Mosquito-packed drones ready to join fight against Zika and other deadly diseases – UN agency

New York, Apr 20 (IBNS): Robotics may soon be a critical ally in the fight against disease-spreading bugs, a United Nations agency said Thursday after a successful test releasing sterile mosquitos from aerial drones as part of efforts to suppress the insect that spreads Zika and other diseases. 

Zika could end up costing Latin America and the Caribbean up to $18 billion, UN reports finds

New York, Apr 7(Just Earth News): In addition to the impact on public health, the tangible impact of the Zika outbreak, such as on gross domestic product (GDP), could cost the Latin American and the Caribbean region as much as $18 billion between 2015 and 2017, a new United Nations report has revealed.

UN health agency panel sees 'very low' risk of Zika spread from Olympics

New York, June 15 (Just Earth News):An expert panel of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday concluded that while the Zika virus and its associated disorders continue to be a public health emergency of international concern, there is a “very low” risk of further international spread of the virus as a result of the upcoming Olympic Games.

Zika: UN health agency launches database on worldwide virus research

New York, Apr 16 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have launched a new Zika Research Projects List, a database that lists and categorizes all scientific studies on the Zika virus worldwide.

Zika: 'the more we know the worse things look,' UN health agency chief reports

New York, Mar 23 (Just Earth News/IBNS):The head of the United Nations health agency on Tuesday reported that in less than a year, the status of Zika has changed from “a mild medical curiosity” to a disease with severe public health implications, warning that “the more we know the worse things look.”