WHO Launches Skin Cancer Preventing Mobile Application
The World Health Organisation in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a skin cancer preventing mobile application.
The SunSmart Global UV application provides five-day weather and ultraviolet forecast information at different locations several times the day. This information helps people to know when to use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer.
The UN health agencies believe the application will lead to a reduction in the number of skin cancer cases diagnosed globally. In 2020, an estimated 1.5 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in the world. During the same period, more than 120,000 people across the world lost their lives to this highly preventable disease.
WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health Director, Dr. Maria Neira says overexposure to UV is the major cause of skin cancer and urges people to use the application to protect themselves.
The application can be downloaded free of charge from either the Apple App Store or Google Play. For one to be able to access the application, an internet connection is needed.
- Source: URN
- Image: WMO
