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Galician literature not only narrates, but constructs identity. It is a form of belonging, projecting oneself and inhabiting the world.
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Action Against Hunger Democratic Republic of Congo Population: 109.3 million People in Need: 21.2 million People Facing Hunger: 40.7 million Our Impact People Helped Last Year: 1,166,711 Our Team: 440 employees Program Start: 1997 The toll of the Ebola outbreak, officially declared on May 15, continues to rise. To date, more than 120 confirmed cases, over 900 suspected cases, and more than 220 deaths have been recorded in Ituri province and North Kivu. Present in both regions, Action Against Hunger is adapting its operations to respond to this large-scale crisis. Supporting Frontline Health Facilities The current outbreak is disrupting already fragile health services in this remote area. โWe are present in the Mongbwalu health zone, the most affected by the outbreak, and in three other health zones in Ituri where we fear new infections in the coming days. We are working in close coordination with health and administrative authorities in the area. Our teams are highly mobilized to support health facilities as effectively as possible, in order to protect healthcare workers, who are particularly exposed to the risk of infection,โ explains Julie Drouet, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in the DRC. In 12 health facilities in Mongbwalu, Action Against Hunger is providing protective equipment for medical staff, as well as infection prevention and control supplies (chlorine, sprayers for disinfection, cleaning equipment, etc.). In the DRC, only 37% of the population has access to a safe water source, and only 30% of health facilities have access to a reliable water supply. โIn this context, infection prevention measures such as handwashing are difficult to implement,โ adds Ms. Drouet. โThat is why we are also supporting health facilities through the rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure,โ she continues. A Health Challenge Against a Backdrop of Structural Crisis The northeast of the DRC is one of the most fragile and conflict-affected regions in the world. The insecurity situation has led to the displacement of more than 920,000 people in Ituri province. The Congolese population faces structural vulnerabilities that make epidemics in eastern DRC particularly dangerous. โIn the Ituri region, 1.5 million people are facing food insecurity, and one in three people needs humanitarian assistance. The population in this region relies heavily on local markets to feed their families. Movement restrictions will therefore have a direct impact on their livelihoods and their ability to meet their basic needs,โ warns Julie Drouet. As the situation evolves rapidly, it is a real race against time to contain the outbreak. Humanitarian NGOs on the ground are facing major logistical challenges. โFor the moment, even humanitarian flights to and from Ebola-affected areas are suspended, which complicates team movements. Funding also remains very limited, making activity planning difficult.โ Moreover, the region was already experiencing a humanitarian crisis prior to the Ebola outbreak, further worsening an already complex situation: โWe cannot afford to stop our existing emergency projects. Our teams must adapt how activities are implemented to protect communities and our staff in order to break the chain of virus transmission, but our emergency actions must continue,โ concludes Julie Drouet.
Countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan Source: UN Women Earthquake survivors in Afghanistan have been forced to flee again due to Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict. It was during an air attack in eastern Afghanistan that 30-year-old Najeeba* felt her labour pains begin. Around her, families were already on the move, fleeing renewed hostilities along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. But her baby wasnโt going to wait. Just six months earlier, the ground had shaken beneath her feet when a massive earthquake devastated the region. Now, it was the skies that she feared. โThere was no safe placeโ, she recalled, as the conflict reached the camp where she had been living with other families displaced by the earthquake. โAircraft were flying overhead, and my children were extremely frightened; whenever they heard the sound, they would cry and scream.โ With her husband, she packed up their tent and few remaining belongings. Najeeba gave birth in a Red Crescent clinic, then climbed into a rented mini truck with her newborn daughter, six other children aged two to 11, and her husband, and escaped to a new camp in the Maza Dara Valley, in Nurgal district. What is happening on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and how does the conflict affect displaced women? More than 100,000 people have been displaced by the latest cross-border air strikes, shelling, drone attacks, and ground clashes in eastern Afghanistan, following the escalation of renewed hostilities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Women and girls โ who are already living under increasing restrictions on their freedoms and movement under the Taliban โ and those struggling to survive the aftermath of last yearโs earthquake in eastern Afghanistan have been hit hardest by the increased insecurity. An estimated 50,000 people in the affected areas are at increased risk of gender-based violence. And women have further reduced access to health and essential services. For pregnant women, the risks are even higher, as many face hunger and limited healthcare. Women displaced by border fighting in eastern Afghanistan face growing health risks; pregnant women struggle to access care For Najeeba and her family, the journey was expensive, forcing them to sell already scarce resources โ precious blankets, flour, and cooking oil โ just to pay for the trip to the new camp in the Maza Dara Valley. About 40 minutes away, along a steep dirt road in the mountains, another new mother reflected on the impact of the ongoing hostilities along the border. Seventeen-year-old Fahima* had given birth to her son just before the latest escalation began in late February. When the fighting started, her three other children, aged five and under, were terrified by the sound of aircraft and missiles. She and her husband โ who had also been living in a camp with families displaced by the earthquake โ decided to leave, selling flour and borrowing money to pay for transport. Less than a year ago, they were farmers, growing sorghum, wheat, and kidney beans to feed their family or sell for income. Now, forced to move for the second time in six months, they are running out of food. โOur land was destroyed [in the earthquake] and there is no work hereโ, Fahima said. โWe give more food to our children and eat less ourselves.โ More than two-thirds of women in ten impacted provinces have lost income, according to the Afghanistan Gender Coordination Group. Three-quarters report finding it harder to find food and more than four-in-ten report greater difficulty accessing healthcare. Women are also more likely to experience psychological distress. What is UN Women doing to support women and girls in eastern Afghanistan? With funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and through a local partner, UN Women has been supporting women-only safe spaces in camps for families displaced by the earthquake. Counsellors provide much-needed mental health support, while the spaces also offer a rare opportunity for women to connect with each other in privacy, despite the crowded camp conditions. Two of the four safe spaces have now been relocated due to the conflict. Each tent is run by a team of two, a manager and a counsellor, who provide support to women during the day, and cook and sleep in the same space at night. Many have toddlers with them, and return home to their older children, one day a week. Supporting Afghan women affected by trauma and displacement โWe stay together and eat together โ we are like a mother and daughterโ, said Zaland,* 25, a counsellor who moved to a new location with her colleague after the hostilities escalated. Inside their newly re-erected safe space, bright balloons hang from the roof and multicoloured cardboard signs carry messages of mental health support along the walls. โSome of the women have suffered a great dealโ, added Zaland. โSome have lost family members, some have lost their homes, some have lost livestock, and some have hungry children.โ After counselling, she says, some women leave to collect wild plants to eat. Her colleague, Mastoora,* 36, explains the impact of their work. โThe happiness I feel comes from knowing that, even if I cannot do much for a woman, I can at least say something that helps herโ, she said. โWhen I go home, I explain [to my daughters] that I am working for women โ they are happy when they see their mother going somewhere to serve other women.โ For 17-year-old Fahima, the service helps her cope better, despite the daily struggle she faces to feed her four children. โWhen we come [for counselling], we feel relieved and our mood improvesโ, she says. โWe would not come if they were male counsellors; the female counsellors are like our sisters, and we can speak openly with them.โ Sustained humanitarian support is critical for women and girls in Afghanistan As families continue to endure double displacement following the 2025 earthquake, and now the on-going hostilities, women and girls are affected distinctly and immensely. Sustained support is essential to ensure that womenโs civil society organizations can maintain vital women-only safe spaces and other community-based services, providing protection, mental health support, and dignity for those most at risk. * Names have been changed to protect identities.
Countries: World, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Panama City, 1 June 2026 โ Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones. For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes โ that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength. "We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added. As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items. Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols. The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes. The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries. Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability. When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). "Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations." This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty. This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niรฑo phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding. In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready. Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact โ in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs. For more information: [email protected] In Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199 In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96
Countries: World, United Republic of Tanzania Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies At a school on the Unguja Island, part of the Tanzanian archipelago known as Zanzibar, volunteers from the Tanzania Red Cross Society explain to a classroom full of students how to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat. The volunteersโ efforts were part of a larger heatwave awareness campaign in early 2026, led by the Tanzanian Red Cross, that has reached more than 4,000 people in schools, madrasas, markets, and communities around the island. This is just one of many ways Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world regularly work to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat โ including the very particular dangers of indoor heat. Why focus on indoor heat? When thinking about or preparing for heatwaves, people often think of blistering days outside in the hot sun. But people living or working indoors, in uncooled or poorly ventilated spaces, can sometimes be at even greater risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other heat-related risks. Those most susceptible to rising body temperatures โ children and the elderly โ are particularly vulnerable and, often, they must spend long periods of the day inside. These are some of the reasons Heat Action Day 2026 focuses on โindoor heatโ โ putting the spotlight on the health risks people face inside their homes, schools, workplaces, care facilities, transport hubs, prisons and even public vechiles such as busses and taxis. (Learn more about how to #BeatTheHeat and about how to take part in Heat Action Day 2026.) This threat is nothing new to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who often go door-to-door during heatwaves, visiting people who live in densely populated urban neighborhoods, work in poorly insulated industrial areas, or live in camps for people displaced by emergencies. Very often, such facilities or temporary shelters lack insulation or access to energy or water sources that can help keep people cool. Building materials, design characteristics, and urban heat island all play a role in determining indoor temperatures. Rising risks Without respite and access to cooling, high day- and night-time indoor temperatures pose significant health risks, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Beyond heat stroke, high temperatures can have a wide range of health effects. According to a 2020 study, for example, high indoor temperatures affect multiple aspects of human health, with the strongest evidence for respiratory health, diabetes management and core schizophrenia and dementia symptoms, according to one 2020 study. Other studies show that prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures is also responsible for sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment of workers, reduced learning uptake in students, and domestic violence. More research needs to be done, however, so policy makers, urban planners and architects can better understand how to reduce extreme urban heat. At the same time, building standards and indoor heat policies need urgent updates. In many places, indoor heat standards do not exist, or they overlook vulnerable populations and climate projections. The good news is that it is possible to improve the way buildings and public spaces are designed and constructed to better protect people living and working indoors. Meanwhile, more governments, agencies and communities are taking action. For example: painting roofs white, keeping windows covered during the hottest times of day, and using passive cooling at night when temperatures outside cool down. There are also many low-cost actions one can take to cool the body: a cool shower, submerging feet in cool water, self-dousing with water, using an evaporative cooler or misting fan, ingesting cold water, wearing clothing made from natural fibres, and sleeping with a wet sheet, among other measures. As part of its 2026 Heat Action Day activation, the IFRC also encourages people to proactively reach out to support the elderly and chronically ill during times of extreme heat, especially those with limited mobility who may need help getting to a cooler space. How can you take part in Heat Action Day? As the organization that created Heat Action Day, the IFRC each year encourages more and more activities to raise awareness and encourage people to take concrete action to prevent heat related illness and death. Whether you're sharing life-saving tips on social media or organizing a community event, there are many ways to get involved and help #BeatTheHeat. Learn more here and register to participate and create your own Heat Action Day event or activity
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Direct Relief A clinical pharmacist and Direct Reliefโs regional director for Africa, Dr. Samuel talks about the current Ebola outbreak, how it's different than past events, and how it can be contained. By Talya Meyers When the first cases of Ebola virus were announced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this month, Dr. Jeffrey Samuel, traveling in East Africa, read about it on the Direct Relief website. Dr. Samuel, a clinical pharmacist and Direct Reliefโs regional director for Africa, was visiting hospital partners in Uganda at the time the countryโs first cases were being identified and contained. โWe were already engaging with and supporting partners in Uganda through routine medical shipments and other ongoing support,โ he explained. โThat work was not Ebola-specific, but it reflects the kind of sustained support health systems need before, during, and after an emergency.โ Direct Relief also dispatched $2.5 million in emergency medical support to the DRC, the epicenter of the outbreak, to support Ebola containment and treatment. But Dr. Samuel stressed that routine support canโt be disentangled from emergency response. Both are vital to containing an Ebola outbreak or similar public health emergency, and to helping affected communities respond and recover. โEbola response is about much more than Ebola alone,โ he said. โStronger health systems allow countries to continue delivering essential healthcare services even while responding to an emergency.โ Direct Relief: So many people are unfamiliar with Ebola, and itโs frightening. Can you give us some background? How does Ebola spread, what are the symptoms, and how do people stay safe? Jeffrey Samuel: Yeah, absolutely. Ebola is a severe viral disease: It primarily spreads through direct contact with body fluids from someone who is either sick with the disease or has died from it. That includes blood, vomit, diarrhea, urine, saliva, sweat, and other types of bodily fluids like that. It can also spread through contaminated medical equipment, unsafe burial practices, or direct contact with the body of someone who has died from the disease. One important thing I always emphasize with Ebola is that itโs not airborne, like measles or Covid-19. You canโt get Ebola simply by walking past someone. Thatโs why healthcare workers, the families that take care of these patients, and the people involved in different burial practices are often at the highest risk. Ebola typically starts with non-specific symptoms: stuff like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and weakness. It can look like malaria, typhoid and other infectious diseases common in the region, so itโs hard to distinguish at the outset. Itโs not until the disease starts to progress that many patients start developing vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Their organs start to fail, and in some cases, patients can experience hemorrhaging in the later stages of illness. The incubation period, which means the time between when a person is exposed to when the symptoms begin, is usually between 2 and 21 days. Thatโs a very large range, which does not help [with diagnosis and containment] either. Direct Relief: How dangerous is this outbreak? Jeffrey Samuel: Historically, Ebola has been extremely deadly. Fatality rates typically depend on the strain involved, how quickly the outbreak is detected, and the strength of the healthcare system responding to it. Most people are familiar with the Zaire virus, which caused the large Ebola outbreaks from 2014 to 2016 in West Africa. Those outbreaks often had fatality rates around 50 to 70 percent, which is extremely high. The Bundibugyo virus, which is the one thatโs causing the current outbreak, has historically had somewhat lower fatality rates โ generally around 25 to 50 percent. But thatโs still a very serious and potentially fatal disease. Direct Relief: How is Ebola prevented and treated? Jeffrey Samuel: In terms of prevention, the most important measures are early identification of cases, isolation of those suspected cases, infection prevention and control โ in other words, good hand hygiene and personal protective equipment โ contact tracing of people those patients have been in contact with recently, and safe burial procedures. You need strong community engagement and trust. Thatโs a big [issue] specifically with this outbreak. There have been reports of Ebola treatment units being attacked and set on fire, which shows how difficult containment becomes when fear, grief, and mistrust are present. Right now, the treatment is supportive care. That includes IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen support, treatment of secondary infections, management of blood pressure, providing the right nutritional support, and very careful monitoring. These supportive care measures can really improve survival in a massive way. For us at Direct Relief, focusing on supporting these areas is top priority. Direct Relief: Can you talk about the difference between treating the Zaire and Bundibugyo strains? Jeffrey Samuel: Absolutely. The biggest practical difference is that this current outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus, while the 2014 to 2016 West Africa outbreak was caused by the Zaire Ebola virus. That distinction matters because all of the approved vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments that were developed over the past decade were specifically designed for the Zaire Ebola virus. But itโs important to remember that during that outbreak, these tools were not widely available. In fact, that outbreak is what accelerated [Ebola] vaccine and therapeutic development globally. Researchers are now working on similar tools for the Bundibugyo virus as well. In the meantime, the public health response principles remain largely the same. Itโs really surveillance, monitoring, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, supportive care, and community engagement. Direct Relief: Why did this outbreak take so long to surface? Jeffrey Samuel: One of the biggest challenges is that early symptoms of Ebola look very similar to many other diseases common in the region. A patient with fever, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea may initially be suspected of having malaria, cholera, typhoid, or another common illness. In many outbreaks, the alarm bells only begin once healthcare workers become infected, or if thereโs a cluster of unexplained deaths that appear, or if the laboratory testing confirms something unusual. This outbreak is also occurring in an incredibly complex environment. The eastern DRC has faced years of conflict, displacement, insecurity, and strain on the healthcare system. Insecurity can delay surveillance teams from reaching the affected areas. It can limit testing capacity, disrupt transport, and make it harder to trace contacts effectively. There are also trust issues that can emerge during outbreaks. In some communities, people may fear isolation centers or avoid seeking care because they worry about stigma or separation from family members. And because the Bundibugyo virus is relatively uncommon compared to the Zaire Ebola virus, it may not have been the first thing clinicians initially suspected when they were seeing these cases. Direct Relief: Is this going to spread much further? What happens if it does? Jeffrey Samuel: Yes, thereโs certainly a risk of further regional spread, which is why neighboring countries have implemented stricter border controls, enhanced surveillance, and other preparedness measures. Rwanda, for example, temporarily closed key border crossings with the DRC. And in the U.S., travelers who have recently visited the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan are being routed through designated airports for enhanced public health screening. The biggest danger is that outbreaks can overwhelm fragile health systems and healthcare facilities. They can reduce routine care access. They can increase infections in healthcare workers, and interrupt normal services like maternal and child health or vaccination programs. Ebola really creates broader humanitarian impacts, and in settings already affected by conflict or displacement, the response becomes even more difficult. A lot of measures have been put in place to try to prevent it from spreading further regionally. But that doesnโt negate the impact thatโs happening on the ground right now. Direct Relief: During the West Africa outbreak, Americans were diagnosed with Ebola โ itโs happened during this event too โ and they had much better survival rates than the West African people who got sick. Why is that? Jeffrey Samuel: Itโs important to state clearly that the differences in outcomes were not biological. They were largely about access to care and the strength of the surrounding healthcare system. Patients treated in highly resourced settings like the U.S. often received earlier diagnosis, intensive monitoring around the clock, aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement. Thatโs a real key. They also had access to oxygen support, advanced laboratory testing, PPE, and intensive care when needed. [Note: the federal administration has announced that Americans diagnosed with Ebola during this outbreak are being routed to Kenya, not the U.S., for treatment.] In many outbreak settings, especially in places affected by conflict or displacement, it can be much harder to provide that same level of care consistently because the infrastructure and resources are often much more limited. And that can have a real impact on patient outcomes. Honestly, this is one of the broader lessons Ebola keeps exposing globally: Outbreak preparedness and health system strengthening are deeply connected. Direct Relief: Direct Relief has shipped a significant range of medical support, including PPE, cardiovascular drugs, and IV fluids, to the DRC in response to this Ebola outbreak. How did the organization decide what to send, and what role will that support play? Jeffrey Samuel: All these items play a very practical and important role in the outbreak response. PPE helps protect healthcare workers and prevent transmission inside of healthcare facilities. During Ebola outbreaks, protecting healthcare workers is critical because health worker infections can quickly weaken the overall response capacity. IV fluids are absolutely key to supportive care. Ebola patients often experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte loss. So a key part of treatment is being able to replace those fluids and electrolytes. Beyond Ebola-specific supplies, essential medicines like cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics, and other critical treatments help keep the broader health system functioning during an outbreak. Ebola response does not pause the rest of healthcare โ patients still need care for chronic diseases, infections, pregnancy complications, and other urgent health needs. And our approach is very much partner-driven. We work directly with local partner organizations, hospitals, and in-country ministries of health to understand the actual operational and clinical needs on the ground. We also look at storage capacity, cold chain requirements, logistics, and feasibility for what we send. The strongest responses happen when that emergency support is layered onto resilient local systems. Emergency response plus long-term system strengthening go hand in hand. The goal is to support countries not only in responding to the current outbreak, but also to build stronger systems for whatever comes next.
Country: Moldova Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description The late-May 2026 floods were one of Moldovaโs sharpest localized hydrometeorological shocks in recent months, with Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni identified by the government as the most affected districts after the torrential rains of 22 May. The damage profile was dominated by flooded households, damaged roads, pressure on dams and lakes, disrupted rail traffic, and agricultural losses. The human impact was serious but uneven: the confirmed district-level reporting shows at least one death in Cฤlฤraศi, multiple rescue operations, households inundated in both districts, and preventive evacuation planning for additional residents at risk. As of 28 May 2026, authorities were still assessing total monetary losses, so the available picture is operational and preliminary rather than final. The heavy precipitation led to rapid water level rises in rivers, streams, and artificial reservoirs, resulting in multiple cascading impacts: Dam and embankment failures, including a reported rupture of a local dam in Hรฎrjauca (Cฤlฤraศi district), which caused sudden downstream flooding. Overflow and flooding of lakes and ponds, raising concerns about inadequate maintenance and compliance with safety standards for water basins. Flash floods affecting rural settlements, with water entering households, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. Transport disruption, including blocked roads and temporarily halted rail traffic in affected zones. Power outages and preventive disconnections in several villages due to safety risks. Soil erosion, mudflows, and damage to agricultural assets, including greenhouses and crops. The combination of saturated soils and high runoff intensity significantly amplified the destructive capacity of the floods. The strongest cross-source figures available so far show that across the wider affected zone of Cฤlฤraศi, Strฤศeni, Ungheni, and Criuleni, the floods damaged or inundated 25 localities, affected 69 households, threatened around 400 households, flooded about 400 hectares of farmland, and damaged 55 km of roads. These are important numbers because they come from the crisis-management structure after the first response phase, so they likely reflect a more consolidated operational picture than the first-night reports. However, they are not yet final compensation figures. What happened The triggering event was the 22 May storm system, which brought torrential rain, strong winds, and major water accumulation. Moldovaโs authorities shifted into crisis mode, with emergency teams, police, road services, rail services, and local authorities deployed to pump water, reinforce dikes, reopen transport links, and secure high-risk areas. The government explicitly said that Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni were the hardest-hit districts. gov.md IGSU The disaster affected dozens of localities across at least two key districts, with secondary impacts reported in neighboring areas. Cฤlฤraศi: damage analysis Cฤlฤraศi appears to have suffered the most intense direct household and infrastructure shock. The immediate crisis was tied to dam failure/partial rupture, especially around Hรฎrjauca and Mรฎndra, where multiple reports say over 40 households were affected. Radio Moldova also reported that in Mรฎndra six households were completely destroyed, while many courtyards, wells, and agricultural plots were flooded. Local officials further said that in some mayoralties 70โ80% of infrastructure was affected, with bridges and local transport links damaged. Radio Moldova Radio Moldova Human impact in Cฤlฤraศi was severe. The government confirmed the death of a 48-year-old man in Dereneu, linked to the flooding and heavy rains. Residents were trapped in houses and vehicles, and emergency services prepared for wider preventive evacuation around Bularda/Hรฎrbovฤศ if dikes failed. One operational report noted preparations for possible evacuation of over 20 households, while a TVR Moldova report said a field camp was readied for more than 200 people in case conditions worsened. Persons at the โCodruโ sanatorium were also evacuated preventively. From an analytical perspective, Cฤlฤraศiโs vulnerability was not just rainfall intensity. It was the combination of intense runoff, small-basin/dam failure, and cascade effects from connected lakes and drainage channels. That made the district especially prone to sudden, high-energy flooding that damaged homes, roads, yards, wells, and local agricultural assets rather than only causing shallow standing water. Ungheni: damage analysis Ungheniโs impact pattern looks broader geographically but somewhat less concentrated in destroyed homes than Cฤlฤraศi, at least from the public reporting now available. The government said 11 localities in Ungheni district were affected. Emergency reports and media coverage describe flooded households and basements, people stranded in vehicles or on rooftops, and drainage work in both rural settlements and the town. The key infrastructure signal in Ungheni was instability around water bodies and transport links. In Rฤdenii Vechi, landslides damaged two bridges in Novaia Nicolaevca. Authorities also reported an alarming situation at Lake Delia, which had accumulated water from failed upstream basins, while controlled water release operations took place near Mฤnoileศti and Cornova to reduce pressure. Floodwater was also removed from multiple households, basements, and a kindergarten in Ungheni. Ungheni was also significant in the rescue and transport-disruption dimension. Multiple calls for help were recorded there, including incidents with people trapped in vehicles and on rooftops. Rail disruption near Pรขrliศa temporarily stopped the ChiศinฤuโKyiv train with 142 passengers, illustrating that the flood impact extended beyond houses into inter-district mobility and economic connectivity. Key human impact indicators include: The public reporting allows a careful estimate of population impact, but not yet a precise district-by-district headcount. What is solid: - 69 households were actually affected across the four main districts. Moldpres - More than 400 households were considered at risk, but authorities say they were protected through dike reinforcement and drainage operations. Moldpres - In Cฤlฤraศi, over 40 households were flooded in Hรฎrjauca and Mรฎndra, and more than 20 households were under evacuation contingency in Bularda/Hรฎrbovฤศ. Radio Moldova Moldpres - In Ungheni, 11 localities were affected, with flooded households, a kindergarten, damaged bridges, and multiple rescue incidents. What remains uncertain: - There is no finalized official headcount of people directly affected in Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni alone. - There is also no final published monetary damage estimate yet. - One media roundup referred to two deaths across Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni, but the clearest official district-level confirmation currently available is one death in Dereneu, Cฤlฤraศi. Based on household estimates and rural population density, the directly affected population is estimated at several hundred people, while the indirectly affected population (service disruption, mobility constraints, power outages, and economic losses) likely extends to several thousand residents across the two districts. Casualties and Vulnerable Groups At least one fatality was reported in Cฤlฤraศi district (Dereneu village) as a result of flooding-related incidents. Preventive evacuations were conducted, including from areas near the Codru sanatorium, to avoid loss of life. Vulnerable groups include rural households, elderly populations in isolated villages, and communities located near water basins and low-lying river valleys. The main analytical conclusion is that Cฤlฤraศi suffered the more destructive household and infrastructure blow, while Ungheni experienced wider spatial disruption and acute water-management stress, especially around lakes, slopes, and transport corridors. This distinction matters for recovery planning: Cฤlฤraศi needs more household reconstruction and local infrastructure repair, while Ungheni may need stronger slope stability, drainage, and basin management measures. Why these floods were so damaging The event shows a classic compound local flood pattern: Short, intense rainfall Overflow and failure pressure on ponds/dikes Cascade effects between connected basins Localized flash flooding in villages Secondary impacts on roads, rail, wells, and farmland That combination explains why relatively small localities could suffer disproportionate destruction. In other words, this was not only a โrain eventโ; it was a water-retention and drainage system stress event. Authorities at national and local levels activated emergency mechanisms: Deployment of emergency response teams, firefighters, police, and road services. Continuous water pumping, reinforcement of embankments, and clearance of blocked infrastructure. High-level field visits by government officials, with ongoing coordination between ministries. Ongoing damage assessment processes, as many impacts remain under evaluation due to receding waters. The situation remains dynamic, with residual risks linked to: further rainfall forecasts, saturated ground conditions, structural vulnerabilities of water retention infrastructure. On 26 May 2026, the leadership of the Red Cross Society of Moldova (MRCS), together with regional directors from affected districts, conducted a field visit toCฤlฤraศi district, one of the areas most severely impacted by recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The mission aimed to assess field conditions, identify urgent community needs, and determine appropriate humanitarian support. In Dereneu village, discussions with local authorities focused on flood impacts, damage to households, and coordination of emergency response efforts. The MRCS team also met with a bereaved family affected by the disaster to express institutional solidarity and assess immediate support needs. In the Bularda area, the delegation met with GIES (IGSU) emergency responders engaged in flood protection works, including embankment reinforcement using sandbags and the creation of diversion channels. The team also reviewed ongoing emergency infrastructure measures and identified operational needs for responders and affected communities. In Mรขndra village, field visits to affected households were carried out in coordination with social workers to assess urgent humanitarian needs, including material assistance and psychosocial support for vulnerable families. MRCS reaffirmed its continued presence in the affected areas and its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, and coordination with local authorities. The organization emphasized its role in strengthening local response capacity and community resilience in line with its humanitarian mandate. By 27โ28 May, authorities indicated that the immediate flood danger had been reduced through dike strengthening, pumping, and controlled drainage, but the recovery phase was only beginning. The local emergency commissions were still inventorying losses, and support from local budgets plus central government top-ups was being considered. That means the current picture is best read as initial impact analysis, not a completed loss-and-needs assessment. Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni were the epicenter of Moldovaโs May 2026 flood emergency. Cฤlฤraศi suffered the heaviest direct destruction to homes and local infrastructure, including dam-related flooding and at least one confirmed death. Ungheni experienced widespread multi-locality flooding, bridge damage, water-basin instability, and transport disruption. The total economic loss is still being assessed, but the event already shows a major combined impact on households, roads, farmland, and local resilience. Request For Assistance Government Requests International Assistance: Yes NS Requests International Assistance: No Information Bulletin Published No Actions taken by National Society General Damage/Needs assessment Relief/Supply distribution Psychosocial support services Summary Since the onset of the flooding emergency, the Red Cross Society of Moldova (MRCS) has been actively engaged in field presence, coordination, and rapid needs identification in the most affected districts, including Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni. During the latest field engagement, MRCS leadership and regional teams conducted on-site visits to affected communities to assess humanitarian needs, strengthen coordination with local authorities and emergency services, and identify priority support areas. Special attention was given to severely affected households, vulnerable families, and cases requiring immediate assistance, including psychosocial support. Based on ongoing assessments, MRCS is preparing targeted assistance for approximately 200 affected households, including the provision of non-food items (NFIs), basic household support, and tailored assistance packages (PFA) where required for the most vulnerable cases. In parallel, the National Society has reinforced coordination with all relevant decision-making actors, including local public authorities, emergency response services, and social assistance structures, to ensure an integrated and timely response. MRCS remains actively present in the field and continues to adjust its response based on evolving needs, with a focus on humanitarian relief, psychosocial support, and strengthening local response capacities. Actions taken by others The Government of the Republic of Moldova is leading the emergency response through national and local authorities, with coordinated operational support on the ground. The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) has been actively deployed, carrying out evacuations, water pumping, installation of sandbag barriers, and reinforcement of flood protection infrastructure in affected areas. The Ministry of Environment, the State Hydrometeorological Service, and the โApele Moldoveiโ Administration have provided technical monitoring, hydrological updates, and support for water management interventions. Local authorities in Cฤlฤraศi and Ungheni are coordinating local response efforts, including damage reporting, community support, and identification of affected households. No large-scale UN emergency deployment has been reported at this stage, while coordination with humanitarian partners and local actors remains ongoing within existing national response mechanisms.
Country: Sudan Source: Life for Relief and Development By Tasneem El-Raidi This yearโs Eid al-Adha comes as Sudan continues to endure one of the worldโs worst humanitarian crises. The ongoing war, now lasting for more than two years, has displaced millions of families and left vast numbers of people without sources of income. Millions are facing tragic conditions inside displacement camps and conflict zones amid rapidly rising hunger rates and unprecedented food prices. According to reports from the World Food Programme, nearly 19.5 million people are suffering from acute hunger and food insecurity, including 135,000 people living under catastrophic famine conditions. Around 34 million Sudanese urgently require humanitarian assistance, while more than 4.2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, making Sudan currently one of the gravest hunger and humanitarian disaster zones in the world. 510,000 Poor Families Benefited from Qurbani Meat in 2025 Life for Relief and Development continues its intensive preparations to launch its Eid al-Adha projects through field teams operating across Sudan and many countries around the world. We spoke with Vicky Roob, National and International Programs Director at the organization, who explained that the Qurbani project is one of the deepest humanitarian initiatives the organization has carried out for more than 33 years. It is not only because it provides food, but because it also brings dignity and joy to families who wait for Eid al-Adha year after year, hoping they might be able to eat meat, even if only for a few days. She added that the successive humanitarian crises โ including famine in Sudan and other Arab countries, global inflation, and the sharp rise in food and meat prices across most African countries โ have left millions of families unable to secure even their most basic nutritional needs. โToday, we are no longer speaking only about poverty,โ she said. โWe are speaking about entire families that can no longer provide food, and children who experience Eid while waiting for a meal they may receive only once a year. Some know the smell of grilled meat more than they know its taste, living in hope that their share of the Qurbani meat will reach them during Eid.โ Omar El-Raidi, Director of the Projects Department, added: โThe Qurbani project carries a unique humanitarian dimension unlike other relief programs because it does not only address direct needs, but also touches the psychological and social wellbeing of struggling families. In other relief programs, we provide what is necessary for families to survive and remain resilient. But Qurbani offers something different โ it gives families a sense of participation, joy, and dignity, fulfilling a simple wish that may seem ordinary to some, but means a great deal to millions of people in need.โ He explained that โLifeโ is implementing the Qurbani project this year in 39 countries and regions worldwide, including areas suffering from conflict, humanitarian disasters, and severe poverty, such as Gaza, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Cรดte dโIvoire, Jordan, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, the West Bank, and Yemen. โOur Qurbani Meat Is Delivered to Needy Families with the Same Quality We Serve Our Own Childrenโ From Sudan, we also spoke with Ms. Rima Bakir, Lifeโs Project Coordinator in Sudan, who explained that last year the organization provided Qurbani meat to 15,120 displaced people in the Yifi and Dashrifi village clusters in Kassala State. Regarding the preparation and distribution process, she said: โThe Qurbani project carries a special humanitarian dimension that goes beyond traditional aid because it gives vulnerable families a rare opportunity to obtain food they may not be able to afford throughout the entire year. There are families living under extremely harsh conditions, such as widows in displacement camps or families who have completely lost their sources of income. When these families receive even a small amount of money, they are forced to spend it on the most urgent necessities such as flour, medicine, and essential living supplies, while meat remains completely beyond their purchasing power. But when Qurbani meat reaches them directly, it becomes a real family meal around which everyone gathers, allowing children to experience the joy of Eid โ something many have been deprived of for years.โ She emphasized that โLifeโ pays close attention to the quality of the sacrificial animals and the distribution process out of respect for the dignity of beneficiaries and their right to receive safe and nutritious food. โWe are committed to all Islamic and health standards during the implementation of the project. We ensure that the sacrificial animals meet religious requirements, and we carefully supervise every stage of slaughtering, preparation, and distribution. We also ensure that the meat reaching needy families is fresh and of high quality. We do not treat the Qurbani project merely as aid distribution, but as a humanitarian message. Therefore, we believe that what reaches the tables of struggling families should be of the same quality we would accept for our own families and children.โ Between the Donor and the Needyโฆ A Network of Trust Despite the unprecedented humanitarian and security complications witnessed in Sudan, โLifeโ has continued implementing the Qurbani project in an effort to reach displaced and affected families living under devastating conditions caused by war and repeated displacement. Working inside Sudan during wartime has not been an easy task, but Lifeโs teams have made exceptional efforts to ensure that Qurbani meat reaches displaced families enduring extremely difficult humanitarian conditions. The organization confirmed that priority in distribution is given to the most vulnerable groups, including displaced and refugee families, victims of wars and natural disasters, as well as orphans, widows, elderly people, and families suffering from extreme poverty. Lifeโs teams have continued carrying out Qurbani distributions in Sudan for the third consecutive year despite escalating conflict and the increasing difficulty of humanitarian access to many affected regions. The organizationโs efforts during Eid al-Adha are not limited to distributing meat. They also include humanitarian and recreational programs targeting children and affected families. โLifeโ organizes family Eid celebrations and special events for orphans that include entertainment activities and psychological support programs aimed at bringing some joy to children living amid war, displacement, and disasters. These activities seek to ease the psychological burdens suffered by children and their families throughout the year, especially inside displacement shelters, by creating celebratory environments that provide them with a temporary sense of safety and happiness. The organization currently sponsors more than 13,100 orphans around the world through its continuous humanitarian care and sponsorship programs. For more information: Life for Relief and Development โ Udhiyah Campaign LIFE USA Arabic Platforms
Countries: Mexico, Haiti Source: Mรฉdecins Sans Frontiรจres Haitian migrants search for opportunity in MexicoWithout safe routes, many migrants are choosing to travel in groups for safety in their search for work and dignity. Kate Rankin May 26 2026, 11:50am For years, the city of Tapachula, Mexico, was a transit point for people traveling north to seek refuge in the United States. Since January 2025, the Trump administrationโs restrictive immigration policies, on top of regional pressure to curb migration, have transformed Mexico into a country of containment. Migrants cannot work formally or access basic services. Even movement is a challenge, as migrants face lengthy bureaucratic processes just to obtain documents allowing them to move legally throughout Mexico. Teams with Doctors Without Borders/Mรฉdecins Sans Frontiรจres (MSF) are operating mobile clinics to assist migrants within Mexico, and are providing general and mental health care. In the absence of safe migration routes, many migrants are choosing to travel in groups for safety, often on foot, in their search for work and dignity within the country. Below, Derly Sรกnchez Arias, MSF coordinator in Tapachula, explains why migrants are taking this risk, despite the dangers and challenges they face. By Derly Sรกnchez Arias, MSF coordinator in Tapachula On the night of April 20, 2026, after hours of rain, nearly 1,000 people left Tapachula on foot and began walking along the coastal highway. They carried only the essentials: water, some food, and their few belongings. They were not marching as a political strategy or to provoke authorities. They were walking because staying was no longer an option. After more than 25 days on the road, they aim to reach Mexico City or another city that might offer them the possibility of work and a dignified life. One of the roots of this movement lies in Haiti, where a humanitarian crisis, armed violence, institutional collapse, and the deterioration of the health care system have made daily life unviable. This is not only about political instability: It is a humanitarian crisis in which entire families flee not only poverty, but also violence in which people โ especially women and girls โ are used as a territory of war. Above all, they seek protection and a small chance at a sustainable future. Lemeus, en route from Tapachula to Mexico City โI went several days without eating just to pay rentโ I left my home in search of better conditions. I arrived in Tapachula and faced the same challenges: finding work and a place to sleep. During my stay, I went several days without eating just to pay rent. It was hunger that ultimately pushed me to join the caravan. What I want is to reach Mexico City, but the walk, the sun, the headaches, and the blisters on my feet are just some of the obstacles that make the journey harder. Every time I woke up and couldnโt do anything, I felt stressed. Now, at least when I walk, I do so with a purpose: to achieve my plans and build a better life. A city that is both a gateway and place of containment Upon arriving in Mexico, that expectation meets a new barrier: Tapachula. The city functions as a blockade; It is a gateway but, at the same time, a point of containment where time seems to stand still. Without timely access to documents such as the Clave รnica de Registro de Poblaciรณn (CURP) โ an official identification number essential for working, accessing services, and legal status in Mexico โ thousands of people remain trapped in informal shelters, with no real opportunity to rebuild their lives. Since the beginning of 2025, MSF mobile clinics have assisted more than 1,400 people from seven caravans. Ninety-five percent of patients were older than 15, and 66 percent were women. Djosymar, from Haiti โHope is what keeps me goingโ Iโve been in Tapachula since December last year and I couldnโt find work. Iโm a migrant โ I donโt have a CURP โ and that makes it harder to obtain documents and a job. I like this place, but I had no choice but to leave to try to build a better life somewhere else in Mexico. The hardest part of the journey is the sun. The route is long, and both the weather and the exhaustion make everything more difficult. So do the chafing and the burst blisters on our feet โ everything becomes extremely tough. Hope is what keeps me going โ hope, and the desire to help my grandmother, to take care of her. She still lives in Haiti. For me, she is everything; she is my motivation. Forced stays in Tapachula are causing physical and mental harm In Tapachula, between 20,000 and 50,000 people remain waiting, according to estimates from local NGOs. In consultations, MSF teams have heard recurring stories: Women, men, and children who have fled violence only to encounter new forms of vulnerability and violence in Mexico. The impacts are not only physical; mental health consequences are also present. Many people have chronic illnesses that have gone months without treatment. People are living in overcrowded conditions, often without reliable access to food or safe drinking water, while many children remain out of school and struggle to survive on the streets. Walking under scorching sun with open blisters is not a choice or a strategy. It is a response to stagnation. As they move forward, the caravan exposes the limits of a response that has failed to resolve the situation. Continuing to interpret caravans as a threat is to miss the essential point: They are the result of contexts that push people out, and of journeys marked by waiting, uncertainty, and a lack of viable alternatives. They are like an open wound unable to heal โ the result of violence that forces people to flee, and then follows them during transit and at borders, in rejections of asylum, and the general indifference to their plight. To see them as a threat is to deny the dignity of those who, even while in pain, keep walking with the hope of finding a place to start again and live without fear. Malaika, a mother of two from Haiti โGoing back is not an optionโ โI fled my country because of insecurity and arrived in Mexico with my two children in November 2025. After not receiving any response, my only option was to join the caravan. I was forced to take the risk and head north in search of work. The most difficult part is walking. My feet can still keep going, but they hurt. Going back is not an option โ we donโt want to return to where we came from or relive those hardships: lack of jobs, violence, and undignified living conditions. For those of us already here, the only alternative is to rely on our own strength and keep our spirits up. Mexico 2026 ยฉ รngel Rodrรญguez/MSF We speak out. Get updates.
Country: Yemen Source: United Nations Population Fund Please refer to the attached file. ADEN, Yemen - "I lived in silence, hiding my pain from others, enduring my own gaze before enduring theirs," recalls Safiy, 28 years from Bajil District in Al Hudaydah Governorate. For five years, Safiy carried a pain she could neither understand nor explain. After severe complications during childbirth at a hospital in Bajil, she began experiencing faecal leakageโa condition that would force her to withdraw from from daily life. Amina, 20 years, from Aden Governorate too, faced her own silent battle. Married at fifteen and pregnant nine months later, she had no access to antenatal care in her remote village. When labour came, it lasted three agonizing days with only a traditional birth attendant by her side. By the time she reached a hospital, her baby had died. An emergency cesarean section saved her life, but left her with an obstetric fistulaโa devastating childbirth injury that would isolate her for a year and a half. Safiy and Amina's stories reflect a harsh reality facing thousands of women across Yemen. Global estimates reveal that Yemen has the highest prevalence of obstetric fistula in the Arab States regionโ113 cases per 100,000 women as of 2020, compared to 86 per 100,000 across Arab States and 36 per 100,000 in Asia and the Pacific. Obstetric fistulaโa hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical interventionโis both preventable and treatable. Yet in Yemen, a perfect storm of factors has made it a persistent crisis: early marriage and adolescent pregnancy, critically low rates of skilled birth attendance, and a healthcare system devastated by over a decade of conflict. When Systems Collapse, Women Pay the Price The conflict and humanitarian crisis have pushed Yemen's healthcare system to the brink. An estimated 19.4 million people lack access to basic healthcare, including reproductive health services. Nearly half of all health facilities remain fully or partially functional, and only one in five of them provide maternal and newborn care. Almost half of all childbirths occur outside a health facility. Nearly a quarter of pregnant women do not receive antenatal care, while only 3 in five women give birth with skilled assistance. For women like Safiy and Amina, the barriers to treatment are formidable: limited functional facilities with operating theatres and specialized fistula care, financial and transportation obstacles, weak referral systems in remote areas, and a severe shortage of trained fistula surgeons. Most devastating is the social stigmaโthe isolation and psychological trauma that discourage women from seeking care at all. A Lifeline in Darkness Safiy decided not to surrender. After being examined at a health facility in Al Huban, she was referred to a UNFPA-supported fistula treatment centre at Al Sadaqa Hospital in Aden. "When the doctor told me about my condition, she said treatment was possible," Safiy remembers. "Those words alone gave me back my breath." She underwent surgery successfully at no cost, and received financial support to cover the transportation. "I could not believe the pain that had accompanied me for five years could come to an end," she says. "Today, I am recovering step by step. I am reclaiming my health, my dignity, and my life." Amina's path to healing followed a similar trajectory. When she learned about the fistula treatment centre she contacted the coordinator and traveled to Al Sadaqa Hospital. After successful surgery, her recovery began. "The hospital not only treated my condition but restored my dignity and renewed my confidence in life," Amina says. "They gave me the chance for a new beginning.โ Building Back Better UNFPA supports two dedicated obstetric fistula treatment centers in Yemenโat Al Sadaqa Hospital in Aden and Al Thawra Hospital in Sana'aโproviding surgical repair, training midwives, supporting safe childbirth practices, and ensuring women with complications can access skilled care. Since 2023, nearly 300 obstetric fistula repair surgeries have been successfully completed at these two centres. Through partnerships with Ministry of Public Health and local organizations like Deem for Development Organization, UNFPA is working to strengthen referral systems, expand access to emergency obstetric care, and address the root causes that result in obstetric fistula. But the need far outweighs current capacity with steep funding cuts threating the suspension of UNFPAโs support to these two centres "Yes, my story is full of pain, but it is also full of hope,โ recalls Safiy. On the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, that hope needs to transform into action. Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable; ending it is within our reach.
Countries: Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico Source: International Committee of the Red Cross In places where armed violence is rife, health-care workers may be harassed or subjected to physical or verbal abuse. Ambulances face even greater risks when transporting patients, struggling to do so safely. Health-care facilities are often damaged during clashes and their operations frequently disrupted. Meanwhile, patients are unable to access health care, either out of fear or because of security risks or difficulties in reaching health-care facilities, or simply because services have been shut down. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have observed that these issues are becoming increasingly common in many of the affected communities across Latin American and the Caribbean. โWhile acts of violence against health-care services are widespread, it is in Colombia, Mexico, Haiti and Ecuador where serious incidents linked to armed violence are most frequently reported. It is communities that suffer when health-care workers and the health system are jeopardized. Safeguarding their proper functioning is essential to ensure people can access health-care services,โ explains Gabriel Mayorga, regional adviser for the ICRC on protection issues and respect for health care. Far from being isolated incidents, these events reflect a worrying pattern of violence that is affecting the provision of health-care services in places across the region where armed conflict and other situations of violence are widespread. According to figures from the National Medical Mission Board,* a total of 282 acts of violence against health-care services related to non-international armed conflicts were recorded in Colombia in 2025, indicating breaches of international humanitarian law. Incidents include threats and murders, with health-care workers and wounded people who are no longer taking part in the hostilities targeted, either in ambulances or in health-care facilities. Furthermore, in the areas most affected by armed conflict, communities are having their movements restricted, limiting their ability to access health-care services in a timely way. In some cases, the consequences are deadly. โI remember the case of a woman from an indigenous community who suffered pregnancy complications. The dynamics of the armed conflict resulted in movement restrictions. Unable to get to the nearest health centre, both she and her baby died,โ says a member of the ICRCโs health team in Colombia. In these situations, the ICRC maintains a bilateral and confidential dialogue with all parties to the conflict to remind them of their obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect health care. Even in countries not experiencing armed conflict, health-care services still suffer the consequences of violence. In Mexico, the ICRC documented more than 190 serious incidents affecting health-care services and patient care between 2024 and 2025, based on primary and publicly available information. These incidents include attacks against โ and sometimes the murder of โ health-care staff, patients and their families, armed raids on health-care facilities, and the theft of data and supplies, among others. Beyond the statistics, these incidents have a profound impact on the lives of health-care workers. Fernanda,* a psychologist from southern Mexico, went from being a provider of mental-health care for health-care workers affected by violence to being a victim of violence herself. โBeing a mental-health professional does not protect us from violence and its consequences. We have received threats and our lives have been in danger. In my case, I had to move away. I left behind my home and my support network, and the health centre where I worked had to close for more than a year. I still have nightmares and feel very anxious whenever I think about the centre reopening at some point and having to go back. Iโve had to have psychotherapy and medical treatment to be able to cope with it,โ she recounts. * Name has been changed to protect the personโs identity. The ICRC is also very concerned about the situation in Haiti. The escalation of armed violence since 2024 has put out of action more than 70 per cent of health services in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Most health-care facilities have been affected, preventing people from accessing them safely. Emergency services, care for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and other medical specialisms have collapsed. Furthermore, many patients with chronic conditions have no access to medical care at all. In Haiti, the ICRC uses various channels to remind people of their obligation to respect health-care workers. This banner in Haitian Creole reads: โHospitals, health-care workers and ambulances must not be targeted. Every life counts!โ Against this backdrop of violence, which is significantly affecting and restricting peopleโs access to health-care services, the La Paix University Hospital is now the only major state-run hospital still operating in Port-au-Prince. But it faces a whole host of challenges. โWe donโt have enough beds for all the patients coming to the hospital โ we have to treat and resuscitate some patients on the floor,โ says Dr Myriam Gousse, head of the hospitalโs emergency department. Staff are also under pressure. โSometimes patients come in who are armed; they pull out their weapons to force the staff to treat them. We are seeing more incidents like this,โ adds Dr Gousse. Ecuador is another country facing a worrying escalation in armed violence, and it is having an impact on its health services, particularly in the most conflict-affected areas. The situation has created significant challenges in managing health facilities in these areas, leading to the temporary suspension of certain services and making it more difficult for people to access health care. โIn light of this situation, the Ecuadorian Red Cross, together with members of the Movement, has stepped up its efforts to promote respect for health services and to provide support to the Ministry of Health, medical units and health-care staff, as well as affected communities. Our actions uphold the right of health-care professionals to carry out their work in an environment free from pressure and threats,โ explains Jhonny Garcรญa, security coordinator for the Ecuadorian Red Cross. How do we address this issue? Dialogue with weapon bearers and strengthening legal frameworks In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the ICRC talks with weapon bearers about their obligation to respect the work of health-care staff and humanitarian principles. . During our bilateral and confidential dialogue with armed actors, we remind them of their obligation to respect health-care staff and facilities, as well as humanitarian workers. We use these talks to stress that health services must always be protected from attack. Together with public health authorities and other organizations, we promote prevention and we help to strengthen the response to violence against health-care services. We also provide technical support to the authorities to help them formalize and strengthen regulatory frameworks that effectively recognize and address the threat of violence against health-care facilities, while establishing the rights of and protections for health-care staff and patients in situations of violence. Capacity-building in the health-care sector We support health-care systems at different levels to prevent, mitigate and manage the effects of violence. In Haiti, throughout 2026, fierce armed clashes have been affecting people in the capital, Port-au-Prince. For months, the ICRC has been providing medical supplies and first-aid training to community health workers. In the areas most affected by violence, we provide training and workshops to ensure that health-care staff and facilities are better prepared and more resilient when it comes to responding to and recovering from violence. In addition, we work collaboratively to promote safety protocols and contingency plans for health-care teams working in high-risk environments. Regional cooperation Since 2024, the ICRC โ together with the regionโs National Red Cross Societies, partner National Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) โ has stepped up its regional cooperation to ensure a coordinated response to address the issue of violence. We provide technical support to other Movement teams in the region, as well as training, events and knowledge-sharing for those most affected.
Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Source: World Health Organization On 17 May 2026, pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 12 - Determination of a public health emergency of international concern, including a pandemic emergency of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), the Director-General (DG) of the World Health Organization (WHO), after having consulted the States Parties where the event was known to be occurring, determined that the epidemic of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but did not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR. The DG statement issued on 17 May 2026 also contained โWHO adviceโ to States Parties to respond to and prepare for the event. On 19 May 2026, the DG convened the first meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the epidemic of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda (hereafter โCommitteeโ). The Committeeโs advice aligned with the determination by the DG that the event constitutes a PHEIC, but does not meet the criteria for pandemic emergency. The Committee acknowledged that the epidemic is occurring in one of the most challenging operational environments possible, therefore, any response must incorporate key contextual information to improve the chances of a successful response. The DG, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing the following temporary recommendations to all States Parties to respond to and prepare to respond to the PHEIC. ==== Temporary recommendations These temporary recommendations are issued for subsets of States Parties according to the public health risk associated with the Bundibugyo virus disease epidemic they face. All current WHO interim technical guidance can be accessed on this page of the WHO website. WHO evidence-based guidance has been and will continue to be updated in line with the evolving situation, updated scientific evidence, and WHO risk assessment. The implementation of these temporary recommendations by States Parties shall be with full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons, in accordance with the principles set out in Article 3 of the IHR. For States Parties with documented detection of Bundibugyo virus (the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda) As of 22 May 2026, the WHO Secretariat assessed the risk for these States Parties as โVery highโ for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and as โHighโ for Uganda. It is noted that the epidemiological situation in the two States Parties differs in terms of magnitude of the epidemic and contexts where response efforts are being implemented. Specifically, as of 22 May 2026, Uganda has reported two confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), both with epidemiological link traceable to areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with documented BVD transmission. In Uganda, as of the same date, no onwards transmission among contacts of the two confirmed BVD cases was documented. The epidemic is caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), a virus belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus. Unlike Ebola virus causing Ebola virus disease, there is no currently approved therapeutics or vaccines against Bundibugyo virus. While candidate therapeutics are considered for clinical trials and work in ongoing to fast-track candidate vaccines evaluation, the control of the epidemic relies on scaling-up public health interventions as outlined below. Coordination and high-level engagement Declare the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) epidemic a health emergency, at national or sub-national level, in accordance with domestic laws, and as appropriate. Activate national disaster or health emergency management mechanisms and activate or establish an emergency operation centre, under the authority of the Head of State or relevant government authority, to coordinate response activities across Government sectors, administrative levels, and partners to ensure efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of comprehensive BVD control measures. These measures must include enhanced surveillance, including case identification; contact tracing; infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement; laboratory diagnostic testing, case management, and safe and dignified burials. Coordination and response mechanisms should be established at national level, as well as at subnational level in areas where BDBV has been detected and at-risk areas. Establish and maintain up to date a register of signals consistent with BVD (โalertsโ), including status of their investigation. Establish and maintain up to date a line list of suspected cases โ including identified through syndromic surveillance, probable cases, and confirmed BVD cases. Establish and maintain up to date the list of contacts of all confirmed and probable BVD cases, and monitor each contact for 21 days after the date of last known exposure. Both the evolution of the epidemic and resources available may require risk-based prioritization of contacts requiring identification and monitoring. Negotiate, as applicable, and establish security corridors, including cross-border, to allow responders to safely reach affected communities, as well as to allow communities to seek appropriate health care. Notify WHO, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point in the WHO Regional Office, the detection of suspected, probable and confirmed BVD cases on a daily basis, as per WHO case definitions available here. Risk communication and community engagement Implement large-scale trust building and community engagement interventions โ using all trusted available communication channels, and working closely with local religious and traditional leaders, and traditional healers โ so that communities are fully aware of the risk and benefits of control measures, and pro-actively contribute and support the early detection and early isolation of cases; the identification and monitoring of contacts; and safe and dignified burial practices. Strengthen community awareness, engagement and participation, to establish and strengthen trust, including by identifying and addressing cultural norms and beliefs that may serve as barriers to their full participation in the response; and by integrating interventions and community feedback, within the wider response, to address the needs of the population, particularly in contexts of the protracted humanitarian crisis in the Eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Train community leaders on the rationale underpinning public health measures, including the isolation of cases, monitoring of contacts, and safe burials in a dignified, non-stigmatizing, and non-punitive manner. Activate local networks, including community health workers, Red Cross volunteers, and other trusted community actors to promote protective behaviours; facilitate early detection and referral of suspected BVD cases; support contact tracing activities; and collect and relay community feedback to enhance the acceptance of public health measures. Enable adherence to movement restrictions, associated with the application of control measures, by providing food, water, communication, financial and psychosocial support. Surveillance and laboratory Strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity, decentralized across first sub-national administrative levels (e.g., provinces) with documented BDBV detection, as well as in their neighbouring first sub-national administrative levels, through: Dedicated surveillance and response teams within each health zone and in neighbouring health zones determined to be at high risk for the introduction of BVD; Active case finding and enhanced community surveillance for clusters of unexplained illness or deaths; The investigation of โalertsโ within 24 hours from detection; The scale-up and strengthen RT-PCR laboratory capacities for timely testing for BDBV, including the establishment of protocols for safe sample collection, sample referral pathways, biosafety training for laboratory workers; The decentralization of the laboratory capacities should be considered to allow for quick turn-around time and support patient care, as well as any clinical trials that may take place. Field laboratories should be set up in accordance with biosecurity and biosafety standards. A near point of care assay might be considered provided that its performance is validated against current RT-PCR standards. NB: The GeneXpert platform cannot detect Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). Identify and monitor, for 21 days after the date of last known exposure, the health of contacts of suspected probable, and confirmed BVD cases. On a daily basis, the health status of contacts being monitored should be assessed and recorded. Any contact developing symptoms compatible with BVD should be assessed, isolated, tested and cared for. Establish a mechanism to monitor the evolution of indicators related to the performance of contact tracing activities. Infection prevention and control in health facilities and in the context of care Strengthen measures to prevent nosocomial infections, including systematic mapping of health facilities, the establishment and dissemination of protocols for triage, targeted IPC interventions and sustained monitoring and supervision. Provide continuous IPC training to health care workers, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Provide health facilities with sufficient supplies of appropriate PPE equipment to ensure the safety and protection of their staff, resources for timely payment of their salaries and, as appropriate, hazard pay. Establish channels for health workers to report and be assessed following exposures, and have access to psychosocial support and, when possible post-exposure prophylaxis under compassionate use or clinical trial. All health worker occupational exposure must be investigated to allow for immediate corrective actions. Consider building community IPC capacity by training community leaders, and emphasizing that hand hygiene not only contributes to bring the BVD epidemic under control, but also reduces the risk of transmission of other communicable diseases present in the same areas. Hand hygiene shall be facilitated at critical spots, such as schools, churches, bars, markets, local gatherings sites, points of entry, etc. Patient referral pathway and access to safe and optimized intensive care Establish dedicated BVD isolation and treatment centers or units for suspected, probable, and confirmed cases, located within, or close to, areas with documented BDBV detection, with sufficient staff who are specifically trained and equipped to implement optimized intensive supportive care. Establish protocols for transferring suspected BVD patients safely to dedicated health care facilities for their isolation, assessment and treatment in a humane and patient-centred approach. This includes trained ambulance teams, mechanisms to notify the receiving health care facility, the application of appropriate IPC precautions during transfer, and decontamination protocols for vehicles and equipment. Establish protocols for the handling and disposal of medical waste, in accordance with biosafety principles. Establish survivor follow-up programmes, including clinical care, counselling, semen testing and sexual health advice and condoms where appropriate, along with psychosocial support and stigma-reduction programmes. Maintain the package of essential health services, including by providing IPC equipment for them to operate safely. This includes, at minimum, malaria diagnosis and treatment, and maternal and child health services. Safe and dignified burials Establish protocols ensuring funerals and burials are conducted by well-trained personnel, with provision made for the presence of the family and cultural practices, and in accordance with relevant national laws and regulations. Operations, supplies and logistics Establish logistics support to maintain a robust supply pipeline for PPE, diagnostics, therapeutics, and other medical commodities, IPC materials, including for safe burial. Border health, international travel and mass-gathering events Enhance, through arrangements between countries sharing borders, surveillance at ground crossings and border areas. Implement measures, in accordance with national laws and regulations, to prevent suspected, probable, and confirmed BVD cases, as well as their contacts from undertaking international travel, unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation. Prevent the cross-border movement of the human remains of deceased suspected, probable or confirmed BVD cases, unless authorized through bilateral arrangements. Implement exit screening at all points of entry โ airports, ports and ground crossings โ consisting of, at a minimum, a questionnaire encompassing history of potential exposure to BVD, a temperature measurement and, in case of fever, an in-depth assessment of the risk of BVD, by personnel trained and equipped with PPE. Any traveller determined to present with an illness consistent with BVD should not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation. Report to WHO, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point in the WHO Regional Office, the implementation of any international traffic related measure adopted. Consider postponing mass gatherings until BVD transmission is interrupted. Research and development of medical countermeasures Engage, when feasible, with research partners and international institutions to: Define a robust laboratory strategy, urgently implement head-to-head comparison studies of PCR diagnostics to validate or invalidate the PCR platform (Radione ยฎ) currently used in the field. Implement ethically approved, scientifically robust clinical trials to advance the development and use of candidate therapeutics for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis and for vaccines. Establish, with a view to support research, expedited and efficient national regulatory and ethics reviews, community engagement, pharmacovigilance (where applicable), data sharing and equitable access arrangements. For States Parties with land borders adjoining States Parties with documented BDBV detection As of 22 May 2026, the WHO Secretariat assessed the regional risk โHighโ. Establish a national coordination mechanism articulated with subnational levels. Enhance rapidly the status of readiness to respond to BVD cases, including establishing active surveillance across health facilities, with zero reporting; enhancing community-based surveillance for clusters of unexplained deaths; establishing access to laboratories qualified to test for BVD; raising the awareness of health workers regarding BVD; training health workers on IPC precautions; establishing rapid response teams for the investigation and management of BVD patients and their contacts; establishing a mechanism for the identification and monitoring of contacts. Establish the capacity at national reference laboratory(ies) to timely and safely perform testing for BDBV along with relevant differential testing. Considerations may be given to shipment to an international reference laboratory for inter-laboratory comparison as part of external quality assurance implementation. Conduct international contact tracing operations as necessary, including obtaining information from airlines and other conveyances operations; identifying contacts associated with conveyances on an international voyage, and communicate with States Parties known as final destination of those contacts. Intensify risk communication and community engagement activities, in communities residing in border areas and at points of entry, including airports and ports with direct connection with States Parties with documented BDBV detection, and provide the general public with accurate and up to date information regarding the BVD epidemic and measures to reduce the risk of exposure. Exercise arrangements in place to respond to BVD through simulation exercises relating to management of BVD โ alertsโ, including cross-border; sample referral; activation of rapid response teams and mechanisms. Establish, with a view to support research, expedited and efficient national regulatory and ethics reviews, community engagement, pharmacovigilance (where applicable), data sharing and equitable access arrangements. Border health and international travel Provide travelers with accurate and up to date information regarding the BVD epidemic and measures to reduce the risk of exposure, including discouraging travel to areas with documented BDBV detection. Enhance, through arrangements between countries sharing borders, surveillance at ground crossings. This includes establishing coordination mechanisms for the detection and assessment of travelers with unexplained febrile illness; and the timely sharing of information regarding contacts who have, or may have, crossed the border, thus enabling continuity of follow-up. Pre-position PPE, other IPC materials, sample collection kits, case investigation forms, and safe burial supplies in border areas adjacent to those with documented BDBV detection. Activate health contingency plans at airport and ports, involving conveyance operators, to detect, assess, and manage travellers from States Parties with documented BDBV detection, presenting with symptoms compatible with BVD, and the identification of their contacts, according to established protocols. This entails the availability of trained personnel, referral mechanisms, application of IPC measures. Coordinate with conveyance operators to facilitate timely communication, prior to arrival and to relevant authorities, of any suspected BVD cases on board conveyances, and to identify contacts associated with conveyances on an international voyage. The identification of such contacts entails, where applicable, the communication of personal details to the States Parties known as final destination of those contacts. At the time these temporary recommendations are issued, neither the suspension of flights or waterways routes with States Parties with documented BDBV detection, nor denial of entry to travellers and conveyances arriving from those States Parties, are recommended. Report to WHO, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point, the implementation of any international traffic related measure adopted. Treat as a health emergency, including through a formal declaration according to domestic laws, the detection of a suspected or confirmed BVD case, of a contact thereof, or of a cluster of unexplained deaths. This include investigating any of those events within 24 hours and, by instituting case isolation and management; establishing a definitive diagnosis; and undertaking the identification and monitoring of contacts. Notify to WHO immediately, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point in the WHO Regional Offices, any suspected, probable or confirmed BVD case, as per WHO case definitions available here. In the presence of a BVD case, temporary recommendations for State Parties States Parties with documented BDBV detection apply. For all other States Parties As of 22 May 2026, the WHO Secretariat assessed the risk for these States Parties as โLowโ. Make arrangements to detect, assess, report and manage travelers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented BDBV tdetection. These include, but are not limited to, disseminating the definition of BVD cases to public and private health care facilities, including travel clinics, and general practitioners; identifying laboratories to conduct testing for BDBV; identifying isolation facilities allowing for safe assessment and clinical care. Provide no-governemntal organizations and other entities deploying personnel internationally to respond to the BVD epidemic with information on risk, measures to minimize the risk of exposure, and advice for managing a potential exposure. Prepare to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of nationals (e.g., health workers) who have been exposed to BVD cases. Provide the general public with accurate and up to date information regarding the BVD epidemic and measures to reduce the risk of exposure, including discouraging travel to areas with documented BDBV detection. Border health and international travel Provide accurate and up to date information regarding the BVD epidemic to travel clinics, other health facilities and professionals, and discourage travel to areas with documented BDBV detection. Provide incoming travelers, at points of entry, with information about measures to take should they develop symptoms compatible with BVD within 21 days after arrival. Coordinate with the transport sector, including conveyance and points of entry operators, for the timely management of suspected BVD cases, including communication prior to arrival if the individual is on board; as well as for the identification of their contacts on board conveyance. The identification of such contacts entails, where applicable, the communication of personal details to the States Parties known as final destination of those contacts. At the time these temporary recommendations are issued, neither the suspension of flights from States Parties with documented BDBV detection, nor denial of entry to travellers and conveyances arriving from those States Parties, are recommended. Report to WHO, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point, the implementation of any international traffic related measure adopted. Notify to WHO immediately, through the relevant WHO IHR Contact Point in the WHO Regional Offices, any suspected, probable or confirmed BVD case, as per WHO case definitions available here. In the presence of a BVD case, temporary recommendations for States Parties with documented BDBV detection apply. All States Parties Reporting on the implementation of temporary recommendations Report quarterly to WHO on the status of, and challenges related to, the implementation of these temporary recommendations, using a standardized tool and channels that will be made available by WHO, also allowing for the monitoring of progress and the identification of gaps in the national response. Media Contacts WHO Media Team World Health Organization Email: mediainquiries@who.int
Country: Afghanistan Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. Cross-border hostilities continue to drive humanitarian needs in Afghanistan Cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan since October 2025 have caused significant humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties, displacement and disruptions to essential services. Although a ceasefire reached in October 2025 temporarily reduced the intensity of hostilities, violence has continued intermittently in border provinces. Between January and March 2026, cross-border armed violence between Afghanistanโs de facto security forces and the Pakistani military resulted in 769 civilian casualties, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This includes 372 people killed and 397 injured, among them 72 women, 554 men, 48 girls and 95 boys. UNAMA reports that the majority of incidents occurred in February and March, largely driven by airstrikes following Pakistanโs announcement of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on 26 February. Airstrikes accounted for approximately 64 per cent of total civilian casualties, while the remainder resulted from indirect cross-border fire and isolated incidents, including the targeted killing of a humanitarian worker. Displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure Humanitarian partners estimate that more than 100,000 people have been displaced across Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia, and Paktika provinces since the escalation of hostilities. While displacement has largely been temporary, affected populations continue to experience significant humanitarian needs. Assessments indicate that airstrikes or clashes linked to cross-border violence have been reported in 11 provinces. In addition, nearly 1,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and water systems, has also been damaged or destroyed. Approximately 19 health facilities have been suspended, closed or reduced to partial operations, limiting access to health care for an estimated 78,000 people. In the education sector, more than 13,000 students in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces have experienced disruptions. Access constraints and operational challenges Humanitarian access has been constrained in several affected areas due to insecurity, shelling, and road closures. In Kamdesh and Bargmatal districts of Nuristan Province, access to nearly 100,000 people was restricted for almost two months, limiting the delivery of essential services. The main supply route between Nari District in Kunar Province and Kamdesh District in Nuristan Province was closed due to ongoing hostilities, causing shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and disrupting health referral pathways and humanitarian operations. On 13 April, the road was reopened following engagement by community elders from both sides and humanitarian actors. Since then, humanitarian organizations have resumed the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential assistance to affected communities. Humanitarian needs and ongoing response Despite intermittent improvements and ongoing humanitarian response efforts, humanitarian needs remain severe across the affected provinces. Needs assessments conducted in affected areas have identified critical gaps in food security, emergency shelter, health services, nutrition support, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and multi-purpose cash assistance. The World Food Programme estimates that approximately 160,000 people in affected areas are facing heightened food insecurity. Nutrition partners have also raised concerns regarding acute malnutrition among children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. Protection risks remain high in conflict-affected areas, particularly for women and children exposed to displacement, shelling, and explosive remnants of war. While the intensity of hostilities has fluctuated in recent weeks, the humanitarian situation remains fragile. Continued insecurity, restricted access and funding shortfalls are likely to sustain humanitarian needs in the coming months. Humanitarian partners emphasize the importance of sustained humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and adequate funding to ensure the continuity of life-saving assistance. Floods in Afghanistan: Widespread destruction amid compounding climate risks Between late March and April, heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash flooding across Afghanistan, affecting 31 of 34 provinces, 165 districts, and 546 villages, approximately one-third of the country. The floods caused significant loss of life, extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and major disruption to livelihoods, leaving thousands of families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Scale of impact and humanitarian needs An estimated 31,000 people (9,984 families) were affected by the floods across Afghanistan. At least 55 people were killed and 148 injured. In total, 7,751 houses were damaged and 1,731 destroyed, forcing many families into temporary shelter arrangements or unsafe living conditions. The eastern region, particularly Nangarhar Province, was among the most affected, followed by southern and western regions. Rural communities were among the hardest hit, with widespread damage to agricultural land, irrigation systems, and rural infrastructure further weakening already fragile livelihoods and food security. Beyond immediate shelter needs, the floods have significantly deepened existing vulnerabilities. Many households have lost both their homes and primary sources of income, particularly in rural areas dependent on agriculture and seasonal labour. Displacement patterns remain fluid. While some families have returned to partially damaged homes due to a lack of alternatives, others remain in temporary shelters. Access to safe water, sanitation, and basic services remains limited in several affected districts, increasing health and protection risks. Humanitarian response Humanitarian partners, in coordination with local authorities, have scaled up emergency response efforts across affected areas. As of May, 37,845 people have received assistance (including 22,821 people with food assistance, 37,536 with non-food items, 16,151 with shelter support, 32,473 with WASH assistance and 21,232 with cash assistance). Response efforts are ongoing, but challenges persist due to damaged infrastructure, access constraints, and limited resources in some of the hardest-hit areas. Funding constraints are also contributing to critical gaps in assistance, particularly in hard-to-reach and severely affected communities where needs remain unmet. Multiple shocks, growing needs The recent floods are part of a broader pattern of climate-related shocks affecting communities across Afghanistan. Environmental pressures, fragile infrastructure and climate change continue to increase exposure to disasters and deepen existing vulnerabilities. At the same time, prolonged drought conditions continue to affect large parts of the country. Afghanistan is facing its sixth consecutive year of drought-like conditions, with continued below-normal precipitation and higher temperatures expected into 2026. These overlapping shocks are compounding humanitarian needs, particularly in rural areas where households have limited coping capacities and depend heavily on agriculture and seasonal labour. Sustained humanitarian support remains critical to address immediate needs and help strengthen the resilience of communities increasingly exposed to recurring climate shocks. A small clinic Is a lifeline for remote communities in Kabul Province, but Its future Is uncertain For families in the Paghman district of Kabul Province, even the most basic health care is often out of reach, requiring long walks across difficult terrain, journeys that can delay critical, sometimes lifesaving, treatment for women and children. In these isolated communities, a small clinic supported by Johanniter International Assistance (JUH), with funding from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and co-financing from the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has become a lifeline. The project focuses on underserved communities where humanitarian assistance is limited, and where internally displaced people, returnees and host communities face persistent barriers to health care. Through support to health facilities and outreach services, it provides primary health care, maternal and child health services, nutrition treatment, immunization, mental health and psychosocial support, treatment for common illnesses and health education. For many residents, the clinic is the only accessible source of health care. โThis is the only clinic around here,โ said Amina Noorzai, a nutrition counsellor who has worked at the facility for the past eight months with JUH. โBefore this, people had to travel nearly 10 kilometers to reach another health center. Most families could not afford transportation and many women simply stayed home when they became sick.โ Each morning, the clinicโs waiting area fills early. Mothers sit closely together holding infants as health workers move between patients, checking vital signs, providing counselling, and distributing medicines. Nearly 80 per cent of patients are women and children. For Amina, the work is deeply personal. One case still haunts her. โIt was one of my first weeks here,โ she said quietly. โA seven-month-old child came for growth monitoring and counselling, suffering from severe acute malnutrition and dehydration. Later, I learned the child had died.โ The condition, she explained, was treatable โ but the family arrived too late. โThey did not know it could be treated,โ she said. โIf they had come earlier, we might have saved her.โ Health workers say such cases are common in remote communities, where poverty, low literacy and limited health awareness often prevent families from seeking timely care. Many people have never received basic information about nutrition, hygiene or early signs of illness. As part of the project, health-care workers conduct awareness sessions to help families recognize symptoms early and understand when to seek treatment. โWe try to teach people that diseases can be cured,โ Amina said. โThey should not wait until it becomes an emergency.โ The clinic also provides mental health and psychosocial support, services that are rarely available in remote Afghan communities despite widespread trauma linked to poverty, displacement and years of crisis. โMany women come here carrying emotional pain that nobody talks about,โ she said. โMental health struggles are often hidden, but it is very important. We tell them treatment is available and they can come here for help.โ Sustained humanitarian support remains urgently needed. In Paghman district alone, the closure of this Basic Health Center in 2026 will leave an estimated 12,000 people without access to essential health-care services. Without continued donor funding, vulnerable communities risk once again losing access to even the most basic medical care a gap that, in remote and hard-to-reach areas, can quickly turn treatable illnesses into life-threatening emergencies. โWe hope this project continues,โ Amina said. โThese communities really need health-care support. Even basic services can save lives.โ Months after the earthquake, families in Kunar continue still struggling to recover Several months after the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan in August 2025, families across Kunar Province are still struggling to recover from the disaster. While emergency assistance provided critical support in the immediate aftermath, many households remain without adequate shelter, stable livelihoods and long-term recovery support. For 35-year-old Abdul Majeed Khan from Gorbaz village in Mazar Dara, Nurgal district, the earthquake continues to shape every aspect of daily life. "It was around midnight when the earthquake happened," Abdul Majeed recalls. "We lived in a three-storey house. When we realized what was happening, we were all buried under rubble and dust." Within moments, the family home collapsed, causing devastating losses. Abdul Majeed lost his father and three of his children. He, his wife and his sister survived with serious injuries. Months later, Abdul Majeed still walks with crutches. "For the first three months, I could not walk at all," he says. Rescue teams reached the area the following morning and transferred injured family members by air to Jalalabad for emergency treatment. Abdul Majeed spent nearly four months in hospital and still requires follow-up medical care. Beyond the physical injuries, the earthquake caused severe damage to the family's living conditions and financial security. The family's five-room house, built over many years, was completely destroyed. "Our house was completely destroyed and nothing was left," he says. The disaster also wiped out the family's primary source of livelihood. Four cows that supported household income died when the house collapsed. "I had four cows, and all of them died," he says. Abdul Majeed's sister also sustained injuries that left her permanently disabled, adding further challenges to a family already coping with loss and displacement. Today, the family remains in temporary shelter under arduous conditions. Without permanent housing, livestock or a reliable source of income, recovery remains a significant challenge. Following the disaster, the family received humanitarian assistance including emergency shelter, food assistance, cash support and winter clothing. While this support provided essential relief during the immediate response phase, Abdul Majeed says families now require support that can help them rebuild their lives. "Families need long-term support to stand on their own feet," he says. He also highlights the importance of livelihood opportunities, including support for women, to help families restore income and strengthen their resilience. Across Kunar Province, many earthquake-affected families continue to face similar challenges. Although emergency assistance helped address urgent needs in the immediate aftermath, housing support, livelihood recovery and sustained assistance remain urgent priorities for communities still struggling to recover. For survivors like Abdul Majeed, rebuilding means more than replacing what was lost; it means creating the conditions for families to recover and move forward. UNAMA HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING AND REPORTING | UNAMA Afghanistan Situation Update #4: Humanitarian Impact of Afghanistan-Pakistan Military Escalation (28 April 2026) - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb Natural Disasters Dashboard | ReliefWeb Response This story was produced with the support of OCHA Afghanistan colleagues at the sub-national level, Said Alam Khan.