Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
Stay informed:
- Protect yourself: advice for the public
- Myth busters
- Questions and answers
- Situation reports
- All information on the COVID-19 outbreak
WHO – World Health Organisation
- In response to the devastating earthquakes impacting Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic, the World Health Organization delivered 72 metric tons of trauma and emergency surgery supplies, including treatments, to both countries to support ongoing response efforts. A first charter flight departed to Türkiye on 9 February carrying 37 metric tons of life-saving supplies, and a […]
- The new status, to be ratified at the World Health Assembly in May, enables these valued partner organizations to engage more directly with WHO processes; they may participate at sessions of WHO governing bodies, propose agenda items and organize side events as a non-State actor. The Carter Center is a WHO contributor and a recognized […]
- The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new Global Breast Cancer Initiative Framework today providing a roadmap to attain the targets to save 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040.
- On 30 January 2023, in commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Day, WHO partnered with the END Fund and Reaching the Last Mile to launch a photo exhibit entitled “Reframing Neglect” at United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), moderated by Benny Osei Bonsu, International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- Geneva – Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) today announced a €130 million contribution to the World Health Organization for 2023, reinforcing Germany’s role as a global health leader and one of WHO’s strongest supporters."We are happy to contribute €130 million to WHO this year. For us it is clear: WHO has played a major role […]