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US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

US removes Syria from arms export ban as Trump administration draws closer to new Syrian government

The Trump administration is removing Syria from a list of countries that aren't allowed to purchase or import U.S. weaponry

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fosters Collaboration Among Humanitarian Organizations for Women and Children

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fosters Collaboration Among Humanitarian Organizations for Women and Children

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has transformed the competitive landscape among humanitarian organizations into a collaborative effort to aid women and children in high-need countries. In 2024, the Church expanded its Caring for Women and Children Initiative, grouping eight global humanitarian organizations into four consortia. Each consortium focuses on specific projects across 12 countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, Senegal, and Mali. These projects address critical needs such as access to vitamins, supplements, medications, higher-nutrition foods, maternal and newborn care, water projects, sanitation, hygiene, immunizations, and agricultural and nutritional practices. The initiative also aims to upgrade medical clinics and provide economic opportunities for women. Elissa Gifford, director of Humanitarian Services for the Church, noted the challenge of encouraging organizations accustomed to independent work ...

UN Agency Reports Israeli Restrictions Hinder Food Aid for 1.1 Million Palestinians in Gaza

UN Agency Reports Israeli Restrictions Hinder Food Aid for 1.1 Million Palestinians in Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that Israeli restrictions are impeding the delivery of crucial food aid to 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza. According to UNRWA Director Philippe Lazzarini, a convoy of 1,049 shipping containers, containing rice, flour, chickpeas, sugar, and cooking oil—enough to feed 1.1 million people for one month—has been held up for weeks in the Israeli port city of Ashdod. The agency stated that an Israeli contractor was instructed by Israeli customs authorities not to process any UNRWA goods. This stoppage comes as the World Food Program warns of a potential famine in Gaza as early as May, with an estimated 25% of families already facing catastrophic hunger. Additionally, UNRWA's bank account with Bank Leumi was reportedly frozen, and Israeli customs authorities notified the agency that it would no longer receive tax exemptions. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly stated that 'the state of Israel will not give tax benefits to terrorist ai...

UN alarmed by reports that Myanmar air strike killed 50

UN alarmed by reports that Myanmar air strike killed 50

Sept 29 (Reuters) - The United Nations expressed alarm on Tuesday at reports that an airstrike by the Myanmar military near the country's border with Bangladesh had killed 50 people and wounded dozens more, many of them critically.

After two decades, US forces exit Iraq amid an ongoing war with Iran

After two decades, US forces exit Iraq amid an ongoing war with Iran

The withdrawal ends a two-decade American presence in Iraq at a time when the U.S. war against Iran has created significant regional instability.

Iraq begins importing gasoline via Syrian port to bypass the closed Strait of Hormuz

Iraq begins importing gasoline via Syrian port to bypass the closed Strait of Hormuz

Iraqi fuel trucks are loading gasoline at a Syrian port to meet surging global energy demand as the critical Strait of Hormuz remains closed and mediators work with Iran and the United States to end the war

An Israel-bound plane diverts to Saudi Arabia for emergency landing and other Mideast developments

An Israel-bound plane diverts to Saudi Arabia for emergency landing and other Mideast developments

Concerns about a possible airplane hijacking briefly gripped Israel on Wednesday

Nepalese MPs Urge Immediate Flood and Landslide Relief Efforts

Nepalese MPs Urge Immediate Flood and Landslide Relief Efforts

Members of Parliament in Nepal have called on the government to promptly organize rescue, relief, and rehabilitation for areas devastated by recent floods and landslides. During an 'urgent session' of the National Assembly meeting, MPs highlighted the extensive damage to lives, property, and infrastructure caused by four consecutive days of heavy rainfall across the country. Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire, a Nepali Communist Party member, specifically noted blocked roads in Palpa, resulting in both human and material losses, and extended condolences to affected families. CPN (UML) MP Samjhana Devkota demanded immediate repair and reopening of major highways and infrastructure in Manang, Gandaki Province, which were damaged by the floods. Pooja Chaudhary of the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal urged the government to accelerate relief efforts and address the potential for a pandemic following the disaster. She also emphasized the need for timely assistance for flood victims in Rasuwa and measures to prevent price gougi...

Fathers in Kupang City, Indonesia, Increase Involvement in Child Immunization Efforts

Fathers in Kupang City, Indonesia, Increase Involvement in Child Immunization Efforts

In Kupang City, Indonesia, an initiative supported by UNICEF is encouraging fathers to take a more active role in their children's immunization and health. This program, part of the 'Fathers’ Engagement in Immunization' campaign, began in 2024 and is implemented by the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Health Office, the community-based organization Pemberdayaan dan Kesejahteraan Keluarga (PKK) / Family Empowerment and Welfare, and religious organizations. The campaign addresses traditional gender roles where childcare and health decisions were primarily considered 'women's work.' Fathers like Daniel Atawolo, who previously left immunization responsibilities to his wife, are now actively participating after attending information sessions. These sessions educate fathers on immunization schedules, the importance of timely vaccines, and the shared responsibility of caregiving. The goal is to integrate fathers' involvement into daily life, ensuring children grow up healthier.

Global Measles Vaccination Coverage Falls Below Herd Immunity Threshold, Leading to Resurgence

Global Measles Vaccination Coverage Falls Below Herd Immunity Threshold, Leading to Resurgence

Global vaccination coverage for measles remains significantly below the 95% threshold required for durable herd immunity, according to WHO/UNICEF estimates. In 2023, global coverage for the second dose of measles-containing vaccine reached only 74%, while first-dose coverage was 83%. This shortfall has contributed to a resurgence in measles cases worldwide. The WHO European Region, for instance, recorded 127,300 cases in 2024, marking its highest total since 1997. In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that nearly three-quarters of measles cases this year occurred among unvaccinated individuals, with only 85% of the regional population having received the two required doses of the MMR vaccine. Additionally, HPV vaccination coverage shows variability across European Union member states, with lower completion rates observed in Southern and Eastern European countries due to differences in regional implementation strategies and parental hesitancy.