News by topic: Health, Poverty

Central African Republic: UN measles vaccination campaign to protect 125,000 children

21 May – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners are launching an emergency measles vaccination campaign that will aim to reach 125,000 children in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Over 7 million people now receiving HIV treatment in Africa – UN report

21 May – The number of people in Africa receiving antiretroviral treatment increased from less than 1 million to 7.1 million over seven years, according to a United Nations report which documents the progress in the AIDS response in the world’s second largest continent.

UN agency steps up efforts to help Niger respond to cholera epidemic

21 May – The United Nations refugee agency said today it is working to help contain a cholera epidemic in Niger that has already claimed seven lives, including those of two Malian refugees, in a little over a week.

Hunger, poverty rates in Egypt up sharply over past three years – UN report

21 May – Poverty and food insecurity in Egypt have risen significantly over the last three years, according to a joint reports released today by the United Nations food agency and partners.

Greater efforts, resources needed to improve health of Palestinian refugees – UN report

21 May – Health programmes carried out by the United Nations agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees has helped to improve their lives, but greater efforts and more resources are needed to effectively tackle health challenges, particularly during times of conflict, says a new report.

In campaign to stem food waste, UN agency spotlights traditional preservation methods

21 May – Fermenting birds, naturally freeze-drying potatoes and squeezing meat on a saddle are some of the traditional methods used by cultures around the world to preserve food highlighted today by the United Nations environment agency, which is stressing the importance of reducing food waste.

In Mozambique, Ban calls for push to achieve Millennium Development Goals

20 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized the importance of countries stepping up their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before their 2015 deadline and stressed developing countries like Mozambique have the most to benefit from accelerated action.

Amid competing global challenges, public health deserves priority – UN official

20 May – At a time when the world is dealing with myriad challenges, from climate change to food insecurity, it is more important than ever to ensure that public health receives the both the attention and resources it deserves to ensure the well-being of millions, a senior United Nations official said today.

Consensus forming on ‘golden thread of development,’ says co-chair of UN panel on post-2015 agenda

15 May – A United Nations high-level panel on a post-2015 global development agenda wrapped up today with consensus emerging on how to make a more equitable world, said British Prime Minister David Cameron in his role as co-chair of the body.

Tetanus eliminated in over 30 countries at high risk – UN and partners

15 May – The United Nations and its partners today announced that tetanus – one of the most deadly diseases a mother and her newborn can face – has been eliminated in more than 30 countries with previously had high rates of the illness.