Afghanistan’s Fight to Recover from the Recent Humanitarian Crisis Following the Devastating Earthquakes

The recent series of earthquakes in Afghanistan has left behind a trail of destruction and has also unveiled the nation’s dire need for immediate humanitarian support. The high casualties among women and children are a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Afghanistan’s most marginalized populations. While the Afghan Taliban grapples with providing shelter for the affected, their tenuous relationship with international aid organizations poses a complex challenge. The seismic events have underscored the necessity for short-term relief efforts and long-term structural reinforcement to protect against future earthquakes. As the nation navigates through these tumultuous times, international support and the resilience of its people become beacons of hope for recovery and reconstruction.

Sanitation for generations: It takes a village (to raise a child‘s height)

By Milan Thomas A study in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic indicates that low-cost, village-wide efforts to improve sanitation have powerful benefits that cascade across income and age groups. Hand sanitizer. Face masks. Air filters. Hygiene has taken center stage for the past year as a critical defense against COVID-19. Sanitation and hygiene are critical not […]

Gaps Remain in Countries Readiness to Deploy COVID-19 Vaccines

Assessments by World Bank and partners provide insights into more than 120 countries’ readiness to safely distribute vaccines WASHINGTON, March 18, 2021 – As countries undertake the largest vaccination campaign in history, the World Bank has worked with governments, WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund and GAVI on assessing countries’ readiness to safely deploy COVID-19 vaccines in […]