Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoal
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to lead UN-Habitat 2026–2029
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been appointed president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, representing the Asia-Pacific region. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this marked the first time Malaysia would assume a leadership role in UN-Habitat — a responsibility the country is fully prepared to undertake as it showcases its achievements and offers practical solutions to global urban challenges. The four-year presidency follows UN-Habitat's system of regional rotation. Malaysia will succeed Mexico, which has represented Latin America and the Caribbean from 2019 to 2025. Nga said that Malaysia's strong track record in sustainable urban development, housing provision, and waste management positions the country well to lead global dialogue under the theme of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. "This appointment is a significant milestone in Malaysia's growing global leadership, particularly as we also assume the Asean chairmanship this year," he said. "Our track record speaks for itself. Malaysia has achieved 43 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators — far surpassing the global average of 17 per cent. Our contributions encompass affordable housing, urban regeneration, and sustainable waste management. "As of March 2025, we have completed 179,769 affordable housing units, with more than 235,000 currently under construction and over 76,000 in the planning stage — totalling 98.4 per cent of our national target." Nga said that urban regeneration and legal reform would be key focus areas during Malaysia's presidency. These include plans to table the Urban Renewal Act and the proposed Building Managers Act, aimed at addressing dilapidated buildings and poor property management. "We are also pioneering innovative waste management through the National Circular Economy Council and our Circular Economy Blueprint (2025–2035), in addition to converting former landfill sites into public spaces," he said. He added that Malaysia would use its presidency to amplify the voices of the Global South and foster multilateral cooperation through people-public-private partnerships. "This is more than a diplomatic achievement — it reflects Malaysia's evolution into a responsible and forward-thinking global partner. "It also provides a platform for us to raise the voices of the Asia-Pacific region and empower communities worldwide in their pursuit of liveable and sustainable urban environments. This strengthens Malaysia's standing in the Global South." Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat was established in 1977 and became a full programme under the UN General Assembly in 2001. With the support of 193 member states, UN-Habitat leads global efforts on human settlements and plays a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 — to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
One in six Ghanaians paid bribes to access public services in 2024
One in six Ghanaians who interacted with public officials in 2024 admitted to paying a bribe to access public services, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has disclosed. 18.4% of Ghanaians who interacted with public officials in 2024 reported paying bribes, with cash being the most common form. The survey, which involved 7,248 participants nationwide, identified urban regions and the ages 35–49 as hotspots for bribery incidences. Among those paying bribes, individuals with higher education levels and employment status were prominent contributors. According to the newly launched Governance Series Wave 1 Report, 18.4% of respondents who dealt with public officials during the year reported giving bribes—most commonly in cash. The report forms part of Ghana's ongoing efforts to track progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 16.5.1, which measures the proportion of the population who paid or were asked to pay a bribe to a public official. The nationwide survey, conducted through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), sampled 7,248 individuals across all 16 regions. Over half of the participants (55.7%) confirmed they had interacted with at least one public official from January to December 2024. Bribery patterns by gender, age, and location The study identified stark disparities in bribery trends. Men accounted for a staggering 77.4% of those who paid bribes, while women made up only 22.6%. Urban areas also emerged as bribery hotspots, with 61.9% of bribery cases recorded in cities compared to 38.1% in rural areas. The most affected age group was 35–49 years, representing approximately 43% of all bribes paid. Individuals with tertiary and junior high school (JHS)/middle-level education recorded the highest rates of bribe payments, and employed persons made up the bulk of those involved (75.6%). Surprisingly, 22.4% of unemployed individuals reported paying bribes exceeding GH¢1,000, underlining the steep economic burden corruption places on jobseekers and vulnerable populations. Among persons living with disabilities, about 21% reported engaging in bribery, with the highest rates observed among those with physical (40.1%) and visual (32.5%) impairments. Police top the list of most corrupt institutions The Ghana Police Service's Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) emerged as the most corrupt institution, with six out of ten individuals who interacted with the MTTD admitting to paying bribes. Other top-ranking institutions included: General duties police officers – 46.7% Criminal Investigations Department (CID) – 37.9% City guards – 34.4% At the other end of the spectrum, the Minerals Commission recorded zero bribery incidents, while only 2.6% of respondents cited bribe-related encounters with foreign embassies or consulates. Regionally, Greater Accra (22%) and Ashanti (18.1%) recorded the highest levels of bribery. In contrast, Savannah (1%) and North East (1.1%) regions reported the lowest incidences. What bribes look Like: cash still dominates Cash remained the most common form of bribe, accounting for 85.2% of all reported gifts. Other bribe forms included: Food, drinks, animals – 9% Exchange of services – 4.4% Bribe amounts varied, with: One-third paying between GH¢101 and GH¢500 14% paying over GH¢1,000 More men (15.6%) than women (10.8%) reported paying bribes above GH¢1,000. Urban dwellers paid more frequently and in higher amounts than rural residents, with Greater Accra leading in high-value bribes. How bribes were Initiated – and why they go unreported Public officials were responsible for initiating 74.9% of bribes—either directly or through intermediaries. Another 17.3% of individuals gave bribes voluntarily, either to speed up processes or as a show of gratitude. However, only 14.5% of bribery incidents were reported to the appropriate authorities. Urban residents were more likely to report than their rural counterparts, reflecting both access and confidence in anti-corruption channels. A call to action for reforms Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu described the findings as a 'call to action', urging decision-makers to develop policies grounded in data. 'This evidence must be used to drive reforms, empower citizens and ultimately reduce corruption in public service delivery,' he stated. The Governance Series, which will be conducted bi-annually, aims to monitor changes in governance experiences. These findings will also support Ghana's third Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs, scheduled for July 2025.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
India's new urban worry — rising overnutrition
A recent article in Nature that studied the prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) among IT employees in Hyderabad had alarming findings: 84% of the participants had fatty liver, indicating MAFLD, and 71% were obese. This striking statistic underscores a larger, more insidious public health crisis that is emerging in tandem with the growth of India's urban economy. The underlying drivers are chronic stress, excess salt intake, disrupted sleep patterns, and prolonged sedentary routines, particularly among those in the technology sector. IT companies often tether employees to their desks by offering free kiosks stocked with snacks that fall short of nutritional standards. Urban India's crisis India is grappling with a paradoxical nutritional landscape. While undernutrition remains a concern in many regions, overnutrition is now rapidly escalating in urban centres. In 2021, India ranked second globally in overweight and obesity prevalence. The trend is particularly evident in metropolitan IT corridors, where professionals are unwittingly becoming the face of a silent metabolic crisis. India's double burden of malnutrition — rampant undernutrition coexisting with overnutrition — is reflected in its low ranking on the Global Hunger Index. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 74% of global deaths in 2019 (it was 61% in 2000). These diseases disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, including India. WHO's 2024 World Health Statistics warns that NCDs and obesity are increasingly prevalent in the most economically productive segment of society. Without substantial policy interventions, regions such as South-East Asia are unlikely to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets to reduce premature mortality from NCDs. In Tamil Nadu, the 2023-24 STEPS Survey paints a stark picture: over 65% of deaths in Chennai are attributable to NCDs. While the NCD cascade of care has shown improvement, there are significant gaps. Among those receiving treatment for hypertension, only 16% have achieved blood pressure control, and for individuals aged 18-44, this drops to just 9.3%. Among diabetics in the same age group, only 9.8% manage to maintain glycaemic control. The prevalence of overweight and obesity stands at 31.6% and 14.2%, respectively. Additionally, 94.2% of respondents reported inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, while 24.4% reported insufficient physical activity. Tamil Nadu's Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) programme, deserves mention for its multisectoral approach to NCD control. From January 2024, 3,79,635 employees have been screened through workplace interventions. The eight-kilometre health walk and the 'Eat Right Challenge' were introduced to encourage behavioural change and nutrition awareness. However, the unchecked growth of fast food outlets in metros remains a formidable obstacle. The National Family Health Survey-5 shows that obesity steadily rises with age, from 7% among men (15-19 years) to 32% among those aged 40 to 49 years. The prevalence of overweight or obesity rises from 10% in the lowest wealth quintile to 37% in the highest wealth quintile. The widespread prevalence of overweight and obesity across age groups and income levels underscores that this is not an isolated occupational hazard, but a population-wide health crisis in the making. These trends align closely with data for women. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), another NCD risk marker, also increases with age: 46% to 65% in women and 28% to 60% in men (ages 15 to 49). In Tamil Nadu, urban areas report a higher NCD prevalence when compared to rural areas. Overweight or obesity affects 46.1% of urban men and 43.1% of urban women, compared to 35.4% and 31.6%, respectively, in rural areas. The 18 to 59 age bracket which contributes to Tamil Nadu's majority working force is most vulnerable to early-onset NCDs, also compounded by a growing dependence on ultra-processed foods, alongside other established factors. A Lancet article (2025) estimates that India's overweight and obese adult population could touch 450 million by 2050 (180 million in 2021). Simultaneously, childhood obesity has surged by 244% over the past three decades and is expected to climb another 121% in the next three. Focus on manufacturing and marketing While nutrition awareness at the consumer level is growing, it remains insufficient. The greater responsibility lies with regulators, producers, and policymakers. The market is saturated with ultra-processed foods that offer convenience but little in the way of nourishment. Consumers are frequently left choosing from options that are inherently unhealthy. To address this, the Eat Right India movement, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable food. It includes hygiene ratings, certification programmes, and campaigns such as 'Aaj Se Thoda Kam,' which encourages consumers to gradually reduce their intake of fat, sugar, and salt. In partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, the FSSAI advocates labelling high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods, empowering consumers to make informed choices. In 2022, the FSSAI proposed the Health Star Rating (HSR) aimed at clearer nutritional information on packaged foods. However, the HSR system has sparked debate among medical practitioners and nutrition experts, on its effectiveness. The Supreme Court of India recently directed an FSSAI-constituted expert committee to submit scientific and technical advice on food safety matters, which includes recommendations on food labelling norms. However, these efforts must be backed by stricter enforcement and broader multisectoral coordination. Nutritional regulation must extend beyond messaging campaigns to influence what is manufactured, marketed and made available. The Saudi Arabian model Saudi Arabia offers a compelling model. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom has embedded NCD prevention into its national policy framework. It enforces calorie labelling in restaurants, imposes a 50% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and levies a 100% tax on energy drinks. It has instituted sodium limits in processed foods. Saudi Arabia is among the few nations meeting WHO's sodium reduction best practices and recognised for eliminating trans fats. Its success lies in the coherence of its strategy — integrating health, regulatory oversight, industry compliance, and civic engagement. Meanwhile, India's urban landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai have become economic engines, powered by the technology sector. To accommodate global operations, IT companies are embracing flexible and extended work hours. This transition has resulted in a considerable rise in demand for late-night eateries, cloud kitchens, and food delivery services. However, the vast majority of these offerings are energy-dense, nutrient-poor food products. As a nightlife culture expands in parallel with economic ambitions, so too does the risk of a nutrition-driven public health crisis. While the numbers among IT professionals are eye-catching, the escalating burden of NCDs extends well beyond this sector. The message is clear: reversing the tide of NCDs demands not just awareness but action. Regulatory reforms, especially those addressing the food industry, are imperative. Imposing taxes on foods high in sugar and salt — or those failing to meet nutritional standards — could be a logical next step. After all, if there is one thing India has never shied away from, it is introducing new taxes. Why not one that promotes health? Dr. A. Chandiran Joseph is a doctor who is currently pursuing his post-graduation in community medicine in Chennai. The views expressed are personal
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Diabetes, hypertension strongly linked: Study warns of twin epidemics
Lucknow: One in three people aged 30 and above has , and nearly one in five has . Those with either conditions are, on average, about 10 years older than those without, highlighting the increased risk with age. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This finding was reported in a newly published study conducted by researchers from the (New Delhi), an institution established by Tata Trusts. A researcher from King George's Medical University (KGMU) also contributed to the study. The study found that diabetes and high blood pressure are strongly linked, meaning that if someone has one of these conditions, they are much more likely to develop the other. The study, titled "Unveiling the of Hypertension and Diabetes", was published in the May 2025 issue of BMC Public Health. It is one of the largest health data studies of its kind in India, analysing data from over 11.7 lakh adults aged 30 and above as part of the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). "These conditions don't occur in isolation. One significantly increases the risk of the other, especially as people age," said Dr Nishikant Singh from HSTP, one of the lead authors. Among people with diabetes, around 43% also had high blood pressure. Similarly, more than 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure also had diabetes, showing how frequently the two occur together. "This overlap worsens health problems and makes treatment more complicated," said Prof Navin Singh, department of radiation oncology, from KGMU. "It also adds pressure on already overloaded health services." Though men have slightly higher rates of both conditions, the risk of developing one disease after the other is slightly higher in women. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Researchers believe this could be due to differences in how men and women seek medical help, or how early they are diagnosed. "We can't ignore gender differences anymore," said Dr Sudheer Kumar Shukla. The study stresses that India's current approach to handling lifestyle diseases may not be enough to meet the target set under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to reduce early deaths from such diseases by one-third by 2030. "We can no longer treat diabetes and high blood pressure as separate issues," said Dr Nishikant. "A combined care approach—starting from early screening to long-term management—is the only way forward." The researchers urge the govt and health agencies to focus on to mitigate the twin epidemics of diabetes and hypertension, especially in high-risk areas, improve health data systems, include gender-sensitive plans, and invest more in preventing these diseases before they start. The author of the study also includes Rajeev Sadanandan, former additional chief secretary, department of health, Kerala.
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Mother's Day — little to celebrate
Listen to article Celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May is a relatively recent phenomenon, although honouring mothers has deep cultural and religious roots. In Islam, the reverence for mothers is profound — so much so that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared, "Paradise lies under the feet of the mother." The Quran commands believers to show kindness to parents, reminding us of the hardship mothers undergo especially during pregnancy, childbirth and the early years of nurturing a child. And still, in 2025, we fail them. The latest UN report on global maternal mortality trends from 2000 to 2023 is grim. Just four countries — Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan — account for nearly half of all maternal deaths worldwide. In Pakistan, a woman dies from pregnancy-related causes approximately every 48 minutes. That's nearly 11,000 preventable maternal deaths each year -— a violation of constitutional and human rights. Although maternal mortality in Pakistan declined by a third between 2006 and 2019 — from 286 to 186 deaths per 100,000 live births — we are still far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality below 70 per 100,000 live births. Why does a natural, physiological event end so often in death? The answer lies in systemic failure: a fragile health system, deep-rooted societal injustices and the poor status accorded to women. Where services do exist, they are unevenly distributed. Maternal mortality is highest in Balochistan, followed by Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab — clear evidence of entrenched regional and rural-urban disparities. Poor women, especially in under-served areas, rely on under-resourced public health systems while the private sector grows — accessible only to those who can afford it. Analysis carried out by the Population Council of the 2019 Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey reveals alarming findings: women attended by "skilled birth attendants" had higher mortality risks than those who were not. The research also shows that women lacking basic immunisations — such as tetanus toxoid — face higher mortality risks. This underscores the poor quality of care offered by the health system, which is frequently plagued by supply shortages, a weak referral system that delays access to appropriate facilities, and inadequate accountability. Other risk factors reflecting broader social determinants are just as stark: according to the research, being older, less literate and not using family planning significantly increase the risk of maternal death. These are not just health concerns — they reflect how inequities in education, autonomy and support directly impact maternal outcomes, underscoring the need for a multi-sectoral approach to improve women's health in Pakistan. The sobering statistics make clear that strengthening primary health care — especially with a robust reproductive health component — is now non-negotiable. Punjab's recent initiative to integrate population and health services is a promising step. Integrated, one-stop women's health services are essential to eliminate inequities in care. But we need national scale and political will to make maternal death not just a health issue — but a political one. Equity must be at the core: expanding community-based and mobile outreach to reach remote and impoverished populations is vital. We must also build a health system resilient to external shocks — climate change, conflict, disasters and pandemics. Women's voices must be included in every resilience plan. And we must confront the root causes of deprivation by fast-tracking progress in girls' education, nutrition and economic empowerment. Celebrating Mother's Day must mean more than televised tributes and public displays of sentiment. It must mean saving mothers' lives. Until childbirth is safe for every woman — regardless of income, geography or education — there is little to celebrate.
