DR Congo: UN mission condemns killing of dozens of civilians in South Kivu Residents of an IDP camp in North Kivu receive food rations distributed by WFP and an NGO The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today strongly condemned attacks against civilians by members of an armed group […]

Ban calls for South African political party to continue fight against discrimination Supporters of the African National Congress attend a rally in Johannesburg, South Africa Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commemorated the centenary of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), hailing its successes as a key liberation movement in the country but also calling for […]

On eve of quake’s anniversary, Haitian children see some progress – UNICEF Two years after the devastating earthquake, Haiti’s children remain the most vulnerable Two years after an earthquake flattened Haiti, the country’s children are slowly experiencing improvements in their living standards despite continuing challenges, a United Nations report announced today. “There is evidence of […]

UN leadership camp aims to empower youth through sport Programme participants attend the opening session in Doha. Photo: UNOSDP Thirty young people from nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the occupied Palestinian territory will participate in a United Nations leadership camp which kicks off today in Doha, Qatar, and aims to empower underprivileged youth through […]

How Many Lives Could a Soda Tax Save? UCSF Analysis Suggests Tax on Sugary Beverages Would Prevent Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes, Save Billions in Health Care Costs Every year, Americans drink 13.8 billion gallons of soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, sports drinks, and other sweetened beverages — a mass consumption of sugar that is […]

UN human rights chief welcomes lifting of state of emergency in Fiji High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay The United Nations human rights chief today welcomed the lifting of a state of emergency in Fiji, more than two years after it was imposed, calling it a “step in the right direction” for the Pacific […]

HHS launches first consumer health IT video challenge of 2012 The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology announced today a nationwide, open call for entries in the Healthy New Year Video Challenge, highlighting personal stories of patients and families using health technology to improve health.  The video challenge, launched by the Office of the National […]

Nicotine letdown. No boost from patches, gum in study of quitting success. Nicotine Replacement Therapies May Not Be Effective in Helping People Quit Smoking “This study shows that using NRT [nicotine replacement therapies] is no more effective in helping people stop smoking cigarettes in the long term than trying to quit on one’s own,” said […]

UNHCR chief appeals for massive humanitarian support for South Sudan Relieved Sudanese youngsters rest after arriving at Doro refugee camp in South Sudan. High Commissioner António Guterres called on the international community to do more to support the relief effort and avert a massive crisis. DORO CAMP, South Sudan, January 9 (UNHCR) – UN High Commissioner for Refugees […]

Does 3D Gaming, Movie-Going Damage Young Eyes? As 3D video games and films continue to dazzle young fans, some moms and dads worry if the technology poses risk for kids’ still-developing eyes and brains. Fortunately, pediatric ophthalmologist Matthew Gearinger offers these parents peace of mind. “I hardly believe that experiencing artificial 3D environments will prove problematic,” […]