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who-QandA

topic stringclasses 324 values	date timestamp[s]date 2004-06-25 00:00:00 2026-09-15 00:00:00	question stringlengths 11 255	answer stringlengths 4 14k	source_url stringclasses 324 values
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	What vaccines protect against COVID-19?	All COVID-19 vaccines listed by WHO as for emergency use or prequalified provide protection against severe disease and death resulting from COVID-19 disease. Currently, there are two types of COVID-19 vaccines that are being manufactured: protein-based vaccines: these contain harmless fragments of proteins or protein s...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Who should get vaccinated (or revaccinated) against COVID-19?	WHO’s recommends routine COVID-19 vaccination for people at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease. The following groups should get at least one dose per year, but two doses (about 6 months part) are preferred: adults aged 75 years and older (or the age threshold defined by their country); adults aged 60 years and old...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Who should not be vaccinated against COVID-19?	There are very few conditions that would exclude someone from being vaccinated. You should NOT be vaccinated if: you have a history of severe allergic reactions/anaphylaxis to any of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines; or you have a fever over 38.5 ºC on the day of your vaccine appointment. Postpone until you hav...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last against severe disease and death?	Protection against severe disease and death is highest in the first few months after vaccination and then starts to decrease. Routine periodic COVID-19 vaccination helps sustain this protection, as immunity declines relatively quickly within six months after vaccination or infection.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I still get COVID-19 after I have been vaccinated?	Yes. While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against severe disease and death, they are less effective against mild disease. Therefore, vaccinated people can get infected with SARS-CoV-2 and may fall ill with COVID-19. This is known as a ‘breakthrough infection’ or ‘breakthrough case’. Breakthrough infections can ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can children and adolescents get vaccinated against COVID-19?	While anyone can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, healthy children and adolescents are not at higher risk of severe disease and death. Vaccinating them post-pandemic has limited public health impact. However, COVID-19 vaccination may be offered to unvaccinated children aged 6–23 months in countries with documented signific...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Do all COVID-19 vaccines protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus variants/subvariants?	Yes, all WHO emergency-use listed or prequalified COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against severe disease and death from circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines can be used.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Should I be vaccinated if I have had COVID-19?	WHO recommends that individuals who previously had COVID-19 (more than 6 months ago) should be vaccinated following the national programme recommendations. Vaccination is recommended particularly for those at highest risk of severe disease such as older persons, adults with chronic diseases, individuals with immunocomp...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I be revaccinated with a vaccine different from my previous dose?	It is safe for you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine different from the one used for the previous dose(s). If you’re offered a different type of vaccine, you can go ahead and get vaccinated. Depending on the type of vaccine, using a different type of vaccine may provide better protection than using the same type of vaccine...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I receive other vaccines on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine?	Yes, it is safe to receive other vaccines, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine, or those recommended during pregnancy, on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine. This allows you to receive protection against several diseases in one visit. When given together, the vaccines should be injected in different injection site...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?	Like with any vaccine, some people will experience mild to moderate side effects after being vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a normal sign that the body is developing protection. Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include local pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, or low...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	How do we know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective?	WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) monitors how approved vaccines behave in the real world to identify any signals of adverse events following immunization. GACVS is an independent group of experts providing authoritative, scientific advice to WHO on vaccine safety issues of global or regional co...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 if I am pregnant?	Yes, WHO recommends a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during each pregnancy. Pregnant persons are at a higher risk from COVID-19, which can affect both them and the baby. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe. It also benefits the baby, as it allows the antibodies created to be passed from mother to child. These ant...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I want to have a baby in the future?	Yes, you can get vaccinated if you are planning to get pregnant. There is no evidence that suggests the COVID-19 vaccines interfere with fertility.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines	2026-09-15T00:00:00	Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am breastfeeding?	If you are breastfeeding, you can get vaccinated against COVID-19 according to your national recommendations. None of the current COVID-19 vaccines have live virus in them. This means there is no risk of you passing COVID-19 to your baby through your breastmilk. In fact, the antibodies you get after vaccination may go ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Is there a vaccine against Ebola disease?	Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses called Orthoebolaviruses, and there are four species that are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus (EBOV) causing Ebola virus disease (EVD, previously called Zaire ebolavirus) Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) causing Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) Sudan virus (SUDV) causing...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Is there a vaccine for Bundibugyo virus disease?	No. There is no licensed vaccine for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). Research is underway hoping to develop one or more vaccines that work against BVD. Some of these vaccines are already in the early phases of testing in humans. Before BVD-specific vaccines can be used, they must be tested in clinical trials to confirm...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What are the current WHO recommendations for use of the Ervebo vaccine?	The Ervebo vaccine is only recommended by WHO for use against Ebola virus disease (EVD). It is recommended for use in outbreaks and for preventive vaccination of health care workers and frontline workers in areas at risk of future EVD outbreaks. Ervebo is safe and effective to protect against EVD. See July 2024 WHO rec...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What are the WHO recommendations on using Ervebo vaccine during the current Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak?	Evidence from animal models suggests that Ervebo vaccine might offer some protection against Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). Nevertheless, there is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether Ervebo vaccine protects against BVD in humans, or to quantify any potential level of protection. Therefore, WHO recomme...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What is the meaning of using Ervebo vaccine within a research protocol in the context of Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak?	Both a ring vaccination randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an observational vaccine effectiveness (Obs-VE) study constitute research protocols. WHO considers a well-designed and well-conducted ring vaccination RCT to be the most rigorous and reliable approach for assessing the efficacy of Ervebo against Bundibugyo v...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Should Ervebo vaccine be used for health workers and frontline workers in areas affected by Bundibugyo virus disease?	Areas at risk of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks are likely to overlap with areas affected by the current Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak. Ervebo is already recommended to be used for health workers and frontline workers as a prevention measure for future EVD outbreaks. In the current situation where that u...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What vaccination strategies are recommended for the current Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak?	If Ervebo or another vaccine is shown to protect against Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), WHO will provide policy guidance on how and when a vaccine should be used in BVD outbreak responses. The specific guidance will depend on the evidence available.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Can children, pregnant and breastfeeding women be vaccinated with Ervebo?	The Ervebo vaccine is licensed for use in individuals aged 12 months and older including pregnant and breastfeeding women during Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks. In EVD outbreak settings, however, WHO recommends vaccination of all contacts and contacts of contacts identified in a ring, including children from birth...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Can survivors of Ebola virus disease be vaccinated with Ervebo?	People who survive Ebola virus disease (EVD) usually develop some protection against the disease. This protection is believed to last for several years, although it may slowly decrease over time. EVD survivors are encouraged to apply all the protective measures against the disease, including vaccination.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What are the benefits of being vaccinated against Ebola virus disease?	Vaccination against Ebola virus disease (EVD) provides individual and collective immunity that reduces the harmful effects of the disease, including severe illness and death. Unvaccinated persons have a high risk of dying in case of infection and increase the risk of the spread of the virus within the community. It is ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	What are the common side effects of Ervebo vaccine?	Most common side effects associated Ervebo vaccine are mild and occur within 24–48 hours of being vaccinated. After receiving Ervebo, people can experience: injection site pain fever headache. Symptoms will generally disappear within 24 hours of onset.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	How long does the Ervebo vaccine take to provide protection against Ebola virus disease?	According to evidence, it takes between 10 and 14 days to develop a sufficient immune response against Ebola virus disease (EVD) that results in protection. This means that a person can still get infected and develop EVD before the vaccine provides protection.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Is it possible for a person who has been vaccinated with Ervebo vaccine to get infected with Ebola virus?	Vaccines are not 100% effective. The Ervebo vaccine reduces the risk of Ebola virus disease (EVD) which can cause severe illness and death. Not everyone develops the same level of protection after vaccination so some people may not be protected. Because Ervebo is often given to people at highest risk of exposure during...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Is it possible to contract Ebola disease from Ervebo?	No, it is not possible to be infected with Ebola virus as a result of vaccination. Ervebo contains only a small, non-infectious part of Ebola virus that helps the body's immune system recognize and respond to the virus in the future. It does not contain the complete Ebola virus which causes Ebola disease. If someone de...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	How long does immunity last following vaccination with Ervebo vaccine?	Antibodies to the virus have been detected up to five years after vaccination against Ebola virus disease (EVD). However, it is not known whether this level of antibodies is enough to protect against infection. Therefore, revaccination is recommended for anyone at high risk of the disease during an EVD outbreak if they...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Is vaccination the primary component of an Ebola disease outbreak control strategy?	Control of an Ebola disease outbreak relies on a package of core public health interventions including: systematically engaging communities from the start in the Ebola disease response; early detection of confirmed and probable patients through active surveillance and contact tracing; functional laboratory services to ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Ebola vaccines	2026-09-09T00:00:00	Can routine immunization services continue during an Ebola disease outbreak?	Yes. Routine immunization should continue during an Ebola disease outbreak whenever it is safe to do so. Keeping routine immunization services running is an important part of maintaining essential health care. If routine immunizations are interrupted, even for a short time, more people can become vulnerable to serious ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ebola-vaccines
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What is the WHO Global Diabetes Compact?	The WHO Global Diabetes Compact is an initiative launched by the World Health Organization in 2021 to respond to the increasing burden of diabetes around the world. Its launch coincided with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. The Compact aims to reduce the risk of diabetes and ensure that all people who...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What are the global diabetes coverage targets?	WHO Member States have endorsed a set of global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030 to strengthen diabetes care and reduce the burden of the disease. These targets are part of the WHO Global Diabetes Compact and reflect key areas where progress is needed most. The five global diabetes coverage targets are:...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	How does WHO support countries to achieve the global diabetes coverage targets?	WHO supports countries through the WHO Global Diabetes Compact, working across global, regional and country levels to support ministries of health strengthen their national diabetes responses. This includes technical assistance to develop or update national policies and guidelines, integrate diabetes care into primary ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	Can I get involved with the WHO Global Diabetes Compact?	The WHO Global Diabetes Compact works with a broad range of partners, and you can find out more about opportunities to get involved on the following pages: Engagement of people living with diabetes WHO Technical Advisory Group on Diabetes (TAG-D) , for individuals with expertise in diabetes; and Global Diabetes Compact...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What is World Diabetes Day?	World Diabetes Day takes place every year on 14 November. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve prevention, diagnosis and management. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Fe...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes: WHO's response	2026-09-01T00:00:00	Where can I find WHO publications and guidance related to diabetes?	The WHO Global Diabetes Compact regularly produces publications and technical guidance on different aspects of diabetes prevention, diagnosis and management. You can view and download all technical products relating to diabetes and sign up for the monthly newsletter on the WHO Global Diabetes Compact webpage .	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes--who-s-response
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What is diabetes?	Diabetes occurs when the body cannot regulate blood glucose (blood sugar) properly. This happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Over time, high levels of blood glucose can damage ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What are the main types of diabetes?	The most common types are: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin properly and gradually cannot produce enough insulin. M...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What are common symptoms of diabetes?	Common symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and include: feeling very thirsty or hungry frequent urination extreme fatigue blurred vision unexplained weight loss. In type 1 diabetes, these symptoms usually develop quickly over days to weeks and are often more pronounced than for type 2 diab...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	How is diabetes diagnosed?	Diabetes is diagnosed using blood glucose measurements. Commonly used tests include: fasting plasma glucose (FPG): blood glucose measured after an overnight fast; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): blood glucose measured before and after drinking a glucose solution to see how the body handles sugar; HbA1c: reflects av...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	What are the potential complications of diabetes?	High blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves over time, leading to serious damage to many of the body's systems. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, foot ulcers and lower-limb amputation. Good diabetes care seeks to prevent these complications.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	How is diabetes treated and managed?	Treatment and management of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes, but generally includes: healthy eating and regular physical activity; blood glucose monitoring; medication, such as insulin for type 1 diabetes, and oral and/or injectable medicines for type 2 diabetes; support for self-management, including education...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	Can diabetes be prevented?	At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, however, can often be prevented or delayed, particularly among people at increased risk. Effective measures include: regular physical activity healthy diets that limit excess energy intake, sugar and unhealthy fats maintaining a healthy body weight avoid...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Diabetes	2026-09-01T00:00:00	Someone I know is living with diabetes – what can I do to support them?	If someone you know is living with diabetes, a helpful first step is to ask them what you can do to support them. Making the effort to inform yourself using reliable sources such as the WHO website will help you to better understand diabetes. Other tips for supporting someone living with diabetes: ask them about the ch...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diabetes
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	How many people die by suicide every year?	Suicide is a global public health problem. Every year more than 720 000 people die as a result of suicide. The majority of these deaths (73%) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond this, suicide has a ripple effect that impacts on societies, communities, friends and families who have lost a loved one to suic...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	How many people attempt suicide every year?	There are indications that for each person who dies of suicide there are likely to be more than 20 others who attempt suicide. This ratio differs widely by country, region, sex, age and method.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	Are suicides preventable?	Access to emotional support at the right time and restricting access to highly lethal means of suicide to buy time while dealing with suicidal feelings can prevent suicide. Effective interventions exist. WHO’s LIVE LIFE approach recommends four key interventions which have proven to be effective: limit access to the me...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	Does talking about suicide lead to someone taking their own life?	Talking openly about suicide can give a person other options or the time to rethink his/her decision, thereby preventing suicide.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	If someone is feeling suicidal, are they determined to end their own life?	Studies suggest that people who are suicidal are often ambivalent about living or dying and they look for relief from their pain. Someone may act impulsively and die a few days later, even though they would have liked to live on. Access to emotional support at the right time may prevent suicide. Studies with individual...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	Is it true that only people with mental health conditions are suicidal?	Many people who are suicidal do not have a mental health condition, and many people with mental health conditions do not have a wish to die. In suicidal crisis situations, many underlying and contributing factors need to be considered – such as acute emotional distress, chronic pain, experience of violence and social d...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	What causes people to be suicidal?	Suicidal behaviours are not easy to explain. They are never the result of a single factor or event. The factors that lead individuals to take their own life are multiple and complex. Health, mental health, stressful life events, and social and cultural factors need to be considered when trying to understand suicidal be...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	Do you feel like life is not worth living?	Do you feel like life is not worth living? If you have experienced thoughts of suicide or self-harm, read on... Are you experiencing any of the following? Pain that seems overwhelming and unbearable. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Loneliness. Constant negative thoughts. Difficulty imagining any way to deal ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Suicide	2026-08-31T00:00:00	Do you know someone who may be considering suicide?	Do you know someone who may be considering suicide? It's not uncommon to think about taking your own life. If you're worried about someone, read on... What you should know It's 0K to talk about suicide. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not make them act on their feelings. In fact, it often reduces...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/suicide
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	Why does WHO issue the Guidelines for drinking-water quality?	The primary purpose of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ) is the protection of public health associated with drinking-water quality. It is a guidance to countries and to others as to what constitutes safe drinking-water and safe water supply. The GDWQ provide the recommendations of the World Health Or...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	What is in the GDWQ?	The GDWQ provide the scientific point of departure for standard setting and regulation . They describe evidence-based guidance on reasonable minimum requirements of safe-practice to protect the health of consumers and progress towards improving water safety. They may also derive numerical “guidelines values” for consti...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	How should the GDWQ be applied in countries?	The GDWQ promote the protection of public health by advocating for the development of locally relevant standards and regulations, adoption of preventive risk management approaches and independent surveillance to ensure that national standards are being met. Countries should adapt their application of the GDWQ based on ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	What is the Framework for Safe Drinking-water?	The “Framework for Safe Drinking-water” is the key recommendation in the Guidelines. It encompasses complementary functions of national regulators, water suppliers and independent surveillance agencies and comprises: Development of drinking-water quality regulations and standards including health-based targets; Water s...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	How do the GDWQ keep step with science and best practice?	WHO has published four editions of the Guidelines for drinking-water quality (in 1984, 1993 – updated with addenda in 1998 and 2002, 2004 – updated in 2006 and 2008, and 2011 – updated in 2017 and in 2022), as successors to the previous WHO International standards for drinking-water, which were published in 1958, 1963 ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	Who participates in the GDWQ updates and how long does the process take?	The GDWQ is subject to a rolling revision process with an associated workplan, coordinated by the WHO Secretariat housed in the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit of WHO, in partnership with WHO Regional Offices. The development of the next edition of the GDWQ, the 5 th edition, and its associated guidance, is ...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
Guidelines for drinking-water quality	2026-08-10T00:00:00	How is the independence and impartiality of the Guidelines ensured?	Individual experts are invited to serve as members of the DWQC/GDG and its WGs, and are selected primarily on the basis of relevance of their expertise, excellence, independence, and willingness to support WHO’s drinking-water quality Guidelines work. All members of the DWQC/GDG and its WGs are invited to serve as indi...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/guidelines-for-drinking-water-quality---frequently-asked-questions
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Is 49 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10 000 population the recommended workforce density for all countries?	No, the WHO does not have a recommendation for health worker density. Optimal health workforce density depends on national and local context, including the burden of disease, demographics, skill mix of health workers, division of labour and distribution of health services. Countries included in the WHO health workforce...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Can a country choose whether to be on the SSL?	The update of the SSL from 2026 onwards includes the flexibility option in its application, as directed by World Health Assembly Resolution WHA79.12 . Subsequent updates of this publication will include a two-step process: WHO identifies countries in the provisional SSL based on health workforce density and UHC service...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	How does the SSL 2026 update differ from previous SSL 2020 and 2023?	Unlike SSL 2020 and 2023, SSL 2026 is not based solely on the technical criteria identified by WHO for health workforce vulnerability. It also includes Member States’ position on exemption or extension of support and safeguards recommendations against active international recruitment. In practice, this means: countries...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Are the WHO Global Code of Practice and the SSL recommendations legally binding?	The WHO Global Code of Practice on the international recruitment of health personnel and the SSL are voluntary instruments adopted under article 23 of the WHO Constitution, and as such they are not legally binding. However, their provisions can become legally binding in a specific country or jurisdiction when countries...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What are the safeguards?	WHO recommends refraining from active international recruitment of health workers from countries in the SSL. This means avoiding targeted approaches by employers or recruiting agencies to recruit large numbers of health workers from countries with workforce vulnerabilities. As essential safeguards, when recruitment hap...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What support should recruiting countries provide to source countries?	The Code recommends supporting source countries to strengthen their health systems and health workforce. The needs of each country are unique and as such the ministries of health are best placed to decide on the priority areas that require support. Health system needs assessment, including health labour market analysis...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What is the universal health coverage service coverage index?	The UHC service coverage index (UHC SCI) is a measurement of the Sustainable Development Goal indicator 3.8.1 (Coverage of essential health services). It is based on a set of 14 sub-indicators organized by four broad categories: reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health; infectious diseases; non-communicable dis...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Does WHO comment on individual countries’ policies on migration?	WHO does not comment on decisions of individual countries but shares available health workforce data and evidence reported annually by countries. The Code is a voluntary instrument, but reporting on its implementation is mandatory.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Does the SSL cover private sector recruitment?	The SSL is the list of countries that face the most pressing health workforce challenges in their progress towards universal health coverage. WHO discourages active international recruitment of health workers from these countries from both public and private sector employers or recruiters, to prevent exacerbation of he...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	Does the SSL restrict individual health workers’ choices to migrate?	The Code and the list have no provisions limiting the individual pursuit of employment opportunities in other countries. Rather, they aim to discourage systematic and proactive approaches by employers or recruiting agencies to recruit large numbers of health workers from source countries with workforce vulnerabilities....	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What is WHO doing to address the negative consequences of health worker migration?	Migration is a long-standing and ongoing phenomenon. Minimizing the negative consequences of international health worker migration requires addressing the health labour market failures as well as collaboration of source and destination countries. The WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Healt...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What can countries do to retain their health workers?	Each country must assess its situation to develop and implement health workforce strategies that are suited to its context. Health workforce planning requires understanding of the labour market dynamics in each country and using the findings to inform investments in education, employment and decent working conditions a...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
WHO health workforce support and safeguards list	2026-08-05T00:00:00	What is the WHO recommendation on international recruitment from low- and middle-income countries that are not in the SSL?	The SSL is based on health workforce and service coverage data available to WHO, but there is wide variation in the availability and quality of data across countries. Countries that are not on the SSL have substantial differences in income levels, burden of disease, health systems and health workforce capacity. Therefo...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-health-workforce-support-and-safeguards-list
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	What is self-care?	WHO defines self-care as the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker. Self-care does not replace the health system or health and care workers, but complements them.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	What are self-care interventions and actions?	Self-care interventions are evidence-based, high-quality tools that support self-care. They can include evidence-based drugs, devices and diagnostics. Self-care actions include healthy practices, habits and lifestyle choices.	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	What does WHO recommend for self-care interventions?	The WHO guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being includes recommendations on safe and effective interventions that should be used within a supportive enabling environment. Recommendations cover interventions to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) promote maternal and newborn h...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	What are the elements of an enabling environment for self-care interventions?	WHO’s conceptual framework on self-care interventions has core elements from both people-centred and health systems approaches, underpinned by the key principles of human rights, ethics, inclusivity and gender equality. The enabling environment includes elements, beyond health services themselves, that require attentio...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	Do I need to see a health or care worker to engage in self-care activities?	This depends on the self-care activity. Self-care actions and interventions are a way for individuals, families and communities to manage their own health. They are intended as a complement to facility-based care and may require support from the health system and a health or care worker in some instances. Some self-car...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	Are self-care interventions safe?	Yes. All WHO recommendations on self-care interventions are based on the best available evidence to date, including evidence of their safety and effectiveness when provided alongside support from the formal health system if needed. WHO does not recommend use of unregulated and substandard products. Incorrect or unclear...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	Why are self-care interventions important during health emergencies?	In crisis settings, securing necessities such as food and shelter is the primary need. In addition, meeting people’s health needs by providing the right care at the right time can prevent or mitigate adverse health consequences. In situations where health-care resources are scarce, self-care interventions can provide o...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	Do self-care interventions shift the burden of care to vulnerable people?	No. People may use self-care interventions for several reasons, including convenience, privacy, cost, autonomy, a better fit with lifestyle, or because they lack access to quality health services or anticipate facing stigma and discrimination. The self-care interventions and practices that WHO recommends are not intend...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
Self-care for health and well-being	2026-07-17T00:00:00	Where can I get more information?	Further information about self-care can be found on the WHO website: WHO guideline on self-care interventions for health Self-care interventions for health	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/self-care-for-health-and-well-being
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	What is the WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage?	Based on country-reported data, the annual WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) provide the world’s largest dataset on immunization coverage trends for 16 vaccines/antigens/doses across 195 WHO and UNICEF Member States. For 2025, 188 countries reported immunization data and 185 coverage d...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	What is the methodology behind the WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage?	Each year WHO and UNICEF generate estimates of national immunization coverage that are based on coverage data officially reported to the organizations by Member States as well as data reported in the published and grey literature, for example coverage surveys. Whenever possible we have consulted local experts – primari...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	How long have the WUENIC estimates been produced?	The WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage began to be produced in 1999 and initially and covered just five vaccines. In 2001, revisions were made to the methodology, the process was rolled out across countries and the first WUENIC estimates were published. Since then, the methodology has been improved,...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	What vaccination data sources are used to create the WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage estimates?	There are various data sources: Administrative coverage : Reported by national authorities through the WHO and UNICEF electronic Joint Reporting Form on immunization (eJRF) mechanism. This is based on aggregated data from administrative reports from health service providers on the number of children vaccinated during a...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	Do these estimates have limitations? If so, what are they?	Yes, the WUENIC estimates have limitations, mainly linked to the availability and quality of the underlying empirical data. For example: The availability, quality and timeliness of empirical data informing the estimates directly influences their accuracy. Administrative coverage is affected by the completeness and accu...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	Why are the WUENIC estimates of national immunization coverage estimates important?	A historical representation of immunization coverage can help to assess trends in immunization program performance, to better establish the relationship between immunization service delivery and disease occurrence, and to provide a framework for setting future goals for immunization programmes. WUENIC facilitates havin...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage	2026-07-15T00:00:00	What are the estimates used for?	The WHO/UNICEF estimates are used to monitor and compare the performance of immunization programs at the national, regional, and international levels in a standardized way. The WUENIC data provides information to countries in terms of coverage patterns and trends to help Ministries of Health continue to strengthen immu...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-unicef-estimates-of-national-immunization-coverage
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	What is Chagas disease?	Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi ( T. cruzi) . This condition, however, results from a complex, multidimensional health problem typical of neglected tropical diseases, shaped by social and environmental determinants. Chag...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	What is the vector of Chagas disease?	The vector of Chagas disease is an insect belonging to the order Hemiptera, meaning that adults have wings and fly; family Reduviidae, and the subfamily Triatominae (what means that at all stages of their development feed on mammals’ blood); and they comprise around 15 different genera, most notably Triatoma , Panstron...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	How is Chagas disease transmitted?	In the Region of the Americas, T. cruzi is mainly transmitted to humans through the infected faeces of the blood-sucking triatomine bug, which is the disease vector. This insect normally hides during the day and becomes active at night, when it feeds on human blood. In its search for a blood meal, the bug usually bites...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?	Chagas disease has two successive phases: an acute phase and a chronic phase . In both phases, most patients are asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms. Without an early diagnosis and treatment, however, around one third progress to clinical manifestations of the disease, with cardiac, digestive, neurological or mi...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	How is Chagas disease diagnosed?	During the acute phase , or during reactivation because of immunosuppression (which may result from older age, diseases such as AIDS or cancer, or treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy), diagnosis is made by direct detection of the parasite circulating in the bloodstream. To this end, a blood wet smear or a b...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	What is the treatment against Chagas disease?	Antiparasitic treatment is urgently indicated for anyone during the acute phase, including congenital cases and individuals in whom the infection has been reactivated due to immunosuppression. In these situations, treatment is almost 100% effective and the infection can be completely cured. Efficacy decreases as the du...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	How can Chagas disease be prevented?	There is currently no vaccine to prevent Chagas disease. The public health target of elimination as a public health problem by 2030 (WHO road map of neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030) focuses on preventing transmission to humans, early access to healthcare, and lifelong follow-up for infected individuals. The follo...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)	2026-04-14T00:00:00	Why are Chagas disease diagnosis indexes low?	The present low diagnosis indexes are strongly related to psychosocial and environmental determinants, rather than biomedical challenges. Among others, the following well-documented factors contribute to this situation: Stigma For a long time, Chagas disease was found almost exclusively in rural areas, plaguing regions...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chagas-disease
Stress	2026-03-30T00:00:00	What is stress?	Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-be...	https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress

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WHO Q&A Dataset

Dataset Description

This dataset contains question-and-answer pairs sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO), covering topics such as [e.g. disease outbreaks, vaccination, nutrition, mental health, health emergencies]. It was built to support tasks like question answering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and health information chatbots.

License: [check WHO's actual terms — WHO content is often CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; verify before publishing, see Licensing section below]

Dataset Summary

Number of QA pairs: [2834]
Source: [WHO Q&A pages]
Collection date: [21 Sep 2026]

Dataset Structure

Data Fields

Field	Type	Description
`topic`	string	Topic/category label
`question`	string	The question text
`answer`	string	The corresponding answer text
`source_url`	string	URL of the original WHO page

Dataset Creation

Source Data

Data was collected from the World Health Organization's official website (who.int), specifically from

Considerations for Using the Data

Intended Use

This dataset is intended for research and development of health-information QA systems, RAG pipelines, and chatbots. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Licensing Information

WHO publishes most of its web content under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO license, which restricts commercial use and requires share-alike attribution. Verify the exact license terms for the specific pages you sourced from before redistributing this dataset, and update the license field in the YAML header above accordingly.

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