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Observer
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Oman leads the way in early childhood development
The Sultanate of Oman stands as a pioneering nation in early childhood development, both in terms of policies and services. It was among the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and took early steps to enact legislation safeguarding children's rights. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) office in Oman emphasised that the issuance of the Child Law in 2014 was clear evidence of this commitment. This was further reinforced by the 2023 School Education Law, which affirmed children's right to early education, and the 2023 Social Protection Law, which established an integrated system of social benefits and insurance. These laws adopted international best practices in delivering benefits, including those for childhood and persons with disabilities, while working to enhance them to maximise protection and investment in childhood development and uphold principles of justice. Sumaira Chowdhury, Representative of Unicef in Oman, noted significant progress in social protection through the reinforcement of national policies aimed at supporting children and families, ensuring services reach the most vulnerable groups. This progress includes the development of social protection systems and improved inter-sectoral coordination to ensure a comprehensive response to beneficiaries' needs. She revealed that Unicef Office plays a pivotal role in supporting national efforts by providing technical assistance and strategic guidance in policy and programme design. It also strengthens national capacities in data collection and analysis for evidence-based planning. In partnership with government entities, Unicef, she added, works to enhance child protection systems and integrate them into the social protection framework, contributing to a comprehensive and sustainable system dedicated to the well-being of every child. She pointed out that the cooperation between Oman and Unicef is built on a long-term strategic partnership dating back to 1971, aimed at promoting child rights across various fields, including education, health, protection, nutrition and early childhood development. Both sides, she affirmed, work closely to develop national policies and programmes ensuring every child in Oman enjoys their rights fully and equitably, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Oman Vision 2040. She explained that this collaboration takes the form of a joint country programme, coordinated with relevant Omani child welfare authorities. This programme is reviewed every five years, with annual implementation plans, and involves discussions on national priorities and programmes within Unicef's framework of support for government efforts to enhance child well-being, she added. She further highlighted Oman's growing focus on early childhood development, reflected in its integration into national priorities and increased investment in early care and education programmes. The emphasis on a child's early years underscores Oman's deep understanding of this critical phase in shaping a child's future abilities and skills, she affirmed. She further added: 'Oman has achieved advanced rankings in childhood development indicators, universal immunisation, and inclusive education covering all children without exception. It continues to demonstrate commitment through innovative solutions, such as labour laws and family-friendly policies that grant parents adequate time to care for their children in their early years. These efforts position Oman as a global leader in child care and protection'. Sumaira Chowdhury, Representative of Unicef in Oman, noted significant progress in social protection through the reinforcement of national policies aimed at supporting children and families. — ONA The Representative of Unicef in Oman noted that Oman implements a comprehensive package of programmes aimed at developing children's and adolescents' capacities in education, health, and community engagement. Today, she said, a qualitative shift is evident in adopting inclusive approaches addressing the needs of diverse groups, including children with disabilities and those at risk. Unicef supports these initiatives and works to amplify their impact through technical cooperation and capacity-building. She added that close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and other relevant entities, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, has united efforts to analyse and understand child development pathways and protect children from all forms of abuse or harm. This institutional cooperation, she pointed out, includes updating the Child Protection Manual and preparing a study on establishing integrated early childhood centres to enhance coordination mechanisms among stakeholders, ensuring improved child case monitoring and high-quality, consistent follow-up. She stated that national laws, such as the Child Law and the Child Protection Manual, are pivotal achievements positioning Oman among countries striving to protect child rights. From an international perspective, these laws reflect Oman's genuine commitment to aligning its legislation with international conventions and standards, fostering a legal environment that ensures child protection and equity, she affirmed. She said: 'Oman plays a crucial role in supporting developmental and humanitarian programmes for children, both nationally and through its participation in regional and international efforts. Unicef believes Oman can be an influential voice for children in the region by supporting initiatives promoting health, education, and child protection, especially in humanitarian crises. Oman garners global attention for its noble stances and balanced support for child and humanitarian causes. Its peaceful and neutral policy makes it a reliable and friendly partner for all, particularly amid recurring humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa. In this context, Oman has generously supported Gaza's children by donating RO 385,000( $1 million) to aid children in the sector, as part of its ongoing support for Unicef's global humanitarian and relief efforts'. She added that key initiatives in pre-school education development include supporting child-friendly school environments and empowering teachers with inclusive teaching methods through the Future Skills Framework. She explained that collaboration with the Ministry of Health focuses on building capacities in early childhood care services, alongside nutrition programmes such as breastfeeding and mental health support. Joint efforts with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education, she pointed out, include a comprehensive study exploring pathways to implement the Education Law, which stipulates pre-school education as a fundamental right for every child. Unicef is analysing strategies to ensure the rollout of early education services in Oman, alongside a study on enhancing early childhood development through integrated service centres. She noted that Unicef Oman implements programmes strengthening the capacities of early-grade educators and social workers, providing continuous technical support to partners in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to ensure intervention quality and sustainability. There is growing commitment to improving rehabilitation and care services for children with disabilities, alongside efforts to develop infrastructure, services, and qualified personnel, she added, stressing the need to enhance social and educational inclusion and develop early detection and intervention tools. She pointed out that Unicef plays a central role in supporting the Omani government to develop a unified national child protection system based on prevention, monitoring, and early intervention. It also works to raise community awareness, build frontline workers' capacities, and develop standardised protocols for addressing violence, abuse, and neglect. The office launched a positive parenting training programme to educate parents and caregivers on child protection, proper nutrition, early learning stimulation, and social inclusion. She further added that in collaboration with partners, local institutions, and the National Family Affairs Committee, Unicef launched a national awareness campaign titled 'Our Children, a Trust', which received widespread engagement. The campaign continuously highlights the importance of early childhood development and its impact on children's futures. She said that Unicef has also designed and implemented behaviour-change communication campaigns focusing on family and community roles in child protection, addressing emerging issues like cyberbullying, mental health, and violence. These initiatives, she pointed out, engage children and adolescents in expressing their needs and becoming part of the solution. She added that in partnership with government entities, Unicef launched a national strategic communication strategy for societal behaviour change, based on scientific evidence addressing practices, habits, and knowledge levels related to early childhood development. It also implements targeted awareness campaigns to improve social indicators, such as promoting breastfeeding and proper nutrition, fostering supportive environments for holistic child development. — ONA
Times of Oman
12 hours ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Oman-UNICEF cooperation built on long-term strategic partnership
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman stands as a pioneering nation in early childhood development, both in terms of policies and services. It was among the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and took early steps to enact legislation safeguarding children's rights. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Oman emphasised that the issuance of the Child Law in 2014 was clear evidence of this commitment. This was further reinforced by the 2023 School Education Law, which affirmed children's right to early education, and the 2023 Social Protection Law, which established an integrated system of social benefits and insurance. These laws adopted international best practices in delivering benefits, including those for childhood and persons with disabilities, while working to enhance them to maximise protection and investment in childhood development and uphold principles of justice. Sumaira Chowdhury, Representative of UNICEF in Oman, noted significant progress in social protection through the reinforcement of national policies aimed at supporting children and families, ensuring services reach the most vulnerable groups. This progress includes the development of social protection systems and improved inter-sectoral coordination to ensure a comprehensive response to beneficiaries' needs. She revealed that UNICEF Office plays a pivotal role in supporting national efforts by providing technical assistance and strategic guidance in policy and programme design. It also strengthens national capacities in data collection and analysis for evidence-based planning. In partnership with government entities, UNICEF, she added, works to enhance child protection systems and integrate them into the social protection framework, contributing to a comprehensive and sustainable system dedicated to the well-being of every child. In an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA), she pointed out that the cooperation between Oman and UNICEF is built on a long-term strategic partnership dating back to 1971, aimed at promoting child rights across various fields, including education, health, protection, nutrition, and early childhood development. Both sides, she affirmed, work closely to develop national policies and programmes ensuring every child in Oman enjoys their rights fully and equitably, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Oman Vision 2040. She explained that this collaboration takes the form of a joint country programme, coordinated with relevant Omani child welfare authorities. This programme is reviewed every five years, with annual implementation plans, and involves discussions on national priorities and programmes within UNICEF's framework of support for government efforts to enhance child well-being, she added. She further highlighted Oman's growing focus on early childhood development, reflected in its integration into national priorities and increased investment in early care and education programmes. The emphasis on a child's early years underscores Oman's deep understanding of this critical phase in shaping a child's future abilities and skills, she affirmed. She further added: 'Oman has achieved advanced rankings in childhood development indicators, universal immunisation, and inclusive education covering all children without exception. It continues to demonstrate commitment through innovative solutions, such as labour laws and family-friendly policies that grant parents adequate time to care for their children in their early years. These efforts position Oman as a global leader in child care and protection'. The Representative of UNICEF in Oman noted that Oman implements a comprehensive package of programmes aimed at developing children's and adolescents' capacities in education, health, and community engagement. Today, she said, a qualitative shift is evident in adopting inclusive approaches addressing the needs of diverse groups, including children with disabilities and those at risk. UNICEF supports these initiatives and works to amplify their impact through technical cooperation and capacity-building. She added that close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and other relevant entities, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, has united efforts to analyse and understand child development pathways and protect children from all forms of abuse or harm. This institutional cooperation, she pointed out, includes updating the Child Protection Manual and preparing a study on establishing integrated early childhood centres to enhance coordination mechanisms among stakeholders, ensuring improved child case monitoring and high-quality, consistent follow-up. She stated that national laws, such as the Child Law and the Child Protection Manual, are pivotal achievements positioning Oman among countries striving to protect child rights. From an international perspective, these laws reflect Oman's genuine commitment to aligning its legislation with international conventions and standards, fostering a legal environment that ensures child protection and equity, she affirmed. She said: 'Oman plays a crucial role in supporting developmental and humanitarian programmes for children, both nationally and through its participation in regional and international efforts. UNICEF believes Oman can be an influential voice for children in the region by supporting initiatives promoting health, education, and child protection, especially in humanitarian crises. Oman garners global attention for its noble stances and balanced support for child and humanitarian causes. Its peaceful and neutral policy makes it a reliable and friendly partner for all, particularly amid recurring humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa. In this context, Oman has generously supported Gaza's children by donating OMR385,000($1 million) to aid children in the sector, as part of its ongoing support for UNICEF's global humanitarian and relief efforts'. She added that key initiatives in pre-school education development include supporting child-friendly school environments and empowering teachers with inclusive teaching methods through the Future Skills Framework. She explained that collaboration with the Ministry of Health focuses on building capacities in early childhood care services, alongside nutrition programs such as breastfeeding and mental health support. Joint efforts with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education, she pointed out, include a comprehensive study exploring pathways to implement the Education Law, which stipulates pre-school education as a fundamental right for every child. UNICEF is analysing strategies to ensure the rollout of early education services in Oman, alongside a study on enhancing early childhood development through integrated service centres. She noted that UNICEF Oman implements programs strengthening the capacities of early-grade educators and social workers, providing continuous technical support to partners in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to ensure intervention quality and sustainability. There is growing commitment to improving rehabilitation and care services for children with disabilities, alongside efforts to develop infrastructure, services, and qualified personnel, she added, stressing the need to enhance social and educational inclusion and develop early detection and intervention tools. She pointed out that UNICEF plays a central role in supporting the Omani government to develop a unified national child protection system based on prevention, monitoring, and early intervention. It also works to raise community awareness, build frontline workers' capacities, and develop standardised protocols for addressing violence, abuse, and neglect. The office launched a positive parenting training programme to educate parents and caregivers on child protection, proper nutrition, early learning stimulation, and social inclusion. She further added that in collaboration with partners, local institutions, and the National Family Affairs Committee, UNICEF launched a national awareness campaign titled 'Our Children, a Trust', which received widespread engagement. The campaign continuously highlights the importance of early childhood development and its impact on children's futures. She said that UNICEF has also designed and implemented behaviour-change communication campaigns focusing on family and community roles in child protection, addressing emerging issues like cyberbullying, mental health, and violence. These initiatives, she pointed out, engage children and adolescents in expressing their needs and becoming part of the solution. She added that in partnership with government entities, UNICEF launched a national strategic communication strategy for societal behaviour change, based on scientific evidence addressing practices, habits, and knowledge levels related to early childhood development. It also implements targeted awareness campaigns to improve social indicators, such as promoting breastfeeding and proper nutrition, fostering supportive environments for holistic child development.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Malnutrition stunts children's growth in Laos
VIENTIANE: Laos is facing a malnutrition plight among children, with nearly 44 per cent of children under the age of five affected by stunted growth. There are about 385,000 such cases in the country, with 20 per cent of Lao children already stunted by the age of six months, reported the Vientiane Times. According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey, nearly two million people in Laos, mostly women and children, suffer from some form of undernutrition. "Chronic malnutrition remains a major concern, with 35.6 per cent of children under five showing signs of long-term undernourishment,' said the news report. Child food poverty among children in the South-East Asian region has been a pressing issue, largely due to poverty and access to quality food in remote areas. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) 2024 report titled "Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood,' revealed that poor diet quality contributes to child malnutrition in South-East Asia. "Twenty-six per cent of children under five have stunted growth, more than half suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, and child overweight and obesity are a rising concern,' said Unicef. According to the report, around the world, one in four children is living in severe child food poverty in early childhood, amounting to about 180 million children under the age of five. "Severe child food poverty is driving child undernutrition. The prevalence of severe child food poverty is three times higher in countries with a high prevalence of child stunting,' said the global agency. In Laos, the government has taken measures to address the public health issue, targeting to reduce child stunting by 25 per cent by 2030. "The government aims to create a healthier population by addressing the root causes of malnutrition and ensuring that children are given the chance to grow, learn and contribute to the country's future,' reported Vientiane Times. - Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Cheap sweets, costly toll: How junk food near schools is harming kids' minds, bodies and future
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — 'Do you want the 30 sen change or sweets?' a female vendor, who was selling homemade ice cream for 70 sen a stick, asked a schoolboy who handed her RM1. 'Sweets,' replied the boy before walking away with his ice cream and sweets. Vendors selling candies, sweets, light snacks, fast food, ice cream and carbonated drinks are a common sight outside school gates. A random survey of several primary schools in Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan by Bernama recently found that the vendors turn up every school day without fail, with pupils scrambling to buy their favourite drink or snack as soon as school ends. At one school, one student was seen rushing to help his father sell carbonated drinks after school. These beverages, commonly known as air gas and sold at RM1 a cup, come in a variety of colours – red, green, purple, orange and black – and flavours. With a few ice cubes added, they become the perfect thirst quencher on a scorching hot day. But little do the children know the 'hidden cost' of consuming the sugar-laden air gas almost on a daily basis. Consuming carbonated drinks daily According to a press release dated May 2019 by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia, Malaysians' consumption of sugary drinks has increased dramatically over the past 15 years, in tandem with rising incomes. More than one-third (36 percent) of students have sugary drinks at least once a day, and the average daily sugar intake for adolescents has increased from seven teaspoons in 2012 to 10 teaspoons in 2017, which is more than the recommended limit for adults. On average, Malaysians consume around three kilogrammes of sugar per year in the form of sugary drinks. Unicef Malaysia also said taxation of sugary drinks has consistently been shown to reduce sugar consumption and improve health outcomes. For example, in the Philippines, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes have reduced consumption of sugary drinks by 8.7 percent, and a study found that they could prevent 24,000 premature deaths related to diabetes, stroke and heart diseases. In Malaysia's case, it introduced an excise duty on sugary drinks in Budget 2019 at 40 sen per litre, which was increased by 10 sen to 50 sen in Budget 2024. An additional 40 sen was added through Budget 2025, bringing the total excise duty to 90 sen per litre. The tax applies only to three categories of ready-to-drink sugary beverages manufactured locally or imported. According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), the implementation of the sugar tax in 2019 has shown a reduction in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among teenagers – from 36.9 percent (according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey [NHMS] 2017 findings) to 16.4 percent (data from a 2022 study to assess the impact and effectiveness of Malaysia's sugar-sweetened beverage tax). 'Young people and the lower-income group (B40), who are the highest consumers and spend the most on sugary drinks, have benefited positively from this tax,' the ministry said. Vendors selling candies, sweets, light snacks, fast food, ice cream and carbonated drinks are a common sight outside school gates. — AFP file pic Comply with guidelines? However, sugary beverages are not the only concern. Unhealthy eating habits among children are further reinforced by the widespread availability of fast food and processed snacks sold not only in shops but outside school gates as well. Despite regulations in place, vendors continue to operate near schools, offering children easy access to calorie-dense, low-nutrient options – often without their parents' knowledge. But are these vendors even allowed to operate outside schools? According to the Guidelines on the Ban on Sale of Food and Beverages Outside School Gates (2021 Edition) enforced by local authorities, food premises such as static, mobile and temporary hawkers are strictly prohibited from operating within 40 metres of the school perimeter. However, existing licensed static hawkers and stall operators are allowed to operate within the 40-metre boundary, but they are not allowed to sell food and drink items mentioned in the List of Prohibited Food and Beverages for Sale in Schools issued by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE). Meanwhile, Mahani Mohd Baseri, senior assistant for student affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan King George V, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, said food and beverages sold by vendors operating outside the school compound do not come under the school's jurisdiction, noting that the responsibility lies with the local authority, in this case, the Seremban City Council. 'As a school, we can issue directives for hawkers to stay 40 to 50 metres away from the school entrance, as outlined in the MOE guidelines. We also issue warning letters to hawkers who remain defiant,' she said, adding the school has also filed reports with the local authority concerned to address non-compliant hawkers. Mahani emphasised that all food items sold in school canteens comply with guidelines set by MOE. 'School canteens are prohibited from selling snacks, fast food or processed food such as sausages and nuggets. We regularly monitor what is being sold in our canteen and we also maintain a self-inspection file with inspections done by canteen workers and overseen by teachers,' she said. A study titled 'Fast-Food Consumption among Children According to Shari'ah Perspective', published in July 2021, stated that fast food consumption among children is becoming increasingly worrying due to its association with unhealthy nutrition and long-term health effects. Children aged 12 to 15 years in Malaysia consume fast food twice a week on average. Different factors influence fast food intake, including a rise in advertising, the growing number of fast food restaurants and changing modern lifestyles, especially in terms of food choices. Big but feel 'small' Linking obesity to more than just the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Professor of Paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, said obese children are also at high risk of experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. He said stress and depression are often silent struggles faced by many overweight and obese children. 'They feel very 'small' despite their large body size. Usually, when obese children feel down, they turn to food and the cycle continues without solving the problem. 'If stress and depression are identified (among obese cases), we begin treatment using psychological methods for therapy and motivation. However, if that fails, we would get psychiatrists involved and begin medical treatment to help them,' said Dr Muhammad Yazid, who is also a senior consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and UM Specialist Centre (UMSC). Sharing his experience treating an 11-year-old obese boy, he said the child was brought in by his grandfather because he was unable to undergo circumcision due to his excess body weight, which led to a condition called buried penis. A buried penis, which can occur due to several factors including obesity, aging or injuries that cause excess skin or fat to cover the penis, can make certain medical procedures difficult. 'If a child has a buried penis, circumcision cannot be performed using laser or clamp methods due to the high risk of infection if the circumcision wound cannot be properly cleaned,' he said, adding his young patient was given a diet and physical activity plan, which he followed strictly. Eventually, the boy lost weight and was able to undergo circumcision like other children. 'His grandfather came back to see me and cried. This shows how excess weight and obesity can impact not only the child emotionally but also family members who worry deeply about their condition,' he said. Pointing to a study he carried out with his team of researchers, the findings of which were published in January this year, Dr Muhammad Yazid said 22,816 primary and secondary schoolchildren from selected government schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan were screened, and 29.4 percent of primary schoolchildren and 26.8 percent of secondary students were found to be overweight and obese. He said the findings reflected the urgency for effective intervention, leading to the development of the 'My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School' (MyBFF@school) programme, funded by MOH. 'MyBFF@school is a school-based intervention programme developed to tackle childhood obesity in Malaysia. It combines physical activities, nutritional education and psychological support to help schoolchildren adopt healthier lifestyles. 'The programme includes structured games, health talks and motivational sessions aimed at improving both physical fitness and mental well-being,' he said. When jokes become traumatic Meanwhile, child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli, who is also managing director of CPC International, said there are obese children who feel ashamed and stressed about their body size and lack self-confidence. Hence, they avoid socialising and isolate themselves. She said this eventually makes them feel left out and affects their emotional and mental state, which can ultimately impact their academic performance. 'The most common psychological effect experienced by obese children is their sensitivity about their physical appearance, including what they wear, because society generally perceives fat and obese people as unattractive. They are also afraid to socialise for fear of being bullied, either verbally or physically, which worsens their emotional state. 'We often see, not just in schools, that children with larger body sizes are made fun of, whether intentionally or otherwise, through body shaming and other means. I once handled a case of a 10-year-old girl who refused to go to school because her friends called her 'elephant' due to her obesity. 'It was heartbreaking. She had just transferred to a new school and was trying to adjust. Other children laughed at her and didn't want to befriend her. She felt stressed and cried every time she came home from school. So, through mental therapy, we helped her to develop a more positive mindset to deal with the situation,' she said. What children need most Dr Noor Aishah added that early signs of mental health problems among obese children include depression, changes in sleep patterns, irregular appetite, irritability, increased sensitivity and being easily offended even over small matters. According to her, weight-loss programmes are particularly challenging for obese children aged seven to 12 who are still in the 'fun' stage of eating, compared to teenagers aged 16 to 18 who are already motivated to look good, stay fit and be free from obesity. 'Another challenge is the pressure from family members who often make sarcastic comments or jokes about a child's body. Some obese children starve themselves for up to two days because they are stressed and believe they can lose weight quickly, but that won't happen because losing weight healthily takes time. 'I've also treated obese children who had difficulty sleeping or suffered from insomnia, prediabetes and high blood pressure. With these conditions, it's hard for them to enjoy school activities like sports and cocurricular activities,' she said. Sweet, cheap, dangerous Commenting on the wide availability of unhealthy snacks, Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer N.V. Subbarow said hundreds of snack and drink products are sold in the market today, with many imported from neighbouring countries and specifically designed to attract children. These items, especially confections and colourful beverages, are often sold for as low as 60 to 70 sen, making them even cheaper and more appealing than local products. He noted that the packaging and bright, rainbow-like colours are deliberately designed to catch children's attention, while the products themselves contain high levels of sugar and little to no nutritional value. 'This is a serious concern. Parents have told us their children are rejecting vegetables and fruits in favour of these sugary treats. Some kids won't even drink plain water anymore – they only want coloured drinks with high sugar content,' he said. Subbarow called for immediate regulatory intervention to halt the import and widespread sale of such products, especially near schools and in supermarkets, mini markets and night markets. 'If this continues unchecked, these highly processed products will flood the market. Without regulation, our children will develop serious health risks at a very young age and we are already seeing it happen,' he warned. He also urged MOH and other authorities to regularly organise nationwide health campaigns, not just in the media but also in schools, employing visual materials like posters and streamers to educate both children and parents about the dangers of sugar-heavy diets and childhood obesity. As Malaysia tackles the childhood obesity crisis, experts emphasise that it is not just about managing weight, it is also about protecting a child's self-worth. Many of these children tend to isolate themselves, carrying deep emotional wounds from being teased and shamed by others. Beyond healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes, they also need empathy, understanding and the chance to be accepted for who they truly are, not just how they look. Next week (Monday): In the final part of this series, Bernama seeks feedback from experts and the Ministry of Health Malaysia regarding the immediate actions and measures taken to address the issue of childhood obesity in the country, including from the perspective of regulations and specific legislation. — Bernama
The South African
18-07-2025
- General
- The South African
Chad hit by escalating crisis driven by mass displacement
Chad is facing an intensifying humanitarian crisis in July 2025. Over 2.2 million people are now forcibly displaced across the nation. This figure represents nearly 10% of Chad's total population. Eastern regions like Wadi Fira and Ennedi East are particularly affected. Over 80 000 new Sudanese refugees are arriving in these areas. As a result, these arrivals exacerbate already dire conditions for host communities. Food insecurity remains a critical concern across Chad this July. An estimated 3.7 million people face severe food insecurity during the current lean season. This number reflects a significant increase compared to previous years, driven by conflict, displacement, and climate-related shocks. The influx of over one million people from Sudan contributes significantly to this crisis. Poor agricultural seasons in 2024, due to devastating floods, also worsened the situation. Additionally, the floods resulted in the destruction of approximately 432 200 hectares of crops. Since mid-April 2025, Chad has received a significant wave of refugees from Sudan. This follows attacks on internally displaced persons' camps in Sudan. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports 90 018 new refugees arrived on 11 July 2025. The majority are settling in Wadi Fira and Ennedi Est provinces. Furthermore, approximately 61% of these new refugees are children under the age of 18. Humanitarian efforts in Chad face severe underfunding as of July 2025. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) requires $27 million (R491.4 million) for its 2025 response plan. However, UNFPA has only received $2.5 million (R45.5 million), which is less than 10% of the required amount. The shortfall puts thousands of people's vital services at risk. Immediate and increased donor support is crucial for sustaining the response. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
