Vaccination number reporting faulty
Dozens of countries have been over-reporting the levels of children receiving vaccinations in order to receive cash rewards for the processes, according to a study from the University of Washington. About $145 million has been erroneously paid through an immunization support program that pays $20 for every child vaccinated, the report says.
Nearly 1 billion not served
High food prices caused by a worldwide food crisis have dramatically increased food insecurity, pushing the global estimate of the hungry to nearly 1 billion people, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The estimate rose by 40 million people this year after rising some 75 million last year. The percentage of undernourished people in the world, at about 17% this year, is still below the high of 20% in 1990-1992.
Initial malaria vaccine tests successful
Recent tests of two vaccines on children in Africa show real promise for ending the scourge of malaria, according to papers published in the New England Journal of Medicine Monday.
Protests erupt after Greek youth dies
Youngsters enraged by a police shooting of a Greek teenager took to the streets in several Greek cities over the weekend, attacking police officers, official buildings and businesses.
Measles deaths plummet around the world
Concerted global efforts to vaccinate children in recent years have caused dramatic drops in measles related deaths, with the number of deaths plummeting by 74% globally since the year 2000.
Cluster bomb treaty gets 93 signatories
Some of the world's top military powers ‚ including the U.S., Russia and China ‚ refused to attend, arguing cluster bombs have legitimate military uses, such as repelling advancing troop columns. “We’re of course disappointed by the states that did not show up here in Oslo,” said Steve Goose, the arms director of Human Rights Watch. “They’re on the wrong side of history. Some of them are clinging to what is now a widely discredited weapon.”
Child abuse widespread in wealthy countries, reporting patchy
Only about 10% of abuse cases in wealthy countries are reported to authorities, though an estimated 16% of children face neglect or abuse on a daily basis, according to a study published in The Lancet. Part of the problem, researchers found, is the stigma associated with certain forms of abuse and a reluctance of caregivers to overreact and place a child into a dysfunctional system.
