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Haiti is in freefall as gangs tighten their grip on the capital, violence spreads, and the country teeters on the edge of collapse, according to William O’Neill, the UN-designated human rights expert on Haiti.

After his fourth visit to assess conditions, O’Neill briefed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, painting a dire picture of suffering and despair.

“I hate to sound like a broken record,” he admitted, “but the situation is more dire each time I go.”

Gangs Expand Control Amid Lawlessness

Despite the efforts of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, gang rule is expanding beyond Port-au-Prince, threatening to engulf the entire country.

✔ Gangs kill, rape, and terrorize communities with impunity.
✔ Homes are set on fire, and entire neighborhoods are forced to flee.
✔ Powerful actors may be complicit in enabling gang operations.

“These violent criminal groups infiltrate all spheres of society,” O’Neill warned, raising concerns over corruption at the highest levels.

Harrowing Testimonies: Haiti’s Children at the Center of Crisis

O’Neill shared firsthand testimonies from survivors, including children who have endured unimaginable horrors.

A 16-year-old girl, raped and orphaned by gang violence:
“Seven masked gunmen broke into my home in Kenscoff, raped and beat me and my stepmother. Then they killed my father in front of me.”

Despite her trauma, she still dreams of becoming a psychologist for young survivors. However, resources for victims remain severely inadequate.

A 12-year-old boy, forced into a gang, now in prison:
“I don’t want any more bandits in my country. Later, I’ll be a pilot.”

His words underscore the urgent need for reintegration programs to save children trapped in Haiti’s cycle of violence.

Over a Million Haitians Displaced with Nowhere to Go

Haiti’s crisis has displaced more than a million people, with thousands more fleeing in recent weeks.
IDP camps are overcrowded, with sexual violence and hunger rampant.
Community tensions are rising, as even students have attacked displaced families seeking shelter.

“The desperate are turning against the more desperate,” O’Neill said, describing a nation breaking under the weight of suffering.

A Call for Urgent Action: ‘Haiti’s Survival Is at Stake’

✔ Political unity and solidarity must drive immediate action.
✔ Fighting corruption and impunity is critical to dismantling gangs.
✔ Responses to gang violence must respect human rights, including the right to life.

“There is not a day to lose. There is no alternative,” O’Neill declared.
“Haiti’s survival is at stake.”

What’s Next?

The UN, regional allies, and international organizations must step up efforts to:
✔ Provide security and humanitarian aid to displaced populations.
✔ Strengthen law enforcement and justice to combat criminal networks.
✔ Invest in rebuilding communities and supporting survivors.

Haiti stands at a breaking point, and the world cannot afford inaction.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fourth year, the displacement crisis persists, with civilians facing daily attacks, destruction, and forced evacuations.

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, marked the three-year anniversary of the war on February 24, revealing that:

• Over 200,000 people have been evacuated from frontline areas in the east and north in the past six months alone.
• Since the invasion began, 10.6 million people have been displaced, with millions still fleeing ongoing violence.

Frontline Evacuations Amid Relentless Attacks

Many displaced Ukrainians first arrive at transit centers, where they receive temporary shelter, clothing, and cash assistance.

Serhii Zelenyi, a small-scale farmer from Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, was one of the last in his neighborhood to leave.

“Drones were swarming over the city every day, from morning till late at night,” Zelenyi recalls.
“Sometimes there was a two-hour pause, then bombardments started again. It was impossible.”

After weeks of relentless attacks, no electricity, food shortages, and the constant fear of death, he fled to Pavlohrad, where he now must rebuild his life from scratch.

Trauma and Emotional Toll on Civilians

The psychological impact of war remains severe, as those arriving from the frontlines are in acute distress.

Alyona Sinaeva, a psychologist with Proliska (a UNHCR partner organization in Pavlohrad), describes the extreme emotional exhaustion of evacuees:
“They come from cities where active fighting is taking place. In this space, they can relax and cry. These are emotions they have not been able to show until now.”

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partners are providing:
✔ Emergency cash assistance for basic necessities.
✔ Hygiene kits, food aid, and legal support.
✔ Psychosocial services for trauma recovery.

The Scale of the Humanitarian Crisis

• 12.7 million people—about one-third of Ukraine’s population—now require urgent humanitarian assistance.
• 11 years since the start of conflict in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, destruction and mass displacement remain a daily reality.

A Call for Sustained Support

As Ukraine’s war continues, millions of displaced families need ongoing humanitarian aid to survive and rebuild. The UN, local NGOs, and international donors must work together to:
✔ Ensure safe evacuations for those in active conflict zones.
✔ Provide long-term housing and employment solutions for displaced families.
✔ Strengthen mental health support for trauma survivors.

The world must not turn away from Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis—for those still fleeing, every moment matters.

In a landmark decision, governments have agreed to mobilize $200 billion annually to strengthen biodiversity protection and restore fragile ecosystems by 2030. This breakthrough was achieved at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16.2) in Rome, following previous setbacks in Cali, Colombia, last November.

Urgent Need for Biodiversity Funding

The agreement under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a crucial step toward addressing:

• Massive biodiversity loss, with over one million species threatened with extinction.
• Environmental destruction from deforestation, mining, pollution, and climate change.
• The impact of conflicts on natural ecosystems, as war zones suffer extensive ecological damage.

UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric welcomed the decision, emphasizing the urgency:
“We need to mobilize at least $200 billion a year by 2030 to close the global biodiversity finance gap.”

Key Outcomes from COP16.2

After days of intense negotiations, governments reached decisions on:
✔ Biodiversity finance mechanisms to ensure long-term funding.
✔ Monitoring and reporting frameworks to track biodiversity progress.
✔ Concrete targets for restoring degraded ecosystems and protecting 30% of the planet by 2030.

Currently, only 17% of land and 8% of marine areas are protected, making this agreement a major step toward reversing nature loss.

Commitment to Indigenous Rights & Conservation

The agreement also reinforces commitments made under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022), which:

• Prioritizes Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation efforts.
• Calls for restoration of 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
• Recognizes Indigenous land rights and traditional knowledge as vital to protecting biodiversity.

“Only by working together can we make peace with nature a reality,” said COP16 President Susana Muhamad.

The Cali Fund: A New Era for Biodiversity Financing

At the COP16.2 sidelines, the Cali Fund, established in Colombia in late 2024, was officially launched. This innovative fund is designed to generate sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation through private sector contributions.

How the Cali Fund Works:

• Companies profiting from genetic resources in nature (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biotech) must contribute a portion of their revenue to the fund.
• Funds will be used to implement the UN Biodiversity Convention and the Kunming-Montreal framework.
• 50% of Cali Fund resources will be allocated directly to Indigenous and local communities, recognizing their role as biodiversity custodians.

Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP Deputy Executive Director, called on businesses to step up:
“Those who pay into the fund will go down in history as pioneers and will reap the benefits as the public increasingly recognizes the importance of giving back to nature.”

“Multilateralism Works”: A Win for Global Cooperation

Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, hailed the agreement as proof that multilateralism is effective.

“We now have a clear mandate to close the biodiversity finance gap,” she said. “With this agreement, the world has given itself the means to protect nature for future generations.”

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Biodiversity Action

With COP16.2 setting the stage for major conservation efforts, the focus now shifts to implementation and accountability.
✔ Ensuring the $200 billion commitment is fulfilled annually.
✔ Scaling up private sector contributions through the Cali Fund.
✔ Strengthening biodiversity laws and national policies.
✔ Enhancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

The agreement marks a turning point for global biodiversity protection, demonstrating that international cooperation can deliver tangible solutions for the planet.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed Caribbean leaders in Barbados on Wednesday, outlining urgent global and regional challenges, including Haiti’s escalating crisis, climate justice, and financial reform. Speaking at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting, Guterres called for unity and decisive action to address these pressing issues.

Haiti: A Call for Effective Security Action

Guterres announced a potential plan to support an “effective force” in Haiti as the country continues to face brutal gang violence, political instability, and a humanitarian crisis. He praised CARICOM’s role in supporting Haiti’s peace efforts and urged continued efforts toward a Haitian-led political process that restores democratic institutions through elections.

To support stability:

• A UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission is already assisting the Haitian National Police.
• Guterres plans to propose a UN financial mechanism similar to Somalia, where the UN covers structural and logistical costs, while salaries are paid through an existing trust fund.
• He hopes the UN Security Council will approve this plan, ensuring a strong, effective force to help Haiti reclaim security and democracy.

“If the Security Council accepts this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” he declared, drawing applause from Caribbean leaders.

The Climate Crisis: An Opportunity for the Caribbean

Guterres emphasized the climate crisis as an injustice, noting that Caribbean nations have contributed almost nothing to global emissions but are among the most vulnerable to climate disasters.

Urgent Climate Actions Needed

• Countries must deliver new climate action plans ahead of COP30 later this year, aligning with the 1.5°C temperature goal.
• The G20 nations must lead by example, committing to deep emission cuts and transitioning to clean energy.
• The $1.3 trillion in climate finance agreed at previous COP summits must be mobilized immediately.
• Developed nations must honor commitments to the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to compensate vulnerable nations for climate-related destruction.

Guterres pointed out the absurdity of current financial priorities, stating:
“When the Fund was created, the pledges made were equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City.”

He urged Caribbean leaders to embrace clean energy, reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, and tap into the region’s vast renewable energy potential.

Financing Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain severely underfunded as debt servicing drains resources from Caribbean nations. Guterres praised the region for leading bold financial reforms, including:

• The Pact for the Future – A UN-backed initiative advocating for financial reforms to support developing nations.
• The Bridgetown Initiative – A Caribbean-led proposal to reshape global finance, increase debt relief, and ensure fairer access to funding for sustainable development.

Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for financial reform, securing commitments such as:
✔ A $500 billion annual SDG Stimulus to support development projects.
✔ Reforming international financial institutions to allow greater participation by developing nations.

A Call for Unity and Action

Guterres concluded by urging Caribbean leaders to keep pushing for global accountability, stating:
“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.”

From Haiti’s crisis to climate resilience and economic justice, the Caribbean continues to play a critical role in shaping global solutions. For continued updates on regional diplomacy, climate action, and financial reforms, stay connected to our platform.

The global refugee crisis continues to escalate, with 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide as of mid-2023 due to conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and environmental disasters. Among them:

• 36.4 million refugees, including 30.5 million under UNHCR’s mandate and 5.94 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA.
• 62.1 million internally displaced people who have fled violence but remain within their home countries.
• 6.08 million asylum seekers waiting for refugee status.
• 5.6 million Venezuelan refugees or others in need of international protection.

These figures reflect an alarming trend, with displacement far outpacing solutions. In the 1990s, about 1.5 million refugees were able to return home annually; today, that number has fallen to 385,000 per year.

Defining a Refugee

Under international law, a refugee is someone who has fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Stateless individuals who are outside their country of habitual residence and unable to return also qualify for refugee protection.

Key Displacement Situations

In 2023, approximately 90% of newly displaced people came from just seven major crises:

• Afghanistan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Myanmar
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Ukraine

The five largest refugee populations by country of origin:

1. Syria (6.5 million refugees)
2. Afghanistan (6.1 million)
3. Ukraine (6 million)
4. Venezuela (5.6 million)
5. South Sudan (2.2 million)

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Established in 1950, UNHCR was originally mandated for only three years to assist Europeans displaced by World War II. However, with new crises emerging, its mission has expanded globally. Today, UNHCR:

• Operates in 135 countries with over 18,000 staff.
• Provides protection and assistance to nearly 59 million people, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals.
• Is active in Asia and Africa, where the majority of refugees originate and reside.

The Role of UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide services to Palestine refugees in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The agency delivers:

• Education, healthcare, and social services.
• Emergency assistance during crises.
• Infrastructure and development projects for refugee communities.

As of 2023, UNRWA serves nearly 6 million Palestine refugees.

Funding Challenges

Following allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, several nations suspended funding. UN officials warned that cutting funding would have catastrophic consequences for the 1.1 million displaced people in Gaza.

Global Compact on Refugees (2018)

The Global Compact on Refugees provides a framework for equitable responsibility-sharing in refugee protection. Its four objectives:

1. Reduce pressures on host countries.
2. Enhance refugee self-reliance.
3. Expand third-country resettlement opportunities.
4. Support safe and dignified voluntary return.

At the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, over 1,600 pledges were made, including:

• $2.2 billion in new financial commitments.
• $250 million from private sector donors.

Refugees and Climate Change

While conflict and persecution remain the primary causes of displacement, climate change is an emerging driver of forced migration. In 2022, 84% of refugees came from countries highly vulnerable to climate change, compared to 61% in 2010.

The effects of climate change include:

• Droughts, floods, and rising sea levels forcing people to leave their homes.
• Increased food and water shortages, worsening already fragile regions.
• Limited options for displaced persons to return home, as climate disasters destroy livelihoods.

Support for Refugee Camps

• UN peacekeepers provide security in refugee camps.
• The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) coordinates humanitarian aid.
• UNHCR, IOM, and the Red Cross lead emergency shelter, camp management, and protection services.

Nansen Refugee Award

Since 1954, UNHCR has awarded the Nansen Refugee Award to individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to refugee protection.

Notable recipients include:

• Eleanor Roosevelt (1954), First Lady of the United States and human rights advocate.
• Over 60 humanitarian leaders and organizations dedicated to refugee rights.

Looking Forward: Addressing the Refugee Crisis

With protracted conflicts, economic inequality, and climate disasters fueling displacement, the global community faces an urgent need for long-term solutions.

Key Actions Moving Forward

✔ Strengthening international cooperation to provide sustainable refugee solutions.
✔ Expanding financial and humanitarian support for refugees and host countries.
✔ Addressing climate-driven displacement by integrating climate action into refugee policies.
✔ Ensuring the protection of refugee rights, including safe return, asylum, and resettlement.

World Refugee Day: A Call to Action

Observed annually on June 20, World Refugee Day highlights refugee stories, challenges, and the need for stronger international solidarity.

For more insights into refugee policies, global displacement trends, and humanitarian responses, stay connected to our platform.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where ongoing attacks by M23 rebels have led to mass displacement, grave human rights violations, and a dire situation for children and families.

Worsening Violence and Human Rights Abuses

Speaking on Thursday, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the escalating violence as unprecedented in recent years.

• Hundreds of civilians have been killed, with tens of thousands forced to flee as rebels seize control of towns and villages.
• In North and South Kivu provinces, reports of rape and sexual violence against children have skyrocketed.
• The crisis has spread beyond the Kivus: In Ituri province, at least 28 children were among 52 people killed in a brutal attack in Djugu territory, where attackers used machetes, guns, and fire to target families.

Five-Fold Increase in Sexual Violence

UNICEF has reported a dramatic rise in rape cases, particularly after the M23 group, backed by Rwanda, captured the regional capital Goma in late January.

• Between January 27 and February 2, rape cases treated at 42 UNICEF-supported health centers surged five-fold.
• 30% of victims were children, highlighting the horrifying scale of sexual violence.
• Actual figures are likely much higher, as many survivors fear coming forward.
• Medical partners are running out of essential drugs, including those used to prevent HIV infection after sexual assault.

Child Recruitment by Armed Groups

Even before this latest escalation, child recruitment into armed groups was a major concern. A UN report from 2024 documented at least 4,006 cases of children recruited or used by armed groups.

• Reports now suggest recruitment is accelerating, with some children as young as 12 being coerced into combat.
• With calls for the mobilization of young fighters, there are growing fears that more children will be drawn into the conflict.
• UNICEF has identified 1,100 unaccompanied children in North and South Kivu within just two weeks, as families are torn apart by violence.

Crisis for Pregnant Women and Mothers

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned that pregnant women are among the most vulnerable, many having been displaced multiple times.

• Some are giving birth while fleeing bombardments, with little to no medical care.
• Only a third of hospitals remain functional, and one in five health centers have been forced to close.
• 220,000 pregnant women in North and South Kivu face severe risks, with 12,000 currently displaced and without access to healthcare.
• 88,000 women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence, while unintended pregnancies are expected to rise due to the collapse of health services.

Emergency Health Response Under Strain

Despite the severe challenges, UNFPA is operating eight mobile health clinics staffed by 27 midwives, providing:

• Prenatal care and safe deliveries
• Family planning services
• Critical maternal health support for over 8,000 women

However, the scale of need is outpacing available resources, with thousands of women facing childbirth under bombardment, unsure if they or their babies will survive the night.

A Call for Immediate Action

UNICEF and UNFPA have called on all parties to:

• Cease attacks on civilians and stop grave violations against children.
• Ensure the protection of hospitals, clinics, and civilian infrastructure.
• Provide urgent humanitarian aid to the millions affected by violence.

The crisis in eastern DRC is spiraling out of control, and without immediate action, more children, women, and families will suffer devastating consequences.

For continued updates on this humanitarian emergency, follow our platform as we track developments and international response efforts.

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Multilateralism is a core principle of international cooperation, shaping how countries work together to solve global challenges, promote peace, and facilitate trade and development. It is more than just diplomacy at the United Nations (UN); it impacts everyday life, from global travel and communication to climate action and economic stability.

What Is Multilateralism?

The term “multilateral” originally meant “many-sided” in geometry, but today it refers to international relations involving multiple nations collaborating to achieve common goals.

The United Nations (UN) is the world’s primary multilateral platform, where countries convene to negotiate policies, create agreements, and address pressing global issues. The UN hosts summits, forums, and discussions that help harmonize international actions on everything from economic development to security and environmental protection.

The Three Pillars of Multilateralism

Effective multilateralism relies on three key principles:

1. Cooperation – Countries work together to tackle shared problems.
2. Compromise – Nations make concessions to achieve mutual benefits.
3. Coordination – Governments and institutions align their efforts for effective solutions.

These principles help resolve conflicts peacefully, create economic opportunities, and establish global standards for trade, health, and human rights.

How Multilateralism Shapes the Modern World

Multilateral agreements and organizations ensure international cooperation in critical areas, such as:

• Global Travel & Communication – Unified airline regulations, postal systems, and telecommunications standards make international travel and communication seamless.
• Public Health – The World Health Organization (WHO) coordinates responses to global health crises like COVID-19 and polio eradication.
• Trade & Economy – The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regulate economic policies and facilitate fair trade among nations.

Historic Multilateral Organizations

Many multilateral organizations predate the UN but have since become part of its system, including:

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – Established in 1865 to standardize telegraph networks, now governing radio frequencies, satellites, and the internet.
• International Labour Organization (ILO) – Founded in 1919 to promote workers’ rights and fair employment conditions worldwide.

Multilateralism and the UN: A Platform for Global Policy

Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has been the central body for multilateral diplomacy, helping countries negotiate international agreements and resolve conflicts.

The UN General Assembly: Equal Representation for All

The General Assembly serves as the UN’s main policy-making body, where each of the 193 Member States has an equal vote—whether it’s a small country like Monaco or a global power like China.

Global Achievements of Multilateralism

Multilateral efforts have led to some of the most important global agreements, including:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) – A landmark document that established fundamental human rights protections worldwide.
• Disarmament & Arms Control Treaties – The UN has played a key role in preventing nuclear war and regulating arms control.
• Climate Action Agreements – Global pacts like the Paris Agreement aim to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Multilateralism in the Cold War and Beyond

During the Cold War (1940s–1990s), the UN helped de-escalate conflicts, prevent global war, and mediate diplomatic solutions. Even with ideological divisions between the United States and the Soviet Union, multilateral platforms provided a space for dialogue and negotiation.

Today, multilateralism continues to be the foundation for global problem-solving, addressing new challenges such as:

• Climate Change – Coordinating global efforts to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable nations.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Creating ethical guidelines and regulations for AI governance.
• Economic Inequality – Reforming global financial institutions to ensure fair economic growth for all.

Strengthening Multilateralism for the Future

While multilateralism remains vital, global institutions must evolve to address 21st-century challenges. In 2020, UN Member States asked Secretary-General António Guterres to develop a vision for stronger global governance, resulting in:

• Our Common Agenda – A roadmap for UN reforms in peacekeeping, finance, education, and technology.
• The Pact for the Future (2024) – A commitment by world leaders to modernize multilateral institutions for stronger global cooperation.

A Call to Action for Global Unity

Guterres has urged a stronger commitment to a rules-based order, emphasizing that multilateralism must be more inclusive, incorporating voices from:

• Civil society organizations
• Youth movements
• Business and private sector leaders

He advocates for “networked multilateralism”—a more connected and coordinated approach that ensures global policies are fair, effective, and forward-looking.

Why Multilateralism Matters More Than Ever

In a world facing growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and environmental crises, multilateralism remains the best hope for global stability and progress. By working together, nations can build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

For more insights into global cooperation and international diplomacy, stay connected with our platform as we track multilateral efforts shaping the world’s future.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the consequences of US funding cuts, which are threatening critical global health initiatives. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern at a press briefing, highlighting the immediate impact on HIV treatment, polio eradication, and responses to infectious disease outbreaks.

HIV Treatment Disruptions and Public Health Setbacks

Among the most significant consequences is the suspension of funding to PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which has caused:

• Immediate halts to HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services across 50 countries.
• Clinic closures and job losses among health workers.
• Exclusion of prevention programs for at-risk groups, despite exemptions for life-saving treatment.

Tedros urged the US government to reconsider its funding approach, warning that without alternative solutions, millions of vulnerable people will lose access to essential health services.

Ebola Outbreak in Uganda

Turning to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, Tedros reported nine confirmed cases and one death. In response, WHO has:

• Deployed emergency teams to support treatment, surveillance, and infection control.
• Launched a vaccine trial within four days of the outbreak.
• Allocated $2 million from its emergency fund, in addition to $1 million previously provided.

Approval for therapeutics trials is still pending, but WHO is working urgently to contain the outbreak.

Health Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), escalating violence in the east has led to more than 900 deaths and over 4,000 injuries. The humanitarian crisis has significantly weakened the health system:

• Only one-third of those in need can access health services in North and South Kivu.
• Infectious diseases like mpox and cholera pose increasing risks.
• Severe shortages of medicines and fuel are hindering WHO’s ability to respond effectively.

Progress in Childhood Cancer Treatment

Amid the challenges, WHO announced a major breakthrough in childhood cancer treatment in low and middle-income countries. As part of the Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, WHO has begun distributing free cancer medications to:

• Mongolia and Uzbekistan (first recipients).
• Four additional countries in the coming months.

The program, developed in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, aims to reach 120,000 children in 50 countries over the next five to seven years, bridging the survival gap between high-income and low-income nations.

A Call for Immediate Action

WHO has called on the global community to step up support, especially as US funding cuts threaten progress in global health. Tedros emphasized that consistent financial commitment is crucial to maintaining disease control efforts, ensuring essential treatment access, and responding to emerging health threats.

For continued updates on global health initiatives and WHO’s response efforts, follow our platform as we track these critical developments.