Young carers face higher risks of depression, anxiety and lost futures – and most receive no support

In developed countries, around 12% of young people provide regular, unpaid care for a family member. It’s work that’s essential, often invisible – and potentially devastating to their mental health. As more families rely on these young carers, many are left without legal protections, recognition, or the support they urgently need. Across Europe, informal carers […]

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WHO EMRO | World Breastfeeding Week 2025

Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future 1 August 2025 – Since 1992, World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has been celebrated Annually, in the first week of August. In 2018, a World Health Assembly resolution endorsed WBW as an important breastfeeding promotion strategy. Championed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), […]

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​The contagion scale: which diseases spread fastest?

When the COVID pandemic hit, many people turned to the eerily prescient film Contagion (2011) for answers – or at least for catharsis. Suddenly, its hypothetical plot felt all too real. Applauded for its scientific accuracy, the film offered more than suspense – it offered lessons. One scene in particular stands out. Kate Winslet’s character […]

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In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis. “The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York. “Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.” His remarks […]

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Application deadline approaching – UKRI

The UK has been associated to Horizon Europe since January 2024. Now that all remaining guarantee-eligible calls (those in the 2021, 2022, or 2023 Work Programmes) have announced their results, nearly all potential applicants should be in a position to apply to the guarantee. We would like to remind applicants to the Horizon Europe guarantee […]

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WHO EMRO | WHO statement on IPC alert: Worst-case scenario for famine unfolding in Gaza

31 July 2025, Jerusalem, Cairo: The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip, according to the alert published this week by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).   People are foregoing food for days. Others are dying as their undernourished, weakened bodies succumb to disease or organ failure. The health […]

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Bacteria, fungi and whatever lives between your toes

Your feet are microbial hotspots. The area between your toes is packed with sweat glands, and when we wrap our feet in socks and shoes, we trap that moisture in a warm, humid cocoon that’s ideal for microbial growth. In fact, your feet may be home to a miniature rainforest of bacteria and fungi, with […]

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Cholera outbreak in West and Central Africa poses crisis for children

“The heavy rains, widespread flooding and the high level of displacement are all fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk,” said UNICEF regional director for West and Central Africa Gilles Fagninou. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. The disease […]

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Haitians in ‘despair’ following abrupt suspension of US humanitarian support

The cancellation of most US funding in January means many services to the most vulnerable people have been cut or put on hold. Multiple political, security and socioeconomic crises have led to 5.7 million people suffering from a lack of food and have forced 1.3 million people to flee their homes. With a dramatic reduction […]

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Urgent Appeal to HSE Ireland: Family Pleads for Discretionary Support to Save Their Baby’s Life

The family of eight-week-old Toby Gavin is pleading with Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to urgently reconsider its refusal to fund life-saving medication that could keep their baby alive. Toby suffers from propionic acidemia—a rare and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting approximately one in every 150,000 births. A Life-Changing Diagnosis Following alarming signs shortly after […]

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