WHO - World Health Organization

Published purpose

March 2016 - The Zika virus continues to spread within the Latin America and Caribbean region. Evidence to date suggests a causal link between Zika virus infection and cases of microcephaly and neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The possible links with these serious disorders have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from that of a mild threat to one of more serious proportions. As a result, on February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Health Regulations Emergency Committee determined that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders reported in the Americas region constitute a public health emergency of international concern. With GAC’s support and other donors, WHO is helping coordinate the response, control the spread of the virus, conduct research and mitigate its impact. Project activities include: (1) promoting community engagement and information sharing, including on possible links with microcephaly and neurological syndromes; (2) strengthening vector surveillance and control; and (3) supporting the development of rapid diagnostics, treatment and vaccines.