Bewket Abebe is a senior journalist and Tv producer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Buried Alive: Nature’s Wrath Adds to Lengthy Casualty List

25 Jul 2024  |  The Reporter Magazine  |  English  |  Ethiopia

A devastating landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, Ethiopia, resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced thousands. The disaster highlighted the region's vulnerability to natural hazards, exacerbated by geological conditions and human activities. Experts had previously warned of high landslide risks in the area, but comprehensive mitigation measures were lacking. The international community responded swiftly, with various organizations participating in relief efforts. The tragedy underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and risk assessment in Ethiopia, a country prone to landslides due to its mountainous terrain.

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United Nations Population Fund United Nations Children’s Fund Disaster Risk Management Commission Ethiopian Geological Survey Arba Minch University Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs World Food Programme World Health Organization International Organization for Migration World Vision

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Hisham Allam is a freelancer journalist based in Egypt.

Egyptian Parliament Moves to Strengthen Support for People With Disabilities and the Elderly

24 Oct 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Legislative Developments

Egyptian parliamentary committees convened to enhance support for people with disabilities and the elderly, aligning national policies with the Sustainable Development Goals. Key legislative developments include the Elderly Care Law and the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The 'Karama' program, providing financial aid and integrated services cards, was highlighted. Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Qasabi and Dr. Maya Morsy emphasized the importance of these initiatives, while Dr. Hala Youssef and Dr. Sami Hashim stressed international cooperation and inclusive education. The forum underscored the need for national and international collaboration to build inclusive communities.

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United Nations Population Fund Asian Population and Development Association Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development Egyptian Parliament Government of Japan Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics Egyptian Government

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Ruwaida Amer is a journalist based in Palestine- Gaza strip
Iam working freeluncer with CNNarabic, DW arabic, Middle East Eye, Aljazera, Electronic Intifada.
I produce video stories and written reports for 4 years until now sure.
and Iam monitor my videos.

Dangers of a Gaza pregnancy amid Israeli bombing

25 Oct 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Healthcare Crisis

Pregnant women in the Gaza Strip, including Niveen al-Barbari, Suad Asraf, and Laila Baraka, are facing severe hardships due to Israeli bombings. The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with 50,000 pregnant women at risk, many unable to receive regular check-ups and treatment. The United Nations Population Fund has called for urgent healthcare and protection. Displacement has made access to health centers difficult, and the destruction of main roads has increased travel times to hospitals, endangering mothers' health. Over 6,500 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, with a significant number being children and women. The Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association warns that thousands of pregnant women may have to give birth without electricity or medical supplies, risking life-threatening complications.

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United Nations Population Fund Nasser Medical Complex Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association

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Paula Dupraz-Dobias is a journalist based in Geneva, Switzerland, also working regularly in Peru.

Services under threat after UN emergency funding for gender-based violence runs out

05 Mar 2024  |  theafricanmirror.africa  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and women-led organizations in Colombia and other countries are facing challenges after a $25 million UN Central Emergency Response Fund grant ended. The grant, announced in late 2020, aimed to address GBV in 11 countries, including Colombia, by funding local organizations like the Frida Kahlo Foundation. Despite initial success, many organizations are now struggling to find new funding to continue their services. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, which administered the grants, have been criticized for the short-term nature of the funding and the stringent requirements placed on recipients. The situation has led to program shutdowns and concerns about the sustainability of GBV services, with some organizations, such as the Kachin Women's Association of Thailand, facing additional challenges due to local conflicts and the inability to meet UN procurement requirements.

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Fundación Latidos UN Population Fund (UNFPA) UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) United Nations UN Women Kachin Women's Association of Thailand (KWAT) Finnish Refugee Council (FRC) Jagrata Juba Shangha (JJS)

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Vanessa Gonye is an award winning journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She is currently focusing on print journalism, with health reporting being the major area she covers. 

She is however an all rounder and can take up any task at any given time. 

Vanessa has a passion for grassroots ...

Septuagenarian recalls 4 decades of living with obstetric fistula

07 Sept 2024  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Social Stigma

Margaret Murekachiro, a 71-year-old woman from rural Mutare, Zimbabwe, endured four decades of suffering from obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury. Her condition led to social isolation and personal hardships, including the loss of her husband's affection and estrangement from her daughter. In 2022, she received life-changing surgery through a program supported by the Health and Child Care ministry, UNFPA, Fistula Foundation, and Artemedis International. The article highlights the challenges faced by women with obstetric fistula, the social stigma associated with it, and the efforts by organizations to provide free surgical repairs and support to affected women. Despite the availability of treatment, many women remain unaware of the condition's treatability, underscoring the need for increased awareness and access to maternal healthcare.

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United Nations Population Fund Health and Child Care ministry Fistula Foundation Artemedis International St. Luke’s Apostolic Ejiwel Jekenishen Church Amnesty International World Health Organisation

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Nathaniel Janowitz is a journalist/writer/photographer based in the Americas. He currently works for VICE and previously published with outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, BBC, High Times, Esquire, others.

Paraguay: Girls Forced to Become Mothers

14 Jul 2023  |  elhilo.audio  |  Spanish  |  Conservative Politics

In Paraguay, 470 girls aged 10 to 14 gave birth last year, and 40 were hospitalized for abortion, with most pregnancies resulting from familial rape. The Casa Rosa María in Asunción shelters pregnant girls and adolescents, promoting motherhood regardless of age. The country's conservative politics, influenced by the Church and anti-abortion movements, have led to prohibitions on gender education in schools and near-total abortion bans. Public policies for sexual education and prevention are lacking, and the state's absence and cultural issues contribute to a crisis of child and adolescent pregnancy. The Colorado party, which self-identifies as pro-life, continues to govern, reinforcing these conservative stances.

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United Nations Population Fund Casa Rosa María Ministry of Health of Paraguay UNICEF Amnesty International Paraguay

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Edmund Kagire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda. The 35-year old award-winning Rwandan Journalist was until the end of 2018 was working with The East African & Rwanda Today newspapers owned by Nation Media Group (NMG), with 12 years of practice.

Currently he has diverted into freelance ...

Women Deliver 2023: “Follow Commitments with Actions”- President Kagame On Gender Equality

17 Jul 2023  |  KT PRESS  |  English  |  Feminism

President Paul Kagame emphasized the need for action over words in achieving gender equality during his keynote address at the Women Deliver 2023 Conference in Rwanda. He acknowledged progress in closing the gender gap but highlighted ongoing challenges faced by women and girls, including unpaid labor and unequal treatment. Kagame praised Rwanda's gender equality efforts, particularly in leadership representation and initiatives like the Gender Budget Statement. The conference, attended by over 6,000 delegates, will discuss topics such as gender equality in crises, the state of gender equality in Africa, and sexual and reproductive health rights. Leaders like Macky Sall, Katalin Novák, Sahle-Work Zewde, Dr. Natalia Kanem, and Shabana Basij Rasikh participated in a panel discussion. Dr. Maliha Khan and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted the challenges to gender equality, while Sima Bahous celebrated the strength of the women's rights movement.

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United Nations Population Fund BK Arena School of Leadership, Afghanistan UN Women

Murat Karabulut is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

In the developing and growing world, the interaction between people will increase;  I believe that the internet and social media will be even more effective.  In this context, I think that the role of the technical team in the media sector ...

Calls for 'Break the Violence' Campaign Rise in Ankara

24 Nov 2023  |  www.voaturkce.com  |  Turkish  |  Activism

In Turkey, a new campaign called 'Break the Violence' was introduced with the goal of reducing domestic violence and preventing child marriages. The campaign, supported by the embassies of Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand in Ankara, was announced on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. UNFPA Turkey Representative Mariam Khan emphasized the need for collective action. Canan Güllü, President of the Turkey Women's Associations Federation, highlighted the issue of impunity in violence against women. Nebahat Akkoç, President of the KAMER Foundation, criticized the lack of systematic support for women's rights, especially in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. The UNFPA also recommended the Amber application, which discreetly allows women to send alerts in dangerous situations.

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Turkey Women's Associations Federation (TKDF) KAMER Foundation

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Annam Lodhi is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
She received the Agahi Award, in 2020 and 2021, in the categories 'Data Journalism' and 'Inclusiveness', respectively. She writes for national and international publications and is currently a student of MSc Development Studies at ...

Empowering Women for a Green Future: AFPPD Conference Tackles Climate Change and Gender Equality

15 Aug 2024  |  www.globalissues.org  |  English  |  Sustainable Development

The AFPPD conference in Islamabad focused on the intersection of gender equality and climate change, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive policies and women's empowerment in sustainable development. Key figures, including Romina Khurshid Alam and Dr. Jetn Sirathranont, highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. The event underscored the role of women in climate action and the necessity of gender-responsive financing. The conference concluded with the Islamabad Declaration, reaffirming commitments to gender equality and climate action, supported by organizations like UNFPA and the Japan Trust Fund.

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United Nations Population Fund Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development Pakistan's Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination

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Kim Makhlouf is a journalist based in Doha, Qatar.

Moroccan girls at risk of sexual assault, forced marriage after earthquake

18 Sept 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Gender-Based Violence

Following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, there has been a surge in online messages advocating for the marriage and exploitation of underage girls, raising alarm among women's rights activists and organizations. Yasmina Benslimane, founder of Politics4Her, and other activists are calling for a gender-sensitive relief response. At least one man has been arrested for promoting content related to sexual assault of young girls. King Mohammed VI has granted 'Ward of the Nation' status to orphaned children to protect them from trafficking. NGOs like Al Karam Association and international bodies like UNFPA are working to address gender-based violence and provide reproductive health services. Period poverty remains a significant issue, with organizations providing menstrual supplies and education. Pregnant women are also facing challenges, with at least 4,100 affected by the quake, and makeshift delivery rooms being set up in rural areas.

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Politics4Her Al Karam Association Amal Women’s Training Center Binti International

Multimedia journalist (print/audio/video) -  BBC, Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, Global Post, Forbes, European Voice (now politico.eu) and many others. Westminster-based - over the past decade, I have covered subjects as diverse as Brexit, Scottish independence, Canadian native rights, narco-...

Why is Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital at the heart of Israel’s war?

08 Nov 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Israel-Palestine Conflict

Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, a critical medical facility, is overwhelmed as it faces direct attacks from Israeli forces, who claim it is used by Hamas as a command center. The hospital struggles with severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and personnel, exacerbated by ongoing bombardments and a humanitarian crisis. Human rights organizations call for investigations into potential war crimes, while the conflict continues to escalate, with dire implications for the hospital and the broader civilian population in Gaza.

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United Nations Population Fund United Nations Relief and Works Agency Hamas Israeli Military Palestinian Ministry of Health International Committee of the Red Cross Human Rights Watch Doctors Without Borders Medical Aid for Palestinians

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Gamuchirai Masiyiwa is a journalist based in Zimbabwe who has 6 years experience in the media industry.

GBV requires stronger attention: UN agency

06 Oct 2023  |  www.newsday.co.zw  |  English  |  United Nations

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) emphasizes the need for increased efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV). Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA's regional director for eastern and southern Africa, highlighted the importance of violence-free zones and the role of the Epworth One-Stop Centre in providing essential services to address GBV. Funded by the European Union and partners, the centre is part of a network of six across Zimbabwe, but Zigomo notes the need for more facilities due to the high population and rising GBV cases, with over 100 reported in September and an annual average of 700.

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

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Fahim Mattoo is a journalist based in Srinagar and has done her honours in journalism from cluster university Srinagar

All Work, Less Pay Push ASHAs In Kashmir Into Protest Mode

01 Oct 2023  |  www.indiatimes.com  |  English  |  Protests

ASHAs in Kashmir are protesting due to delayed payments and insufficient honorariums, demanding a monthly salary of Rs 5,000. Despite their critical role in healthcare, including maternal and child health, immunizations, and disease screenings, they face financial insecurity and challenging working conditions. The government acknowledges the delays but claims efforts are being made to address the issues. Capacity-building workshops and training initiatives are in place, but ASHAs still struggle with inadequate resources and community mobilization challenges.

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United Nations Population Fund Government of India Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research

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Linord Moudou is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Health Report: World Humanitarian Crisis

10 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Climate Change

The United Nations reports that one in 23 people globally require humanitarian aid, with the number rising from 274 million in 2022 to 339 million in 2023. In Africa's Sahel region, over 34 million people need relief due to armed conflict, poverty, climate change, food insecurity, and political instability. The World Health Organization highlights these factors as leading to unprecedented humanitarian needs. Linord Moudou of VOA Africa interviewed Mabingué Ngom, former director of the United Nations Population Fund, for insights into the humanitarian response.

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United Nations Population Fund United Nations World Health Organization

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Linda Mujuru is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelors degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She has experience in writing stories about human rights, environment, health, education and religion. Linda has experience in print, audio and video stories....

In Zimbabwe, Free Cancer Screenings Are Widely Available. Treatment Isn't.

19 Jul 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Public Health

Zimbabwe's cancer screening initiatives, supported by organizations like the United Nations Population Fund, have increased early detection of cervical and breast cancers. However, treatment options remain limited, with only two public hospitals offering radiotherapy and private care being unaffordable for many. The government claims improvements in treatment rates, but challenges persist, as highlighted by personal stories of individuals like Pelagia Chikwera and Claire Webster, who face financial and logistical barriers to accessing necessary care. The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe and Women Action Group emphasize the need for sustainable funding and better treatment infrastructure.

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United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief United Nations Population Fund Ministry of Health and Child Care World Health Organization Women Action Group Cancer Association of Zimbabwe

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Tafadzwa Mwanengureni is an early career freelance journalist who mainly focus on health, education and social issues. 
She is a holder of a National Certificate in Mass Communication and currently studying towards a National Diploma from Harare  Polytechnic.
Tafadzwa practically started the ...

Accessing family planning beyond religious boundaries in Zimbabwe

13 Oct 2023  |  minorityafrica.org  |  English  |  Women's Health

In Zimbabwe, women from the Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect face challenges accessing family planning due to religious doctrines against contraception. Catherine, a sect member, secretly uses contraceptives to manage her family size, despite the risk of being shamed by her community. Health workers provide discreet services to these women, who prefer long-term methods to avoid detection. The United Nations Population Fund emphasizes the global benefits of birth control, while local organizations advocate for women's rights to family planning. The church's interpretation of the Bible verse Genesis 1:28 enforces a belief in having many children, but some, like Catherine, seek to take control of their reproductive health for the well-being of their families.

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United Nations Population Fund Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust Equality 4 Men Trust

Aye Win Myint is a journalist based in Rockville, United States of America.

Myanmar trains midwives to tackle maternal death rate

01 Oct 2023  |  sg.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Social Policy Reforms

Myanmar is training hundreds of midwives to reduce maternal mortality, a leading cause of death among women in the country. The initiative is part of broader social reforms under Aung San Suu Kyi's government, supported by the United Nations Population Fund. The program aims to address the high maternal death rate, particularly in rural areas, by deploying trained midwives to remote clinics. Despite the government's efforts, public frustration with the slow pace of reforms persists.

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United Nations Population Fund Central Midwifery School Government of Myanmar

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KOLAWOLE OMONIYI is a hard working, solution driven male accustomed to working with minimal supervision in fast-paced media and social environments. Prefers be called KBOBO. 

He has the ability to multi-task with over 14 years hands on experience on various media projects ranging from journalism,...

Gender Barriers Threaten Maternity Services Across Northern Nigeria

12 Dec 2023  |  www.nigeriainfo.fm  |  English  |  Maternal Health

Gender barriers are threatening maternity services across Northern Nigeria, where socio-cultural and religious factors prevent women from receiving medical care from male healthcare providers. This has led to inadequate female skilled birth attendants and a gender imbalance in the health sector. Incidents such as a man divorcing his wife for being attended by a male doctor during childbirth highlight the severity of the issue. The reluctance of men to allow male workers to treat their wives, even for simple tasks like checking blood pressure, has resulted in a concentration of female health workers in urban areas, leaving rural areas underserved. Efforts to address the imbalance include enrolling only female students in midwifery schools and introducing community midwifery programs. Despite these initiatives, the Maternal Mortality Ratio remains alarmingly high in the region, and the shortage of midwives is acute, with the UNFPA reporting that Nigeria needs 70,000 more midwives to tackle the deficit. The article also discusses the role of traditional birth attendants and the state governments' struggle to train female healthcare providers while balancing cultural and religious barriers.

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Panshekara Primary Health Centre Murtala Muhammed Hospital Nana Women and Girls Empowerment Initiative Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences Bauchi State Ministry of Health Nigerian Medical Association

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Freelance journalist- Charles Pensulo lives in Blantyre, Malawi, focusing on issues related to climate change, food security, human rights, global development and governance. His work has been published by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Guardian Global Development Professional Network, and the ...

Malawian demographer Eliya Zulu: “Africa’s youthful population could drive the continent’s socio-economic transformation”

01 Jul 2023  |  Equal Times  |  English  |  Youth Empowerment

Africa's youthful population, with 70% under 30, presents both opportunities and challenges for socio-economic transformation. Dr. Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu, founder of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), emphasizes the need for investments in education, skill development, and job creation to harness this demographic dividend. AFIDEP, recognized with a 2023 UN Population Award, plays a crucial role in shaping policies that promote sustainable growth. Zulu advocates for greater youth involvement in decision-making and international collaboration to develop Africa's human capital, highlighting the potential for Africa to address global labor shortages.

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United Nations Population Fund African Institute for Development Policy African Union

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Diana Taremwa Karakire is a journalist based in Uganda. I have experience writing for publications including The Earth Journalism Network, Climate Tracker, Equal Times, The African Business magazine, African Banker, The Monitor Global Outlook, and  The Financial Management magazine - the global ...

Teenage Pregnancies Soar as Climate Induced Floods Uproot More Families in Kasese District

01 Jul 2024  |  dianataremwakarakire.blogspot.com  |  English  |  Floods

In Kasese District, Uganda, climate-induced floods have exacerbated the issue of teenage pregnancies, with 40% of girls pregnant by age 18. The floods, driven by climate change, have displaced families, leading to increased vulnerability among young girls who face challenges such as lack of sex education, child marriage, and inadequate reproductive health services. The district's high teenage pregnancy rates are compounded by poverty and limited resources. Efforts to address these issues include government plans for relocation and desilting of rivers, but progress is slow. The situation highlights the broader impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, and underscores the need for targeted interventions and international support.

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United Nations Population Fund Uganda Uganda Demographic and Health Survey World Bank International Organisation for Migration Uganda

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Ashley is an award-winning journalist and audio producer based in Ukraine. 

An experienced reporter, editor and producer (field & studio), she has more than a decade of journalism experience and has previously worked for Voice of America and NPR in Washington, D.C. Since becoming a freelance ...

As Ukraine's birth rate plunges, here's what one doctor is doing to reverse the trend

22 Oct 2024  |  WUNC  |  English  |  Healthcare

Ukraine faces a demographic crisis exacerbated by the ongoing war with Russia, leading to a significant drop in birth rates. Dr. Stefan Khmil, an OB-GYN, is actively working to counter this trend by offering free reproductive services to military personnel, allowing them to preserve their reproductive cells. This initiative aligns with a new law signed by President Zelenskyy. The war has displaced millions, and the country's population has been declining since its independence in 1991. Efforts to stabilize and increase the birth rate are crucial for Ukraine's future, as highlighted by the stories of individuals like Viktoriia Onyshchuk and Svitlana Teleniuk, who are determined to have children despite the challenges posed by the conflict.

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U.N. Population Fund United Nations Ukrainian Military Ukraine's Health Ministry

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Bassam Zaazaa is a journalist presently based in Beirut, Lebanon, working as a freelance editor/journalist contributing with regional publications; Al Arabiya English, The National, Gulf News, Arab News & The New Arab. 
Veteran journalist with nearly 20 years of experience. 
Smart & wise news ...

Palestinian Scout Association members volunteer to assist displaced people in war-torn Gaza

26 Oct 2023  |  www.arabnews.pk  |  English  |  Displacement

More than 150 members of the Palestinian Scout Association are volunteering to support displaced people in Gaza, providing essential services and psychological support amid the ongoing conflict. The scouts, along with other NGOs like Sharek Youth Forum and World Central Kitchen, are helping to manage temporary camps and distribute food. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with significant displacement and casualties following Israel's military actions in response to Hamas's attacks. International efforts for a ceasefire continue, but a resolution remains uncertain.

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United Nations UN Population Fund Palestinian Scout Association Sharek Youth Forum Education Above All Foundation Hezbollah Hamas Israeli Defense Forces Iran’s Revolutionary Guards US State Department Pentagon Qatar Egypt

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