Women play a central role in agrifood systems across sub-Saharan Africa, leading through innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Despite their critical contributions, women face significant barriers in accessing and controlling essential resources, limiting their wellbeing and development. Gender inequalities remain a major obstacle to addressing hunger and poverty in the region, where over 307 million people… [Read More]
cat
Political Commitment Drives Regional Health Emergency Readiness in the Western Pacific
COVID-19 and other recent health emergencies have underscored the importance of strong regional cooperation, demonstrating that even well-prepared countries cannot manage future crises alone. To strengthen preparedness, countries and areas in the Western Pacific are working to enhance regional tools, interoperable systems, and cross-border coordination. Through the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF), 38… [Read More]
Building a Resilient Emergency Workforce: Turning Gaps into Action
Since the beginning of 2025, WHO has assisted countries across the Western Pacific in managing 72 acute health emergency events, emphasizing that a capable workforce is the foundation of any effective response. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Global Health Emergency Corps, which aims to strengthen expertise and readiness across the region…. [Read More]
Flu Season Starts in WHO European Region: WHO Recommends Immediate Vaccination
Influenza season has begun around four weeks earlier than usual in the WHO European Region, but current patterns remain consistent with those seen during the 2022–2023 season. Activity levels vary across countries, with some experiencing early increases in cases while others have yet to see significant rises. Alongside influenza, continued circulation of COVID-19, RSV and… [Read More]
WHO Unveils Policy Brief on Improving Priority Setting for Tuberculosis Planning
The World Health Organization has released a new policy brief designed to help national tuberculosis programmes set clear priorities and allocate resources more effectively using evidence-based and people-centred approaches. The brief introduces a structured framework that promotes transparency, inclusion, data-driven decision-making and accountability, all of which are essential for equitable and impactful TB programme planning…. [Read More]
African Nations and Experts Endorse New 10-Year Health Workforce Roadmap
African countries have reached a unified agreement on the key priorities that will guide the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, marking a major milestone in efforts to transform how the continent plans for, trains and retains its health workers. During a regional consultation held in Pretoria from 24 to 26 November 2025, representatives from governments,… [Read More]
Ghana Strengthens School Health System Through WHO Global Standards Training
Ghana is advancing efforts to strengthen its school health system as it works to revise the national School Health Policy in alignment with the WHO-UNESCO Global Standards for Health-Promoting Schools. Supported by the World Health Organization and funded by Fondation Botnar, this process aims to ensure that schools provide safe, inclusive, and health-supportive environments that… [Read More]
Ghana Launches Landmark Quality of Care Report to Strengthen Health Services and Advance UHC
Ghana has strengthened its push toward Universal Health Coverage with the launch of its first National Quality of Care Report, a comprehensive assessment of the standard of health services across the country. Developed by the Ghana Health Service with support from the World Health Organization and funding from the United Kingdom, the report provides essential… [Read More]
Slovenia’s Affordable Housing Gets a Boost Through EIB Group–CEB Collaboration
The European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Slovenia’s national affordable housing agenda. The announcement was made during a major conference on Slovenia’s affordable housing journey, held with the participation of the Slovenian government and supported by the European Commission. This coordinated effort reflects recommendations for… [Read More]
Europe’s Space Industry to Scale Up with EIB’s New Space TechEU Initiative
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched Space TechEU, its first dedicated financing programme for the European space sector, as part of the broader TechEU initiative to foster innovation and the development of new technologies. The announcement was made at the European Space Agency’s triannual Council of Ministers meeting in Bremen. The programme aims to… [Read More]
Minister Jerry Buttimer Unveils 2024 Annual Report for Community Services Programme in Ireland
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD launched the Community Services Programme (CSP) 2024 Annual Report on 26 November 2025, highlighting the programme’s impact on communities across Ireland. The report features case studies of CSP-supported organisations, demonstrating how funding supports local services, strengthens communities, and builds resilience. It emphasizes the role of CSP in creating employment… [Read More]
New Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine Introduced in Ethiopia to Protect Newborns
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 25 November 2025 – Ethiopia has officially launched the national introduction of the Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB BD) vaccine, a major step toward strengthening newborn immunization and preventing mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus. The rollout is supported technically and financially by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,… [Read More]
€170 Million Boost for Irish Companies Through European Space Programmes
Ireland is investing over €170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes through 2030, aiming to strengthen Irish companies’ presence in the rapidly growing global space industry. The investment was announced by Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, during an ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany, which brought together ministers from… [Read More]
CCNF Flags UNHCR for Excluding Local NGOs in Rohingya Response Plan
The Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) has raised concerns over UNHCR’s 2026–2029 partnership plan for the Rohingya response, accusing the agency of sidelining local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and thereby undermining their capacity. The forum also criticised the World Bank’s USD 700 million support package for similarly excluding local civil society organisations (CSOs) in its… [Read More]
Solar Power Brings Safe Water to 440,000 People in Mykolaiv with EU and UNDP Support
In Mykolaiv, Ukraine, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have delivered 36 autonomous solar power systems to ensure continuous access to safe drinking water for approximately 440,000 residents. The solar systems will be installed on municipal rooftops, including central heating stations and boiler houses, to support critical water supply infrastructure. During… [Read More]
EU Delegation Unveils 2025 Campaign for Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
On 25 November, the EU Delegation to Jordan launched its campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), unveiling a programme designed to raise awareness and mobilize action against all forms of GBV, with a particular focus on digital violence this year. The campaign began with a public screening of the award-winning… [Read More]
Philippines Receives £1 Million from UK for Typhoon Recovery and Relief
The United Kingdom is providing £1 million (PHP 77 million) in humanitarian assistance to support communities in the Philippines affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. This funding will deliver life-saving services and essential supplies, including multi-purpose cash assistance and shelter repair kits, to the most impacted populations. British Ambassador Sarah Hulton OBE emphasized the UK’s… [Read More]
How Nepali Youth Are Driving Climate Action and Sustainability
UN Habitat Nepal organized a two-day workshop on “Youth Engagement in Climate Action through the Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals” on 9–10 October 2025 in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. The event was part of the “Accelerating Localization of Integrated Climate Action in Nepal” project, funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented jointly by WFP, UNDP,… [Read More]
Empowering Iraqi Youth: ILO and UNICEF Train Job Support Facilitators
ERBIL, Iraq (ILO News) – The ILO recently completed an intensive training in Erbil for facilitators of Iraq’s National Job Search Clubs (JSC) programme, aiming to institutionalize this youth employment model across the country. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Iraq and UNICEF, the week-long training brought together facilitators from… [Read More]
New ILO-IOE Handbook Helps Businesses Combat Forced Labour
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) have released the third edition of Combating Forced Labour: A Handbook for Employers and Business. The handbook is designed to help companies identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for actual and potential forced labour risks in their operations and supply chains. It also provides… [Read More]
Brunei Government, Employers, and Workers Unite for Inaugural Safety Dialogue
Brunei Darussalam has convened its first dedicated dialogue on occupational safety and health (OSH), bringing together government, employers, and workers in a historic move to strengthen social dialogue and enhance national OSH governance. The milestone event, held on 20 November 2025, was organized by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) following an ILO… [Read More]
Supporting Cambodian Migrants: ILO’s Critical Aid for Returnees
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its EU-funded Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia and PROTECT programmes, provided crucial support to Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand amid the recent border conflict. Over 6,700 returnees, predominantly women, were assisted in provinces including Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, and Siem Reap with… [Read More]
World Bank Approves Two Digital Initiatives in India for Education and Agriculture
The World Bank has approved two major projects in India aimed at improving education outcomes in Punjab and boosting incomes for small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra through digital solutions. Together, these initiatives are expected to benefit over six million people by leveraging technology to enhance learning and agricultural productivity. The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School… [Read More]
