WHO Western Pacific

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to people. Here’s what you need to know: what they are, how they spread, the symptoms, and how to prevent infection. #hantavirus

430 million adults in the Western Pacific Region are living with hypertension – but only 54% know they have it. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and premature death. It is often called a “silent killer” because many people do not feel sick – even when their blood pressure is already high. Some people are more likely to develop hypertension – especially those with a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, high salt intake, tobacco use, alcohol use, excess weight or low physical activity. The good news: hypertension can be prevented, detected and controlled. But too many people with hypertension are diagnosed late, treated late – or not treated at all. In many settings across the Western Pacific Region, people still face barriers to regular blood pressure checks, timely diagnosis, affordable medicines and long-term follow-up care. Hypertension can be controlled – but care must reach people earlier, closer to where they live, and more consistently. Speak to a health provider and have your blood pressure checked regularly. This #WorldHypertensionDay, make checking your blood pressure part of caring for yourself – and your family. Check your pressure. Protect your future. #HighBloodPressure

Share this piece of good news with friends and family! 961 million more people gained access to safely managed drinking water between 2015 and 2024. Want to know more about how the world has progressed on access to water, sanitation and hygiene? Read the World Health Statistics Report 2026 at the link in bio.

A lack of #HandHygiene in health care can cause infections, avoidable treatment and even death. Clean hands at the right times in health care saves lives. 🙌 Action saves lives.

“Despite 🌎 challenges, the Philippines 🇵🇭 continues to show resilience & leadership. The UN together with the international community & partners remain fully committed to supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development for all.” United Nations Philippines 🇵🇭 Chief Arnaud Peral at the Member States Briefing Read more 👇 /4yt7a9vv with Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines European Union in the Philippines Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Philippines International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) International Labour Organization Philippines IOM Philippines United Nations OCHA Philippines UNAIDS Philippines UNDP Philippines UNESCO Jakarta @unep_asiapacific UNFPA Philippines UN-Habitat Philippines UN Human Rights - Asia UNHCR Philippines UNICEF Philippines United Nations Industrial Development Organization - Philippine Office UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Philippines UNOPS Philippines UN Women Philippines World Food Programme Philippines World Health Organization Philippines @whowpro

The Namnama Sundown Clinic reflects Baguio City’s efforts to make #HIV services more accessible, people-centred, and community-based. Established through the partnership of the @dohcordillera and the Baguio City Health Services Office, the clinic provides safe and confidential HIV testing, counseling, linkage to care and treatment support. By extending services beyond traditional clinic hours and bringing care closer to communities, Namnama helps reduce barriers to access and addresses stigma surrounding HIV. The visit of the WHO Regional Director and Country Representative offered the opportunity to highlight how local leadership, integrated services, and community engagement can strengthen HIV response efforts and improve access to care for those who need it most.

Did you know? #Hantaviruses are a group of zoonotic viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Learn how to prevent it and what to do during an outbreak. Watch this explainer.

At the height of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in 2025, approximately 650,000 people in Cambodia were displaced. Displacement, loss of income and uncertainty can significantly affect #MentalHealth. Yet, psychological distress often remains unrecognized, presenting instead through physical symptoms. This underscores the importance of embedding mental health and trauma-informed care within routine health services. Since 2025, @who is working with the Ministry of Health in Cambodia to: 📗 Support the roll out of trauma-informed counselling guidelines for health professionals. 👩🏻‍⚕️ Strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers, NGO workers and Village Health Support Groups to recognize distress and provide psychological first aid. When primary health workers are equipped with basic psychological first aid, they can provide mental health support to people who come to seek care, ensuring conditions are less likely to become severe. Learn more via the link in bio. 👆

Care starts with respect. Better mental health care is built by all of us - service providers, communities, families and people with lived experience. WHO QualityRights is now also available in Bahasa Malaysia, helping more people access practical learning on rights, dignity and recovery. Explore the course via the link in bio. @who @kementeriankesihatanmalaysia @unitednationsmy @unicefmalaysia

Nurses are on the frontlines of health care. They are often the first and only point of care in communities, the unsung heroes in emergencies, and key enablers in achieving #HealthForAll. The Western Pacific is home to around 9 million nurses – more than half of the health workforce. They are the heart of primary health care – vital to reaching universal health coverage. On International #NursesDay, @who calls for sustained investment in nurses’ education, jobs, leadership and working conditions. Because when nurses are supported and empowered, everyone thrives. 💙 If you know a nurse, thank and send them some love today! 🫶 #IND2026 📷 WHO / Until Chan, Faizza Tanggol, Muhd Ikmal Photography, Yoshi Shimizu & Alan Esquillon

On International #NursesDay, we share the story of Filipi Keresoma, a perioperative nurse and Nurse-in-Charge at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia, Samoa. Encouraged by his mother to become a nurse, Filipi now works in the hospital’s operating theatre. His story highlights the critical role that empowered nurses, including men in nursing, play in keeping patients safe during surgery. Today, we celebrate nurses worldwide who provide care from primary health care services in the community to perioperative nursing in the hospital. Read more about Filipi's story via the link in bio.

Access to mental health care in Cambodia remains limited – but a transformation is underway. Through workforce capacity-building under the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, the country is expanding access and strengthening systems. This photo story highlights five professionals at the heart of this change – and their vision for the future. View the story via the link in bio. 🔗 #MentalHealthMatters 📷 WHO / Enric Catala Contreras