Latest news with #SevereAcuteMalnutrition
Hi Dubai
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches Initiative with WHO to Combat Malnutrition in Socotra Island
The United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has launched a humanitarian initiative to combat rising malnutrition rates among women and children on Yemen's Socotra Island. The effort, led by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, targets one of the region's most pressing health challenges. Recent data shows the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate among children under five on the island has reached 10.9%, with the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate at 1.6%—figures that cross internationally recognised critical thresholds. Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, said the initiative reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to humanitarian support and global health development. He emphasised the project's roots in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the current leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Foundation, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, will work closely with WHO to develop evidence-based solutions to tackle nutrition-related health issues. The two-year plan includes reducing maternal and child mortality, enhancing emergency preparedness, and strengthening local healthcare systems. Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo, Acting WHO Representative in Yemen, highlighted the importance of the partnership in addressing urgent needs and building long-term health resilience in the region. The initiative also aims to improve food security, raise awareness on nutrition and hygiene, train medical personnel, and boost disease surveillance. It forms part of broader joint efforts between the UAE and WHO to stabilise health conditions across Yemen through sustainable aid and infrastructure support. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Yogi orders launch of Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana
: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the launch of the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana (MSY) and setting up of Take Home Ration (THR) units in every district of the state. With this, the state aims to provide a nutritious morning meal to all registered children aged between 3 and 6 years and support for poor families identified under the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Zero Poverty Mission. Under the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana, children at Anganwadi centers will receive a morning meal that includes milk, fruits, and nutritious food items. The chief minister emphasised the need for effective implementation of welfare schemes while chairing a meeting with the department of child development and nutrition and reviewing its work, a press statement issued by the state government said. 'Although the Sambhav Abhiyan has led to some improvement in addressing Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), continuous nutritional support is still essential,' the chief minister said. The scheme will also benefit aspirational districts and development blocks. Adityanath instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan for the scheme. He further emphasised the need for regular monitoring of children's nutrition indicators such as stunting, underweight and wasting. The chief minister also instructed that families without livestock should be provided cows under the Mukhyamantri Nirashrit Govansh Sahbhagita Yojana. Reaffirming his commitment to building a 'Malnutrition-Free Uttar Pradesh,' he called for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and Anganwadi children to be provided with tasty, digestible, and quality food. He recommended incorporating local ingredients like Pratapgarh amla, millets, and jaggery in the recipe-based Take Home Ration (THR) to enhance its variety and nutritional value. Currently, THR is being supplied to 288 projects from 204 units in 43 districts.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Nations United Children's Fund (UNICEF) condemns looting of life-saving supplies for children from Al Bashair hospital in Khartoum State
UNICEF condemns in the strongest possible terms the looting of vital humanitarian supplies—intended to save the lives of malnourished children and provide critical healthcare to mothers and newborns from Al Bashair Hospital in Jabal Awlia, Khartoum. The looting, which included at least 2,200 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), has put the lives of over 2,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) at risk. The looting of Al Bashair Hospital, one of the last functioning medical facilities in Jabal Awlia, on the outskirts of the capital Khartoum, has compounded an already dire humanitarian catastrophe for children and families in the area. Commercial supplies and humanitarian aid have been blocked for more than three months due to ongoing conflict along key routes. The result is a severe shortage of food, medicine, and other essentials, with thousands of civilians trapped in active fighting. Over 4,000 people have already been forced to flee within Khartoum. "Stealing life-saving supplies meant for malnourished children is outrageous and a direct attack on their survival," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "These unconscionable acts against vulnerable children must end. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need' Jabal Awlia is also one of 17 localities facing a risk of famine, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update, making the loss of these supplies catastrophic for more than 100,000 acutely malnourished children. The looted iron and folic acid supplements were designated for 6,000 pregnant and lactating women. The stolen midwife kits and primary healthcare supplies would have supported over 132,980 mothers, newborns, and children in a region where healthcare access is extremely limited. UNICEF had managed to deliver these critical supplies on 20 December 2024, marking the first successful humanitarian shipment to Jabal Awlia in over 18 months. The loss of these supplies—coupled with the forced suspension of humanitarian operations due to worsening security conditions—is pushing children closer to catastrophe. Sudan is already facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Over 24.6 million people - more than half the population - are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. The collapse of health services, the closure of schools for 17 million children, and record levels of child displacement have created an unprecedented emergency. UNICEF reiterates its urgent call for: Unimpeded humanitarian access to reach children and families in need. Protection of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law. Immediate security guarantees for frontline workers delivering life-saving aid. UNICEF remains committed to supporting children in Sudan and will continue working with partners to restore access to essential services. However, urgent funding and improved security conditions are needed to sustain operations and prevent further loss of life. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
