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Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco proposes international fund to tackle Africa's food insecurity
Is it still appropriate to speak of progress when, in 2024, 670 million people worldwide are undernourished? This staggering figure, drawn from the latest joint report by the FAO, WHO, and WFP, hints at a slight global improvement but masks stark regional inequalities. In Africa, the situation is deteriorating. The continent alone is home to 307 million people suffering from chronic undernourishment, making up over 20% of its population. This percentage has been on the rise for several years. Africa's vulnerability is primarily due to the fact that in many countries, more than half of the food supply is imported. This, as Lorine Azoulai from CCFD-Terre Solidaire explains, «hinders their ability to develop local production». She adds, «To glimpse any prospects, they must emancipate themselves at least somewhat from international markets». A minor disruption in global markets, a drought, or a war can cause the entire system to collapse. Speculation, geopolitical tensions, and climate change offer no respite. Regional Disparities The same grim reality is evident in certain parts of the Middle East. In Syria, nearly 40% of the population lacks sufficient food, one of the highest rates globally. In Palestine, starvation is wielded as a weapon of war against civilians. The WHO reports a «peak in deaths in July». While the UN report may not detail this acute crisis, the shadow of the enclave looms over every discussion. Forecasts are equally alarming: by 2030, 512 million people could be living with chronic undernourishment, with nearly 60% of them in Africa. A Response from Africa, for Africa Against this backdrop, Morocco proposed a clear initiative on Monday, July 28, in Addis Ababa: the creation of an international fund dedicated exclusively to African food security. Rabat sees this as a crucial lever to bolster the continent's food sovereignty, as outlined by Ahmed El Bouari, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, during the second review of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4). In light of dwindling development aid, particularly following the abrupt cessation of the USAID program that supported 45 million people, this fund aims to be a response from Africa, designed for Africa. The minister underscored the importance of responsible financing, equitable access to food, and inclusive governance. He argued that it is no longer enough to adapt agricultural systems to the climate; there must be a profound transformation in the logic of food supply chains. Morocco claims to have experienced this transformation with its Generation Green 2020–2030 strategy, which combines human investment, ecological transition, and social justice. With this proposal, Morocco aims to put the right to food at the forefront of international discussions. The challenge is not just to feed people but to restore countries' ability to determine their agriculture and future. A collective response is essential. The Kingdom is indeed banking on South-South cooperation, already in motion through royal initiatives like the Adaptation of African Agriculture. Moreover, Morocco advocates for a reimagined multilateral solidarity, one less reliant on major Western donors and more grounded in regional realities. The Forgotten Faces of Hunger Hunger has faces, and they are often the same. Women, children, and isolated rural families are the hardest hit. In some regions, an entire generation is growing up with empty stomachs. In 2023, over 30% of women aged 15 to 49 suffered from anemia, and the gap with men continues to widen. «Hunger and malnutrition are political», economist Raj Patel reminds us. «There is no other way to explain why women are more affected than men», he adds. And yet, there is an explanation. Hunger is not only political; it is also social and deeply linked to imposed roles, as the NGO Action Against Hunger highlights. In some regions, women cannot own land or access resources without a man's approval. Their work—collecting water, feeding the family, caring for children and the elderly, cooking, and tending to the sick—is invisible, domestic, and daily, yet neither remunerated nor recognized. When tensions rise, they bear the brunt of the violence, sometimes forced to trade their dignity for a bit of food. However, alternatives are emerging. In Nigeria, the Porridge Moms program enables mothers to cook together, learn, and most importantly, regain control over what they eat. In Kenya, gardens near wells reduce dependency. Elsewhere, women become business leaders through simple access to tools. Fighting hunger also means empowering women to feed themselves and others. The good news is that the continent will be in the spotlight this fall. The G20, COP30 in Brazil (November 10 – November 21, 2025), the World Committee for Food Security... There will be no shortage of platforms. But the African voice must be strong, clear, and driven by well-defined priorities.
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Food consumption, nutrition indicators in Gaza reached their worst levels: UN
29 July 2025 23:36 NEW YORK (WAM)UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Gaza faces the grave risk of famine as food consumption and nutrition indicators have reached their worst levels since the beginning of the statement follows data shared in the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Alert."The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Alert confirms what we have feared: Gaza is on the brink of famine. The facts are in — and they are undeniable. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions. This is not a warning. It is a reality unfolding before our eyes,'' Guterres said."This nightmare must end,'' he IPC Alert highlights that two out of the three famine thresholds have now been breached in parts of the territory, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF warning that time is running out to mount a full-scale humanitarian conflict, the collapse of essential services, and severe limitations on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance imposed on the UN have led to catastrophic food security conditions for hundreds of thousands of people across the Gaza consumption – the first core famine indicator - has plummeted in Gaza since the last IPC Update in May 2025. Data shows that more than one in three people (39%) are now going days at a time without than 500,000 people – nearly a quarter of Gaza's population – are enduring famine-like conditions, while the remaining population is facing emergency levels of malnutrition – the second core famine indicator - inside Gaza has risen at an unprecedented rate. In Gaza City, malnutrition levels among children under five have quadrupled in two months, reaching 16.5%. This signals a critical deterioration in nutritional status and a sharp rise in the risk of death from hunger and is now on the brink of a full-scale famine. People are starving not because food is unavailable, but because access is blocked, local agrifood systems have collapsed, and families can no longer sustain even the most basic livelihoods,' said FAO Director-General QU added: 'We urgently need safe and sustained humanitarian access and immediate support to restore local food production and livelihoods - this is the only way to prevent further loss of life. The right to food is a basic human right.""The unbearable suffering of the people of Gaza is already clear for the world to see. Waiting for official confirmation of famine to provide life-saving food aid they desperately need is unconscionable," said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director."We need to flood Gaza with large-scale food aid, immediately and without obstruction, and keep it flowing each and every day to prevent mass starvation. People are already dying of malnutrition and the longer we wait to act, the higher the death toll will rise."According to the UN Women, one million women and girls in Gaza are facing mass starvation, violence and abuse. Malnutrition is soaring and essential services have long collapsed, forcing women and girls to adopt increasingly dangerous survival strategies.'Women and girls in Gaza are facing the impossible choice of starving to death at their shelters, or venturing out in search of food and water at the extreme risk of being killed. Their children are starving to death before their eyes. This is horrific, unconscionable and unacceptable. It is inhumane,' said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. 'This suffering must end immediately. We need unhindered humanitarian access at scale and a permanent ceasefire leading to sustainable peace.'
See - Sada Elbalad
10 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Jordan's King Urges Immediate Ceasefire & Gaza Aid Access
By Ahmad El-Assasy Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza and for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the besieged Palestinian enclave, warning that the deepening humanitarian catastrophe has reached 'indescribable levels.' Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, King Abdullah emphasized that 'the starvation and suffering of civilians in Gaza must stop,' urging the international community to act without delay and stressing that 'aid must not be politicized.' "A Disgrace to Our Shared Humanity" King Abdullah denounced the targeting of civilians attempting to access humanitarian assistance, saying such actions are unacceptable. He added that images of starving children in Gaza have reached all corners of the world and stand as a stain on collective human conscience. He called for the unconditional respect of international law and removal of any barriers preventing aid from reaching those in need across the Gaza Strip. Jordan's Regional and Humanitarian Role The King highlighted Jordan's active regional role in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, including organizing and coordinating aid convoys, providing intensive medical support, and ensuring safe medical evacuations for the wounded. He expressed gratitude to Germany for its humanitarian support, noting that Jordan and Germany share a strong partnership rooted in mutual respect, common values, and cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Expanding Jordan-Germany Cooperation King Abdullah affirmed Jordan's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Germany, especially in fields like education, development, and regional peacebuilding. He praised Germany's long-standing support for Jordan's peace and humanitarian efforts in the region. Warning Over West Bank and Syria Turning to the occupied West Bank, the King called for an end to the dangerous escalation, including attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, warning that the situation is escalating toward a wider regional crisis. Reaffirming Jordan's position, King Abdullah emphasized that a comprehensive and just peace must be achieved through a two-state solution, which guarantees lasting stability. On Syria, he reiterated Jordan's support for Syria's sovereignty, calling it a central country in the region. He stressed the need for continued international assistance to avoid a resurgence of conflict and enable Syrians to rebuild their country in peace and stability. King Abdullah concluded by underscoring Jordan's enduring commitment to regional peace, stability, and the protection of human dignity, and his hopes for continued joint action with Germany to achieve these goals. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Dewan Rakyat passes Fisheries Bill amendment to curb illegal fishing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the intrusion of foreign vessels, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today. In his winding-up speech, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Bill had undergone an inclusive and holistic review process and had been carefully refined. "It not only addresses domestic needs but also aligns Malaysia with international standards, including the requirements of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the recommendations of the European Commission, positioning the country as one that takes a firm stance against such fishing activity. "This Bill is not merely a legal amendment, but a reform initiative to enhance the governance of the national fisheries sector, ensure resource sustainability, and protect the rights of fishermen, including small communities in rural and island areas," he said. A total of 29 Members of Parliament took part in the debate on the Bill. Touching on the leakage of national resources and losses due to encroachment by foreign fishermen between 2020 and 2024, Arthur said the estimated losses amounted to around RM823 million. These included lost commercial fish catches, the destruction of marine habitats, and pressure on local fishery resources. "This is also related to the intrusion of foreign fishermen into Malaysian waters. The Fisheries Act 1985 already provides authority under subsection 15(1) to act against such intrusions. In 2019, amendments were introduced to raise the maximum fine from RM1 million to RM6 million for vessel skippers, and from RM100,000 to RM600,000 for crew members. "Section 52 also provides for the forfeiture of vessels upon conviction in court. From 2020 to 2024, a total of 515 foreign vessel intrusion cases were recorded, of which 367 involved vessels from Vietnam," he said. He added that Section 25 has been amended to increase the general penalty from RM20,000 to RM100,000. Section 26 raises the maximum fine for fishing offences involving explosives, poisons, or similar substances from RM20,000 to RM250,000, along with imprisonment of up to five years. He said the Bill also addresses ongoing encroachments into restricted fishing zones by trawlers where Subsection 13(3) empowers the Director-General to suspend, revoke, or reject renewal applications of licences belonging to individuals who commit offences in coastal zones. Penalties under this subsection include licence suspension of up to one year, compound fines, and the confiscation of equipment. "Furthermore, subsection 13(3a) allows the Director-General to bar individuals whose licences have been revoked from reapplying for up to five years. This serves as a preventive and deterrent measure to protect national fishery resources and is considered a severe penalty to curb repeat offences," he said. The Bill also introduces amendments to Section 31, aiming to strengthen the compounding mechanism in a way that is fairer to small-scale fishermen. "The minimum compound amount has been reduced from RM500 to RM100, and the cap on the number of compoundable offences has been lifted. "Offences such as fishing without a vessel licence under paragraph 8(a) may now be compounded if they involve traditional fishing methods that do not damage resources or cause encroachment. "Compound regulations are detailed under Section 61. These amendments represent a firm yet compassionate enforcement approach where it is strict on serious offences, but considerate towards minor infractions, reflecting the aspirations of the Madani Government," Arthur said. Arthur also noted that the Bill strengthens joint legal and operational coordination through amendments to Sections 46 to 56, which streamline collaboration between the Department of Fisheries (DOF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the police, and the Royal Malaysian Navy. KW: Passed, fisheries, enforcement, IUU, foreign vessels, penalties, Malaysia, The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Tanzania Secures US$25 Million from the Pandemic Fund to Strengthen Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness
The United Republic of Tanzania has been awarded a significant grant of US$25 million from the Pandemic Fund to enhance its national health security and pandemic preparedness capacities. In addition to this core funding, the initiative has successfully mobilized US$7 million in co-investment and US$6.7 million in co-financing, bringing together strong technical and financial partnerships. The project is being implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which serve as the three designated Implementing Entities. Together, they will provide coordinated support across human, animal, and environmental health systems in alignment with the One Health approach. Tanzania, which comprises both Mainland and Zanzibar, continues to enjoy steady economic growth, driven in part by its abundant natural resources and vibrant tourism sector. However, this growth is accompanied by increased risks, particularly zoonotic and cross-border disease transmission due to high population movement and porous borders. Despite a strong commitment by the government to the International Health Regulations (IHR), the country still faces critical challenges in disease detection, specimen referral systems, laboratory capacity, biosafety, and early warning functions. In response, the new project aligns closely with Tanzania's National Action Plan for Health Security. It aims to reduce the impact of future epidemics and pandemics by addressing system-level gaps while ensuring that the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, are fully integrated into planning and implementation. The Ministry of Health is spearheading the project in close coordination with the President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Implementation will also involve a broad coalition of national and international partners. Each implementing entity contributes distinct technical strengths. FAO supports animal health planning and implementation, UNICEF leads on risk communication and community engagement, and WHO supports the strengthening of human health systems and emergency readiness. By 2027, Tanzania aims to have an integrated, functional disease surveillance and response system capable of effectively monitoring, confirming, and responding to epidemic and pandemic threats. With this investment, the country is not only reinforcing its ability to protect the health of its citizens but also contributing meaningfully to regional and global health security. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - United Republic of Tanzania.
