Latest news with #Nasha
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
For women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), nowhere is safe from sexual violence
Every week, hundreds of victims and survivors of sexual violence seek care at health centres supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In 2024 alone, nearly 40,000 women were treated by MSF teams in North Kivu province — a record high. In January 2025, M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) forces – backed by Rwanda – took control of Goma, the provincial capital and home to over a million people, after years of fighting against the Congolese army and allied armed groups. Since then, the prevalence of sexual violence has shown no signs of decreasing. During the first week of the offensive, hospitals rapidly became overwhelmed by a surge in casualties, both military and civilian. Morgues filled quickly as the Congolese army and its allies retreated, allowing M23/AFC to take over as the new authorities in the city. Heightened insecurity, increased crime and rampant violence became the new normal. MSF teams continue to record alarming levels of sexual violence cases. Between January and April, more than 7,400 victims and survivors of sexual violence received treatment at Ministry of Health facilities supported by MSF in Goma. West of the city, in Saké, an additional 2,400 victims and survivors were treated during the same period. Sexual violence remains prevalent under the new order Throughout the week, female victims and survivors of sexual violence, of all ages, can be found gathering from early in the morning at health centres where MSF works in Goma. They need healing, support, and to be heard. Nasha* was among many patients to visit in May. Like many of the women, her life has been turned upside down by persistent conflict in North Kivu. Originally from Masisi, a territory to the west of Goma, she fled ahead of clashes in the province between 2021-2024. They moved to a displaced persons camp alongside some 650,000 others on the edge of Goma. But in February 2025, the M23/AFC armed group ordered the dismantling of camps, effectively forcing their residents to leave. Large numbers are unable to return to their area of origin because they lack the resources to do so, or because their lands have been seized. This has led many to seek refuge with host families or in low-cost housing in Goma and the surrounding suburbs. 'I lived in the Rusayo displaced persons camp,' says Nasha. 'After it was destroyed, we moved to the courtyard of a school where we built a shelter.' 'Armed men broke in one evening at 10:30 pm,' she continues. 'They attacked me. When my husband tried to protect me, they shot him dead.' Nasha's story is far from unique in Goma and its outskirts. Every day, before nightfall, women travel to the city from the neighbouring territory of Nyiragongo in a bid to stay safe – too often in vain. Attacks on shelters, whether on small plots of land, rooms rented out by Goma residents, or public places, are frequent. 'In recent years, most rapes happened during daily activities – particularly when women left the displaced persons' camps to search for firewood or to engage in small-scale trading activities,' explains Armelle Gbagbo, who runs women's health activities for MSF. 'Today, many attacks happen at sites where women are living – whether in a house or in a refuge – and particularly during the night when insecurity increases,' says Gbagbo. 'They are attacked wherever: in their homes, with their families, alone, in the streets of Goma, or during outings on the edge of town.' Nowhere is safe. Denisa*, a minor, is originally from Rutshuru. She fled with her family to Goma amid the M23/AFC advance deeper into North Kivu a few months ago. In April, armed men broke into their home. 'They were wearing military uniforms and came to steal from us,' says Denisa. 'I was with my dad, my brothers and my little sisters. The men ordered my family to leave and raped me.' Not all sexual violence is committed by armed men, in military uniform or otherwise. Many assaults are also committed by those closest to the victims themselves. 'We shouldn't discount the very significant proportion of sexual violence committed by family members, other members of the survivors' entourage, or within host families,' says Gbagbo. Exploiting vulnerabilities 'The people of Goma have been gripped by fear since the city was taken,' says Frédéric Germain, MSF's project coordinator. 'There is significant insecurity in the city.' 'Many criminals commit attacks, rapes and murders by night. A high availability of weapons mean that bandits and armed groups pose a constant threat,' says Germain. 'The economy is slowing down, and the population is facing a system of violent predation.' Sarah* also recently visited one of the health centres in Goma. Her husband was recently kidnapped by men armed with rifles and machetes, who stormed into the small house where she and her family were staying after the camps were dismantled. 'It was a few weeks ago and I haven't had news since,' says Sarah. Others around her recounted stories of killings, looting, kidnapping, and similar forced disappearances of fathers and brothers. A recent study by Epicentre, MSF's epidemiological research centre, highlights a surge in violence in Goma, with the number of violent incidents reported in the first six months of this year being more than five times higher than in 2024. [1] 'The proportion of violent deaths recorded in this study is very high, representing one in four deaths,' says explained Dr Brahima Touré, an epidemiologist working with Epicentre. 'Incidents of physical violence and verbal threats are also occurring in large numbers, as testified by the number of people witnessing such events.' 'The results show high levels of sexual violence, which are likely to be significantly underestimated given that in this kind of study on violence, survivors find it difficult to speak out,' says Dr Touré. Targeted support, immense needs The offensive on Goma led many civil society figures to flee, with several humanitarian organisations working to support sexual violence survivors and victims also leaving, in part due to the impact of American budget cuts. 'In Goma, we are practically the only association providing health services to these women,' says Germain. 'But the needs are immense.' After being attacked in May, Angélica*, didn't confide in friends or family. 'I was ashamed,' says Angélica. 'I didn't know where to find help, so I stayed at home. After five days, I went to look for medicinal leaves to heal myself.' 'I felt very bad and had pain in my stomach,' she continues. 'I met a community health officer who directed me to the CCLK health centre where MSF offers free care.' Among the victims and survivors seen by MSF, close to 20 per cent are unable to seek medical attention within 72 hours of being attacked. This is a critical window during which the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis medication can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 'There is a high percentage of women suffering from STDs,' says Gbagbo. 'This is also linked to the phenomenon of gang rapes or the practice of trading sex to survive.' 'Many women say they are sexually exploited by the people housing them in exchange for food or a roof over their head,' she says. Congolese women are also suffering the consequences of the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under the administration of Donald Trump. An order of 100,000 post-rape kits – which include medication for preventing infection from HIV and other STDs – that were set to be distributed to multiple organisations treating sexual violence victims and survivors in eastern DRC was cancelled this year, with catastrophic consequences. 'In May, the United Nations Population Fund in North Kivu, which helped sexual violence survivors with support from USAID, only had 2,500 emergency kits for the entire province, while thousands of women are attacked every month,' says Gbagbo. Sexual violence is not limited to Goma or its suburbs. Victims and survivors travel dozens of kilometres to seek treatment in the city. 'It is essential that other international partners step up to support these women,' says Germain. 'Thousands are in need of urgent medical assistance.' *Names have been changed to protect the identity of patients. [1] Study conducted by Epicentre on the monitoring of the oral cholera vaccination strategy and its impacts through repeated multi-indicator surveys in the city of Goma and the rural area of Bukama, including a retrospective mortality survey for the period from 31 March 2024 to 11 June 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Pink Villa
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Fatima Sana Shaikh poses with Tamannaah Bhatia amidst rumors of her dating ex-boyfriend Vijay Varma; awkward much?
Reports of Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia's breakup made headlines a few months ago. Soon after separating from Tamannaah, rumors suggested that Vijay is dating Fatima Sana Shaikh. While neither has officially confirmed their relationship, Vijay and Fatima have been seen together on several occasions. Recently, a picture has gone viral on the internet. In this image, Fatima and Tamannaah are seen together. Tamannaah Bhatia and Fatima Sana Shaikh attend an event together Tamannaah Bhatia and Fatima Sana Shaikh recently attended an event in the city. Tamannaah shared a picture from the event on her Instagram story, where she can be seen posing alongside Shalini Passi, Taha Shah Badussha, and others. What drew everyone's attention was Tamannaah and Fatima being in the same frame. At the event, the elegant ladies are seen dressed in stylish outfits. Both are smiling from ear to ear as they are photographed with others. Amidst rumors of Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma's relationship, her picture with Tamannaah has left the internet talking. Here's Tamannaah Bhatia's picture with Fatima Sana Shaikh Speaking about Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma, the two had openly admitted being in a relationship. In a world where celeb couples prefer to be tight-lipped about their private life, this former couple proved to be bravehearts. However, after dating for a few years, they parted ways due to unknown reasons. While fans were expecting their wedding, the news of their breakup left many in shock. A few months after this, Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh were spotted together at a cafe in Mumbai. Fans were quick to speculate that the two are not just friends. On June 26, the rumors of their relationship increased after Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma were seen sitting beside each other at Rekha's blockbuster movie Umrao Jaan screening. She shared several pictures, but her snaps with Vijay had gone viral on the internet. However, Vijay and Fatima haven't commented on these speculations yet. Earlier, Fatima had admitted not being in a relationship with Vijay. Workwise, Fatima Sana Shaikh was recently seen in Metro In Dino and Aap Jaisa Koi. Meanwhile, Tamannaah Bhatia was last seen in a song titled Nasha, from Raid 2.
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Tamannaah Bhatia Is Elegance Personified In No-Makeup Look At Airport
For her outfit, Tamannaah Bhatia chose a loose-fitting grey blazer layered over a light grey hoodie, exuding smart and comfortable travel attire. News18 Tamannaah Bhatia knows how to turn heads, and her airport looks prove that effortlessly. Even while rushing to catch a flight, the actress never misses a fashion beat. On Tuesday, July 22, Tamannaah was captured at the airport departure, channelling a perfect blend of a comfortable and understated, elegant look. The actress was seen heading out of the airport, showcasing a chic and effortless no-makeup look. For her outfit, Tamannaah chose to wear a loose-fitting grey blazer layered over a light grey hoodie, exuding smart and comfortable travel attire. For bottoms, she opted for a pair of relaxed black trousers, perfectly going with the layered top. She completed her look with black platform sandals and carried an off-white shoulder bag as she headed towards her car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Society (@bollywoodsocietyy) Tamannaah's accessories include a pair of bold red-framed glasses, adding a pop of colour to the otherwise neutral-toned outfit. She was seen wearing a pair of dainty earrings and a necklace, keeping her entire look minimal. Overall, Tamannaah's airport look was comfortable yet chic, proving that the actress knows how to serve fashion even in transit. On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia was last seen in the Telugu supernatural thriller titled Odela 2. Directed by Ashok Teja, the film stars Hebah Patel and Vasishta N. Simha alongside Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. The sequel to Odela Railway Station, Odela 2, portrayed how Odela Mallanna Swamy protected the village from evil forces. Tamannaah was seen playing the character of Bhairavi in this film. Besides, she also performed a special song titled Nasha in Ajay Devgn's Raid 2. Tamannaah is all set to appear alongside Diana Penty in the upcoming Amazon Prime web series titled Daring Partners. Besides the two actresses, the series will also cast Jaaved Jaaferi and Nakkul Mehta. The exact release date of the series has not been announced yet. Additionally, Tamannaah will also be seen as the female lead in the adventure film Ranger alongside Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt. The film will present Ajay Devgn as a forest ranger and Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist. Directed by Jagan Shakti, the film is expected to be released in 2026. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kashi Declaration advocates consensus against drug abuse
The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat concluded at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi on Sunday with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration that affirmed a national consensus to tackle substance abuse as the event marked a key moment in the country's journey toward a drug-free society by 2047. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya speaking at the Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat in Varanasi on Sunday. (HT Photo) The Kashi Declaration also emphasised integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction and support recovery. It proposed institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit gathered over 600 youth leaders, representatives from 120+ spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. 'The Kashi Declaration is not just a document, but a shared Sankalp (resolve) for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat,' stated Union minister for youth affairs and sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. 'Bharat's Spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat. They will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,' he added. Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said: 'This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (eternal consciousness), where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are not just gathering; we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation.' He further cautioned: 'If a nation where 65% of the population is youth falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future.' The summit featured deliberations across four plenary sessions. These deliberations formed the foundation of the Kashi Declaration that will serve as a guiding charter, with progress to be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. The keynote address of Session 4 was delivered by Nitin Agarwal, minister of state (independent charge) for excise and prohibition, Uttar Pradesh. Several dignitaries participated in sessions. They included Union minister for social justice and empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar, Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Uttar Pradesh minister for labour and employment Anil Rajbhar, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai, Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Uttar Pradesh sports minister Girish Chandra Yadav. Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy.
Hindustan Times
20-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit
Varanasi , Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday called on spiritual institutions to lead the campaign for a drug-free India, describing them as the backbone of the "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" initiative. Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit saw participation from over 600 youth leaders, over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. The event was seen as a key step towards achieving a drug-free society by 2047. Speaking at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, where the Kashi Declaration was formally adopted, Mandaviya said, "Bharat's spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat." "We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective discussion, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat," the minister added. The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to address substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Key proposals include setting up a Joint National Committee, regular progress reporting, and a national support platform for affected individuals. The summit featured four plenary sessions on the psychological and societal impacts of drug abuse, trafficking networks, awareness strategies, and the role of spiritual and cultural bodies in rehabilitation and prevention. Echoing the spiritual tone of the summit, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, "This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna, where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation." He warned that a country where 65 per cent of the population is youth cannot afford to fall into addiction. "Only those who break free from it will be able to build the future," he said. Under the MY Bharat framework, the summit has laid the foundation for a national youth-led anti-drug campaign. Volunteers and youth clubs will lead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and community outreach efforts. The Kashi Declaration will serve as the charter for these initiatives and its progress will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2026. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
