On Universal Health Coverage Day, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning that without urgent action, the gaps in healthcare will only widen. WHO emphasized the importance of investing in resilient health systems based on strong primary healthcare, as it is the most inclusive, equitable, and cost-effective path towards universal health coverage. WHO also stated that health systems capable of responding to shocks, such as the climate emergency, can prevent millions of additional deaths each year. World leaders committed to redoubling their efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030 in a political declaration last September. WHO is working with countries to reorient their health systems towards a primary healthcare approach that can deliver 90% of essential health services and save 60 million lives by 2030.
Record hunger in West and Central Africa: UN humanitarians
İçerik Tablosu
UN humanitarians reported that food insecurity in West and Central Africa continues to worsen, with the number of hungry people expected to reach 49.5 million by the middle of next year. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) regional director, Margot Vandervelden, highlighted the record levels of acute hunger in the region and the insufficient funding to respond adequately. Due to the lack of funds, WFP has been forced to scale back lifesaving assistance. Conflict, the climate crisis, high food and fuel prices are the main drivers of acute hunger in the region. Many households cannot afford healthy diets, and young children are not receiving the necessary food groups for optimal growth and development. In the first ten months of 2023, there was a 20% increase in severe wasting cases among children under five in nine Sahel countries.
UNICEF launches $9.3 billion emergency funding appeal
In response to the alarming surge in humanitarian crises worldwide, UNICEF launched a $9.3 billion emergency funding appeal to reach at least 93.7 million children in 155 countries. The funding will provide life-saving humanitarian aid in a world facing conflicts, poverty, polarization, and the effects of the climate crisis. UNICEF aims to assist approximately 147 million people overall. The appeal emphasizes the urgency of addressing the complex challenges faced by children. In conflict zones, children endure violence, displacement, and disruptions to their education and essential services. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stressed the need for predictable flexible funding to quickly support children in need and prepare for future risks. The appeal highlights the pervasive impact of violence on children’s well-being, including psychological tolls and increased risks of exploitation and abuse.
The UN Population Fund also launched a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal on Tuesday. The appeal aims to support 48 million people in 58 countries with reproductive health and gender-based violence services during the next year.