Heatwaves and droughts around the world have increased the risk of wildfires and further air pollution. Top stories of the day | Thursday: Ukraine, Gaza, air pollution, China-Africa UN
Top stories of the day in the UN and around the world: Around 30 civilians killed and injured in Donetsk and Sumy regions, second phase of polio vaccination campaign begins in southern Gaza, air pollution causes over 4.5 million premature deaths a year, UN supports China-Africa partnership.
Victims in Donetsk and Sumy regions
Today, reports came in that about 30 civilians were killed and wounded as a result of fighting in the Donetsk and Sumy regions of Ukraine, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Homes, shops, agricultural facilities, and gas and electricity infrastructure were reportedly damaged. According to Dujarric, the Ukrainian government announced that it had begun the mandatory evacuation of children and their guardians from 40 towns and villages in the Donetsk region.
Vaccinations in Gaza
Efforts to vaccinate Gaza’s children against polio have moved to the southern areas of the enclave. This phase aims to immunize some 340,000 children under the age of 10, UN agencies say. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners carried out missions outside the humanitarian pause zone to ensure that no child was left behind. In total, more than 187,000 children in central Gaza have received their first dose of the vaccine in this phase of the vaccination campaign.
Air Pollution
Almost everyone on Earth – nine out of 10 people – breathes polluted air, according to a new WMO report on air quality and climate. It also highlights that in the first eight months of 2024, persistent heatwaves and droughts around the world have increased the risks of wildfires and further air pollution. Outdoor air pollution alone, mainly from transport and industry, is responsible for more than 4.5 million premature deaths a year, the WMO said.
China and Africa
Joint efforts by China and Africa can inject new impetus into economic and social development on the African continent, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing on Thursday. He pledged “the full participation of the United Nations in supporting a strong China-Africa partnership to achieve peace, sustainable development and human rights for a healthy planet.”