UN photo contest illustrates MDGs
Entries in the UN Development Program’s “Picture This” contest seek to illuminate and illustrate the challenges at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals, a suite of ambitious development targets to be achieved by 2015. With the deadline looming, the UN must still rally support — and especially funds — to meet these goals.
Pakistanis face malaria threat as waters recede
Floodwaters have receded in many parts of northwest Pakistan leaving behind small pools and lakes that constitute a heightened risk for the spread of malaria. Thousands of families continue to sleep in tents, outside or in flood-damaged homes that provide little protection from the elements and mosquitoes that health officials worry are breeding in the waters left behind by the floods. Relief effort officials say it may take as long as a year to begin repairing damaged structures.
UN official is concerned over refugee camp dangers to children
Children forced into refugee camps by conflict face serious challenges to their safety such as sexual assault and recruitment as soldiers, Radhika Coomaraswamy, the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, told the UNHuman Rights Council in a report. Coomaraswamy says that the development of uniform standards for camps no matter what entity is managing them and the provision of basic education facilities would help address some of the security concerns for children.
WHO: Maternal mortality rates are falling worldwide
The number of deaths from pregnancy or birth complications has dropped by one-third over the past two decades thanks to midwife trainings, improved family-planning services and improved care at health care facilities, but 1,000 women still lose their lives every day, the World Health Organization says. Ninety-nine percent of maternal deaths still occur in the developing world where poverty and access challenge families’ ability to get proper care. The current rate of decline is insufficient to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on maternal mortality rates, the WHO warned.
The coalition will cut maternal deaths by 2015
The U.K. has reiterated its commitment to reducing maternal deaths as part of the UNMillennium Development Goals aimed at reducing poverty by 2015, writes Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. While some steps have been made, Clegg said developed countries remain “woefully off track” to reducing extreme poverty, especially toward maternal health. “Maintaining these commitments to international development means a better life for millions of people. Equally, it is the only way to create a safer, more prosperous world for Britain,” Clegg writes.
UN moves to prevent Haiti sexual violence
The United Nations is launching a program to help protect Haitian earthquake survivors living in camps from sexual assault and gender-based violence. Police and soldiers from the UN‘s 12,000-member strong Haiti mission — MINUSTAH — are receiving training on managing sexual assault cases and to make certain medical care is made available. The program also contains a public awareness component focused on sexual attack prevention and response.
Report: Global hunger goals “decades off track”
A report by Action Aid found global hunger is costing developing countries $450 billion per year. The total number of undernourished people remains higher than before the 2008-2009 economic crisis, according to a report released by the UN‘s Food and Agriculture Organization. While the number of undernourished people has fallen from last year, global hunger remains “unacceptably high,” FAO said.
DR Congo bans mining in eastern provinces
President Joseph Kabila suspended mining in three eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday in a bid to gain control over criminal activity and violence that permeates the industry. DR Congo’s extensive reserves of resources including tin and tantalum — used in many electronics — have helped drive conflict in the region.
