German health authorities have confirmed the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in an environmental sample collected from routine wastewater surveillance in Hamburg during the week of 6 October 2025. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was notified of the finding on 10 November 2025. Genetic sequencing shows that the virus is linked to… [Read More]
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New WHO/Europe Report Warns: One in Seven Children Faces Mental Health Challenges
WHO/Europe has released a new report titled “Child and youth mental health in the WHO European Region: Status and actions to strengthen quality of care”, developed by its Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens and the mental health and well-being team. This comprehensive publication brings together, for the first time, detailed… [Read More]
PAHO Unveils New Tools to Boost Diabetes Care in Primary Health Systems
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has introduced a series of new resources aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes within primary health care settings. Marking World Diabetes Day, PAHO launched a free, self-paced online course titled Caring for People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Health Care, which is designed… [Read More]
Strengthening Hope: WHO and Partners Expand Lifesaving Care for Malnourished Children in South Sudan
South Sudan continues to face one of the highest rates of child malnutrition globally, with an estimated 2.1 million children under five at risk of acute malnutrition. Of these, about 670,000 are severely wasted and 1.44 million are moderately wasted. In response to this crisis, the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization… [Read More]
African Leaders Renew Commitment to End Violence Against Children at WHO-Led ARISE Africa Summit
One year after the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, African leaders and partners have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying efforts to protect children from violence. Convening for a three-day ARISE Africa meeting hosted by WHO Africa, UNICEF, and partner organizations, ministers, UN agencies, civil society groups, youth networks, and… [Read More]
Ethiopia Investigates Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Outbreak as WHO Deploys Emergency Teams
Ethiopia is investigating a suspected outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the South Ethiopia Region, prompting health authorities to intensify their response efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the government by deploying an initial emergency team and delivering vital medical supplies to help determine the cause of the infection and prevent further spread…. [Read More]
Benin Releases Its First National Health Sector Report, Marking a Decade of Progress and Future Priorities
Benin has published its first national report on the state of the health sector, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen evidence-based health governance. Presented on Tuesday in Cotonou, the report was developed by the Health Sector Regulatory Authority (ARS) with support from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization… [Read More]
How Swapy Is Transforming Last-Mile Delivery with Uruguay’s First Electric Battery Swap Network
Uruguay, already recognized as a global leader in clean energy, is accelerating its shift toward sustainable mobility through a new initiative supported by the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund (REIF). Implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Women, UNDP, and national partners, REIF is driving the country’s Second Energy Transition. A major… [Read More]
UN–AU Alliance Deepens to Advance Peace, Security and Development Across Africa
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) following their ninth high-level conference in New York. He noted that global turbulence—from violent conflicts to climate disruption and technological risks—continues to affect Africa deeply, making the strong partnership between both organizations more vital than ever…. [Read More]
UN Backs Ethiopia’s Emergency Response to Potentially Deadly Virus Outbreak
Suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases have emerged in the South Ethiopia Region, with eight potential infections reported so far. Laboratory testing is underway to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, and health workers are among those infected, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Viral haemorrhagic fevers are severe, epidemic-prone diseases caused by various… [Read More]
Lazzarini: Halting UNRWA Support Could Endanger Path to Peace
The UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told the UN General Assembly that the agency remains essential for stability and rebuilding efforts in the Gaza Strip and the wider region. He stressed that a damaging disinformation campaign has weakened UNRWA’s reputation and funding, warning that reducing or ending its services would severely undermine recovery efforts and jeopardize… [Read More]
Ontario Launches New Student and Family Support Offices in Every School Board
The Ontario government is introducing a new requirement for all school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices to give parents and guardians a clearer and more efficient way to address concerns about their child’s education. These offices are intended to help families navigate complex or unresolved issues after initial discussions with teachers and… [Read More]
Ontario Unveils Road Safety Initiatives Fund to Improve Community Safety
The Ontario government has announced a $210 million investment through the new Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF) to enhance safety in school zones and community safety zones. This fund focuses on effective, low-cost road safety measures that avoid the financial burden associated with municipal speed cameras. Instead, it will support infrastructure such as speed bumps,… [Read More]
Ontario Announces $12.75 Million Plan to Fight Hate Crimes and Protect Communities
The Ontario government has announced an additional investment of $12.75 million in the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help protect communities from hate-motivated incidents. This funding will support faith-based and cultural organizations by enabling them to install or enhance safety measures such as security guards, building upgrades, and surveillance systems. The initiative reflects the… [Read More]
UK Government Teams Up with The King’s Trust and Idris Elba to Expand Creative Industry Pathways for Youth
The government has announced a £500,000 investment to expand Creative Futures, a programme delivered by The King’s Trust in partnership with the Elba Hope Foundation. The initiative aims to break down barriers that prevent young people from entering creative fields such as music, theatre, media and visual arts. In its first year, more than 100… [Read More]
Nationwide Launch of Youth Diversion Projects Marks Major Child Justice Reform
The Government has announced that Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are now fully operational across Ireland, ensuring that any young person at risk of criminal behaviour can access youth justice services regardless of where they live. This milestone aligns with commitments in the Programme for Government and the Youth Justice Strategy 2021–2027. The national rollout was… [Read More]
Zambia Advances Social Security Reform with Launch of Convention 102 Assessment Report
Zambia has taken an important step toward strengthening its social protection system with the launch of a comprehensive assessment report comparing national laws and practices to the standards outlined in the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). The event, held in Lusaka on 12 November 2025, marks a milestone in the country’s progress… [Read More]
Mongolia Streamlines MSME Regulations with Support from the ILO
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) make up nearly 70 percent of Mongolia’s total employment, yet many struggle to access public services due to lengthy and complex procedures. To help address these issues, the ILO, together with key ministries, held a workshop on 28 October 2025 aimed at improving MSME registration and licensing processes. The… [Read More]
Jordan Studies International Approaches to Boost Social Security Access Through Contribution Subsidies
A national workshop held in Amman on 9–10 November brought together the Social Security Corporation (SSC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) to explore global models for expanding social security coverage through contribution subsidies. Organized under the Estidama++ programme—which is supported by the ILO and funded by the United… [Read More]
World Bank Group Launches Network for Impact in Africa to Accelerate Development Solutions
The World Bank Group, together with four leading African think tanks, has launched the Network for Impact in Africa (NIA), a collaborative platform aimed at strengthening knowledge partnerships and improving development outcomes across the continent. The initiative focuses on combining global expertise with local insights to support policymakers and deliver practical, country-specific solutions. By embedding… [Read More]
Super, Medium, or Mini VAT? Breaking Down Argentina’s VAT Structure and Its Key Challenges
The Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a key revenue source for more than 160 countries, generating between 20% and 30% of total tax income. Its global dominance stems from its ability to raise substantial resources with relatively low administrative and economic costs. Although widely used, debates continue in many countries about how efficiently VAT functions and… [Read More]
World’s Most Extensive Resource on Reserve Management Practices Released in New Report
The World Bank has released its most comprehensive report to date on global reserve management practices, based on survey responses from 136 central banks—the highest participation since the survey began. The 5th Biennial Reserve Management Survey Report 2025, produced by the World Bank Treasury’s Reserve Advisory & Management Partnership (RAMP), examines how central banks protect… [Read More]
World Bank Launches New Support to Modernize Transport Infrastructure in Haiti
The World Bank has approved a new project in Haiti designed to improve rural accessibility and strengthen road connectivity in the country’s South and North departments. The initiative focuses on critical segments of National Road 2 and Departmental Road 41, both of which are vital corridors for regional mobility and economic activity. By targeting these… [Read More]
