موضوعات رئيسية
WHO steps up response to meet rising health needs after earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan
WHO steps up response to meet rising health needs after earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan
3 September 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) is scaling up its emergency response after a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Eastern Region on 31 August, killing more than 1457 people and injuring over 3394.
The numbers are expected to rise in the coming days. Entire families have been buried under rubble. More than 6782 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless and exposed to harsh conditions. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of severely injured patients, many in need of urgent surgery and critical medical care.
WHO’s immediate response has included 23 metric tons of medicines and medical supplies, enough to treat more than 2000 patients, in addition to other emergency health supplies and staff delivered to health facilities in the affected provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Nuristan.
Fifteen ambulances have been mobilized to transport and refer the injured and 6 mobile health teams are operating in the hardest-hit districts, providing first aid, outpatient care, maternal and child health services, vaccinations and essential medicines.
Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza
Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza
22/08/2025- ROME/GENEVA/NEW YORK – More than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine, marked by widespread starvation, destitution and preventable deaths, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released today. Famine conditions are projected to spread from Gaza Governorate to Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis Governorates in the coming weeks.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have collectively and consistently highlighted the extreme urgency for an immediate and full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition and plummeting levels of food consumption, with hundreds of thousands of people going days without anything to eat.
The agencies reinforced that famine must be stopped at all costs. An immediate ceasefire and end to the conflict is critical to allow unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian response that can save lives. The agencies are also gravely concerned about the threat of an intensified military offensive in Gaza City and any escalation in the conflict, as it would have further devastating consequences for civilians where famine conditions already exist. Many people – especially sick and malnourished children, older people and people with disabilities – may be unable to evacuate.
On World Humanitarian Day, health workers in Syria carry hope forward
On World Humanitarian Day, health workers in Syria carry hope forward
19 August 2025, Syrian Arab Republic – On World Humanitarian Day, we pause to honour those who, in times of crisis, step forward to help the millions whose lives hang in the balance. In Syria, where more than 14 years of conflict have left the health system fragile and overstretched, it is a responsibility health workers and communities carry every day.
So far this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 31 attacks on health care in Syria. Health facilities, ambulances, medical supplies and health workers have all been targeted. Five health workers have been killed while serving their communities. These are the conditions health workers face as they seek to support their communities.
One of the world’s largest humanitarian crises persists. More than 16.7 million people inside Syria need urgent humanitarian health support. Around 7.4 million remain displaced, while over 4.5 million Syrian refugees live in neighbouring countries. Many still hope to return home – a reminder that strengthening health services in potential areas of return is essential.
