More girls could be getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, following updated recommendations announced on Wednesday by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Read the full story, “WHO revises recommendations on lifesaving HPV vaccine”, on globalissues.org →

Large numbers of children working on tobacco farms in Malawi are missing school, 13 UN-appointed independent human rights experts said on Wednesday, urging the Government and tobacco companies there to step up human rights protection across the supply chain.

Read the full story, “Malawi: Child trafficking and forced labour push thousands to work on tobacco farms”, on globalissues.org →

The UN family and the entire humanitarian community in Afghanistan condemned the Taliban’s decision to close universities to women and called on Wednesday for the de facto authorities to “immediately revoke the decision”.

Read the full story, “UN condemns Taliban decision to bar women from universities, calls for ‘immediate’ revocation”, on globalissues.org →

Humanitarian needs in Syria have reached their worst levels since conflict began nearly 12 years ago, the Security Council heard on Wednesday. 

Read the full story, “Syria: Needs rise amid deepening humanitarian and economic crisis”, on globalissues.org →

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern on Wednesday over the evolving COVID situation in China, as it continues to receive  increasing reports of severe disease.

Read the full story, “WHO outlines year of challenges, says more information needed to combat COVID in China”, on globalissues.org →

Now is not the time for the world to turn away from Haiti, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Wednesday, calling for international solidarity and support as the country continues to confront gang violence, political instability and a deadly cholera outbreak. 

Read the full story, “UN calls for support for international force for Haiti”, on globalissues.org →