New York, 3 May 2013

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a cornerstone of good governance, sustainable development, and lasting peace and security.

Yet every day around the world, journalists and media workers are under attack. They face intimidation, threats and violence from governments, corporations, criminals or other forces that wish to silence or censor.

New York, 25 April 2013

Since world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, a broad partnership of governments, United Nations entities, philanthropies and businesses has combined to protect hundreds of millions of people from malaria. Increased international funding, matched by growing political commitment in endemic countries, triggered a massive increase in preventive interventions and expanded access to diagnostic testing and life-saving medicines, averting more than a million deaths.

The MDG target of halting and reversing the incidence of malaria is now in sight, and 50 countries are on track to reduce their malaria burden by at least 75 per cent by 2015. However, major challenges remain. Malaria continues to inflict a major toll on least developed countries – primarily in Africa – and millions of people still lack access to life-saving interventions.

Phnom Penh, 7 April 2013
By Dr. Pieter JM Van Maaren

High blood pressure is a silent killer in Cambodia and an alarming one in five Cambodians die from cardiovascular disease as a result of it. Known medically as hypertension, many don't even know they have it, because high blood pressure has no symptoms or warning signs. Raised blood pressure is a risk factor resulting in heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and treat. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. It is really simple. The overall goal for this year’s World Health Day, which falls on 7 April, is to reduce heart attacks and strokes. This year's theme focuses on high blood pressure and it also highlights a priority area of public health concern for WHO.

New York, 5 April 2013
By Ban Ki-moon

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but starting this week we can march a thousand days forward into a new future.

On 5 April, the world will reach a vital moment in history’s largest and most successful anti-poverty push – the 1,000-day mark before the target date to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.