WHO chief says Gaza is suffering from 'mass starvation' caused by humans
Gaza's food stocks have run out since Israel, at war with Palestinian militant group Hamas since October 2023, cut off all supplies to the territory in March and then lifted that blockade in May - but with restrictions that it says are needed to prevent aid from being diverted to militant groups.As a result, international aid agencies say that only a trickle of what is needed is currently reaching people in Gaza. Israel says it is committed to allowing in aid but must control it to prevent it from being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza's 2.2 million people.Ten more Palestinians died overnight from starvation, the Gaza health ministry said, bringing the total number of people who have starved to death to 111, most of them in recent weeks as a wave of hunger crashes on the Palestinian enclave.The WHO said the deadly surge in malnutrition has caused the deaths of at least 21 children reported to the agency in 2025, but stressed those figures are likely the tip of the iceberg.Centres for treating malnutrition are full without sufficient supplies for emergency feeding, the WHO added, as the hunger crisis has been compounded by the collapse of aid pipelines and restrictions on access.Tedros also said the UN and its humanitarian partners were unable to deliver any food for nearly 80 days between March and May, and the resumption of deliveries was still insufficient.The situation is dire, he and other WHO officials said, with around 10% of people screened experiencing either severe or moderate malnutrition, and up to 20% of pregnant women.In July alone, 5,100 children have been admitted to malnutrition programmes, including 800 who were severely emaciated, said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO's representative for the occupied Palestinian territories.- EndsMust Watch
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The Hindu
41 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Why India's hepatitis crisis needs urgent attention
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Business Standard
41 minutes ago
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World Hepatitis Day 2025: History, theme, measures, messages, quotes & more
Hepatitis is a medical condition marked by inflammation of the liver, often triggered by autoimmune disorders, certain medications, viral infections, or excessive alcohol consumption. Of particular global concern is viral hepatitis, caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses—each with distinct modes of transmission and varying impacts on health. To raise awareness of hepatitis and its harmful health impacts, 28 July is designated as ' World Hepatitis Day '. This day offers an opportunity to step up national and worldwide initiatives to support early identification, prevention, and efficient treatment choices for hepatitis. What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day 2025? The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that this year's theme is "Hepatitis: Let us Break It Down," which highlights the significance of lowering obstacles to hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through service simplification and integration into national healthcare systems. Today is World #Hepatitis Day. Did you know❓ Hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with hepatitis B and C claiming 3 500 lives every day. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones ???? — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 27, 2025 What is the history and significance of World Hepatitis Day? Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, also known as Barry Blumberg, a physician and geneticist, identified the Hepatitis B virus in 1967 and then created the first vaccine, for which he got the Nobel Prize. After that, July 28th, his birthday, was announced 'World Hepatitis Day' to honor his achievements and contributions. The day is extremely important because it provides a chance to raise awareness of viral hepatitis worldwide and to push for improved choices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In order to enhance access, integrate care, and eradicate hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030, it is important that we take immediate action. Causes of Hepatitis? • Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) • Autoimmune hepatitis • Alcohol-related liver disease • Drug-induced liver injury • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Treatment of Hepatitis? World Hepatitis Day 2025 serves as a reminder that hepatitis is a medical ailment that can be treated and is not a moral fault. Numerous lives can be saved with early discovery, prompt treatment, and extensive education. Hepatitis is much easier to treat now than it was in the past because of advancements in transplant techniques and contemporary antiviral medications. But timing is everything. A few crucial actions to conduct are also listed below: • In public education, use jargon-free language. • Lessen the stigma attached to hepatitis • Include screening in your regular physical examinations. • Make specialized liver care more accessible, particularly in rural areas. Inspiring Messages For World Hepatitis Day 2025 Let's raise our voices, not just awareness—hepatitis is preventable and curable. One test can save a life. Get screened. Stay protected. Don't wait for symptoms. Know your status and take control. Empower communities with knowledge, and we can end the silent killer. Vaccinate, educate, eliminate—three steps to a hepatitis-free world. Together, we can eliminate hepatitis. It starts with awareness. Early detection leads to full protection—screen for hepatitis today. Hepatitis doesn't discriminate, and neither should healthcare. A healthier future is possible—join the fight against hepatitis. Every life matters. Every action counts. End hepatitis now. Quotes For World Hepatitis Day 2025 'Awareness is the first step toward prevention.' – Anonymous 'Hepatitis may be silent, but our action should be loud.' – Unknown 'Saving lives starts with sharing knowledge.' – Dr. Margaret Chan 'It takes a village to raise awareness and a world to eliminate hepatitis.' – Public Health Advocate 'Ignorance fuels infection. Education ends epidemics.' – Global Health Leader 'Testing is not a shame. Silence is.' – Patient Advocate 'Prevention is better than cure, and awareness is better than fear.' – Unknown 'A simple test today can mean a longer tomorrow.' – Anonymous 'Let's make hepatitis history, not headlines.' – WHO Campaign 'The virus is strong, but we are stronger together.' – Unknown.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
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World Hepatitis Day: Person with hepatitis B can spread the infection through blood, other body fluids
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