Famine in Gaza threatens thousands with starvation, WHO warns
World Health Organisation
(WHO) has warned that Gaza is facing the most severe stage of famine according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, with thousands at risk of dying from hunger.
In a statement issued today, the organisation said residents of Gaza are suffering from extreme food shortages, with some going days without eating and others dying from severe weakness or organ failure. Children with acute malnutrition, it added, are particularly at risk of death without urgent treatment.
The statement highlighted that Gaza's healthcare system is no longer able to function effectively due to a dire shortage of medical supplies and fuel, compounding the suffering of both patients and healthcare workers.
The organisation noted that recovery from malnutrition requires months of specialised medical care and therapeutic feeding, warning that some effects may be lifelong, such as stunted growth and chronic health conditions.
The WHO called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid -- food and medicine -- through all possible routes. It urged Israel to facilitate the delivery of assistance and ensure its safe and rapid passage in order to save lives and end the suffering of civilians. The organisation also renewed its call for a ceasefire.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
New research backs black cumin as a natural arthritis remedy: This is the right way to consume it
CREDIT: CANVA If you are among those millions who suffer from unbearable arthritis pain, joint pain, or stiffness, this is for you. A new research study published suggests that black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) could significantly ease arthritis symptoms, naturally and without any side effects as per studies, as much as conventional painkillers have. Arthritis is marked by chronic joint pain, inflammation, and bone health deterioration, which affects millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is taking the lead, marked by deadly joint pain. While conventional treatment methods like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can offer relief, they often come with side effects or long-term health risks. And this is the reason why millions are shifting towards natural remedies and among the most promising ones is black cumin seed oil, scientifically known as Nigella Sativa. Clinical evidence from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than three-fourths of the communities in resource-limited countries rely upon medicinal plants for their primary health care needs because more than 60% of the societies are unable to have access to and/or afford allopathic medicines. Among several medicinal plants, Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) has been considered one of the most treasured nutrient-rich herbs in history around the world and numerous scientific studies are in progress to validate the traditionally claimed uses of small seeds of this species. This study was published in the National Library of Medicine, titled' Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for a Wide Range of Illnesses.' Black cumin seeds are nutritionally rich, containing 20-85% protein 7-94% fiber, 38.2% fat and 31.94% carbs, and are additionally are good source of amino acids like glutamate, arginine and cysteine. How was the study conducted? In a double-blind trial involving 116 participants aged 50-70 years of age were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, researchers tested the efficacy and safety of black cumin seed oil. The test subjects were divided into two groups: one received 2.5 mL of N. sativa oil every 8 hours; the control group received a placebo. Treatment continued for one month. 52 participants were in the treatment group and 54 in the placebo group had completed the trial. The findings were: Improved joint pain and function: 27.72% improvement in the treatment group vs 1.34% in the placebo Analgesic use declined: With fewer acetaminophen tablets taken by those on N. sativa oil Pain reduction: 33.96% average decrease in the treatment group vs 9.21% in the placebo A time-tested natural remedy with modern potential Traditionally, it has been used in households due to its low cost, accessibility and fewer effects compared to synthetic drugs. Black cumin is widely used across cultures and has a long history of treating ailments. These seeds have an active compound known as thymoquinone (TQ) that offers therapeutic benefits for numerous conditions such as: Chronic diseases : Diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders, cancer Infectious disease: Including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections Now, imagine when combined with conventional treatments, black cumin can enhance drug efficacy, reduce required dosages, and may help overcome drug resistance. Given its broad safety margin and therapeutic promise. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Hans India
Delhi CM Gupta inaugurates multispeciality hospital in Kailash Colony
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday inaugurated the SSB Multispeciality Hospital in Kailash Colony, which promises to offer round-the-clock medical services at reasonable rates, officials said. The hospital features advanced services such as robotic knee replacement facility and has dedicated departments for gastroenterology, respiratory care, nephrology, and neuro and spine surgery, they said. Hospital chairperson Shyam Sundar Bansal said it will soon apply for empanelment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme of the Centre. Speaking at the event, Gupta said according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, India has less than one hospital bed available per 1,000 people, stressing that such challenges can be addressed if the government and the private sector work in tandem in a focused manner. Delhi government aims to develop the national capital into a global medical hub, drawing patients from across the country and abroad, she said. The chief minister mentioned the recent installation of an advanced machine at the GB Pant Hospital that can generate a complete DNA profile from just a single drop of blood as a step in this direction. She also claimed that many hospitals constructed during the tenure of the previous (AAP) government were left incomplete or lacked sufficient resources. "We are now bringing all such hospitals under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure their full-scale functioning," Gupta said. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj and local MLA Shikha Rai were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Why childhood vaccines matter: Paediatrician raises concern on the alarming decline in global vaccine coverage
Most parents in India follow the vaccination schedule because it's part of growing up. But beyond that routine lies a worrying trend. Global childhood immunisation, which once saw steady progress, is now slowing, and millions of children remain vulnerable to diseases we thought were under control. According to a 2025 update by the WHO and Unicef, 14.3 million infants worldwide received no vaccines at all last year, while another 20 million missed at least one critical dose of the DTP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Childhood should be protected, not paused. Vaccines help make that possible.(Adobe Stock) In clinical practice, this is more than data—it's visible in children who arrive with infections that could have been avoided, and in communities dealing with outbreaks that spread simply because protection levels dropped. Dr Vignatha Sajja, Consultant Paediatrician, Arete Hospitals, shares with Health Shots, five essential reasons why timely childhood vaccination matter more than ever: 1. Protection when the body is still learning The first five years of life are biologically fragile. A young child's immune system is still developing and doesn't yet know how to fight many infections. That's where vaccines step in—offering essential protection before natural defences mature. Diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio don't give you time to prepare. They strike quickly, and in unvaccinated children, can cause complications that leave lasting damage, or worse. Global immunisation programs, such as the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), have prevented over 150 million child deaths since 1974. The numbers speak for themselves. 2. Building a safety net for all Vaccines work best when most people get them. When a large part of the population—about 95%—is immunised, it creates a buffer that protects even those who aren't vaccinated, such as newborns or children undergoing medical treatments. When enough children in a community are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier that slows the spread of disease,even to those who aren't immunised. Herd immunity is effective only when a sufficient number of children are vaccinated. But measles shots have been slipping through the cracks. In 2024, only 84% of children worldwide received protection, far short of the mark needed to prevent outbreaks. As a result, measles made a comeback in over 60 countries, even in places where it hadn't shown up in years. 3. Reducing health inequity Children who miss vaccines aren't always in far-off regions. Even in India, access to routine immunisation depends heavily on geography and infrastructure. Children in urban slums, tribal belts, or conflict-affected areas often fall through the cracks. That's why national efforts like Mission Indradhanush were launched—to reach the last-mile child in India. When parents everywhere ensure their children are vaccinated, it not only protects their homes but also helps reduce the health gap between rural and urban India. 4. Avoiding preventable costs Beyond health, the cost of vaccine-preventable diseases can be high—hospital bills, lost workdays, and slow recoveries take their toll. In the US, regular childhood vaccines are estimated to have saved over $2.7 trillion in societal costs. The figures may differ in India, but the message is clear: stopping disease before it starts is always the wiser investment. 5. Fighting misinformation with awareness The internet is full of misleading claims—some sounding all too credible. Worries about vaccine safety, doubts over their need, or fear of side effects can cause parents to delay or miss doses. However, even brief delays can allow disease to take hold. Vaccines undergo years of rigorous testing and are supported by real-world evidence. Today, the greater risk isn't from the vaccine—it's from the disease waiting on the other side of hesitation. What can parents do? Stick to the national immunisation schedule. Delays reduce effectiveness and increase risk. Maintain a vaccination card or record. This helps track doses and is often required during emergencies or travel. Speak to your paediatrician. Whether you have doubts or missed a shot, an honest conversation helps. Check requirements if relocating. Different regions may carry different disease risks—stay informed. Vaccination is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to secure your child's health. It's not just about disease prevention—it's about giving children the freedom to grow, play, and learn without fear.
