The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, through its Centre for Environmental Health Action (CEHA), successfully concluded a regional training of trainers on the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH-FIT). Organized in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Middle East and… [Read More]
Pakistan’s Youth Lead the Way in Closing the Mental Health Gap
In Islamabad, young psychology students like Sejal and Hijab Fatima are working to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistan. They recently participated in awareness-raising sessions organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with universities, aimed at empowering youth and health workers to promote mental well-being. Both students emphasized that… [Read More]
WHO Strengthens Palliative Care Across the Eastern Mediterranean to Improve Quality of Life
The Seventy-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean marked a historic step forward for health systems in the Region, as Member States endorsed resolution EM/RC72/R.4 on palliative care. The decision represents a transformative commitment to support individuals living with life-limiting illnesses, chronic conditions, and frailty, ensuring that care extends beyond treatment… [Read More]
Putting People First: UNDP Promotes Justice Reform for Lasting Peace and Development
UNDP’s people-centred justice approach marks a fundamental shift in how justice and security systems are conceived and delivered. Rooted in people’s lived experiences, it emphasizes listening to communities, understanding barriers, and co-creating solutions that ensure trust, safety, fairness, and inclusion. This approach seeks to design justice systems that are not only accessible but also meaningful… [Read More]
Strengthening Immunization in the Eastern Mediterranean: Achievements and Next Steps
The first annual progress report on the Strategic Framework for the Implementation of Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region reveals both achievements and persistent challenges in vaccine equity and disease prevention. The framework supports countries in maintaining progress, recovering from COVID-19 disruptions, and strengthening immunization systems to ensure equitable access, especially in… [Read More]
WHO Unveils Digital Learning Platform to Strengthen Informal Caregiving in Europe
WHO/Europe has launched a new online course to support millions of informal caregivers across Europe—those who provide care to family members, friends, or neighbours often without training, recognition, or professional support. The course aims to equip caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to care for both others and themselves, addressing the emotional and physical… [Read More]
Managing a Major Cholera Outbreak in Ethiopia: One Year of Response and Lessons for the Future
South Sudan is battling its largest and longest cholera outbreak since gaining independence in 2011. Beginning in September 2024, the outbreak has persisted for over a year, pushing the country’s health system to its limits and yielding important lessons for managing future epidemics. Nearly 100,000 suspected cases and over 1,500 deaths have been reported across… [Read More]
WHO, Religious Leaders, and Health Authorities Collaborate to Improve WASH Standards in Faith Institutions
Over 60 participants, including representatives from the Amhara Public Health Institute, the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, religious leaders, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various partners, gathered for a two-day workshop to validate the “Minimum Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Health Requirements for Religious Institutions in the Amhara Region.” The initiative represents a crucial… [Read More]
EU Backs Angola’s Historic HPV Vaccination Drive to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Angola has launched its first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize over two million girls aged 9 to 12 against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. The campaign, which began this week, will run for ten days and reach girls through schools, health centers, and community outreach initiatives across… [Read More]
Building a Safer Digital World: Students from East Sarajevo and Sarajevo Join Forces through Generation Change
Students from East Sarajevo and Sarajevo came together for the Generation Change Student Talks, organized by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina to empower youth, promote dialogue, and strengthen their role in social and economic development. The event, held in partnership with the Faculties of Electrical Engineering at both universities, focused on the theme… [Read More]
European Union Boosts Support for Honduras Flood Relief with New €20,000 Allocation
The European Union (EU) has announced an additional €20,000 (approximately 615,000 lempiras) in humanitarian aid to support flood-affected communities in Honduras, particularly in Ocotepeque. This new funding builds on the €150,000 provided in July and aims to help around 5,000 people impacted by prolonged heavy rains. The assistance will be implemented through the Honduran Red… [Read More]
How Country-Led Approaches Are Advancing Decent Work and Social Protection for All
The upcoming event will highlight how integrated investments in employment, skills, and social protection policies can drive the three main goals of social development—poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration. It aims to demonstrate that coordinated approaches in these areas can lead to stronger social and economic outcomes,… [Read More]
Jamaica Prepares for Hurricane Melissa with Early Response Support from IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an early response operation to support Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches the island. The hurricane is already producing devastating storm surges along Jamaica’s southern coast and is expected to bring destructive winds and up to 750 mm of rainfall over the next two… [Read More]
ILO Report: Thailand Risks 250,000 Care Worker Gap by 2037
Thailand is facing a significant challenge in meeting the growing demand for home-based care as its population rapidly ages. A new study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) projects that by 2037, the country will require up to 250,000 additional paid care workers, including around 55,000 migrant workers. The report, Care at Home: Projecting Thailand’s… [Read More]
ILO: Cooperatives and Social Economy Key to Closing Gender Gaps in the Care Sector
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a new technical note emphasizing the critical role of cooperatives and the social and solidarity economy (SSE) in transforming care work across Latin America and the Caribbean. Published on October 29, 2025, to mark the International Day of Care and Support, the note highlights how cooperatives can help… [Read More]
Southeast Asia: Save the Children Calls for Stronger Action to Protect Environmental Rights of Children
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has issued a historic declaration recognizing the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental human right for both current and future generations. This marks the first time the regional bloc has officially acknowledged environmental protection as an integral part of human rights. The… [Read More]
Delivering Connectivity: Ethiopia’s Modjo–Hawassa Expressway Set to Transform Transport Links
The Modjo–Hawassa Expressway in Ethiopia, a 202-kilometer high-standard toll road, is transforming transportation and trade connectivity across southern Ethiopia. Supported by the World Bank and other development partners, the project aims to reduce travel time by up to 40% and lower vehicle operating costs by as much as 20%. The expressway will also improve access… [Read More]
Building Financial Resilience: Rwanda Strengthens Disaster Risk Management
Rwanda is transforming the lessons learned from the devastating May 2023 floods into proactive disaster preparedness and financial resilience. The floods and landslides claimed more than 130 lives and destroyed homes, roads, and farms across the country’s northern and western provinces. Recognizing that climate shocks are becoming more frequent, Rwanda is shifting from reacting to… [Read More]
Action Against Hunger Celebrates 2025 Impact Award Recipients, Including P!nk for Humanitarian Work
Action Against Hunger has announced its 2025 Impact Award honorees during a year of significant global humanitarian challenges. The annual gala aims to raise essential funds and spotlight individuals making meaningful contributions toward ending hunger worldwide. Global music icon and Grammy-winning artist P!nk is being recognized with the Humanitarian Award for her long-standing advocacy around… [Read More]
Sustained Economic Reforms Key to Pakistan’s Growth, Stability, and Post-Flood Recovery
Pakistan’s economy grew by 3.0 percent in the fiscal year ending June 2025, marking a slight improvement from 2.6 percent in the previous year. This growth was driven by stronger industrial and service sector performance, though agricultural output lagged behind due to floods, adverse weather, and pest infestations. According to the World Bank’s Pakistan Development… [Read More]
Should Malaysia Expand Its Social Pension? Lessons from Global Evidence and Policy Design
Malaysia is facing a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating that 14% of its citizens will be aged 65 or older by 2045 and 20% by 2056. However, the country’s social pension coverage remains among the lowest globally. The Bantuan Warga Emas (BWE) currently reaches only about 4% of the elderly, and although around 60%… [Read More]
WFP Partners with Michael Kors in $2.7 Million Initiative to Combat Hunger in Sri Lanka
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a generous contribution of US$2.7 million from global fashion brand Michael Kors to strengthen Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Programme. The funding, made through Michael Kors’ long-running “Watch Hunger Stop” campaign, will support WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiative, which connects school meal programs with local… [Read More]
Green Climate Fund Backs $250 Million ADB Initiative to Tackle Glacial Melt in Central and South Asia
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $250 million for the “Glaciers to Farms” program, an initiative led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help communities in glacier-dependent regions of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan adapt to the growing impacts of climate change. The program aims to build resilient water and agriculture… [Read More]
