UNICEF staff was killed in a drone strike in Goma amid ongoing conflict in DRC. Founded in 1946, UNICEF fights for children's rights worldwide.
Heavy rains and flooding across Mozambique, South Africa, and Malawi have caused deaths, destroyed homes, and increased cholera risks. Mozambique faces its worst floods since 2000, while Malawi launches vaccination campaigns amid rising cases. Authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure challenges.
Heavy snow and rain in Afghanistan have killed at least 61 people, injured over 100, and destroyed hundreds of homes across 15 provinces. The disaster worsens ongoing challenges from conflict, climate change, and recent earthquakes, with aid efforts ongoing amid widespread vulnerability.
Archaeologists in Oaxaca, Mexico, uncovered a 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb with well-preserved murals, sculptures, and ritual artifacts. The site offers new insights into Zapotec funerary practices and ancient Mesoamerican culture, while also revealing underground tunnels linked to the region's broader archaeological landscape. The find is highly significant for understanding pre-Columbian history.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2, allowing limited medical evacuations and some movement of people. Despite the reopening, delays persisted, with only a few patients evacuated after hours of wait. Over 18,500 people remain awaiting assistance, with many dying while waiting for evacuation. The UN and aid groups call for unrestricted access.
In Sudan, ongoing conflict has caused fires and displacement in Darfur, destroying homes and killing civilians. Meanwhile, Morocco faces severe flooding after record rainfall, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure. Both crises highlight ongoing regional instability and humanitarian needs.
Measles cases increased significantly in early 2026, with over 1,000 new cases in the first three weeks across the Americas and ongoing outbreaks in Israel and Europe. Vaccination gaps and misinformation continue to hinder efforts to control the disease, which remains highly contagious and deadly without immunization.
Vaccine stocks have increased to nearly 70 million doses, enabling the restart of preventive campaigns in Mozambique and other countries. The move aims to curb ongoing outbreaks, with initial doses allocated to Mozambique, Congo, and Bangladesh amid a surge in cholera cases since 2021.
Multiple countries face ongoing challenges in eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite legal reforms, social norms, conflict, and economic hardship hinder progress. Campaigns, religious clarifications, and community engagement are key strategies, but entrenched traditions and war threaten to reverse gains made in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Iraq. Today marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance.
As of February 2026, measles outbreaks are intensifying in England, the US, and Australia due to declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy. London boroughs report under 80% MMR coverage, far below the 95% WHO target, leading to hospitalizations and confirmed cases. US states like South Carolina face their largest outbreaks in decades, while Australia sees rising cases linked to international travel and vaccine skepticism.
As of February 2026, the FDA, led by Dr. Vinay Prasad, has refused to review Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine application, citing trial design issues, specifically the comparator vaccine used. Despite late-stage trials showing improved efficacy, the FDA demands comparison against a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Moderna plans to meet with regulators to clarify next steps. This decision reflects heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has cut mRNA vaccine funding and rolled back vaccine recommendations.
Sudan's ongoing conflict has displaced 15 million people, with 40% food-insecure. Recent clashes have worsened conditions, especially in Darfur, where famine and disease outbreaks threaten millions. Return movements are increasing, but infrastructure damage and insecurity persist.
Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar and Mozambique in February 2026, displacing over 16,000 people, damaging thousands of homes and schools, and causing injuries and fatalities. The storm follows recent disasters, stretching regional response efforts amid ongoing climate-related challenges.
Somalia's food insecurity has worsened due to ongoing drought, conflict, and funding cuts. Over 6.5 million people are in crisis or worse, with 1.84 million children at risk of malnutrition. Humanitarian aid has been reduced, and displacement continues as the drought persists into 2026.
A French UNICEF employee was killed in a drone strike in Goma, eastern DRC, amid ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels and government forces. The attack, blamed by M23 on the Congolese army, highlights persistent violence despite peace efforts. International leaders call for respect of humanitarian law.
The war between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah has entered its third week, killing around 2,000 people and disrupting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, causing oil prices to spike above $100 per barrel. The US and allies are considering military and strategic responses amid fears of a prolonged conflict.
Eighteen days into the conflict, Iran has displaced up to 3.2 million people, with over 1,300 civilians killed. Neighboring countries, especially Turkey, are preparing for potential refugee influx amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes and regional instability.
Multiple African countries are advancing water access initiatives, focusing on gender equality and infrastructure. However, ongoing conflicts, climate stress, and funding cuts continue to hinder progress, especially in healthcare and rural areas. Recent reports highlight the urgent need for increased investment and policy action to address water insecurity and its gendered impacts.
Recent studies reveal significant undercounting of COVID-19 deaths and rising heart disease among women aged 25-44. New guidelines aim to improve cholesterol screening and reduce mortality, especially in vulnerable populations. These findings highlight ongoing health disparities and the need for targeted interventions.
Israel has intensified military operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure following recent rocket attacks and strikes on Haifa. Over a million civilians have been displaced, and at least 1,000 people have been killed in three weeks. The conflict has expanded with Israeli strikes on Lebanese bridges and military sites, prompting Lebanese warnings of escalation.
Displacement, drought, and global aid cuts have worsened Somalia's crisis, with rising malnutrition and aid disruptions. UNICEF warns supply delays and funding shortages threaten children’s survival, while aid agencies struggle to meet escalating needs in the region.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 42 paramedics and wounded over 3,000 since March 2, with ongoing attacks on civilians, healthcare workers, and media. Hezbollah claims responsibility for attacks on Israel, while Israel reports military incursions and civilian casualties. The conflict continues to intensify.
Since early March 2026, Israel has launched intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than one million. Israeli forces are encircling and assaulting the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah continues rocket attacks into northern Israel. Lebanon and Israel have held preliminary talks in Washington to seek a ceasefire.
Sudan has entered its fourth year of war between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing the displacement of 13 million people and widespread famine. The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people and pushed parts of the country into famine, with 34 million needing aid. International ceasefire efforts have failed, and regional powers are fueling the conflict.
A measles outbreak in South Carolina has been contained after 42 days without new cases. Since October, nearly 1,000 people have been sickened, with vaccination efforts increasing by over 30%. Nationwide, measles cases continue to rise, driven by vaccine hesitancy and recent policy shifts.