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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 Departmental update IARC and WHO Academy increase learning resources for World Immunization Week

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Academy are collaborating this World Immunization Week 2025 to make human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination learning resources available for free to health and care workers around the world.

    The theme of this year’s World Immunization Week is “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” and encourages governments and health workers to support strong immunization programmes at local and national levels. Immunization has saved six lives every minute since 1974, and more lives can be saved by building on these achievements.

    Often referred to as the silent killer and almost entirely preventable, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer, and cause of cancer-related deaths, in women globally, with the majority of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

    The HPV vaccine protects women from cervical cancer through preventing infection with the human papillomavirus. Recent evidence from IARC shows that one-dose HPV vaccines have 80–90% effectiveness to decrease HPV infection and prevent cervical cancer and have demonstrated optimal strategies for cervical cancer screen-and-treat programmes for use in different settings. Despite this strong evidence, only 15% of girls worldwide are fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15 years.

    The work to create a dedicated IARC learning space on the whoacademy.org platform that includes HPV vaccination self-paced courses began in 2024, and ensures learners can benefit from courses and material based on the latest evidence, created and validated by international experts through IARC and partners. The platform is designed for inclusion and accessibility, and adapts to the learner’s profile and context, such as preferred language or educational background. Features like offline mode, progress updates and mobile optimization ensure a smooth learning experience and address connectivity challenges.

    Register on the WHO Academy online platform and enrol in our courses for free today.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 Departmental update Learning 4 Impact: strengthening frontline and community-focused learning for health emergencies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The WHO Health Emergencies Programme, with the support of the WHO Academy, recently hosted Learning 4 Impact 2025, a series of virtual workshops that aims to catalyse build back better holistic learning programmes to address post-pandemic challenges.

    The world is not on track to achieve its health-related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and targets by 2030; progress is at half the required rate of change. The increasing number of global crises and the danger of future pandemics underscore the urgent need for health systems to strengthen both technical capacity and community engagement.

    Addressing critical skills gaps among health and care workers is crucial to meeting these emergency needs in the future, but there is a chronic shortage of public health professionals and health workers around the world. According to WHO estimates, there will be a shortfall of at least 10 million health workers by 2030.

    In addition, the International Health Regulations (IHR) are undergoing several amendments in response to the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Member States agreed to a package of amendments to the IHR in 2024 that should come into force in mid-2025. This will result in a new demand for training from Member States to implement the new and updated IHR core capacities.

    The Learning 4 Impact series, which took place over the course of February and March, is focused on the training needs of health and care workers, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), who serve on the frontline of public health emergency response. The workshops were aimed at IHR focal points and those working in community protection in WHO Member States, as well as WHO technical staff and partners across the globe.

    Competency-based learning for better community protection

    Within the context of WHO’s Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPR) framework, community protection plays a critical role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and response efforts are grounded in the realities of the people they serve. Community-centred approaches are essential for effective leadership in health emergencies, ensuring that interventions are trusted, inclusive and responsive to local needs.

    “Community protection is a cornerstone of emergency response. Strengthening the learning ecosystem for those working with and within communities helps us build trust, respond more effectively and ultimately save lives. This is a crucial step towards embedding community protection into the way we prepare for and respond to public health threats,” said Dr Kai von Harbou, Unit Head for Community Protection and Resilience in the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

    Throughout the five virtual workshops, 600 participants worked together to map existing health learning products, provide insights on preliminary learning needs analyses for their countries, and identified and redefined target health learning audiences

    Community health workers (CHWs) were identified as a key learning audience, particularly in LMICs where they often serve as the first point of contact in health emergencies. Their learning needs were systematically mapped and prioritized, recognizing the crucial role CHWs play in community engagement, disease detection, risk communication and basic service delivery during crises.

    “Community health workers often operate with limited resources, unclear roles in emergency protocols and without adequate training. By investing in structured, competency-based learning the Community Protection and Resilience Unit empowers CHWs to act confidently and effectively in times of crisis – an investment that strengthens both response outcomes and long-term community resilience,” Dr von Harbou added.

    Lifelong learning for better health outcomes

    Together with key experts from the WHO Academy, participants also discussed innovative strategies and modalities that can improve the health learning experience. Following these workshops, both the IHR and community protection focal points plan to conduct more extensive learning needs analyses with their respective target learners and develop curriculum plans in collaboration with WHO. Feedback from post-webinar evaluation surveys was mainly positive. One of the participants said, “I love the fact that the Organization takes time to get feedback from the Member States on the strategies that are used so as to improve their work. This is really good.”

    Head of the Learning Design and Production Unit at the WHO Academy Melinda Frost says that to reach the SDG health targets, health systems and health and care workers need to make better use of evidence-based solutions and focus on competency-based learning.

    “Learning needs to be continuous. Health-care practices are consistently evolving, and we need to ensure that our health and care professionals continually acquire the new skills needed to deliver programmes and services for essential public health functions,” she said. “Our aim is to reach learners in LMICs, where the need is greatest. This is the Academy’s priority – to reach learners in these countries, driving equity in access to learning for health and care workers globally.”  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 News release WHO calls for revitalized efforts to end malaria

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for revitalized efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

    In the late 1990s, world leaders laid the foundation for remarkable progress in global malaria control, including preventing more than 2 billion cases of malaria and nearly 13 million deaths since 2000.

    To date, WHO has certified 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free, and many countries with a low burden of malaria continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. Of the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in 2023.

    However, as history has shown, these gains are fragile.

    “The history of malaria teaches us a harsh lesson: when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest toll on the most vulnerable,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But the same history also shows us what’s possible: with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action and community engagement, malaria can be defeated.”

    Investments in new interventions drive progress

    Years of investment in the development and deployment of new malaria vaccines and next-generation tools to prevent and control malaria are paying off.

    On World Malaria Day, Mali will join 19 other African countries in introducing malaria vaccines—a vital step towards protecting young children from one of the continent’s most deadly diseases. The large-scale rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

    Meanwhile, the expanded use of a new generation of insecticide-treated nets is poised to lower the disease burden. According to the latest World malaria report, these new nets—which have greater impact against malaria than the standard pyrethroid-only nets—accounted for nearly 80% of all nets delivered in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, up from 59% the previous year.

    Progress against malaria under threat

    Despite significant gains, malaria remains a major public health challenge, with nearly 600 000 lives lost to the disease in 2023 alone. The African Region is hardest hit, shouldering an estimated 95% of the malaria burden each year.

    In many areas, progress has been hampered by fragile health systems and rising threats such as drug and insecticide resistance. Many at-risk groups continue to miss out on the services they need to prevent, detect and treat malaria. Climate change, conflict, poverty and population displacement are compounding these challenges.

    WHO recently warned that the 2025 funding cuts could further derail progress in many endemic countries, putting millions of additional lives at risk. Of the 64 WHO Country Offices in malaria-endemic countries that took part in a recent WHO stock take assessment, more than half reported moderate or severe disruptions to malaria services.

    Renewed call to protect hard-won gains

    World Malaria Day 2025 – under the theme, “Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite” – is calling for stepped up political and financial commitment to protect the hard-won gains against malaria.

    To reinvest, WHO joins partners and civil society in calling on malaria-endemic countries to boost domestic spending, particularly in primary health care, so that all at-risk populations can access the services they need to prevent, detect and treat malaria. The successful replenishments of the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are also critical to financing malaria programmes and interventions, and accelerating progress towards the targets set in the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030.

    Addressing current challenges in global malaria control will also require a reimagined response through innovative tools, strategies and partnerships. New and more effective antimalarial drugs are needed, as all well as advancements in service delivery, diagnostics, insecticides, vaccines and vector control methods.

    More countries are making malaria control and elimination a national priority, including through the Yaoundé Declaration, signed in March 2024 by African Ministers of Health from 11 high burden countries.

    “Ministers committed to strengthening their health systems, stepping up domestic resources, enhancing multisectoral action and ensuring a robust accountability mechanism,” notes Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “This is the kind of leadership the world must rally behind.”

    Reigniting commitment at all levels – from communities and frontline health workers to governments, researchers, the private sector innovators and donors – will be critical to curbing and, ultimately, ending malaria.

    Notes to the editor:

    For more information on the WHO World Malaria Day campaign, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 Expanded use of new dual-insecticide nets offers hope for malaria control efforts in Africa

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts over the past 2 decades, and their widespread use has been instrumental in preventing the disease and saving lives. Since 2000, the global malaria response, including through ITN distribution campaigns, has helped prevent more than 2 billion cases and nearly 13 million deaths.

    Despite progress, malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in many areas have developed resistance to the insecticides commonly used on ITNs – especially pyrethroids – reducing their impact and undermining gains in malaria prevention. This rising threat has prompted researchers to accelerate the development of new types of nets that offer more durable protection against malaria.

    In 2017, WHO recommended the first ITN designed to enhance efficacy against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes. While this marked an important step forward, further innovation was needed to develop dual-insecticide nets, assess their efficacy in managing resistant mosquitoes and their impact on malaria transmission, and to evaluate their cost-effectiveness.

    This photo story, published on World Malaria Day 2025, highlights the research, development and scale-up of dual-insecticide ITNs – made possible through years of collaboration among countries, communities, manufacturers, funders and a range of global, regional and national partners.

    A young girl sleeps under a dual-insecticide net in Cameroon. © The Global Fund

    Global partnership launches extensive studies to test dual-insecticide nets

    In 2018, Unitaid and the Global Fund launched the New Nets Project. Led by the Innovative Vector Control Consortium – and working closely with National Malaria Programmes and other partners such as the U.S. Presidents Malaria Initiative, the Gates Foundation and MedAccess – the project supported evidence building and pilots to rapidly accelerate the shift to dual-insecticide nets in sub-Saharan Africa to counter pyrethroid resistance.

    The nets were first deployed in 2019 in Burkina Faso, and then Benin, Mozambique, Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania were added in subsequent years to test how the nets performed in different settings.

    By the end of 2022, the New Nets Project, together with the Global Fund and U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative deployed more than 56 million mosquito nets in 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa where insecticide resistance had been reported.

    Clinical trials and pilot studies found that dual-insecticide nets improved malaria control by 20–50% compared with standard pyrethroid-only nets. Additionally, clinical trials in the United Republic of Tanzania and Benin demonstrated that the pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr nets significantly reduced malaria infections in children between the ages of 6 months and 10 years.

    “The New Nets Project significantly advanced malaria control by accelerating access to dual active ingredient nets, an important tool in the fight against malaria,” said Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid. “The success of this initiative is the result of strong partnerships that helped us overcome access barriers and reach communities faster. Together with our partners, we continue working to explore and support innovations that reduce malaria transmission and save lives.”

    The New Nets Project also included research universities, such as Tulane University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; advocacy organizations such as PATH, Population Services International (PSI) and the Alliance for Malaria Prevention; and funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Gates Foundation.

    A mother and her 8-month-old son play in their home in Soa, Cameroon. The family sleeps under dual-insecticide mosquito nets to protect themselves from malaria. © The Global Fund/Vincent Becker.

    WHO issues recommendations for new generation nets

    With strong clinical trial and study results, WHO issued recommendations for new generation insecticide-treated nets and updated the WHO guidelines for malaria in 2023. The WHO recommendations covered 2 new classes of dual ingredient ITNs: pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr nets and pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen nets.

    Pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr nets combine a pyrethroid and a pyrrole insecticide to enhance the killing effect of the net and pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen nets combine a pyrethroid with an insect growth regulator (IGR), which disrupts mosquito growth and reproduction.

    Wider scale-up of new generation nets poised to lower disease burden

    Today, malaria-endemic countries and families are recognizing the value of new generation nets in preventing malaria and saving lives. In 2023, nearly 80% of nets delivered in sub-Saharan Africa were these more effective dual-insecticide nets, up from 59% in 2022, according to the latest World malaria report.

    “In 2019, we used to have malaria frequently before we got the nets,” says Elizabeth, a tailor and mother of two young children in the United Republic of Tanzania. “It cost us a lot of money because sometimes we used to go to private hospitals.”

    Since receiving the new generation nets, Elizabeth’s family has stayed free of malaria. “The difference now is that I don’t use the money to treat my child for malaria,” she adds. “Instead, I use the money to pay for school fees.”

    To date, dual-insecticide nets are being used and scaled up in 17 countries in Africa. The rapid scale-up of the new nets and other innovative tools, such as malaria vaccines, offer fresh hope for controlling malaria, especially in countries with the highest risk of the disease.

    “Dual-insecticide nets represent a breakthrough in malaria prevention,” notes Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “Their development and wide deployment are a testament to what can be achieved through science, sustained investment and global collaboration.”

    Sustained investment in innovations critical to curbing malaria

    Strengthening surveillance, monitoring and management of biological threats – such as insecticide resistance, invasive species and changing vector behaviour – will be essential to curb and, ultimately, eliminate malaria transmission. At the same time, investment in innovative tools to address these evolving challenges remains equally critical.

    Scaling up the deployment and monitoring of next-generation nets, vaccines and other innovations will require sustained investment in malaria control and elimination programmes. This includes securing successful replenishments for the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

    In addition to new nets, researchers are pursuing a range of innovative vector control products, such as spatial repellents, lethal house lures (eaves tubes) and genetic engineering of mosquitoes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 22 April 2025 Departmental update WHO’s rapid response to sustain HIV, hepatitis and STI services

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In response to unprecedented suspensions and reductions in official development assistance (ODA) for health and HIV programmes, WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes (HHS) has stepped up with a strategic response plan to protect essential health services for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This critical initiative aims to ensure that vital services continue uninterrupted despite the growing challenges.

    Recognizing the urgency, HHS swiftly mobilized a dedicated operational team to provide immediate technical support and coordinate efforts across 5 key pillars: strategic information and analytics; service delivery; country support; community engagement; and communication. This structured response enables WHO, in coordination with its country offices and ministries of health, not only to tackle immediate disruptions but also to streamline long-term solutions, enhance data-driven decision-making and ensure integrated, community-supported service continuity.

    “Now more than ever, we have an opportunity to support ministries of health by offering timely guidance, tools and global collaboration tailored to country needs,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of HHS. “Our focus remains clear: ensuring essential services reach those most in need, even in times of financial uncertainty.” 

    Strategic information and analytics 

    A rapid survey conducted by HHS in February 2025 assessed the continuity of essential HIV, hepatitis and STIs services across 55 countries that rely heavily on funding from the Government of the United States of America. Preliminary results from 36 countries, revealed evidence of service disruptions in key populations, pre-exposure and post-exposure services, testing and treatment services, and health information systems. These findings are used to estimate the impact on HIV-related mortality and new infections in both short and long term.

    Additionally, a rapid WHO country office stock take on impact of suspensions, conducted with 108 of its country and field offices between March and April 2025 shows that 71% of countries experienced interruptions in at least one health service area. Moderate to severe levels of disruptions are being reported in HIV services in 48 % (43 of 90) countries, STIs services in 43% (37 of 86) countries, and viral hepatitis services in 38% (33 of 87) countries. 

    Moderate to severe disruptions have also been reported on the availability of medicines and health products, impacting HIV in 36% (32 of 88 countries, STIs in 34% (30 of 87), and viral hepatitis in 29% (25 of 86).

    Furthermore, job losses among health-care workers and increased out-of-pocket costs for patients were among the key consequences observed. 

    Read more about the stock take outcomes here.

    Tailored support on sustaining service delivery

    To mitigate disruptions and adapt essential services package, WHO has issued multilingual internal guidance to support WHO country offices, ministries of health and civil society partners, aiming to reduce disruptions and sustain essential HIV, hepatitis and STIs treatment and care services for people at major risk. WHO country staff shared how the guidance helped them for developing mitigation plans to sustain provision of life-saving treatment and care interventions for people in need. A technical extended version of this guidance will be released soon.

    Community-led response and engagement

    An informal community reference group has been established to ensure the voices of affected populations guide WHO’s response. Key support priorities from these communities have been identified and integrated into WHO’s approach, fostering a more inclusive and effective response. The priorities include enhancing communication; supporting innovative approaches to secure new access points for HIV services; developing strategies for affordability; leveraging innovations like long-acting PrEP; and ensuring stronger global coordination.

    Communities of people living with HIV have been instrumental in monitoring the extent of service disruptions and continue to provide guidance and peer support to those affected. In response to their feedback and lived experiences, WHO developed and published a Questions and Answers on managing interruptions in antiretroviral treatment due to service disruptions, drug shortages, or stockouts. 

    Country support

    A real-time coordination hub, powered by the HIV Country Intelligence dashboard, tracks evolving needs and facilitates rapid response across WHO’s global structure. Regular capacity-building webinars are conducted to equip WHO country staff with the necessary skills to address ongoing and emerging challenges. 

    Communication and partnership

    WHO is actively engaging countries and communities to develop mitigation plans, mobilize resources and strengthen service delivery. Internal coordination across WHO programmes and regular meetings organized with partners ensure a unified approach to both short-term resilience and long-term sustainability. WHO staff focal points in-country maintain ongoing communication with ministries of health and local stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaborative action.

    As the situation evolves rapidly, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to working with countries, communities and partners to achieve global health equity, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. Amid funding uncertainties, WHO stands as a reliable partner, safeguarding the rights and well-being of those most affected by HIV, hepatitis and STIs.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 News release Increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Immunization efforts are under growing threat as misinformation, population growth, humanitarian crises and funding cuts jeopardize progress and leave millions of children, adolescents and adults at risk, warn WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi during World Immunization Week, 24–30 April.

    Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, meningitis and yellow fever are rising globally, and diseases like diphtheria, that have long been held at bay or virtually disappeared in many countries, are at risk of re-emerging. In response, the agencies are calling for urgent and sustained political attention and investment to strengthen immunization programmes and protect significant progress achieved in reducing child mortality over the past 50 years.

    “Vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past five decades,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Funding cuts to global health have put these hard-won gains in jeopardy. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing around the world, putting lives at risk and exposing countries to increased costs in treating diseases and responding to outbreaks. Countries with limited resources must invest in the highest-impact interventions – and that includes vaccines.”

    Rising outbreaks and strained health systems

    Measles is making an especially dangerous comeback. The number of cases has been increasing year on year since 2021, tracking the reductions in immunization coverage that occurred during and since the COVID-19 pandemic in many communities. Measles cases reached an estimated 10.3 million in 2023, a 20% increase compared to 2022.

    The agencies warn that this upward trend likely continued into 2024 and 2025, as outbreaks have intensified around the world. In the past 12 months, 138 countries have reported measles cases, with 61 experiencing large or disruptive outbreaks – the highest number observed in any 12-month period since 2019.

    Meningitis cases in Africa also rose sharply in 2024, and the upward trend has continued into 2025. In the first three months of this year alone, more than 5500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths were reported in 22 countries. This follows approximately 26 000 cases and almost 1400 deaths across 24 countries last year.

    Yellow fever cases in the African region are also climbing, with 124 confirmed cases reported in 12 countries in 2024. This comes after dramatic declines in the disease over the past decade, thanks to global vaccine stockpiles and use of yellow fever vaccine in routine immunization programmes. In the WHO Region of the Americas, yellow fever outbreaks have been confirmed since the beginning of this year, with a total of 131 cases in 4 countries.

    These outbreaks come amidst global funding cuts. A recent WHO rapid stock take with 108 country offices of WHO – mostly in low- and lower-middle-income countries – shows that nearly half of those countries are facing moderate to severe disruptions to vaccination campaigns, routine immunization and access to supplies due to reduced donor funding. Disease surveillance, including for vaccine-preventable diseases, is also impacted in more than half of the countries surveyed.

    At the same time, the number of children missing routine vaccinations has been increasing in recent years, even as countries make efforts to catch up children missed during the pandemic. In 2023, an estimated 14.5 million children missed all of their routine vaccine doses – up from 13.9 million in 2022 and 12.9 million in 2019. Over half of these children live in countries facing conflict, fragility, or instability, where access to basic health services is often disrupted.

    “The global funding crisis is severely limiting our ability to vaccinate over 15 million vulnerable children in fragile and conflict-affected countries against measles,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Immunization services, disease surveillance, and the outbreak response in nearly 50 countries are already being disrupted – with setbacks at a similar level to what we saw during COVID-19. We cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against preventable diseases.”

    Continued investment in the ‘Big Catch-Up initiative’, launched in 2023 to reach children who missed vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other routine immunization programmes will be critical.

    How immunization addresses these challenges

    Joint efforts by WHO, UNICEF, Gavi and partners have helped countries expand access to vaccines and strengthen immunization systems through primary health care, even in the face of mounting challenges. Every year, vaccines save nearly 4.2 million lives against 14 diseases – with nearly half of these lives saved in the African Region.

    Vaccination campaigns have led to the elimination of meningitis A in Africa’s meningitis belt, while a new vaccine that protects against five strains of meningitis holds promise for broader protection, with efforts underway to expand its use for outbreak response and prevention.

    Progress has also been made in reducing yellow fever cases and deaths through increasing routine immunization coverage and emergency vaccine stockpiles, but recent outbreaks in Africa and in the Region of the Americas highlight the risks in areas with no reported cases in the past, low routine vaccination coverage and gaps in preventive campaigns.

    In addition, the past two years have seen substantial progress in other areas of immunization. In the African Region, which has the highest cervical cancer burden in the world, HPV vaccine coverage nearly doubled between 2020 and 2023 from 21% to 40%, reflecting a concerted global effort towards eliminating cervical cancer. The progress in immunization also includes increases in global coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, particularly in the South-East Asia Region, alongside introductions in Chad and Somalia, countries with high disease burden.

    Another milestone is the sub-national introduction of malaria vaccines in nearly 20 African countries, laying the foundation to save half a million additional lives by 2035 as more countries adopt the vaccines and scale-up accelerates as part of the tools to fight malaria.

    Call to action

    UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi urgently call for parents, the public, and politicians to strengthen support for immunization. The agencies emphasize the need for sustained investment in vaccines and immunization programmes and urge countries to honour their commitments to the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).

    As part of integrated primary health-care systems, vaccination can protect against diseases and connect families to other essential care, such as antenatal care, nutrition or malaria screening. Immunization is a ‘best buy’ in health with a return on investment of $54 for every dollar invested and provides a foundation for future prosperity and health security.

    “Increasing outbreaks of highly infectious diseases are a concern for the whole world. The good news is we can fight back, and Gavi’s next strategic period has a clear plan to bolster our defences by expanding investments in global vaccine stockpiles and rolling out targeted preventive vaccination in countries most impacted by meningitis, yellow fever and measles,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “These vital activities, however, will be at risk if Gavi is not fully funded for the next five years and we call on our donors to support our mission in the interests of keeping everyone, everywhere, safer from preventable diseases.”

    Gavi’s upcoming high-level pledging summit taking place on 25 June 2025 seeks to raise at least US$ 9 billion from our donors to fund our ambitious strategy to protect 500 million children, saving at least 8 million lives from 2026–2030.

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    Notes to editor:

    Download multimedia content here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AM4086M4S1G

    About WHO
    Dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health. We connect nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int

    About UNICEF
    UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit: www.unicef.org.

    About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
    Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the world’s children against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunize a whole generation – over 1.1 billion children – and prevented more than 18.8 million future deaths, helping to halve child mortality in 78 lower income countries. Gavi also plays a key role in improving global health security by supporting health systems as well as funding global stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningococcal and yellow fever vaccines. After two decades of progress, Gavi is now focused on protecting the next generation, above all the zero-dose children who have not received even a single vaccine shot. The Vaccine Alliance employs innovative finance and the latest technology – from drones to biometrics – to save lives, prevent outbreaks before they can spread and help countries on the road to self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.gavi.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Programme Management Officer (Deputy Chief of Regional Office), P-4, Cairo

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Apply here

    Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. 

    This position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Arab States in Cairo. The incumbent serves as the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office and reports directly to the Chief.

    Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 

    • Serves as Deputy to the Chief of the Regional Office for the Arab States (ROAS). Under the supervision of the Chief of Office, actively contributes to the formulation and implementation of the work plan for the Regional Office in line with the UNDRR Strategic Framework and Work Programme. Undertakes, upon delegation from the Chief of Office, programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Regional office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, recruitment and promoting capacity development of staff, evaluation of staff performance (PAS) through regular dialogue and feedback, and monitoring and reporting on budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management. Ensures that the outputs produced by teams under his/her supervision meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; and that they comply with relevant organizational mandates. 
    • Contributes to UNDRR’s global resource mobilization efforts by mobilizing resources from the region. Actively promotes a positive team culture across the Regional Office recognizing innovation, agility, learning, accountability and transparency. 
    • Supports the Chief of the Regional Office in the coordination and implementation of UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience in the region. Ensures the integration of risk reduction policies and programmes through cooperation with the relevant regional coordination mechanisms, Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Team. Identifies, builds and enhances strategic partnerships for national, sub regional and regional cooperation with Governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and science and technology community at large to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to disaster risk reduction, and to ensure meaningful involvement and participation of those stakeholders in the development and implementation of effective disaster risk reduction policies, frameworks and programmes. Represents the Chief of Regional Office and UNDRR senior leadership in relevant meetings on disaster risk reduction in the region. Provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue and holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. 
    • Under the supervision of the Chief of Office, takes the lead in coordinating the preparations for the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction; develops and implements an action plan; coordinates internal preparations and co-ordinates a core team of colleagues responsible for their respective areas of work; directs preparation and review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. Ensures engagement of relevant external stakeholders as part of the preparatory process; ensures continuous dialogue with the country hosting the Regional Platform; takes the lead in preparing the host country agreement; establishes the budget requirements for the Regional Platform and contributes to mobilization of resources for the Regional Platform; coordinates with relevant intergovernmental organizations in the region as well as UN partners and other stakeholders. Develops a follow-up action plan following each Regional Platform and monitors its implementation and works in collaboration with the Senior Programme Officer in charge of the Global Platform to ensure connectivity and coherence between the Regional Platform and ensures effective lessons learned from each Regional and Global Platform inform future Regional Platforms and their preparatory and follow-up processes. 
    • Supports the development of local, national and regional strategies in line with the Sendai Framework; strengthen policy and advocacy in support of risk informed development and ensure review and analysis of trends for the implementation of national policies and strategies are undertaken. In this regard, liaises with the Senior Programme Officer located in Bonn responsible for coordinating policy guidance on disaster risk reduction and contributes information and analysis on regional needs and priority areas of interests related to policy guidance and contributes to the development of global policy guidance from a regional perspective. Under the supervision of the Chief of Office, coordinates the implementation of ROAS Disaster Risk Reduction financing and de-risking initiatives, including on resilient infrastructure, in the region and at national level, working in cooperation with HQ colleagues and external partners. 
    • Under the supervision of the Chief of Office, contributes to effective planning and monitoring at the regional and global levels, ensure effective interface with HQ and other regions, and propose proactively new solutions and approaches. Integrate UN 2.0 approaches (data, digital, innovation, behavioural science, foresight and culture change) into the programme and operations priorities of the Regional Office. Collaborate with colleagues across offices to identify data analytics needs and support data-driven projects. Communicate and interpret data analysis findings and insights in a clear and understandable manner. Identify and define opportunities for data-driven decision-making. 
    • Acts as Officer in Charge for the role of the Chief of Office, when needed.

    Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of data life cycle including data collection, data wrangling, analysis, visualization, deployment, monitoring, and reporting. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or other related specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 

    Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. 

    Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. 

    Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

    An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics or a related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

    Not available.

    A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. 

    Experience in building strategic alliances, partnerships and resource mobilization is required. 

    Work experience in an international organization such as the United Nations or similar is required. 

    Experience in disaster risk reduction is required. 

    Experience of sustainable finance initiatives, environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in banking, lending and investment practices as well as compliance and regulatory regime is desirable.

    Experience advocating with governments and other stakeholders on critical issues is desirable. 

    Two years of demonstrated skills in data storytelling and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, and R is desirable.

    English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official languages is desirable.

    Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

    Special Notice

    At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher, temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

    United Nations Considerations

    According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

    No Fee

    THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

    Apply here

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Project Leadership and Society (Elsevier)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Project Leadership and Society (PLAS) is an academic and gold open access journal published in collaboration with the International Project Management Association (IPMA). As a sister open access journal of the International Journal of Project Management, the leading journal in the field of Project Management. PLAS opens up for novel approaches that study projects and relate them to society. Society is considered in a broad sense, including policy, leadership and managerial practice.

    PLAS articles study the interaction between projects, project leadership, project management on the one hand, and economic, social, political and organizational processes, on the other. Project leadership and management are seen in a broad sense including project based management, project-oriented management and Project Management Office (PMO) Management. All papers are expected to yield findings that have implications for policy or practice.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Stand.earth

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Stand.earth is an international environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting forests, challenging the fossil fuel industry, and promoting sustainable communities. Founded in the early 1990s as ForestEthics, the organization rebranded to Stand.earth in 2016 to reflect its broader mission.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DRC: UN Officials Raise Alarm at the Dramatic Impact of Prolonged Conflict on Women and Children, Including Increased Risk of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on Displaced People

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    New York/Geneva, 23 April 2025 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for  Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Management), Mr. Andrew Saberton, and the Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees for Protection, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, raise the alarm over the devastating impact of the prolonged conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly on women and children, expressing grave concern over the rising risks of conflict-related sexual violence.  

    Recent offensives with heightened attacks by non-state armed groups in South and North Kivu  provinces since the beginning of 2025, have contributed to dramatically increasing conflict-related  sexual violence. Sites where internally displaced people (IDP) had been living have been destroyed, and civilians have been forcibly displaced to areas without adequate protection or support, upping  their risks of violence. The looting of supplies and the restriction of humanitarian access have  worsened the condition of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, while insecurity is expanding to neighboring countries, with Congolese refugees reported in urgent need of  humanitarian aid, including health and psychological support. 

    The DRC has a record number of more than 7.8 million IDP, while an additional 1.1 million Congolese people, who fled years of ongoing violence, are hosted by neighboring countries.  

    The UN Officials warn that sexual violence is widespread and systematically used by parties to  the conflict, including against women and children, as a tactic of war to terrorize and punish the  civilian populations. Incidents of sexual violence remain highly underreported due to fear of  stigma, risks of retaliation, and limited humanitarian services and support. This horrific trend is  also part of a broader pattern of grave violations against children, including recruitment and use,  abduction, and other forms of violence. “In the context of this unprecedented security and humanitarian crisis, the conditions of women and children continue to deteriorate. Their lives are hanging on the countless days awaiting stronger actions by the international community,” the UN  Officials said. 

    More than half of the refugees who fled the DRC to neighboring countries are children; many of them are likely to have endured severe violence, including sexual violence. Their plight is exacerbated by challenging reception conditions in asylum countries, largely due to the impact of  reduced humanitarian funding. The UN Officials call on all parties to implement Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025) and take urgent steps to cease and prevent any form of conflict-related sexual violence, while ensuring protection and timely access to services for survivors, maintain open-door policies for forcibly displaced people from the DRC, and abide by their obligations under international law.  

    Survivors face limited access to essential services, including medical care, sexual and reproductive health services, case management, mental health services, and vital protection services. Ongoing hostilities further hinder service delivery with direct attacks on hospitals and shortages of medical supplies such as life-saving Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) kits. “We urge all parties to guarantee safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need, particularly children and  survivors of sexual violence. We further call for urgent action to strengthen accountability, implement gender-sensitive and child-centered responses, reestablish vital aid and support to the humanitarian plan to help survivors of conflict-related sexual violence regain their health and dignity,” the UN Officials concluded.  

    For media inquiries related to the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, please contact Ms. Géraldine Boezio (+1 917 367 3306 / geraldine.boezio@un.org) 

    For media inquiries related to the Office of the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, please contact Ms. Fabienne Vinet (+1 646-537-5066 / vinet@un.org) 

    For media inquiries related to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), please contact Ms. Eujin Byun (+41 79 747 8719 / byun@unhcr.org) 

    For media inquiries related to the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA), please contact Ms. Selinde Dulckeit (+1 646 410 3963 dulckeit@unfpa.org) 

    Background info: Before the recent hostilities erupted, the country was already on track to have record levels of grave violations against children, including sexual violence. For at least five years  now, the DRC has been the country with the highest level of verified incidents of sexual violence in conflict of all the situations on the children and armed conflict agenda. DRC has been covered in the annual reports of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence, which have been compiled by the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict since 2012. The DRC also remains the country situation with the highest number of UN-verified conflict-related sexual violence cases recorded year by year.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Press Encounter on Climate

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media, may I first express to the Government and people of Türkiye my full solidarity in this difficult moment. 

    President Lula of Brazil and I just concluded a unique meeting with a cross-section of world leaders focused on climate action and a just transition.

    The gathering included 17 participants at level of heads of state and government representing some of the world’s largest economies — including China and the European Union — and some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries.

    We also had leaders currently chairing important regional partnerships — the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States and CARICOM, along with many others.   

    It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time.

    Yet I heard a unifying message.

    Yes, our world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises.

    But we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course.

    We must keep building momentum for action at COP30 in Brazil — and today was an important part of that effort. 

    We don’t have a moment to lose.

    No region is being spared from the ravages of accelerating climate catastrophes.   

    And the crisis is deepening poverty, displacing communities, and fuelling conflict and instability.

    At the same time, countries are waking up to a clear fact: 

    Renewables are the economic opportunity of the century.

    Dissenters and fossil fuel interests may try to stand in the way.  

    But as we heard today, the world is moving forward.  Full-speed ahead.

    No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution.  

    Science is on our side — and economics have shifted.

    Prices for renewables have plummeted and the sector is booming — creating jobs and boosting competitiveness and growth worldwide.

    The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables.

    They offer the surest route to energy sovereignty and security, and ending dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuel imports.

    We also know collective climate action works. 

    Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the projected global warming-curve has been bent down — from over four degrees of temperature rise within this century, to 2.6 degrees if current national climate action plans are fully implemented.

    But that is catastrophic so we must go further and faster. 

    Today, I urged leaders to take action on two fronts.  

    First — to step up efforts to submit the strongest possible national climate plans well ahead of COP30.

    And leaders today committed to put forward ambitious and robust plans as soon as possible what was a strong message of hope.  

    These new climate plans offer a unique opportunity to lay out a bold vision for a just green transition over the next decade.

    They should align with 1.5 degrees and set emissions-reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases and the whole economy as several today mentioned clearly.

    Most importantly, they should help speed-up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables… 

    Link national energy and development strategies with climate goals…

    And signal to policymakers and investors alike a total commitment to achieving global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Second — as leaders turbocharge their own transitions, I urged them to scale-up support for developing countries.

    Those least responsible for climate change are suffering from its worst effects.

    Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming —and the Pacific islands are seeing faster sea-level rise — even while the global average itself is accelerating. 

    Meanwhile, despite being home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, Africa has only around 1.5 per cent of installed solar capacity – and receives just two per cent of global investment into renewables.

    We need to change this — fast.

    At COP30, leaders must deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year for developing countries by 2035.

    Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

    And we need significantly increased contributions and innovative sources of finance to support the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.

    Across all these fronts, we will keep up the push — including at a special event in September in the final weeks to COP30.

    As today’s meeting made clear, we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 17 April 2025 Departmental update WHO launches an update on the consolidated guidelines to diagnose tuberculosis

    Source: World Health Organisation

    To support countries and technical agencies in their efforts to strengthen detection of tuberculosis (TB), the World Health Organization (WHO) published the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis. Module 3: Diagnosis today. When compared with the previous edition issued in 2024, this guideline is the first to:

    • combine the WHO policy guidance on diagnosis of TB infection, disease and drug resistance into a single reference document;
    • present new recommendations on concurrent testing of respiratory and non-respiratory samples among people of all ages living with HIV and children without HIV or with unknown HIV status;
    • establish two new classes of TB diagnostic technologies for the initial detection of TB and resistance to rifampicin; and
    • outline current WHO TB diagnostic class determination and product assessment definitions and pathways.

    “Diagnostic options for people with TB infection and disease are rapidly expanding, driven by intensified manufacturer engagement and groundbreaking research generating new evidence. These innovations are not just scientific milestones – they are lifelines,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Programme on Tuberculosis and Lung Health. “Ensuring that every person, everywhere, has access to rapid and accurate diagnosis means reaching people with TB earlier, treating them faster, and saving more lives.”

    The WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis. Module 3: Diagnosis will accompany these WHO consolidated guidelines. The WHO operational handbook provides laboratory personnel, clinicians and other clinical staff, as well as ministries of health and technical partners, detailed guidance on implementing the WHO evidence-based recommendations. Updates in the companion Handbook include consolidation of guidance on TB infection, diagnosis and drug resistance testing, considerations for the implementation of new diagnostic classes and concurrent testing strategies, and presentation of policy statements on the use of new or updated interferon gamma release assays for the detection of TB infection, as well as targeted next generation sequencing solutions for the detection of drug-resistant TB. These class and product advances are followed by an overview of the steps and processes required to implement and scale up new tests for TB detection and revised model diagnostic algorithms that reflect the new WHO TB testing policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Anamizu Town

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Anamizu is a town located in Hōsu District, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

    Anamizu and its surrounding area experienced the 2007 Noto earthquake on March 25, 2007,and the 2024 Noto earthquake on 1 January 2024.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Shika Town

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Shika is a town located in Hakui District, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

    On January 1, 2024, the region experienced intense shaking due to the 2024 Noto earthquake. The town experienced the highest possible intensity on the Shindo scale – 7.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Public Health Communication Centre

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC) is dedicated to increasing the reach and impact of public health research, making it more accessible to the public and decision-makers. 

    Positioned at the intersection of Aotearoa New Zealand’s world-class public health research, public understanding, and evidence-informed policy, the PHCC bridges the gap between knowledge and action.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 April 2025 Policy and education: ways to end child marriage and prevent adolescent pregnancy

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Every year, an estimated 21 million girls aged 15–19 years in low- and middle-income countries become pregnant. Adolescent pregnancy leads to higher risks of maternal and infant mortality, a greater chance of mental health problems, and constraints for educational and economic prospects, which contributes to cycles of poverty and inequality that can span across generations

    In many parts of the world, adolescents lack access to the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This leaves them vulnerable to unintended pregnancies; child marriage further fuels the risk.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released an updated guideline for preventing early pregnancy and poor reproductive outcomes among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, providing evidence-based normative guidance in two key areas: preventing child marriage and improving adolescents’ access to contraception. The recommendations highlight the importance of enabling laws and policies and education to achieve these goals.  

    The power of policy

    Many countries around the world have recently stepped up to make child marriage illegal. Colombia is one of these, with members of congress abolishing  a law in November 2024 that allowed marriages from the age of 14. Importantly, the new bill they introduced also includes measures to restore the rights of children and adolescents affected by underage marriages and unions, with a special emphasis on supporting indigenous people and other vulnerable communities.

    A joint effort by authorities and society is required to eradicate this practice and guarantee the protection of girls’ rights.

    Tamara Ospina / Government of Colombia’s Vice Minister of Women

     “The effective implementation of this law shows a change in the social norms that perpetuate child marriage. A joint effort by authorities and society is required to eradicate this practice and guarantee the protection of girls’ rights,” said Tamara Ospina, the Government of Colombia’s Vice Minister of Women. “It is essential to advance a campaign for cultural change that allows for the dismantling of traditional family views and promotes the participation of girls in different sectors, especially in the educational sector, to foster greater opportunities.”

    The WHO guideline recommends the formulation and implementation of such laws and policies that prevent marriage before age 18, in line with human rights standards. However, the guideline acknowledges, in agreement with the Human Right Council Resolution, that simply making child marriage illegal is not enough. Without additional support programmes, this approach could marginalize and stigmatize girls and families, and lead to more informal or unregistered marriages, unintentionally increasing the practice.

    This is why a comprehensive approach, that includes efforts to address the root causes of child marriage, such as poverty, gender inequality and access to education, is so important. The guideline also suggests the approach should also mobilize youth and adolescents, as well as political and governmental leaders, alongside religious, traditional and other influential people in the community to promote girls’ rights.

     The importance of comprehensive sexuality education

    The WHO guideline reinforces the interagency technical guidelines on sexuality education, emphasizing that comprehensive sexuality education is key to preventing adolescent pregnancy and improving contraceptive uptake. In Colombia, implementation of the law is facilitated by work led by adolescent girls to ensure that girls have access to sexuality education.

    Ángela Rosa Cervantes Bravo is a teen activist from a rural indigenous village in Colombia where she is heavily involved in an NGO called Sinumar Foundation that focuses on girls and sexuality education with the aim to prevent adolescent pregnancy in her community. Every year, the foundation organizes an entire week of speakers on sexual education. “During this time, our mothers, children in the community, and we, as young women, are guided and filled with knowledge about our bodies, contraceptive methods, and more. We sit down with boys and girls in mixed circles, talking about sexual education, violence and any other issue that might be relevant to the community,” Cervantes Bravo said.

    Discussing topics, such as adolescent pregnancy or child marriage, comes with its challenges due to the social stigma and traditional beliefs around it. “Some parents still get upset when they hear us discussing these things, but they need to understand that we are at a stage where these conversations are necessary,” she said. The experiences of Cervantes Bravo reinforce the need to engage parents and other community members in supporting adolescents, which is highlighted as another recommendation in the updated guideline.  

    Support tools for policy makers and programme managers will be rolled out to guide decision making and ensure that interventions are contextually relevant, to support the work of countries like Colombia and of NGO’s like Sinumar Foundation.

    Avni Amin, Unit Head of Rights and Equality Across the Life Course at WHO and the UN Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) concludes: “While these guidelines offer a solid foundation for countries to address adolescent pregnancy and prevent child marriage, the true measure of their success lies in their implementation. It is essential that these guidelines are not only read but acted upon, integrated into national policies, and adapted to fit local contexts. Our goal is to see tangible changes on the ground that will empower young girls and protect their rights.” 

    Other countries that have taken recent measures to act on child marriage include Sierra Leone and Belize. Sierra Leone’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act eliminated all exceptions that previously allowed marriage under 18, ensuring a strict nationwide ban. Similarly, Belize amended its Marriage Act to raise the legal marriage age from 16 to 18, without any exceptions, reinforcing its commitment to ending child marriage. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 April 2025 Medical product alert Medical Product Alert N°2/2025: Falsified HEALMOXY (Amoxicillin) Capsules 500mg

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Alert Summary

    This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to four batches of falsified HEALMOXY Capsules 500mg. The falsified products have been detected in Cameroon and the Central African Republic and were reported to the WHO in March 2025.

    The active pharmaceutical ingredient in genuine HEALMOXY capsules is amoxicillin: it is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including middle ear infections, pneumonia, skin infections, dental infections, and urinary tract infections.

    How to identify these falsified products

    These products are falsified as they deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, and source.

    • Analysis of samples of the falsified HEALMOXY found the capsules did not contain the stated active ingredient, specifically amoxicillin.
    • At least two of the falsified products display inconsistent formats for manufacture and expiry dates. Dates on these falsified products are displayed as day/month/year in eight digits (e.g., 10/01/2027).

    Please refer to the Annex of this alert for full details of the falsified products.

    Risks

    These falsified products are unsafe and may pose significant health risks, particularly for severe infections or vulnerable individuals. The falsified HEALMOXY is not efficacious and should not be used to manage bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Without the active ingredient, these products would not be effective in treating the infection, which could lead to the infection worsening or spreading. It is crucial to detect and remove any falsified HEALMOXY from circulation to prevent harm to patients.

    Advice to healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public

    Health-care professionals should report any incident of adverse effects, lack of therapeutic effect or suspected falsification to the National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

    WHO advises increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. National regulatory authorities/health authorities/law enforcement are advised to immediately notify WHO if falsified products are detected in their country. If you are in possession of any of these products, WHO recommends that you do not use them. If you, or someone you know, has, or may have used, these products, or suffered an adverse event or unexpected side-effect after use, seek immediate medical advice from a health-care professional or contact a poisons control centre.

    All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. If you have any information about the manufacture or supply of these falsified products, please contact WHO via rapidalert@who.int. 

    Annex: Products subject of WHO Medical Product Alert N°2/2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 April 2025 News release WHO releases new guideline to prevent adolescent pregnancies and improve girls’ health

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In a bid to tackle the leading cause of death globally among 15–19-year-old girls, the World Health Organization (WHO) today released a new guideline aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and its significant related health complications.

    Among other strategies, the guideline urges rapid action to end child marriage, extend girls’ schooling, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and information – all critical factors for reducing early pregnancies among teenagers around the world.

    “Early pregnancies can have serious physical and psychological consequences for girls and young women, and often reflect fundamental inequalities that affect their ability to shape their relationships and their lives,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and the United Nations’ Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP). “Tackling this issue therefore means creating conditions where girls and young women can thrive – by ensuring they can stay in school, be protected from violence and coercion, access sexual and reproductive health services that uphold their rights, and have real choices about their futures.”

    More than 21 million adolescent girls become pregnant each year in low and middle-income countries, around half of which are unintended. With impacts on girls’ education, social connection and future employment prospects, early pregnancy can create cycles of intergenerational poverty that become difficult to break. It also brings serious health risks, including relatively higher rates of infections and preterm births as well as complications from unsafe abortions – linked to particular challenges in accessing safe and respectful care.

    Reasons for early pregnancy are varied and interrelated, including gender inequities, poverty, lack of opportunity and inability to access sexual and reproductive health services. There is a strong correlation with child marriage: in low- and middle-income countries, 9 in 10 adolescent births take place among girls who were married before the age of 18.

    The guideline recommends holistic efforts to provide viable alternatives to early marriage by strengthening girls’ education, savings and employment prospects. If all girls finished their secondary schooling, it has been estimated that child marriages could be reduced by as much as two thirds. For girls at highest risk, the guideline recommends considering incentives to support secondary school completion, such as targeted financial stipends or scholarship programmes. The guideline also recommends laws to prohibit marriage below the age of 18, consistent with human rights standards, and community engagement to prevent the practice.

    “Early marriage denies girls their childhood and has severe consequences for their health,” said Dr Sheri Bastien, Scientist for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health at WHO. “Education is critical to change the future for young girls, while empowering adolescents – both boys and girls – to understand consent, take charge of their health, and challenge the major gender inequalities that continue to drive high rates of child marriage and early pregnancy in many parts of the world.”

    The recommendations highlight the need to ensure adolescents can access high quality, adolescent-responsive sexual and reproductive health services including contraceptive options. In some countries, consent from an adult is required to access services, which is a significant barrier to their use. Young girls who get pregnant also need to be able to access high quality and respectful healthcare during and after pregnancy and birth, free from stigma and discrimination, as well as safe abortion care.

    Finally, comprehensive sexuality education is essential for both boys and girls to ensure they know where to access such services and how to use different types of contraception. It has been shown to reduce early pregnancies, delay the onset of sexual activity, and improve adolescents’ knowledge about their bodies and reproductive health. 

    This guideline updates an earlier edition of the guideline on adolescent pregnancy prevention from 2011 and focuses particularly on preventing child marriage and improving adolescents’ access to and use of contraception. It complements WHO’s related guidance around health services for adolescents, comprehensive sexuality education and gender-based violence.

    Globally, there has been progress in reducing adolescent pregnancies and births. In 2021, an estimated 1 in 25 girls gave birth before the age of 20, compared to 1 in 15 two decades prior. There remain significant disparities. In some countries, close to 1 in 10 adolescent girls (15–19 years) give birth each year.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message on the occasion of Spanish Language Day

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+3+April+25/3357800_MSG+SG+SPANISH+LANGUAGE+DAY+03+APR+25.mp4

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos:

    Hoy celebramos la fuerza, la belleza y la riqueza del español.

    Hablado por más de 600 millones de personas en todos los continentes, el español es mucho más que un idioma.

    Es un puente entre culturas, generaciones y pueblos;

    Un vehículo de educación y creatividad;

    Y un instrumento de cooperación internacional.

    Como lengua oficial de las Naciones Unidas, el español desempeña un papel importante en la diplomacia multilateral y en la promoción de la paz, de los derechos humanos y del desarrollo sostenible.

    En este Día Internacional del Idioma Español, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con el multilingüismo – piedra angular de una ONU representativa, diversa e inclusiva.

    Que el español siga iluminando caminos de diálogo, solidaridad y dignidad para todos.

    Feliz Día del Idioma Español.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Opens One Hundred and Fifteenth Session in Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this morning opened its one hundred and fifteenth session in Geneva, during which it will review anti-discrimination efforts by Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and Ukraine under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.  The Committee heard from a representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and adopted the session’s agenda.

    Antti Korkeakivi, Chief, Human Rights Treaties Branch, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and representative of the Secretary-General, opening the one hundred and fifteenth session, paid tribute to the important work of the Committee in promoting and protecting the human rights of all people without discrimination. With the Convention marking its sixtieth anniversary this year, it was an opportunity to explore avenues to generate greater political will and concrete action to fight racial discrimination. 

    Mr. Korkeakivi said a heavy programme of work was before the Committee over the next three weeks, with five major State party reviews; the consideration of five follow-up reports for Croatia, Germany, Morocco, Tajikistan and Uruguay; a half-day of general discussion on reparations for the injustices from the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans, which would inform a new general recommendation on the topic; consideration of cases under the early warning and urgent action and individual complaints procedures; and meetings with various stakeholders.  He wished the Committee a fruitful and productive session.

    Michal Balcerzak, Committee Chairperson, congratulated Mr. Korkeakivi on assuming his position, and expressed hope that he could help navigate the treaty body system through the stormy weather it was currently facing.  Mr. Balcerzak also said he hoped that, during the session, the Committee would have fruitful interactive dialogues with Ukraine, Mauritius, the Republic of Korea, Gabon and Kyrgyzstan.  He thanked the members of the Committee’s secretariat for their help in facilitating Committee Experts’ work during and between sessions.

    The programme of work and other documents related to the Committee’s one hundred and fifteenth session can be found here.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Wednesday, 23 April at 3 p.m. to consider the combined twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth periodic reports of Ukraine (CERD/C/UKR/24-26).

    Statements

    ANTTI KORKEAKIVI, Chief, Human Rights Treaties Branch, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and representative of the Secretary-General, opening the one hundred and fifteenth session, said the international system was going through a tectonic shift, and the human rights edifice that was built up so painstakingly over decades had never been under so much strain.  Everyone needed to make an all-out effort to ensure that human rights and the rule of law remained foundational to communities, societies and international relations.  Otherwise, the picture would be very dangerous.

    The Secretary-General, in his message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, warned that “The poison of racism continues to infect our world – a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination.  It corrupts communities, blocks opportunities, and ruins lives, eroding the very foundations of dignity, equality and justice.  Forged amidst the civil rights, anti-apartheid, and decolonisation movements of the 1960s, the Convention sets out concrete steps countries must take to combat racist doctrines, promote understanding, and build a world free from racial discrimination.  Today, it remains a beacon of hope to guide us in dark times.”

    Mr. Korkeakivi paid tribute to the important work of the Committee to monitor the implementation of the Convention and its significant contributions in promoting and protecting the human rights of all people without discrimination.  With the Convention marking its sixtieth anniversary this year, it was an opportunity to explore avenues to generate greater political will and concrete action to fight racial discrimination.

    In this connection, several events were held to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the sixtieth anniversary.  The Committee Chair, Mr. Balcerzak, participated in person in commemorative events at the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, presenting a joint statement led by the Committee together with 10 other mechanisms.  The Office of the High Commissioner would continue to support the Committee in its objectives for the yearlong anniversary campaign.  It had created a website on the anniversary, which presented a list of commemorative activities that would be updated throughout the year. 

    The High Commissioner’s annual report on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, presented to the fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council last month, extensively referenced the Committee’s assessment of the realisation of minority rights and acknowledged the important contribution made by the Committee in advancing the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation worldwide.  Last December, the United Nations Network on Racial Discrimination and Protection of Minorities organised a community-of-practice on the Committee’s general recommendation 37 to discuss how countries could use it to eliminate racial discrimination in the context of health. 

    Further, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in its 2024 study on mechanisms to achieve the United National Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, underscored the relevance of the Committee’s jurisprudence in protecting the political and cultural rights of indigenous peoples. The study highlighted how the Committee’s work reinforced the principles of the Declaration and strengthened the role of international treaty bodies in holding States accountable for respecting the collective rights of indigenous peoples.

    In December 2024, the General Assembly proclaimed 2025-2034 as the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, with the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development”.  The Office of the High Commissioner had continued consultations to inform the implementation of its agenda towards transformative change for racial justice and equality. 

    The session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent in December 2024 also focused on reparatory justice.  Their report would be presented at the Human Rights Council session in September 2025. The Working Group organised yesterday a panel to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention. Also, in December 2024, the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent held its first regional consultation on the draft United Nations Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent in Barbados.  The fourth session of the Permanent Forum held last week focused on “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of Artificial Intelligence”. 

    Additionally, the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement would hold its fourth session from 5 to 9 May 2025 in Geneva.  It would discuss “addressing systemic racism against Africans and people of African descent in the criminal justice system” in preparation of its thematic report on the same topic.

    In March 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner organised a regional consultation for Europe on racism in sports in Belgium.  The second consultation for the Latin American region would take place in Mexico. The outcomes of these regional consultations would inform the High Commissioner’s report on a world of sport free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, to be presented at the Human Rights Council’s September session.

    The fifteenth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on the elaboration of complementary standards to the Convention was continuing efforts to elaborate an additional protocol to the Convention aiming at criminalising acts of a racist and xenophobic nature.  This session would focus on concrete provisions related to the prohibition and criminalisation of such acts, procedural guarantees for indicted persons and the protection of victims.  The session also included a commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention. 

    The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance would present two thematic reports on intersectionality from a racial justice perspective, and combatting the glorification of Nazism, as well as a report on her country visit to Brazil, at the fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council in June 2025.

    The past year had been particularly challenging for the treaty body system.  In addition to chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis continued to hamper the planning and implementation of the Committee’s work. The Office was doing its utmost to ensure that this Committee and other treaty bodies could implement their mandates, including by highlighting the direct impact that resource limitations had on human rights protection on the ground.  Nevertheless, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future.  While all treaty bodies had been able to hold their first sessions, the outlook for the rest of the year remained uncertain, both in terms of plenary meeting and visits.  The Office would inform the Committee when it received information regarding its second session for the year.

    Despite these challenges, the treaty body strengthening process remained active.  It reached a key moment with the adoption in December of last year of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly, which invited the treaty bodies and the Office to continue to work toward a regularised schedule for reporting and to further use digital technologies.  However, the biennial resolution did not endorse the proposal for an eight-year predictable schedule of reviews.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Korkeakivi said a heavy programme of work was before the Committee over the next three weeks, with five major State party reviews; the consideration of five follow-up reports for Croatia, Germany, Morocco, Tajikistan and Uruguay; a half-day of general discussion on reparations for the injustices from the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans, and the ongoing crimes against people of African descent, which would inform a new general recommendation on the topic; consideration of cases under the early warning and urgent action and individual complaints procedures; and meetings with various stakeholders.  He wished the Committee a fruitful and productive session.

    MICHAL BALCERZAK, Committee Chairperson, congratulated Mr. Korkeakivi on assuming his position.  The Committee hoped that he could achieve his mandate and navigate the treaty body system through the stormy weather it was currently facing.  Mr. Balcerzak expressed hope that, during the session, the Committee would have fruitful interactive dialogues with Ukraine, Mauritius, the Republic of Korea, Gabon and Kyrgyzstan.  He thanked the members of the Committee’s secretariat for its help facilitating Committee Experts’ work during and between sessions.

    NOUREDDIN AMIR, Committee Expert, said that he had been fighting all forms of racial discrimination for half a century, including as the Committee’s former Chair.  Despite his failing eyesight, he would continue to breathe life to the Committee’s struggle against racial discrimination.  The world was in a sorry state, Mr. Amir said.  The Committee needed to ensure that the international community was fully cognisant of what was happening in the world today. Murders were being committed in Palestine, in Gaza.  What could the Committee do to put an end to these crimes against women and children. This situation beggared belief, yet it continued.  People needed to be held accountable.  The Committee had a responsibility to continue to fight for its mandate.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CERD25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Mr. Ian Martin of the United Kingdom – Head of the Strategic Assessment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General announced today the appointment of Ian Martin of the United Kingdom as Head of the Strategic Assessment, as part of his UN80 initiative, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
     
    The Secretary-General is tasking Mr. Martin with conducting the Strategic Assessment in order to review UNRWA’s impact; implementation of its mandate under present political, financial, security and other constraints; and, consequences and risks, for Palestine
    Refugees.  He has further been tasked with identifying options for action, by Member States and/or the United Nations, and considering overall United Nations mandates provided by the General Assembly and the Security Council.
     
    Mr. Martin has had a distinguished service within the United Nations.  He was involved in a number of strategic reviews, most recently as the Lead of the Independent Strategic Review of the United Nations Mission in Somalia and before then as a member of the
    High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations.  Mr. Martin served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and in various positions in other UN field operations, including in Timor-Leste,
    Nepal, Eritrea, Rwanda and Haiti.
     
    Mr. Martin holds a Master of Arts in history and economics from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and studied development economics at Harvard University, United States of America.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP warns of rising hunger and malnutrition in Ethiopia as humanitarian needs outpace resources

    Source: World Food Programme

    WFP/Michael Tewelde. A 7-month-old baby girl, was identified as moderately malnourished during a TSF assistance program at the Endaba-Guna IDP camp in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise in Ethiopia as ongoing conflict, regional instability, displacement, drought and economic shocks, leave millions without sufficient nutritious food, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned today. The organization’s life-saving response has been severely hampered by critical funding shortfalls as 3.6 million of the most vulnerable are at imminent risk of losing food assistance, including malnutrition treatment for 650,000 women and children.

    Below is an update on food security and WFP operations in Ethiopia:

    Food Security Situation

    • More than 10 million people are facing hunger and malnutrition across Ethiopia. These include three million people forced from their homes due to conflict and extreme weather.
    • Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, with 4.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women and children in need of treatment.
    • In parts of Somali, Oromia, Tigray, and Afar regions, child wasting has surpassed the 15 percent emergency threshold.
    • Humanitarian needs in Ethiopia are rising due to conflict in neighboring countries. WFP already supports 800,000 refugees in Ethiopia, including 100,000 Sudanese refugees, while escalating insecurity in northeastern South Sudan could drive 10,000 more refugees across the border. 
    • Poor rainfall expected in south-eastern Ethiopia through May risks another drought in the Somali region as families are still reeling from the 2020-2023 drought – the country’s longest on record.

    WFP Response

    • WFP delivered food and nutrition assistance to more than three million people in the first quarter of 2025, with 80 percent rations to displaced and severely food-insecure Ethiopians, and 60 percent rations to up to one million refugees.
    • This year, WFP has treated 740,000 children and pregnant or breastfeeding women for malnutrition and provided 50,000 families with fresh food vouchers.
    • WFP provides daily school meals to about 470,000 children every month, including 70,000 children from refugee communities – prioritising conflict-affected and food-insecure woredas in northern Ethiopia.
    • WFP is helping communities to prepare and protect their livelihoods in drought-prone Oromia, Somali and Southern regions, targeting over 200,000 people with early warning messages and cash transfers. 

    Access Challenges

    • Ongoing violence and insecurity in Amhara are disrupting WFP’s humanitarian operations, threatening our ability to reach over half a million vulnerable people in the region. 
    • Criminal activities such as car hijacking, threats, and theft, are on the rise and pose serious risks to staff safety and impact the delivery of life saving assistance. 

    Funding

    • Without urgent new funding, 3.6 million of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable people will lose access to WFP’s life-saving food and nutrition assistance in the coming weeks. 
    • WFP is being forced to halt treatment for 650,000 malnourished women and children in May due to insufficient funding. WFP had planned to reach 2 million mothers and children with life-saving nutrition assistance in 2025. 
    • Cash and in-kind food assistance for up to one million refugees will stop in June if additional funding is not received and the number of people fleeing violence in South Sudan continues.
    • Despite the generosity of many governments and individual donors, WFP in Ethiopia faces a funding shortfall of US$222 million between April and September 2025.

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    About WFP 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_ethiopia @wfp_africa

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Expert Meeting on Dissemination and Communication of Statistics

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    About the meeting

    In today’s rapidly changing world, statistical organisations are facing increasingly complex challenges in effectively disseminating and communicating data. With the continuous emergence of new technologies and platforms, the growing need to provide the right data product to the right people in a timelier manner as well as the rising competition from private data providers, statistical organisations must adapt quickly to continue serving their critical role as providers of official statistics that are fundamental to informed decision-making in society.

    The Expert Meeting on Dissemination and Communication of Statistics aims to bring together experts from around the world to exchange their experiences and lessons learned from these challenges. The target audience of the expert meeting includes senior and middle-level managers responsible for data dissemination and communication, across all statistical domains.

    Detailed information and examples of topics to be covered in the meeting, registration, contributions and other organizational aspects can be found in Information Notice #1. 

    Document Title Documents Paper  Presentations
    ENG ENG
    Information Notice 1 PDF –
    Information Notice 2 (logistic information)   –
    Timetable   –

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Message for International Mother Earth Day [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mother Earth is running a fever.  

    Last year was the hottest ever recorded: 

    The final blow in a decade of record heat.   

    We know what’s causing this sickness: the greenhouse gas emissions humanity is pumping into the atmosphere – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels.    

    We know the symptoms: devastating wildfires, floods and heat. Lives lost and livelihoods shattered.    

    And we know the cure:  rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and turbocharging adaptation, to protect ourselves – and nature – from climate disasters.  

    Getting on the road to recovery is a win-win.  

    Renewable power is cheaper, healthier, and more secure than fossil fuel alternatives.  

    And action on adaptation is critical to creating robust economies and safer communities, now and in the future.   

    This year is critical.  

    All countries must create new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe.  

    This is a vital chance to seize the benefits of clean power. I urge all countries to take it, with the G20 leading the way.  

    We also need action to tackle pollution, slam the brakes on biodiversity loss, and deliver the finance countries need to protect our planet.  

    Together, let’s get to work and make 2025 the year we restore good health to Mother Earth. 

    *****
     

    La Terre nourricière est prise de fièvre. 

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée – le coup de grâce d’une décennie de chaleur record. 

    Nous savons la cause de cette maladie : les émissions de gaz à effet de serre que l’humanité rejette dans l’atmosphère, et qui proviennent essentiellement des combustibles fossiles. 

    Nous en connaissons les symptômes : les incendies de forêt, les inondations et les chaleurs, qui font des ravages. Des vies perdues et des moyens de subsistance anéantis. 

    Et nous connaissons le remède : réduire rapidement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et accélérer l’adaptation pour nous protéger – et protéger la nature – des catastrophes climatiques. 

    Tout le monde gagne à prendre le chemin de la guérison. 

    Les énergies renouvelables sont moins chères, plus saines et plus sûres que les combustibles fossiles. 

    Les mesures d’adaptation sont essentielles pour créer des économies solides et des sociétés plus sûres, aujourd’hui et demain. 

    L’année 2025 est décisive. 

    Tous les pays doivent établir de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat compatibles avec l’objectif de limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré Celsius, qui sera primordial pour éviter la pire des catastrophes climatiques. 

    Il s’agit d’une occasion unique de profiter des avantages de l’énergie propre. J’invite tous les pays à la saisir, le G20 montrant la voie à suivre. 

    Nous devons également agir pour lutter contre la pollution, freiner l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité et fournir les fonds dont les pays ont besoin pour protéger notre planète. 

    Ensemble, mettons-nous à l’œuvre et faisons de 2025 l’année où nous remettrons d’aplomb la Terre nourricière. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on the passing of Pope Francis

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Kamal Kishore, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Paola Albrito, Director of UNDRR, express their condolences over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

    “Today the world lost a force for good, who advocated for the marginalized, for reducing human suffering, and for promoting human dignity. We mourn the loss of a leader who was committed to humanity and who truly embodied the spirit of leaving no one behind.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: [UNDRR-CCFLA-MCR2030] Investing in Urban Climate Resilience: From Project Preparation to Implementation

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Time: 09:00 London | 17:00 Incheon
    Date: 22 May 2025 (Thursday)
    Event Language: English

    Description

    Cities face many critical challenges in accessing financial resources for adaptation and resilience projects, including for disaster response and preparedness. Among these are challenges with the capacity of cities to develop investible adaptation and resilience projects and implement technical solutions to climate hazards.

    This one-hour webinar aims to provide attendees with an understanding of the landscape of urban climate finance, introduce the project preparation process, and share examples of successful implementation of adaptation and resilience actions in global cities. The session will also showcase tools available by the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA) and its members that city and subnational governments can use to enhance their project preparation capacity and develop investible projects to enhance their resilience to climate hazards and disasters. 

    Hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI), the webinar is open to local government officials and relevant stakeholders, especially those responsible for disaster and climate actions and seeking next steps towards accessing finance for implementation.
     

    Guest Speakers:

    • Kristiina Yang, Manager, CCFLA
    • Alastair Mayes, Program Associate, CCFLA

    Organizers:

    • Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA)
    • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI)
    • Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)
       

    About the organizers

    Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA)

    CCFLA is the main multi-level and multi-stakeholder coalition aimed at closing the investment gap for urban subnational climate projects and infrastructure worldwide, launched at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Summit in September 2014 and renewed at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Summit in September 2019. CCFLA provides a platform to convene and exchange knowledge among all relevant actors dedicated to urban development, climate action, and/or financing.

    CCFLA’s 80+ members include public and private finance institutions, national governments, international organizations, NGOs, research groups, UN organizations, and city and regional networks that represent most of the world’s largest cities. CCFLA works across several key thematic areas including tracking urban climate finance, project preparation, urban adaptation and resilience finance, private sector mobilization, and public sector and enabling environments. 
    The CCFLA Secretariat is hosted by Climate Policy Initiative (CPI). 

    For more information: https://citiesclimatefinance.org

    UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI)

    UNDRR GETI was established in 2010 to develop a new cadre of professionals in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to build disaster resilient societies. GETI has a global mandate to provide capacity building support to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sustainable development; convene and support inter-city learning to strengthen resilience (Making Cities Resilient); and to provide capacity building and best practice sharing support to national training institutions working on resilience issues. Based in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, UNDRR GETI is also the global secretariat of the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030). 

    For more information: https://www.undrr.org/about-undrr-where-we-work/incheon

    Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)

    The Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) is a unique cross-stakeholder initiative for improving local resilience through advocacy, sharing knowledge and experiences, establishing mutually reinforcing city-to-city learning networks, injecting technical expertise, connecting multiple layers of government and building partnerships.  Through delivering a clear 3-stage roadmap to urban resilience, providing tools, access to knowledge, monitoring and reporting tools. MCR2030 will support cities on their journey to reduce risk and build resilience. MCR2030 aims to ensure cities become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030, contributing directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, and other global frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.  

    For more information: https://mcr2030.undrr.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM mourns the passing of Pope Francis: a moral voice for migrants and the most vulnerable

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, whose pontificate was marked by unwavering moral leadership in defence of human dignity and the rights of migrants and the most vulnerable.

    From the very beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis placed migration at the centre of his mission. His first trip outside of Rome in 2013 took him to Lampedusa, where he commemorated migrants who had lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean. There he denounced what he called the “globalization of indifference” and urged the world not to look away from human suffering.

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis brought global attention to the human face of migration, consistently urging compassion, solidarity and shared responsibility. In his message for the 2018 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, he encouraged the international community to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees. These are principles that should be a constant moral guidance to the international community.

    His clear and courageous voice reminded the world of our shared humanity and the urgency to act. His deep engagement with the realities of people on the move left a lasting mark on global efforts to promote safe, dignified and humane migration.

    IOM joins the international community in mourning a figure whose legacy will continue to inspire. His strong commitment to those at the margins stands as a guiding light in the pursuit of a more compassionate and just world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Welcome to this twenty-fourth Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues – and thank you for bringing the voices, insights, aspirations, and concerns of Indigenous Peoples to this global stage.

    The world’s Indigenous Peoples are magnificently diverse in cultures, languages, histories, and traditions…

    But united by common features and common challenges. 

    You are the pre-eminent stewards of the world’s biodiversity and of the environment.

    Your knowledge and traditional practices are leading models of conservation and sustainable use – reflecting your commitment to living life in harmony with Mother Earth, and to the wellbeing and rights of future generations.

    The world has much to learn from your wisdom, insights and approaches, which prioritise the health of ecosystems over short-term economic gains…

    As we tackle the many challenges that we face – building sustainable food systems, moving to sustainable ways of livings, and more, we must recognize that the world does not always value you as it should.

    Dear Friends,

    The difficulties facing Indigenous Peoples around the world are an affront to dignity and justice. And a source of deep sorrow for me personally.

    Indigenous women face particular challenges – including barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services.

    On a trip to Suriname three years ago, I had the honour of visiting the Kaliña Peoples. 

    I witnessed how climate change is devastating their lands, and destroying their way of life.

    And I heard how mercury from illegal mining is harming Indigenous Peoples in the region, as in many others, namely, including Brazil – poisoning their water and food supplies. 

    Everywhere, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontline of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – despite having done nothing to create these crises and everything to try to stop them.

    Eviction and illegal exploitation continue to harm your people and grossly violate your rights.

    You face marginalisation, discrimination, unemployment, economic disadvantage and horrendous violence – particularly as you seek to defend our common home.  

    And too often you are excluded from decisions that directly impact your land and territories – threatening your ways of life and food security.

    Meanwhile, a looming threat grows – the race for minerals critical to the global energy transition – a large proportion of which are located on or close to Indigenous Peoples’ territories.

    As demand soars, too often we see dispossession; exclusion and marginalisation in decision-making; the rights of Indigenous Peoples trampled and health jeopardised, all as you are denied the benefits you deserve.

    Dear Friends,

    We know how to right these wrongs.

    Eighteen years ago, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples laid out a blueprint for securing the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

    The Declaration has been used by courts, parliaments and communities, to secure rights and galvanise political action. 

    And multilateralism has delivered progress. In the past year, countries have made important new commitments:

    In the Global Digital Compact – to build digital skills and capacities, including among Indigenous Peoples…

    In the Pact for the Future’s call to “recognize, respect, promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, their territories, lands and ecosystems, while safeguarding their traditions, spiritual beliefs and ancestral knowledge” – and to help do so by ensuring a seat at decision-making tables…

    And at COP16 on biodiversity. Countries committed to create a permanent new subsidiary body – a space for Indigenous Peoples and others to participate in decision-making on biodiversity. 

    And they agreed on sharing the benefits of digital genetic information – with a portion of the new Cali Fund supporting Indigenous Peoples. 

    Indigenous Peoples – particularly members of this Forum – also contributed to the work of the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

    The Panel’s principles and recommendations are grounded in human rights, including the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    Yet, we know there is much further to go.

    And I hear your calls for greater and more meaningful participation in the United Nations.

    The focus of this year’s session is implementing the Declaration within Member States and within the United Nations system. 

    This is an urgent call to action.

    And I would point to four specific areas.

    First, strengthening the Permanent Forum.

    We need Member States to ensure high-level representation.

    And we need to fortify the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues – broadening the donor-base and increasing contributions.

    This is vital to enabling the Forum to deliver its work, including through participation and representation at international meetings. 

    Second, I urge governments and institutions to ensure that the leadership, rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples are recognized and acted upon across the board.

    In a world in flux, it is particularly important that Governments are alert to the impacts on Indigenous Peoples. 

    Governments must honour their obligations in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – without delay.

    And bring Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, into all forms of decision-making, and support political participation.

    Third, international finance providers should make Indigenous Peoples a key consideration – so that finance flows to their self-determined priorities and projects are including interactions.

    And fourth, I urge countries, companies and more, to work with us to deliver on all the recommendations of the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

    We will soon launch the High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate action on benefit sharing, value addition, and fair trade – and the needs and input of Indigenous communities will be key.

    Let’s be clear:  The clean energy era must power progress on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

    Distinguished Members of the Forum,

    Upholding the dignity and worth of every person is central to the work and mission of the United Nations.

    It is our essence.

    And because it is at our core, we say loudly and clearly: 

    The individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples are non-negotiable.

    Now and forever, we stand with you all in making those rights a reality for Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to press – on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I want to extend my deepest condolences to Catholics, and all those around the world, inspired by the extraordinary life and example of His Holiness Pope Francis. 

    Pope Francis was a messenger of hope, humility and humanity. 
     
    He was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. 

    He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.
     
    Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths — working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. 
     
    Through the years, we at the United Nations were greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization — a message I was honoured to convey in my meetings with him as Secretary-General.

    Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person.

    Many of us find great meaning in his final Easter message delivered just yesterday.  

    He appealed for us not to yield to – as he called it – the “logic of fear”.  

    Instead, he urged the world to invest in what he referred to as the “weapons of peace” – to help the most vulnerable, to fight hunger, to advance development. 

    Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.  

    Thank you.  
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s statement – on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity. 

    Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.

    Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths — working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. 

    Through the years, the United Nations was greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization — a message I conveyed in my meetings with him as Secretary-General. 

    In his historic 2015 visit to United Nations headquarters, he spoke of the organization’s ideal of a “united human family.”

    Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person. His Papal Encyclical — Laudato Si — was a major contribution to the global mobilization that resulted in the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change. 

    Pope Francis once said: “The future of humankind isn’t exclusively in the hands of politicians, of great leaders, of big companies…[it] is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognize the other as a ‘you’ and themselves as part of an ‘us.’”

    Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.  

    I offer my deepest condolences to Catholics and all those around the world inspired by the extraordinary life and example of Pope Francis. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –