“The development of regional value chains requires an alignment of industrialisation frameworks of which the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are the main tool,” said Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa of the Economic Commission for Africa.
Douala, Cameroon
In Douala, Cameroon, from January 21 to 23, 2025, ECA, the African Union, the African Development Bank, UNIDO and UNDP are organising a “symposium for the successful harmonisation of frameworks for the development and operationalisation of special economic zones in Africa”.
Experts from ECCAS and CEMAC member countries as well as the respective RECs will discuss, together with financiers, development partners and the private sector, ways of action to accelerate operationalisation SEZs in Central Africa, as an instrument for inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic diversification.
Building on previous milestones such as the first joint session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts held in 2022 in Seychelles, the Sub-Regional Webinar on the Challenges and Opportunities of SEZs in Seychelles, the new generation for economic diversification and industrialization in Central Africa and studies, the symposium has the ultimate goal of structuring a well-understood common commitment.
For example, it is expected that a new Inter-agency working group and a robust regional cooperation platform to accelerate the operationalisation of industrialisation strategies and the implementation of high-potential value chain and next-generation SEZ approaches. Similarly, the symposium should allow the launch of work on the development of a joint programme aimed at supporting the States of the sub-region in the development and implementation of new generation SEZs, which would contribute to industrialisation and other broader economic and social development goals.
Central Africa is committed to reducing its vulnerability to exogenous shocks, of which inflation and debt overhang and fiscal imbalance are the faces. To remedy this, the States and the Regional Economic Communities have defined subregional and national import-substitution strategies.
These strategies, anchored in industrialisation plans, should ensure the successful implementation of the AfCFTA in line with the commitments made at the extraordinary summit of the Union in Niamey (Niger) in November 2022.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said that the country’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion capacity increased by over 2,500 per cent in 2024.
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said this on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Abuja at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Ahmed said that NMDPRA supported the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) by stimulating 186 new conversion centres which triggered the county’s conversion capacity.
“The NMDPRA will continue to collaborate with the PCNGI to ensure deployment of CNG infrastructure in major cities of Lagos and Abuja, up to 100,000 conversions, while collaborating with states to develop Nigeria Gas Vehicles (NGVs) in other areas.
“The development of CNG as a viable alternative to Petrol has been incentivised.
“These conversions alongside new buys have raised the Nigerian Gas Vehicles population to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 vehicles and trucks, and it continues to grow daily.
“With over 400 million dollars attracted for investment in 86 and 65 new daughters and mother stations under construction respectively, Nigeria refueling capacity has therefore risen from 20 to 56,” he said.
Ahmed said that the collaboration between PCNGI, NMDPRA and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) led to the development of standards and the NGV Monitoring System expected to be inaugurated this year.
“The NMDPRA also collaborates with the SON, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the National Institute of Transportation Technology (NITT) in ensuring that our mobility CNG growth is achieved in a safe and sustainable manner,” he said.
The NMDPRA boss, however, listed some challenges facing the initiative to include establishment and operation of petroleum handling facilities without proper licensing, permits and authorisations.
He listed other challenges to include poor collaborations for Open/ third party access to facilities and lack of cooperation of some operators for an effective regulatory oversight, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provisions.
“We implore the industry to adhere to all regulatory requirements, especially as they relate to safety, efficiency, best practices, sustainability, consumer protection and community participation.
“As we progress into 2025, the NMDPRA will continue to consolidate on its successes for enhanced regulatory oversight.
“This will include the upgrade of our laboratories for enhanced product quality analysis and referencing, inter-agency collaborations, automation and sustainability in the industry,” Ahmed said.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has promised to inaugurate more water projects in Ogoni communities in 2025.
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, HYPREP
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP Project Coordinator, made the pledge in a statement made available on Friday, January 17, 2025, in Abuja.
Zabbey said that two additional water schemes in Beeri and Bunu in Khana and Tai Local Government Areas respectively which were in Phase II of the project would be completed and ready for inauguration in February.
He said that the water schemes were part of HYPREP’s mandate to provide potable water to impacted communities in Ogoni.
Zabbey expressed satisfaction at the pace of work and the commitment of community workers to the project shortly after his visit to the water facilities and some shoreline remediation sites in K-Dere, Gokana LGA.
He said he was impressed with the water projects at very advanced stages of completion, assuring that more communities would have access to clean drinking water.
Zabbey reiterated that the project was community-centric as both stakeholder buy-in and useful feedback were necessary for effective project implementation,
He promised to attend to the demands of K-Dere community.
The project coordinator advocated for women inclusion in the proposed meeting with K-Dere community.
He said that, as drivers of the local economy, women should not be left out in discussions that would affect them.
“In 2025, we will embark on a lot of trading with the youth and women of Ukoni especially in the area of agribusiness to build their capacity in aquaculture.’’
Zabbey promised to organise trainings in sustainable aquaculture for the people of the area to enhance food security in the region, assuring that Ogoniland would contribute to national food security.
“HYPREP is currently carrying out 34 shoreline remediation works in Gokana LGA and the construction of 14 water lots in its Phase II water project which will provide potable water to 68 communities.
“Currently, the shoreline cleanup is at 25 per cent completion, covering 123 grids across 357.6 of 1747.6 ha. Also the general percentage completion for the 14 water lots is 55.56 per cent.’’
He expressed satisfaction over the return of oysters to the community.
“Oyster is a salt water bivalve molluscs that was once in abundance before the environmental pollution in the creeks.’’
Zabbey attributed the positive development to an improvement in the ecosystem following the ongoing remediation of the environment by HYPREP.
“So, what we are doing is not just for the Ogoni people, it is also for contiguous communities.
“It is also for Nigerians because Ogoni used to be a full basket of this region and what we are doing will return Ogoni a better state,” Zabbey said.
Strengthening Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws is essential for conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development.
Nigerian authorities must urgently prioritise reinforcing wildlife protection laws to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity, including its animals, plants, and ecosystems, from the escalating threats of trafficking and habitat destruction.
Cross River National Park
Giving strength to these laws is imperative, as existing federal and state regulations have been ineffective in holding wildlife traffickers and poachers accountable despite criminalising the killing and trading of protected species.
Existing laws, such as the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, of 1985, may lack comprehensive wildlife protection and enforcement provisions. Inadequate penalties for wildlife crimes fail to deter poaching and illegal trade.
In addition, corruption within law enforcement agencies hampers the effective implementation of wildlife protection laws. For instance, despite significant seizures, including Nigeria’s interception of 9.5 metric tons of pangolin scales worth $25.9 million in 2020 and a record-breaking 9.4 tonnes in 2024, the country remains a global hub for wildlife trafficking.
Investigations reveal systemic issues, including poor prosecution rates and lenient penalties, such as fines as low as N100,000 ($64) for traffickers of endangered species. These challenges undermine conservation efforts and Nigeria’s international commitments.
At the federal level, Nigeria’s wildlife laws lack the stringent measures seen in other regions, such as East and Southern Africa. For example, the practice of “compounding”, where offenders pay fines instead of facing prosecution, creates loopholes that traffickers exploit.
Although agencies like NESREA and NCS cite resource constraints as a barrier to effective enforcement, strengthening legal frameworks and securing adequate funding could mitigate these challenges. Apart from these, insufficient training and resources for enforcement officers also lead to poor monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations.
Deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion destroy habitats, threatening wildlife populations. Inadequate land-use planning and enforcement of zoning laws also exacerbate habitat loss.
Furthermore, local communities’ lack of involvement in wildlife conservation efforts can lead to conflicts and non-compliance with laws.
Communities often depend on wildlife for their livelihoods, which can lead to poaching and illegal trade if alternative livelihoods are not provided. There’s also the factor of insufficient funding for wildlife conservation programmes and enforcement activities that limit the effectiveness of existing laws.
Many conservation initiatives rely on external financing, which can be inconsistent. To further strengthen the wildlife protection laws in a bid to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity, the following solutions come in handy: A bill is underway at the National House of Assembly to review and amend existing wildlife protection laws, including stricter poaching and illegal trade penalties. The proposed Wildlife Protection Bill, championed by Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, aims to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s conservation laws by introducing stricter penalties, empowering courts to expedite cases, and expanding investigative powers to include financial tracking.
If passed, it would disrupt illegal wildlife trade networks and align Nigeria’s policies with international best practices.
“Wildlife trafficking is not just a crime against nature; it is a threat to our planet’s delicate balance. This Bill ensures we act decisively to protect and preserve these irreplaceable components of our natural heritage, recognizing our responsibility to future generations,” said Ugbor on the Bill’s passage.
“This legislation is not just about what happens within these legislative walls; it’s about a collective effort. This bill is a beacon of hope in escalating environmental challenges. It reflects our commitment to a sustainable future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously. Let us pass this legislation for the sake of our planet, for the generations to come, and for the preservation of Nigeria’s natural heritage.”
Experts say the bill’s success will depend on robust implementation and inter-agency cooperation, especially with agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
There’s also the need to dedicate resources to these wildlife law enforcement agencies to enhance their capacity to monitor and enforce laws.
Additionally, the necessary stakeholders must implement training programmes for enforcement officers to improve their skills in wildlife protection.
Community engagement is also crucial. These communities are often the first point of contact for wildlife criminal syndicates to recruit poachers who perpetuate wildlife crimes. As a result, local communities closer to national parks and game reserves should be engaged in conservation efforts by providing alternative livelihoods and involving them in decision-making processes.
It is key to establish community-based wildlife management programmes that empower locals to protect their natural resources.
Additionally, there’s a need to increase educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the legal consequences of wildlife crimes. The majority of the citizenry is ignorant about the law, including the endangered species in Nigeria, and why they must be protected at all costs.
However, promoting the value of biodiversity and its importance to nature and the public will go a long way in encouraging public support for wildlife protection.
Beyond awareness, the government should establish a robust monitoring system to track wildlife populations and assess the effectiveness of conservation laws. Invest in research to understand wildlife conservation’s ecological and economic impacts and inform policy decisions.
In conclusion, strengthening Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws requires a multifaceted approach that addresses legal, social, and economic challenges. By reforming laws, enhancing enforcement, engaging communities, and fostering international cooperation, Nigeria can make significant strides in wildlife conservation and ensure the protection of its rich biodiversity for future generations.
By Ajibola Adedoye
This article (“Strengthening Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws: A critical analysis of challenges and solutions”) was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State (via Wild Africa). The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do notnecessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State
The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) has launched a project that entails the construction of toilets with plastic bottles across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI, while making this announcement in Lagos on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the official launch of the project, noted that the initiative is aimed at tackling two pressing environmental and public health challenges.
Delegates at ICCDI press conference
He said: “ICCDI with the support of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is proud to announce the launch of a project focused on reducing plastic waste through innovative bottle toilets.
“This project will specifically engage and empower women and youth across six states: Kano, Adamawa, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Niger.
“Plastic pollution is rapidly becoming one of the most severe environmental issues of our time, with millions of plastic bottles ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Simultaneously, open defecation remains a significant public health crisis in Nigeria, leading to the spread of diseases and affecting the dignity and safety of individuals, particularly women and girls.
“This project seeks to address both issues by providing sustainable sanitation solutions while involving the community in climate action,” he stated.
On the ways the project will empower women and youth across the six geo political zones, Idowu noted: “The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where women and youth play pivotal roles in community development and environmental stewardship. By actively engaging these groups, the project promises to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards local environmental issues.
“Apart from this, participants will receive training on how to construct and maintain bottle toilets using recycled materials. This practical skill promotes sustainability and empowers women and youth with valuable knowledge that can enhance their livelihood opportunities.
“Women and youth will be encouraged to take on leadership roles within their communities, driving the message of climate action and sanitation solutions. By nurturing these future leaders, we are investing in a generation that prioritises environmental sustainability and public health.
“The project will include awareness campaigns to educate community members about the benefits of reducing plastic waste and the importance of proper sanitation. These campaigns will be designed and executed by women and youth, ensuring that the messaging resonates with the local population.
“The anticipated outcomes of this project are multifaceted and transformative: By repurposing plastic bottles into functional toilets, we aim to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management but also enhances community sanitation infrastructure.
“The introduction of bottled toilets will help combat open defecation, leading to improved sanitary conditions. This is particularly vital for women and girls, who often face increased risks of harassment and health issues due to a lack of safe sanitation facilities.
“By fostering a sense of community involvement and ownership, the project aims to build resilience against climate change. Women and youth equipped with knowledge and resources will be better positioned to advocate for sustainable practices in their communities.
“As participants learn to construct and maintain bottle toilets, they will have the potential to create small businesses around sanitation solutions. This not only provides economic benefits but also promotes a circular economy approach by utilizing waste materials” he stated.
The ICDDI Executive Director further declared stated that November 19, 2025, a day that coincides with World Toilet Day, has been set aside as the day to concurrently commission the projects in all the six locations.
Recall that on July 18, 2024, ICCDI commissioned a six-unit toilet for pupils and teachers of Ilasamaja Primary School, Lagos. It is on this achievement the climate advocacy group has embarked on this latest initiative, ensuring that something similar is replicated across the country in order to address open defecation and plastic pollution challenges in the country.
As part of Nigeria’s efforts to increase its response to the Paris Agreement’s transparency requirements, key actors from a wide range of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs); civil society representatives; as well as the media have been trained in data collecting, processing, and reporting.
The transparency provisions of Article 13 of the Paris Agreement on climate change require developing countries to regularly monitor, analyse, and report their national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals; provide information necessary to track progress towards achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); provide information related to climate change adaptation and mitigation; and provide information on financial, technology transfer, and capacity-building support needed.
A group of participants at the event
This event, which took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Abuja, under the Global Environment Facility’s Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (GEF-CBIT) project, offered the participants the opportunity to learn about the various components, structure, and goals of the programme.
It also served as a platform to define the roles and responsibilities of each participating institution and outline approaches for strengthening capacity in GHG data management.
The exercise also facilitated discussions on timelines, expected outcomes, and coordination mechanisms among stakeholders while facilitating dialogues on baseline data collection, inter-agency collaboration, and technical considerations.
“Indeed, I am delighted that Nigeria has been driving an ambitious global agenda to address these crises,” Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, stated.
The PS, represented by Dr. Ama Moses, Director, Forestry and National Coordinator REDD+, asserts that, while the world is facing a global catastrophe of biodiversity loss, and pollution, the need to join forces in adapting to climate change impacts cannot be overemphasised.
He highlighted the numerous impacts of climate change experienced in the country, such as an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the prolonged droughts, and its impacts on the country’s agricultural sector.
Kambari went on to list the nation’s continual massive deforestation, gaps in access to clean energy, the environmental effects of our fuel industry, and the encroachment of rising sea levels on our coastal regions as additional environmental challenges.
According to him, the success of this project requires a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, as well as good coordination and coherence among government’s MDAs, as well as representatives from civil society groups.
Despite the aforementioned setbacks, he was encouraged that Nigeria had taken steps to increase climate ambition by adopting policies and programmes to address these concerns, forming catalytic partnerships, and mobilising financing to reach its net-zero pledge by 2060 while maintaining economic development.
“I am glad to see many of those present here. It is your job to kick start this process here today. We need to ensure that we instrumentalise and accelerate action across sectors and society toward the reporting and realisation of the goals of the Paris Agreement,” Kambari told the attendees in preparation for the task ahead.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), wants to see more stakeholders involved and raise awareness among those who will be working on how to address these issues, both in the public and private sectors.
This is significant, he believes, because “our lives depend on the environment. It is good for us to take care of it, so that it will in return take care of us.”
It would be ideal, he suggested, if Nigeria could get grants rather than loans to fund its climate initiatives. He stressed that high interest rates on loans hold developing countries behind and that it is difficult to use loans for development, noting that developing countries receive loans at higher interest rates than industrialised nations.
Another thing he mentioned that Nigeria requires is the capacity for accountability in handling these grants so that they are not issued and then nothing is observed on the ground.
That framework must be in place, he explained, which is why the workshop is so crucial in terms of transparency.
“So, if we are going to be transparent and accountable in all we do, including money management, we must do so,” Dr. Onoja said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Global Environment Facility-Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (GEF-CBIT) project to promote transparency and accountability in reporting climate action.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment
Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, disclosed this on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Abuja at the Inception workshop for sensitisation of key government stakeholders on (GEF-CBIT) project in Nigeria.
Kambari, who was represented by Dr Ama Moses, Director, Forestry in the ministry, said that the project would promote transparency and accountability in reporting climate action to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The theme of the workshop is “Strengthening the Capacity of Institutions in Nigeria to Implement the Transparency Requirements of the Paris Agreement.’’
Kambari said Nigeria, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, unveiled the project which was anchored on the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) that was established in 2016 by the GEF at the request of Parties of the Paris Agreement.
“The objective of this project is to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of Nigeria to respond to the transparency requirements of the Paris agreement.
“In doing this, the project will strengthen the capacity of institutions in the key Green House Gas (GHG) emissions sectors to manage Nigeria’s GHG inventory, Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system.’’
Kambari said that the project would equally track implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in order to improve transparency over time.
The permanent secretary said that GEF funded project sought to support Nigeria in meeting the enhanced transparency requirements defined in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.
“The transparency provisions of the Paris Agreement require developing countries to regularly monitor, analyse and report their national GHG emissions (by sources) and removals (sinks).
“The provisions also require them to provide information necessary to track progress towards achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“Also, the developing countries are required to provide information related to climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as information on financial, technology transfer and capacity building support needed and received.
“We need to ensure that we instrumentalise and accelerate action across sectors and society towards the reporting and realisation of the goals of the Paris Agreement,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Dr Adesoji Adeyemi, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) National Consultant, GHG and MRV, said that FAO strategic objective was Climate Mitigation and Agri-food System which perfectly aligned with UNFCCC objective.
According to him, FAO recognises the need for technical support in the area of capacity-building for Nigerian institutions.
“This will enable Nigeria to move towards a more self-sufficient arrangement for GHG emission data compilation, reporting, verification and tracking of NDCs in terms of GHG emission and mitigation efforts.
“Regarding the NDC partnership, FAO has past and ongoing engagements in more than 40 countries.
“This project GEF-CBIT is anchored on the capacity building and transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement which was established in 2016 by GEF,” Adeyemi said.
The World Bank says it has disbursed N5 billion to 140 communities across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State to help them tackle climate change.
Formal disbursement of the funds to the benefitting communities
Country Director of World Bank in Nigeria, Mr. Ndiame Diop, said this on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Jos, the state capital, during the formal disbursement of the funds to the benefitting communities.
Diop, however, said that the pilot scheme of the project would commence with 10 communities.
He said that the fund was being disbursed through the bank’s Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project.
According to him, the initiave is part of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) under ACReSAL project.
“As you know, desertification and climate change are already threatening agriculture, which is a key source of livelihood of the people of Plateau.
“This investment is part of ACReSAL complements, a range of investments around land and water management within the comprehensive framework around a 10-year watershed management plan.
“So, this is complementary between these interventions and activities led by the communities and those investments to improve land and water around the communities.
“Now, unlike grant, the CRF will operate as a loan programme designed to support community groups in implementing community climate resilient initiatives.
“This financial support is specifically targeted toward ACReSAL registered Community Interest Groups across the state in targeted watershed,” he said.
Diop, who hinted that the bank had supplied 20 tractors and other farming inputs to the state as part of the project, said that the initiative aimed at tackling poverty and promoting food security in the state.
Speaking, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang thanked the World Bank for choosing the state to implement the project, particularly in tackling climate change and promoting dry season farming.
Mutfwang said that the project, “no doubt, would empower local communities in the state to implement innovative and crucial strategies toward addressing climate change and ensuring food security in the state”.
He warned the beneficiaries to put the funds into good use, adding that anyone caught violating the rules of engagement would be sanctioned.
“Let me, therefore, remind the project coordinator and his team that it will not be business as usual.
“We will make sure that we audit every project and ensure that we are on the road to success.
“The first rule is that this is money you will pay back, so take that into your mind and I will charge the men in these groups not to marry additional wives.
“You are the first fruits, you are the first born of this scheme, if you succeed, it means that the story of poverty on the Plateau will turn around.
“I don’t know how these communities were selected because I didn’t interfere.
“We allowed the project coordinator and his team to select these communities based on the established criteria.
“But I want you to know that we will be monitoring your progress very closely,” the governor said.
Conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unparalleled global health crisis, with 305 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for $1.5 billion for its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA), to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
The appeal, launched on Thursday, January 16, 2025, by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises – the most severe emergencies requiring the highest level of response. With health systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, the $1.5 billion are needed to help people facing the most difficult situations.
“Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional – they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s work extends beyond the immediate care we provide. We empower communities to protect themselves, prioritise equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and provide hope where there is none.”
A coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations
WHO says it is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Sudan. It adds that it’s response in emergencies is aligned with wider humanitarian efforts and prioritises providing essential care and medical supplies; treating malnutrition and supporting maternal and child health; conducting vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks; and offering mental health support to populations impacted by trauma.
The Appeal highlights four key challenges facing the world currently: climate change, conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks. These are responsible for fueling deeper, longer lasting health crises and putting the world’s most vulnerable at greater risk.
The appeal further details the priorities and financial needs for each of the Grade 3 emergencies that WHO is responding to.
With the support of donors and partners, WHO says it aims to fulfill its unique role in health emergencies, while upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring that no one is left behind even in the most challenging circumstances.
A call to action
WHO said: “This appeal is about more than just funding – it is a call to action. As crises grow more frequent and severe, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Supporting WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal is a vital investment in global solidarity and health equity.”
Residents of Los Angeles have said that they are not waiting for the government to provide aid amid wildfires sweeping across California.
California wildfires
They said they are donating food and clothing to those whose homes had been destroyed by the fire, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
The fires raging in Los Angeles had already claimed dozens of lives, leaving many more without a roof over their heads.
The latter are supposed to receive the humanitarian aid, which was being collected in many neighbourhoods and sometimes even on the side of the road.
While Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had urged people to search online for information on emergencies, shelters, and resources, locals were bringing food, clothing and diapers.
Even dog foods were being brought to the nearest relief sites.
Some volunteers even started cooking.
At the same time, as California Governor, Gavin Newsom tried to rally city officials and local businesses to help rebuild the city for the 2028 Olympic Games, people were lining up at relief centers.
He said victims of the fires were actively visiting humanitarian sites to get needed items, some food, or a shower but the supply does not seem to be running out.
The roads leading to the sites of the worst fires are decorated with posters giving directions to the relief spots or the nearby shelter for those left without homes.
“We are just helping the community, people who lost their homes with the fire last Friday,’’ one of the volunteers, Jose, told RIA Novosti.
He also said that volunteers acted mostly on their own, without help from the government, and only the National Guard and Sheriff’s Department are protecting homes from looters.
“A lot of people have come and donated food, water, clothes, and shoes. We have been here since last Friday trying to help everybody who can come and get whatever they need,’’ Jose said.
The volunteer also said the fire, which was the worst fire he had seen in his whole life, came to his neighbourhood with strong winds.
