Good morning, this is Elaine editor of Geneva Solutions’ Health stream, produced in collaboration with Health Policy Watch.

Today, we’re looking at how the Covid pandemic may play a key role in the US presidential election outcome - but not in the polarised politics of most voters. We explore how new approaches to preventing and treating cervical cancer are being rolled out in Africa. And we hear why flu vaccines and tests are so important - now more than ever in the pandemic era.

Elaine Fletcher

05.11.2020

Today’s reason for hope

Photo article

Cyclists in Bogota take advantage of car-free roads.

Cities have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, and stories showcased on World Cities Day 2020 highlight how Covid-19 can bring communities together and stimulate innovative approaches to fighting the disease, like car-free areas or lanes for cycling, which also promote better health.

Health Policy Watch (EN)

Global Health News

Pandemic politics - Trump's mismanagement of Covid may help Biden turn the final corner to the presidency. But identity politics and the economy have loomed as bigger factors in the overall vote.

Geneva Solutions (EN)

Rolling out cervical cancer services in Africa. Geneva Health Forum 16-18 November meeting looks at how to implement WHO’s new strategy to eliminate a preventable and curable disease.

Geneva Solutions (EN)

Confounding Covid and influenza. WHO warns countries to roll out flu vaccines and tests aggressively - so that people get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Geneva Solutions (EN)

Here's what else is happening

The US has formally exited the Paris Climate Agreement, becoming the first nation to do so.
Geneva Solutions (EN)
A Covid-19 crisis has been developing in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Medair (EN)
Turkey fines social media giants for breaching new internet law.
Al Jazeera (EN)
What’s being drowned out by the US election? Conflict, natural disasters, and even more elections.
The New Humanitarian (EN)
The future of the United Nations is the topic of discussion in the latest Inside Geneva podcast.
Swiss Info (EN)
Ivory Coast president wins third term after opposition boycotts ‘sham’ election and thousands flee fearing post-election violence.
The Guardian (EN)
Belarus targets women human rights defenders after disputed August elections.
UN News (EN)
Space, shelter and scarce resources – how displaced have coped with Covid-19.
UNHCR (EN)
The WHO looks at how small island states are dealing with climate change.
WHO (EN)
Ethiopia PM orders military response following an alleged attack on an army base.
BBC (EN)

Image of the day

Photo article

Credit: Kerry Cullinan

A sign in a small rural community in upstate New York on Election Day, following a US presidential campaign marred by threats of violence and unprecedented tensions between supporters of US President Donald Trump and Democratic contender Joe Biden.

Next on the agenda

5 November | Online: Backsliding or building beyond Covid-19? An introductory briefing to the resumed World Health Assembly will offer an overview of the key issues facing the Assembly and explore how countries are balancing competing health priorities in the context of Covid-19.

IHEID (EN)

9 - 14 November | Online: World Health Assembly. The resumed WHA73 will take place virtually from Geneva to determine the WHO policies, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.

WHO (EN)

10 November | Online: Preparing for a pandemic. Which elements best explain the underperformance of many democracies in the coronavirus pandemic, and which measures must be taken to make political systems more “pandemic proof”?

KAS (EN)

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Have a good day!

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