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Ongoing Humanitarian Crises: Insights from Ukraine and Beyond
From the frontline in eastern Ukraine, Tom Fletcher has conveyed alarming reports of ongoing air strikes that are resulting in substantial civilian damage and loss of life. His observations come amidst the backdrop of the Zaporizhzhya region, which is adjacent to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. During his visit, Fletcher highlighted the devastation to civilian infrastructure, particularly noting the site of a missile strike on a medical clinic last month that resulted in casualties and extensive damage to vital healthcare services.
In response to this adversity, local communities have united to provide support and resilience. Fletcher urged that a similar sense of solidarity should be echoed by the international community, emphasizing the need for a coordinated humanitarian response. The severity of the destruction necessitates innovative solutions, such as the construction of underground schools, which are now accommodating around 1,000 children in Zaporizhzhya, ensuring that educational activities can continue despite the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Fletcher observed efforts in Dnipro at a collective site for displaced individuals. His tour included a transit center in Pavlohrad, where evacuees are receiving essential assistance, as per information released by the OCHA, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Humanitarian Plan for 2025
On Thursday, Fletcher is set to visit Kharkiv, where he will collaborate with Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Together, they will unveil this year’s humanitarian and refugee response strategies for Ukraine and the surrounding region. Their press briefing will take place in Kyiv, just prior to the official launch.
Last year, UN humanitarian efforts reached over eight million individuals, providing critical support. By November, nearly 364,000 people benefitted from winter-related assistance, encompassing crucial services such as energy support, non-food supplies, and healthcare.
Guterres Commemorates Haiti Earthquake Victims
In a powerful statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commemorated the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. This natural disaster claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric shared that Guterres remains committed to honoring the legacy of the victims through ongoing UN efforts in Haiti.
The Secretary-General also expressed condolences for the 102 UN personnel who lost their lives during the earthquake, including the mission’s then-head, Hédi Annabi. The UN continues to mourn their sacrifices and stand with their families.
Three Million Affected
The earthquake inflicted extensive damage across Port-au-Prince, significantly affecting an estimated three million individuals. The aftermath resulted in severe humanitarian, health, security, and infrastructural challenges in Haiti, many of which persist today. A ceremony was held in Port-au-Prince recently to honor the victims and the brave UN workers who perished during the disaster.
Maria Isabel Salvador, head of the UN political office in Haiti, extended solidarity to all those still feeling the effects of that tragic day, expressing admiration for the resilience displayed by the Haitian people in the face of adversity. Dujarric reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to partner with Haitian authorities and the populace in ongoing recovery efforts.
$82 Million Allocated for Sudan’s Healthcare System
The World Bank, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has committed $82 million through an agreement aimed at bolstering healthcare accessibility for over eight million individuals in Sudan. This initiative, known as the Sudan Health Assistance and Response in Emergencies (SHARE), seeks to address critical health challenges amidst ongoing conflict.
Currently, more than 70 percent of hospitals and health facilities in conflict-affected regions are non-operational, often due to destruction or a lack of essential supplies. UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, emphasized that the social service systems supporting vulnerable populations are on the verge of collapse, with frontline workers, such as nurses and doctors, going unpaid for extended periods.
Devastation of Health Services
Healthcare delivery, including vaccination protocols, has been severely disrupted due to security issues and accessibility challenges. Coupled with limited access to clean water and sanitation in crowded displacement camps, these factors heighten the risk of disease outbreaks.
An alarming 3.4 million children under five are currently at high risk for various diseases, including measles and cholera. Through SHARE, UN agencies are prioritizing the provision of essential medicines, training healthcare personnel, treating malnutrition, and enhancing vaccine campaigns, while also improving disease surveillance systems.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO’s representative in Sudan, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that by focusing on preparedness and resilience, there is potential to establish a more robust and sustainable healthcare system benefiting the population.
Source
news.un.org