Dated 14 December 2023, this roundup presents critical health and humanitarian updates from around the world, emphasizing issues that demand urgent attention.
- WHO Sounds Alarm on E-Cigarette Marketing to Youth
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the aggressive marketing of e-cigarettes to young people, highlighting the absence of regulations in many countries. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged nations to enhance preventive measures, emphasizing that young individuals are increasingly becoming targets for e-cigarette usage, leading to potential nicotine addiction. Disturbingly, 88 countries lack a minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes, and 74 nations have yet to implement any regulations.
- Measles Surge in Europe and Central Asia Prompts UNICEF Warning
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported a staggering 3,200% increase in measles cases in Europe and Central Asia compared to the previous year, totaling 30,600 confirmed cases in 2023. UNICEF attributes the surge to declining vaccination rates, emphasizing the critical need for urgent public health measures. The highest rates of measles cases were recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Romania. Gaps in immunity and reduced demand for vaccines, fueled in part by misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, are identified as contributing factors.
- UNICEF Warns of Deepening Child Crisis in Lebanon
Lebanon continues to grapple with relentless crises, impacting children’s lives significantly. UNICEF’s latest survey reveals a worsening situation, with parents struggling to provide for their families. Economic turmoil, political instability, and the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion contribute to a four-year-long crisis. Over a quarter of households reported school-aged children not attending classes, a notable increase from April. Additionally, escalating prices and widespread poverty force families to take drastic measures, including sending children to work. UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder, emphasized the severe toll on children’s well-being, citing increased anxiety and depression.
This compilation sheds light on pressing global issues demanding collective action, from safeguarding youth against harmful practices to addressing health crises and providing support in conflict-affected regions. Stay informed about these crucial developments shaping our world.
