Our UN teams are on the ground in 162 countries and territories, coordinating joint programmes and tackling a range of priorities and initiatives — from climate action and food security to gender equality and safety of civilians.
Through the Universal Healthcare Coverage Partnership, WHO supports Ministries of Health in 21 Pacific Island countries, including Kiribati to strengthen mental health service provision, which has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision for any head of family anywhere around the world to leave their home country behind is hard and heartfelt. According to official figures there are nearly 6 million migrants and refugees from Venezuela worldwide. Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are displaying their solidarity by hosting around 80 per cent of them.
During the 2nd half of 2020 and the 1st quarter of 2021, 22 new cases of poliomyelitis (polio), a deadly viral disease, were detected in Benin. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination campaigns were carried out to stem polio transmission.
Not all innovations are based on new technologies. Sometimes, they have to do with procedures or practices — that is, how people work together. That’s largely the case with a new method of responding to climate shocks and other humanitarian emergencies. Climate change is driving more extreme and frequent natural hazards, and that means that humanitarian need will only increase.
After years of preparations and engagement, and a postponement of one full year due to COVID-19, Expo 2020 will open its doors to in-person visitors on 1 October 2021 for six months. In keeping with past practice and the great value of convening at world Expos, and at the invitation of the Government of the United Arabi Emirates, the United Nations will be present at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
One million lives have been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with local and national authorities, partners and civil society, UN teams continue to fight COVID-19 with the same continued ferocity and commitment. Today, we highlight some of their efforts across the globe.