World news summary: Mpox updates, Haiti violence, deadly strike in Ukraine, attack condemned by Pakistan
The United Nations agency announced in August that mpox had raised the highest level of alert under international health law after the number of cases increased, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. .
WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agreed with the committee’s advice and determined that the outbreak remains a public health emergency of international concern.
“This decision is based on the increasing number of cases and geographic spread, operational challenges in this area, and the need to engage and maintain a cohesive response,” the statement said. between countries and partners”.
‘An important step forward’
This week, WHO approved the second mpox vaccine to be placed on the emergency use list (EUL) – a process that evaluates the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products.
LC16m8 vaccine is developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.
This decision is expected to facilitate timely and increased vaccine access in communities where mpox epidemics are increasing.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, called this “an important step” in responding to the current emergency.
“Vaccines are one of the key tools to help prevent disease outbreaks as part of a comprehensive response strategy, including improved testing and diagnosis, treatment and care, and control,” she said. infection prevention and control as well as engagement and education in affected communities”. speak.
Haiti: Gang violence has displaced more than 40,000 people in recent days
United Nations agencies said Friday that gang violence has escalated in and around Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, continuing to drive people from their homes.
According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 40,000 people have been displaced since November 11 (IOM).
Despite the highly unstable situation and limited access, the United Nations and partners continue to work to meet growing humanitarian needs.
Since Monday, aid organizations have provided more than 250,000 liters of water to more than 10,000 people at six evacuation sites in Port-au-Prince.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also distributed water and hygiene kits to 10,000 people, and IOM continued to transport water by truck to newly established relocation sites.
Meanwhile, mobile clinics are supporting medical consultations for 15,000 people and the World Food Program (WFP) has been providing food to 38,000 displaced people daily since Saturday.
This November marks the 1000th day of Russia’s war of aggression. Citizens’ needs are growing amid intense attacks and as another harsh winter approaches.
Ukraine: Nearly 110 front-line towns and villages lack essential utilities
Ongoing hostilities in Ukraine are increasing humanitarian needs, especially in frontline areas, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) said.OCHA) reported.
Attacks on energy infrastructure continue to worsen the crisis as winter approaches, leaving many people without electricity, gas or water.
On Friday, a strike in the northeastern city of Sumy caused civilian casualties.
Authorities in Donetsk and Kherson regions also reported deaths and injuries in recent attacks. In Donetsk, nearly 110 front-line towns and villages remain without essential amenities, making people’s living conditions increasingly worse.
United Nations support
“We, along with our humanitarian partners, continue to provide emergency assistance to those affected by the attacks,” United Nations spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing from New York. production and distribution of winter supplies.
A humanitarian convoy arrived at Bilozerka in southern Ukraine on Friday, delivering hygiene kits, medical supplies, bedding and winter clothing to more than 10,000 people in more than 25 villages.
According to OCHA, this marks the 42nd convoy this year, as agencies prioritize emergency assistance and prepare for the cold months ahead.
The United Nations emphasized the need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure while ensuring emergency aid reaches those most in need.
Guterres condemned the deadly attacks in Pakistan
UN Secretary General António Guterres strongly condemned the attacks in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday that left at least 42 people dead.
According to media reports, gunmen opened fire on two convoys carrying Shia pilgrims passing through a remote area near the border with Afghanistan.
The Secretary-General emphasized that attacks against civilians are unacceptable.
Mr. Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Pakistan, and called on the government to conduct an investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
