing.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 15d

Know the common symptoms of a heart attack and stroke.

⚠️ If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

#WorldHeartDay

Text that says common symptoms of a heart attack and stroke. Heart attack, pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest, pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw or back, shortness of breath, vomiting, feeling light-headed or faint, breaking into a cold sweat, becoming pale. Stroke. Weakness/numbness of the face, arm, leg or one side of the body, severe headache with no known cause, fainting or unconsciousness, difficulty in seeing with one or both eyes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 16d

But healthy habits for a healthy heart can't take leave days! Love your ❤ this #WorldHeartDay and every day:

🍽️ Eat a healthy, low-salt diet
🚭 Quit tobacco
💪 #BeActive
💤 Have quality sleep & reduce stress
💊 Take your prescribed medication regularly if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 16d

Our graphic designer is on leave, so we asked the social media manager's kid to make a design for us. 😊

#WorldHeartDay

Drawing of a heart-shaped smiling face in pink and purple colours, with text that says take good care of your heart. Happy World Heart Day!

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 17d

Learn more about #rabies 👇

www.who.int/news-room/fa...

Rabies

WHO fact sheet on rabies, providing key facts and information on symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, post-exposure prophylaxis, local treatment, prevention, WHO response

www.who.int

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 17d

By working together through the #OneHealth approach connecting human, animal and environmental health, we can #EndRabiesNow together.

Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and your pets. 👇

How does rabies spread: Rabies spreads via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa, such as eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

Avoid being bitten to prevent rabies: Avoid unfamiliar dogs, including street dogs. Stay still like a tree if near a suspected rabid dog. Don't shout or kick.

Reduce your risk of rabies. What to do if bitten by a dog: Don’t pull away from the dog. Hold still. Wash all wounds with soap and running water for 15 mins. Use an antiseptic, if available. Seek medical care immediately, and get vaccinated if advised. A delay can be deadly.

Protect your animal and community from rabies: Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Report suspected rabid dogs or other animals.
Support mass dog vaccination of free-roaming dogs.

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 17d

It's #WorldRabiesDay.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it’s 100% preventable with immediate treatment after a bite or scratch.

#EndRabiesNow

Illustrations of a dog and a syringe with text that says did you know? Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable if you seek immediate treatment after a bite or scratch.

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Reposted by World Health Organization Western Pacific Region

WHO @who.int · 21d

WHO statement on autism-related issues

The World Health Organization (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

Full statement bit.ly/47YsgwI

WHO statement on autism-related issues

Follow @WHO for the latest updates

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World Health Organization Western Pacific Region @whowpro.bsky.social · 18d

Did you know? #Rabies is preventable, yet every year thousands of people - mostly children - needlessly die.

Over 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites. The solution is simple: Vaccinate at least 70% of dogs in a community to eliminate rabies. #EndRabiesNow

A quote from WHO's Dr Bernadette Abela-Ridder that says did you know? Rabies is 100% preventable, and yet every year, thousands of people - mostly children - needlessly die.

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