Latest news with #AminaMohammed
Scoop
2 days ago
- Climate
- Scoop
Deadly Flooding In Nigeria Displaces Thousands
2 June 2025 Nigerian officials estimate that over 500 people are still missing and presumed dead, according to news reports. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Government minister, said she was heartbroken at the extent of the loss and damage. 'My deepest condolences to all those affected – especially the families who have lost loved ones. My prayers are with you,' she said. UN relief operation United Nations agencies and partners are working alongside the Nigerian Government to provide essential humanitarian aid to individuals and households in Niger State who have been affected. Beginning 29 May, heavy rains in the Local Government Area of Mokwa – known as a trading hub – prompted flash flooding which flattened entire neighbourhoods. Hundreds were killed, thousands displaced and key roads and bridges were damaged, disrupting movement and economic activity. Nigeria's rainy season extends from April-October, making it particularly prone to flooding, which has become more severe in recent years. Climate change factor In 2024, a flood in September killed 230 people in Borno state in eastern Nigeria and displaced over 600,000 people. In 2022, severe flooding across the country impacted 34 out of the 36 states, killed hundreds and displaced more than 1.3 million. A recent report from the UN weather agency (WMO) said the worsening severity is related to climate change and increasing surface and water temperatures, all of which is taking a high toll throughout the African continent. Agencies on the ground According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric Nigerian authorities are leading recovery efforts and UN agencies and partners are providing supplementary assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to ship medicine and medical equipment to supplement and support existing primary care systems. For their part, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing materials for temporary shelter and other non-essential food items. The UN reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is working to establish temporary clinics and safe spaces for women and girls displaced by the flooding. In these spaces, women can access maternal and reproductive health services, dignity kits and psychosocial assistance. UNFPA is also working to deploy midwives and nurses. Mohammed M. Malik Fall, resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, commended Government efforts to respond to the humanitarian situation in Mokwa and said that the UN 'stands ready to support the response.'
Euronews
5 days ago
- Science
- Euronews
Tajikistan calls for global effort to preserve melting ice glaciers
Tajikistan is home to nearly 14,000 glaciers, but more than a thousand have already disappeared. The country has the largest number of glaciers in Central Asia and sits at the epicentre of regional glacier melt. As the impact grows, Tajikistan is leading the call for action and bringing the issue to the global stage. On the side-lines of the first high-level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon proposed launching a major study of the country's glaciers and creating a regional research lab. He also suggested focusing research efforts on the Vanch Yakh Glacier, formerly known as Fedchenko. It is the world's largest continental glacier and has already retreated by more than one kilometre over the past 80 years. "Considering the fact that more than 60% of the region's glaciers are located in Tajikistan, I propose, in collaboration with development partners and research institutes, to organise a comprehensive expedition to study the glaciers of Tajikistan and establish a regional laboratory for glacier research," the president said. The International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation gathered more than 2,000 people from more than 80 countries. Among the high-profile guests were UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Iran's First Vice President Mohammed Reza Arif, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shabaz Sharif and other international leaders. The event marks an important step toward putting the UN's 2025 International Year of Glacier Preservation into action.
Zawya
17-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) Strengthens Field Presence and Support to Cholera Response During High Level Visit to Kwanza Sul and Benguela
As part of ongoing efforts to support Angola's fight against the cholera outbreak and to reinforce regional health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Angola, Dr Indrajit Hazarika, conducted a field mission to the provinces of Kwanza Sul and Benguela this week. The visit served to strengthen collaboration with local authorities, highlight WHO's decentralized support across the country, and follow the high-level visit of the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. The field mission began in Kwanza Sul, where Dr Indrajit met with the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Director of Health. During the meeting, WHO expressed its appreciation for the province's leadership in cholera response and for the continuous support to the WHO office in Sumbe. Discussions also focused on broader areas of collaboration, including expanding health coverage, and improving emergency preparedness. The delegation then proceeded to Benguela, where it joined a high-level visit led by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, the Minister of Health of Angola, and the UN Resident Coordinator to assess the province's progress in responding to the cholera outbreak. The visit included a tour of the Cholera Treatment Center at the Municipal Hospital of Benguela and a stop at the mobile health clinic at the Lobito train station, which is extending care to vulnerable populations along the Lobito Corridor. Benguela has been one of the most affected provinces since the cholera outbreak began, at one point reporting over 100 cases per day. Thanks to strong leadership by the provincial government, a multisectoral approach, and support from WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, the situation has markedly improved. As of this week, the province reported fewer than 50 cases per day and some days registering zero deaths. The WHO Representative commended the efforts of provincial authorities, health workers, and frontline responders for this remarkable turnaround. 'This progress is a direct result of local leadership, strong coordination, and collective action,' said the WHO Representative during the visit. 'WHO is proud to stand with the Government of Angola—not just at the national level, but with teams embedded in provinces like Benguela and Kwanza Sul—working every day to respond to emergencies and strengthen the health system.' WHO's support to Angola includes the deployment of emergency response teams, technical guidance for case management and surveillance, coordination support, and the delivery of critical medical supplies. WHO has also facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams from Portugal and Germany to reinforce the response in Benguela. The visit highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society response to cholera, one that not only treats the disease but addresses its root causes: lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and health services. The WHO Representative reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Angola's long-term goals of disease prevention, health system resilience, and universal health coverage. 'Cholera thrives where development is lacking. We must not only stop this outbreak—we must prevent the next one. That means investing in primary health care, water and sanitation, and strong surveillance systems,' the WHO Representative emphasized. As the response continues, WHO remains a key partner to the Government of Angola and will continue to work hand-in-hand with national and provincial stakeholders to protect lives and build a healthier future for all Angolans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Sharjah 24
28-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah SME Ruwad Funds 13 Entrepreneurial Projects in 2024
This is part of the financing and support services the foundation provides to national small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Emirate of Sharjah. This brings the total number of entrepreneurial projects benefiting from the financing programme since the foundation's inception until the end of last year to 106 projects, with total financing exceeding AED 43.5 million. An Entrepreneurial Environment Ms. Amina Mohammed, Acting Director of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation 'Ruwad' said that Ruwad continues to implement its ambitious strategic vision to stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Emirate of Sharjah and strengthen its established position as an inspiring and supportive hub for Emirati entrepreneurs of both genders. Ms. Amina Mohammed added that Ruwad is a preferred destination for those seeking to venture into freelance business, specifically entrepreneurship. This is achieved through the services and incentive programmes it provides that create a conducive environment for the launch of small and medium enterprises across all sectors. It also provides various facilities, benefits, and opportunities to ensure their development and increase their competitiveness. It also entres into effective institutional partnerships with government and private entities in this direction. This contributes to diversifying the local economy, supporting strategic government projects, and achieving the emirate's comprehensive development goals. Classification of Estimated Funding Amina Mohammed explained that, based on the cumulative development of the results of the financing programme provided by the Foundation from 2005 to the end of 2024, the total number of projects funded reached 106. AED 21,976,200 were disbursed through the Foundation's direct financing system, representing 50.4% of the total estimated funding, while AED 21,610,000 was provided through indirect financing via banks, representing 49.6% of the total. 10 Young Entrepreneurs' Projects Receive Funding The Acting Director of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation 'Ruwad' added that the total number of projects applying for funding in 2024 reached 42, compared to 30 projects in 2023, representing a growth rate of 43.3%. She noted that the projects funded in 2024 were distributed by gender: 10 projects owned by male entrepreneurs and 3 projects owned by female entrepreneurs. These projects were classified as 54% in the commercial sector (7 projects), 31% in the professional sector (4 projects), and 15% in the industrial sector (2 industrial projects). Commercial sector accounts for 45.8% of funding In terms of financing amounts, commercial sector projects accounted for the largest share, amounting to AED 1,310,000, representing 45.8%. Occupational sector projects received a total financing amounting to AED 1 million, representing 35%. Industrial sector projects received AED 550,000, representing 19.2%. 8 projects funded in Sharjah According to the geographical distribution of the funded projects, 8 projects (61%) were in Sharjah, 4 projects (31%) were in the Eastern Region of the emirate, and 1 project (8%) was in the Central Region. In terms of the legal form of the funded projects, 11 projects were sole proprietorships, while 2 projects were limited liability one-person companies.
Rudaw Net
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Families of Anfal victims demand remains of loved ones from Baghdad
Also in Iraq Iraq showcases locally made surveillance drones at defense expo in Baghdad Iraqi Shiite politicians at odds over Sharaa's visit to Baghdad KRG, Iraqi officials meet with oil companies to discuss restarting Kurdish oil exports From Russia to Jordan, cultural performances dazzle in Babil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Families of the Anfal genocide victims gathered in Baghdad on Sunday to demand the return of their loved ones' remains, believed to be buried in multiple mass graves in southern Iraq - many of which remain undiscovered. Among the protesters in Baghdad was Amina Mohammed, who told Rudaw, 'My heart is full of grief. I am going to [the place where] my brothers [are believed to be buried] - all of them are in Samawa.' Thirty-seven years after the end of the Anfal campaign, dozens of mass graves have yet to be located or excavated. Efforts to uncover them are ongoing. The most recent discovery came on December 22, when satellite imagery revealed several mass graves in the city of Samawa in Muthanna province. It is estimated that around 150 Kurdish women and children were killed at the site. The Anfal campaign, carried out in eight stages across the Kurdistan Region in the late 1980s, resulted in the massacre of more than 182,000 Kurds and the destruction of over 4,500 villages. Victims were often taken to the Topzawa military camp near Kirkuk, where they were separated by age and gender before being transported to execution sites in multiple places in southern Iraq. 'We are here to demand the return of the remains to the Kurdistan Region - their home,' Faraj Ahmad, another demonstrator, said. Shukriya Fatah, who also lost family members to the campaign, described her lingering pain: 'For this brother of mine, I suffered misery for years afterward. Eventually, my brother was gone. I survived, and I was left only with grief.' Bestoon Mohammed, another relative, expressed frustration with political inaction. 'The reason is that now there's no one who listens to the Kurdish people. Even among ourselves, as much as we criticize each other, we don't strive for brotherhood.' After the protest, representatives of the families met with the head of the Iraqi Martyrs' Foundation to present their demands. 'He promised to take the demands to the martyrs' committee in the [federal] parliament and to the prime minister [Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani]. We had previously requested to meet with the prime minister, but he refused. We hope we can see him in the future,' Hawar Dawoudi, speaking on behalf of the victims' relatives, told Rudaw. In 2008, Iraq's Federal Supreme Court officially recognized the Anfal campaign as a crime against humanity. Yet 17 years later, survivors and victims' families say they have received little in the way of justice or support. Anfal was only one chapter in a broader campaign of genocide and discrimination against the Kurds. That history also includes the forced demographic changes in Kirkuk during the 1960s, the disappearance of Faili Kurds in the 1970s, and the chemical attack on Halabja in 1988. Hunar Hamid contributed to this article.
