Terrorism, humanitarian crises threaten stability of West Africa: UN deputy chief
At an event commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed noted progress made, alongside immediate challenges. “Over the last decade, the region has seen an exponential rise in…
‘Unimaginable trauma’ haunts Sudan’s displaced while violence, famine threaten millions
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack reportedly carried out on 5 June by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Wad Al-Noura village, Jazira state, which is said to have killed over 100 people,” his Spokesperson said in a statement…
UNICEF: 1 in 4 young children lives in severe food poverty
One in four children under age 5 around the world is experiencing severe food poverty and is vulnerable to life-threatening malnutrition, according to a UNICEF report released Thursday. Some 27% of children under age 5 — or 181 million —…
UN development agency installing solar energy at Zimbabwean clinics, hospitals
Zimbabwe is facing long hours of power cuts due to its dilapidated infrastructure and the impact of recurring droughts on hydropower. To help, the United Nations Development Program is installing solar panels on government-owned health facilities. Columbus Mavhunga reports from…
AU, ILRI collaborate to make informal food markets in Africa safer
nairobi, kenya — An estimated 70 percent of Africa’s urban households buy food from informal sources, such as street vendors, kiosks, and traditional market sellers, recent studies have found. Now, the African Union and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),…
In Eswatini, questions linger one year after HPV vaccine program launch
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in the southern African nation of Eswatini, while globally it’s the fourth most common. Despite this, a vaccination program in Eswatini that aims to prevent cervical cancer is meeting resistance. Nokukhanya…
WFP expands emergency response to avert famine in war-torn Sudan
Yet, as the rival militaries continue fighting, the country’s plight has been overlooked by much of the international community. “As global leaders focus elsewhere, it is not receiving the necessary attention and support to avert a nightmare scenario for the…
Orlando Bloom describes ‘devastating impact’ of DR Congo violence on women and children
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visited the region for the first time this week to see the dire conditions there for himself. “The staggering scale of the conflict in eastern DRC, the horrific level of violence, and its devastating impact…
Algeria seeks to lure tourists to neglected cultural, scenic glories
ORAN, Algeria — Algeria wants to lure more visitors to the cultural and scenic treasures of Africa’s largest country, shedding its status as a tourism backwater and expanding a sector outshone by competitors in neighboring Morocco and Tunisia. The giant…
UN project empowers refugees in Angola
With more than 160 refugees actively working the fields through the initiative, and another 110 expected to join soon, the impact resonates far beyond just sustenance for them and their families. It also benefits other refugees and host communities to…