UN Population Fund warns of funding cut impact on Afghanistan
NEW YORK, May 15 (KUNA) -- An official of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned of the impacts of humanitarian funding cut on Afghanistan, saying that the recent U.S. decision to cut funding by more than USD 330 million has seriously affected Afghanistan.
The United States has recently announced cuts of approximately USD 330 million to UNFPA worldwide, USD 102 million of which will directly impact UNFPA's work in Afghanistan, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Andrew Saberton in a press statement at the UN late Wednesday.
Most of this funding would have been used towards the provision of family health and mobile care, both of which are essential in Afghanistan, which already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, he added.
This funding would also have gone towards the providing much needed psychosocial support, Saberton added.
He estimated that 6.9 million women and children in Afghanistan would be affected by the cuts, noting that the UNFPA would only be able to support approximately 400 of the current 900 health clinics that it supports in Afghanistan, each of which provides life-saving care.
However, he underlined that the UNFPA would be staying to deliver, but said, "we need urgent support to keep these services running and to protect the dignity, health and lives of Afghan women and newborns". (end) ast.mt
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Rare views of Al-Hala Island documented by Kuwaiti photographer
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti environmentalist and photographer Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan has successfully observed and documented the rare natural phenomenon of Al-Hala Island, located in the southern part of Kuwaiti waters, specifically in the Al-Zour area. The island is a stunning and unusual natural feature. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Al-Zaidan explained that Al-Hala is a temporary sandbar that emerges during low tide and completely disappears during high tide. Its unique nature makes it a favored destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. He added that the island's transformation is a key attraction, making it a prime spot for environmental marine tourism. Visitors are drawn to this nontraditional experience amid the clear waters of the Gulf, where they can engage with untouched nature far from pollution and urban development. Al-Hala Island Fish swim near the coral reefs in the waters surrounding Al-Hala Island. An endangered green turtle swims underwater at the island. Al-Zaidan emphasized that visiting Al-Hala Island helps raise environmental awareness and promotes sustainable tourism, which balances enjoyment with the preservation of natural ecosystems. Regarding the surrounding area, he noted that the Al-Zour coastline is ecologically significant due to minimal human activity and construction, making it a vital habitat. It hosts endangered green turtles, which come to nest and lay eggs during specific seasons, and it is home to vibrant coral reefs essential to marine biodiversity. The area also serves as a resting site for migratory and resident seabirds, which use the island as a natural stopover along the coast. Dr Al-Zaidan concluded by stressing the importance of protecting these fragile marine areas and encouraging mindful visits to help preserve marine life and ensure ecological balance for future generations. — KUNA
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
Strong winds and dust storms continue across Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department, Dharar Al-Ali, confirmed Wednesday that Kuwait will continue to experience strong northwesterly winds, with speeds sometimes exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. These winds are expected to raise dust and reduce horizontal visibility, particularly in exposed areas. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Ali said weather charts and numerical models show that the country has been under the influence of strong winds since the morning. These winds are not only causing dust storms but also raising sea waves to heights of over six feet. He attributed the ongoing weather conditions to an extension of a surface low-pressure system accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. A relative decrease in wind speeds is expected by Thursday afternoon, he added. Al-Ali noted that the general weather will remain hot during the day and warm to hot at night, with dust expected to gradually settle overnight. Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius, while nighttime lows are expected to range from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. He urged citizens and residents, especially those with asthma or allergies, to wear protective masks. He also advised beachgoers to take precautions due to high waves, and motorists to remain cautious of sudden drops in visibility and potential sand accumulation on highways.
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait to introduce gene therapy for teens with blood disorders
Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced on Friday that more than 40 successful stem cell transplant operations have been performed in Kuwait for children suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, noting that 'these procedures are increasing due to advanced medical efforts and ongoing government support.' In his opening speech at the First Pan Arab Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Conference, Dr Al-Awadhi also revealed that gene therapy for children over the age of 12 is under review in Kuwait as a promising treatment option for thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, and that it is expected to be available soon as part of the country's national health plans. 'This step will open new horizons for full recovery and improved quality of life,' he said, adding that it falls under a comprehensive national strategy aimed at easing the burden on patients and their families and enhancing their well-being. He expressed Kuwait's pride in its notable achievements in prevention, especially the premarital screening program, which has been implemented since 2009. He noted that more than 400,000 screenings have been conducted using the latest advanced diagnostic tools. In addition, a specialized genetic laboratory has been established to diagnose blood disorders using multiple modern genetic techniques, the latest of which is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). He emphasized that the program's success was proven in a scientific study published in 2019, which showed a significant drop of over 50 percent in the number of cases at risk of transmitting hereditary blood diseases among engaged couples. This success has led to a noticeable decrease in new thalassemia cases diagnosed in newborns, children, and citizens in Kuwait. Consequently, the Ministry of Health decided to include residents in the premarital screening program. This resulted in a recently issued law mandating such screenings for residents prior to marriage. Dr Al-Awadhi stressed the ministry's strong commitment to enhancing services for these patients, including providing the latest internationally approved treatments for iron overload, a common complication from repeated blood transfusions. He reaffirmed the ministry's dedication to introducing the latest globally approved treatments that reduce dependence on blood transfusions by stimulating red blood cell production in patients. Dr Al-Awadhi concluded by stating that these diseases affect not only individuals' health but also impact families and society as a whole. 'We reaffirm our commitment to supporting every scientific or humanitarian initiative that helps raise awareness, improve patients' quality of life, and enhance efforts in early diagnosis and treatment,' he said. — KUNA
