UNHCR supports monkeypox response and prevention among refugees in Africa. Top stories of the day | Wednesday: Gaza, transition minerals, monkeypox, 11 September UN
The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: More than 520,000 children in Gaza have received their first dose of polio vaccine, a group of experts on critical minerals has published its report, $21.4 million to prevent monkeypox among refugees, and the UN has paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Polio in Gaza
The next stage of the polio vaccination campaign began on Tuesday in the northern Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. According to WHO, more than 446,000 children have been vaccinated in the southern and central areas of the enclave. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that they have provided vaccines to more than 77,000 children in the northern part of the enclave and in Gaza City. Thus, according to UNRWA, in total, more than 520,000 children have been vaccinated. The vaccination campaign in the northern areas will continue until September 12.
Critical Minerals
Demand for minerals critical to renewable energy technologies will nearly triple by 2030, the UN has calculated. A group of experts convened by the UN Secretary-General has published a report containing principles and recommendations for governments, manufacturers and other stakeholders to ensure that the opportunities for a global energy transition are realized in a fair and sustainable manner. According to the Secretary-General, he asked the Group of Experts to share recommendations with countries ahead of the COP29 climate conference in Baku in November.
Monkeypox
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appealed for $21.4 million to help displaced people in African countries affected by the monkeypox outbreak. The funding will support critical response and prevention efforts among 9.9 million refugees and their host communities in 35 countries. More than 20,000 suspected cases have been reported in Africa this year, including among displaced people in the DR Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
9/11 Anniversary
The United Nations, headquartered in New York, has commemorated the 2,977 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airliners and flew them into buildings in the United States. Among the dead were 441 emergency response workers. Thousands more were injured, and many continue to suffer from chronic health conditions. “My thoughts today are with all those who lost loved ones on September 11, and with all the people of New York,” said UN chief Antonio Guterres.