Over 11 mn refugees risk losing aid because of funding cuts: UN
In a new report, the agency highlighted a deadly confluence of factors pummelling millions of refugees and displaced people globally: "rising displacement, shrinking funding and political apathy".
"We are right now facing a deadly cocktail," UNHCR's head of external relations, Dominique Hyde, told reporters in Geneva.
"We are incredibly concerned for refugees and displaced populations around the world."
Dramatic aid cuts by the United States and other countries have left UNHCR and other aid organisations facing gaping shortfalls.
UNHCR has said it needs $10.6 billion to assist the world's refugees this year, but so far it has received just 23 percent of that amount.
As a result, the agency said it was seeing $1.4 billion of essential programmes being cut or put on hold.
The impact, Hyde cautioned, risks being that "up to 11.6 million refugees and people forced to flee are losing access to humanitarian assistance provided by UNHCR".
The agency said families were being forced to choose between feeding their children, buying medicines and paying rent.
Malnutrition is especially severe for refugees fleeing war-ravaged Sudan, where the UN has been forced to reduce food rations and nutrition screening, she said, decrying the "devastating impact for children who have fled to Chad".
The cuts have also forced UNHCR to pause the movement of new arrivals from border areas to safer locations in Chad and South Sudan, "leaving thousands stranded in remote locations", the agency said.
Health and education services for refugees are also being scaled back worldwide.
In camps in Bangladesh hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, education programmes for some 230,000 children risk being suspended.
UNHCR also said its entire health programme in Lebanon was at risk of being shuttered by the end of the year.
Last month, UNHCR announced it would need to cut 3,500 staff -- nearly a third of its workforce worldwide -- amid the budget shortfall.
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France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
Over 11 mn refugees risk losing aid because of funding cuts: UN
That corresponds to a full third of the number reached last year by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. In a new report, the agency highlighted a deadly confluence of factors pummelling millions of refugees and displaced people globally: "rising displacement, shrinking funding and political apathy". "We are right now facing a deadly cocktail," UNHCR's head of external relations, Dominique Hyde, told reporters in Geneva. "We are incredibly concerned for refugees and displaced populations around the world." Dramatic aid cuts by the United States and other countries have left UNHCR and other aid organisations facing gaping shortfalls. UNHCR has said it needs $10.6 billion to assist the world's refugees this year, but so far it has received just 23 percent of that amount. As a result, the agency said it was seeing $1.4 billion of essential programmes being cut or put on hold. The impact, Hyde cautioned, risks being that "up to 11.6 million refugees and people forced to flee are losing access to humanitarian assistance provided by UNHCR". The agency said families were being forced to choose between feeding their children, buying medicines and paying rent. Malnutrition is especially severe for refugees fleeing war-ravaged Sudan, where the UN has been forced to reduce food rations and nutrition screening, she said, decrying the "devastating impact for children who have fled to Chad". The cuts have also forced UNHCR to pause the movement of new arrivals from border areas to safer locations in Chad and South Sudan, "leaving thousands stranded in remote locations", the agency said. Health and education services for refugees are also being scaled back worldwide. In camps in Bangladesh hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, education programmes for some 230,000 children risk being suspended. UNHCR also said its entire health programme in Lebanon was at risk of being shuttered by the end of the year. Last month, UNHCR announced it would need to cut 3,500 staff -- nearly a third of its workforce worldwide -- amid the budget shortfall.
France 24
4 days ago
- France 24
20 people killed in aid point crush in southern Gaza
It was the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's (GHF) first acknowledgement of deaths at one of its aid centres after weeks of chaotic scenes and near-daily reports of Palestinians being killed nearby while waiting to collect rations. The latest deaths came as Hamas accused Israel of wanting to retain long-term military control of Gaza -- a key sticking point in ongoing negotiations aiming to seal a deal for a 60-day ceasefire, the release of hostages and the unfettered flow of much-needed aid. A Palestinian source close to the negotiations told AFP there had been "no progress so far" in the indirect talks, which are now in their second week in Doha. In Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis, the GHF said it understood that 19 of those killed on Wednesday "were trampled and one was stabbed amid a chaotic and dangerous surge". It said the crush was "driven by agitators", adding: "We have credible reason to believe that elements within the crowd -- armed and affiliated with Hamas -- deliberately fomented the unrest". Gaza's civil defence agency confirmed at least 20 people were killed in the incident, but blamed it on fire from Israeli troops. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that thousands had gathered at the scene when "Israeli forces opened fire and used (tear) gas, causing panic and a stampede after aid centre guards closed the main gates in front of the hungry crowd". The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'Climbing on top of each other' AFP footage showed lifeless bodies being taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, with some placed on the floor and others on already-bloodied beds. "They fired stun grenades at us and sprayed us with pepper spray," said Abdullah Alian, who witnessed the crush. "When they saw people starting to die on the ground and people on top of each other suffocating, they opened the gate and people started climbing on top of each other." Paramedic Ziad Farhat told AFP that after 21 months of devastating war, "there are not enough hospitals for the injured or the martyrs, and there is not enough land for the cemeteries". "Enough of what is happening, enough of the tragedies that we are living," he said. The GHF, an officially private effort, began operations on May 26 after Israel had blocked supplies from entering the Gaza Strip for more than two months, sparking warnings of imminent famine. On Tuesday, the UN said it had recorded 875 people killed in Gaza while trying to get food, including 674 "in the vicinity of GHF sites", since late May. Last week, UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters that "most of the injuries are gunshot injuries". The GHF has denied that fatal shootings have occurred in the immediate vicinity of its aid points, and the Israeli army has accused Hamas of firing at civilians, though witnesses have blamed the military. 'No progress' Hamas is seeking a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in the truce negotiations, and last week rejected an Israeli proposal that it said would have kept troops in more than 40 percent of the territory. Israeli public broadcaster Kan on Wednesday quoted a foreign official it did not identify as saying that work was ongoing to revise Israeli pullback maps. But Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told AFP: "(Israel) has not yet delivered any new or revised maps regarding military withdrawals". "What is happening on the ground confirms (Israel's) intentions and plans to maintain and prolong military control within the Gaza Strip for the long term," he added. A Palestinian source close to the negotiations told AFP there had been "no progress so far". "We hope the mediators will succeed in pressuring Israel to offer an acceptable withdrawal map that ensures an actual withdrawal -- not merely a redeployment of Israeli military forces -- and the entry of aid into the Strip," the source said. Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 sparked the war in Gaza, and resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. A total of 251 hostages were taken that day, of whom 49 are still being held, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.
Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Prostate Cancer Risk Slashed!': Scientists Declare Frequent Ejaculation the Most Powerful Prevention Tool for Men in Breakthrough Health Discovery
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Researchers explore the link between ejaculation frequency and reduced prostate cancer risk, with mixed findings from various studies. and reduced risk, with mixed findings from various studies. 📊 A significant study from the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that at least 21 ejaculations per month may lower cancer risk by 22%. ⚖️ Contrasting research suggests that while moderate sexual activity has protective effects, excessive frequency might not offer additional benefits. 🛑 Experts caution against formal recommendations, emphasizing proven preventive measures like a healthy diet and regular exercise. In recent years, the intricate connection between male sexual health and overall well-being has captured the attention of the scientific community. Among various lifestyle factors, researchers are now exploring the potential role of ejaculation frequency in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. This interest stems from the notion that regular sexual activity might contribute to the prevention of this prevalent disease. While the topic remains a point of contention among experts, it continues to provoke curiosity and debate within the medical field. This article delves into the existing research, weighing both the promising findings and the cautionary notes from the scientific community. The Science Behind Sexual Activity and Prostate Health Prostate cancer stands as the most common cancer among men in many parts of the world, including the United States, accounting for a significant portion of male cancer diagnoses annually. While factors such as age, family history, and ethnicity are well-established risk aspects, they are unfortunately unchangeable. Consequently, researchers have long been interested in identifying modifiable behaviors that could influence the development of this disease. One such behavior is the frequency of ejaculation. The hypothesis, dating back over fifty years, suggests that regular ejaculation might reduce the buildup of potentially harmful substances in the prostate. Known as the 'prostatic congestion theory,' this idea has gained traction through large-scale studies. A notable study from the Harvard School of Public Health followed over 31,000 men for nearly two decades. It found that men who reported at least 21 ejaculations per month between the ages of 40 and 49 experienced a 22% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to those with fewer than eight ejaculations a month. This reduction was particularly observed in less aggressive forms of the disease. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Debating the Correlation Between Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer Despite the optimistic results from American studies, other research provides a more nuanced view. A meta-analysis conducted in China, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, reviewed data from 22 studies involving over 55,000 men. It concluded that while moderate ejaculation frequency—around two to four times per week—was associated with reduced cancer risk, exceeding this threshold did not provide further protection and might even reverse benefits in some cases. Several explanations are proposed for these findings. High-frequency ejaculation could indicate increased hormonal activity, such as elevated testosterone levels, which may stimulate prostate cell proliferation. Additionally, men with numerous sexual partners might face a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, potentially leading to chronic inflammation in the genital area. Social and behavioral factors, including diet and medication use, also vary among individuals, complicating analysis. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Another significant limitation is the reliance on self-reported data, introducing potential inaccuracies. The slow progression of prostate cancer, often diagnosed decades after exposure to risk factors, further complicates data interpretation. Researchers note that even with extended follow-up, observed effects remain modest, primarily affecting early-stage cancer forms. Why Experts Urge Caution Despite Encouraging Data Currently, no medical authority explicitly recommends increasing ejaculation frequency as a preventive measure. The European Association of Urology, for instance, emphasizes proven benefits of balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. These factors hold stronger evidence for reducing prostate cancer risk. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint However, this does not mean that sexuality should be disregarded. Regular sexual activity, when part of a consensual and infection-free relationship, has no known detrimental effects on the prostate. It might even contribute to hormonal and immune balance, though mechanisms require further confirmation. The Harvard study highlights potential roles for oxytocin and endorphins released during orgasm, known to modulate inflammation and boost immune response. While there is a discernible link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, the correlation remains too tenuous for formal recommendations. Caution is therefore advised. Current data may reassure concerned patients, affirming that an active and fulfilling sexual life is not detrimental and might promote overall health balance. Navigating the Future of Prostate Cancer Prevention As research continues to explore the connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer, it invites a broader discussion on lifestyle choices and their impact on health. The potential protective effects of regular sexual activity introduce intriguing possibilities for future preventive strategies. However, it is crucial to approach these findings with a balanced perspective, recognizing the multifaceted nature of cancer risk factors. Individuals are encouraged to focus on established preventive measures, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while remaining informed about emerging research. As science advances, will we uncover more definitive links between lifestyle choices and cancer prevention, or will this remain a complex puzzle requiring further exploration? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (22)
