Grim projections for global population growth
New population research shows that while population growth remains high in developing countries, low population growth in developed countries may lead to financial insecurity for increasingly elderly — and long-lived — populations. Projections show that the population, which will grow to 7 billion people next year, will eclipse 9 billion by 2050. Population growth is considered a direct threat to environmental and resource stability, in particular with the highest growth rates occurring in developing countries — and booming within the poorest populations of those countries.
Rwanda tests cell phones to help mothers, babies
Hundreds of volunteer health care workers in the rural area of Musanze have received cellular telephones from the Rwandan government as part of a new program to help pregnant women and babies. The volunteers use the phones to register and monitor pregnant women in their villages, and communicate information on complications or questions to area clinics.
UNRWA leads summer camps for Gaza children
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency summer camp in the Gaza Strip has more than 250,000 participants, making it the largest of existing summer programs for area children. Hamas runs a camp focused on its ideology and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs also runs a camp structured around Quranic teachings, both of which have criticized UNRWA for focusing on activities such as swimming and other sports. UNRWA beach camp sites have come under attack twice this summer from militants.
Pregnancy is a deadly undertaking in DR Congo
Four women die every hour from complications during pregnancy or labor, making the Democratic Republic of Congo one of the most dangerous places in the world to be pregnant, according to an assessment from the United Nations Population Fund. Half of Congolese females give birth before age 19, often without access to qualified medical personnel or equipment.
Polio eradication drive hits roadblocks
The drive to eradicate polio has suffered new setbacks such as an ongoing outbreak in Tajikistan and the emergence of cases caused by mutated polio vaccines. Live vaccine virus mutations have cropped up in Africa, Asia and the Americas over the past few years.
