Latest news with #ChildFundInternational
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Poster on Central and State schemes released in Tirupati
Rashtriya Seva Samithi (RASS), a Tirupati-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating with the support of Child Fund International, brought out pamphlets and posters on the Central and State government schemes, informing the public how to use them. Tirupati District Collector S. Venkateswar, who formally released the posters at his chambers in the Collectorate, here on Saturday, appreciated RASS and Child Fund International for not only supporting the cause, but also going the extra mile to create awareness among the prospective beneficiaries on how to use the schemes. He lauded RASS general secretary S. Venkataratnam for the initiative and said that such efforts would go a long way in creating confidence among the beneficiaries. While advising the NGO to seek the association of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to cover more beneficiaries, Mr. Venkateswar offered all support on behalf of the government.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 500 flu-related deaths reported in NC this season; vaccination, preventative measures encouraged
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – Vesenta Watson spends most of his days working with Child Fund International and says he got sick a few months ago. 'Back in December, I came down terribly with the flu, and I was bedridden for several days,' he said. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the reported flu deaths for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday, saying more than 500 people diagnosed with flu died across North Carolina this past respiratory virus season. This marks the highest number of flu-related deaths since 2009, state health officials said, a fact that has left many, including Samalia Idris, in a state of shock. Idris, who contracted COVID-19 a few years ago and had a brief hospital stay, now gets a flu shot every year. Her experience has taught her the importance of vaccination and she now takes her flu shot without fail, along with other preventive measures like wearing a mask. Two Charlotte teens accused of promoting street takeovers on social media, court docs show Dr. David Weber with UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill says wearing a mask is one way to protect yourself because the numbers are higher than usual. 'We have seen high numbers this season, and here at our medical center, we have seen 12 deaths from influenza. They have been all adults so far this year,' he said. Dr. Weber says the cases have begun dropping but still recommends the flu shot. He says giving you immunity will still take about one to three weeks. He also says high-risk individuals with underlying heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or anyone older than 65 should still consider a flu shot. 'This year, if you look at the vaccine, most of the studies have shown it 50 to 60 percent effective keeping you from getting ill but more like 60 to 80 percent effective from getting hospitalized,' he said. As the season winds down, Vasenta says he will be in line next season for a vaccine. 'Ultimately, I want to cover all bases to make sure I'm good, and hearing something like the numbers this season are terrible,' said Watson. Dr. Weber strongly recommends a combination of preventive measures, including wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and getting a flu shot. He also points out that many local pharmacies offer flu shots for free, making it easier for everyone to stay safe. NCDHHS officials said this grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses can be serious, and even deadly in some cases. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,' North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a released statement. 'These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.' Heartbreak remains in WNC as search for the missing continues 'This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,' said Dr. Kelly Kimple, interim state health director and NCDHHS chief medical officer. 'I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and impact of our public health teams across the state. Now is the time to match that trust with stable, long-term investment in our public health workforce and infrastructure so we can continue to protect our communities for years to come.' In early March, NCDHHS officials warned of a recent spike in flu cases throughout the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Voice of America
29-01-2025
- Voice of America
Online child sexual exploitation increasing in Kenya, says report
For young people like Winnie Muyam, accessing digital platforms was her way to connect with friends and entertainment, until last year when the 17-year-old said strangers began to chat with her. "They started talking to me as a friend, telling me how beautiful I was," she said. "From there they started sending pictures. They wanted to see my private parts and I felt so bad." The teenager said her efforts to flag her abusers through the platform's reporting tools were futile. Her complaint was not acted upon. While Muyam was able to avoid exploitation, up to 13% of minors online have been exploited or abused, according to a survey by Child Fund International and Africa Child forum. A majority of the targeted children are 12 to 17 years old. The fund's child advocacy and protection manager, Eunice Kilundo, said perpetrators try to play on their victims' desperation for affection. "They will pose as a very good friend," said Kilundo. "They even give children rewards and lure them into going deeper and deeper up to the point where probably they may want children to send them their nudes and all that." In a fast-changing digital world, parents, caregivers, communities and governments face new challenges in keeping children safe, UNICEF said. Researchers say a low capacity to investigate and prosecute online sexual exploitation in Africa creates a fertile ground for potential offenders. So Kenyan authorities are training officers in the justice system to handle such cases. Kilundo said concerted efforts to combat such abuse will go a long way. "It's a high time everybody in the children sector — or even outside the children sector, the corporate, government, everyone — to demonstrate commitment and concern," said Kilundo. Kenyan law prohibits any sexual involvement with children under 18 years old, including online, without permission of a parent or guardian. Dennis Otieno, senior counsel for Kenya's Federation of Female Lawyers, told VOA that although such crimes can be prosecuted, some caregivers are oblivious to them and making them aware is crucial. "The report rate for such cases is very low," said Otieno. "Many people still do not understand there are crimes that can be committed through social media." More than 22 million people in Kenya have access to the internet, according to national data, and with increasing access to digital platforms, authorities believe programs such as this training will help keep children online safe.
