Standardization of the nomenclature of medical devices
On the last day of the 75th World Health Assembly, Member States requested the Secretariat to continue integrating information on terms, codes and definitions of existing systems for naming medical devices and making them available to Member States, through its Medical Devices Information System (MEDEVIS). They asked the Secretariat to link MEDEVIS to other WHO electronic platforms, such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
The process will advance medical device management with the aim of improving access to medical devices; contribute to emergency preparedness and response; and improve patient safety and the quality of health care.
Thousands of different types of medical devices are currently in use, ranging from stethoscopes to complex imaging technologies. The absence of a common standard name for each type of medical device has created confusion between the various types of devices; impaired supply and traceability and prevented healthcare provision.
The survey that informed the latest edition of the WHO Global Atlas of Medical Devices indicates that 75 countries do not have an official nomenclature system.
The Secretariat will report on the progress of the 152nd Executive Committee.
Connections
Priority information system on medical devices
International classification of diseases 11th revision
Improve infection, prevention and control
The World Health Assembly also approved a “Global Strategy for Infection Prevention and Control” through a resolution that aims to position IPC as central to preparing for and responding to infectious risks and health emergencies and as a key to address the silent burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). ) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It places IPC in the context of strengthening the health system and delivering high quality care, with the aim of improving the safety of patients and health professionals.
The resolution, which comes at a time when COVID-19 has vividly demonstrated the vital role of a good IPC in keeping people safe, provides 13 recommendations to member states. These range from including IPC as a key component in preparing, preventing and responding to global health emergencies, to ensuring sustainable IPC programs and WASH infrastructure and resources at the national, subnational and health facility levels in all countries.
Earlier this week, WHO released the first-ever global report on infection, prevention and control, noting that in low- and middle-income countries, 15 in 100 people who visit a health facility will leave it with a new infection. and estimating that half of the world’s health facilities lack basic water resources. The report provides a global situation analysis of how IPC programs are being implemented in countries around the world. It also highlights the harm to patients and healthcare professionals caused by HIA and AMR; addresses the impact and cost-effectiveness of IPC programs; and suggests strategies, resources and key priorities to countries for CPI improvement.
Connections:
Draft resolution: Comprehensive strategy for infection prevention and control
Infection prevention and control
Global strategies for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections
In the final discussion of the World Health Assembly, member states noted with appreciation the new comprehensive health sector strategies for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections for the period 2022-2030.
Global health sector strategies aim to reignite the momentum in responses to these diseases that had been eroded by disruptions to services during the COVID-19 pandemic. They set out to simultaneously strengthen responses to specific diseases by increasingly integrating them into larger health frameworks and seizing opportunities, where possible, to increase impact by jointly addressing disease aspects.
The strategies require a more precise focus to reach the people most affected and most at risk for each disease and to address inequalities. They promote synergies within a universal health coverage and primary health care framework. They also outline actions to identify and manage future outbreaks of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, as well as other emerging health threats, as they arise.
HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections present ongoing and persistent challenges to public health and, together, are responsible for 2.3 million deaths and are associated with 1.2 million cases of cancer each year.
Connections
Global programs for HIV, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases