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The arrival of a newborn in a family brings with it many worries, together with baby-related tasks to keep family members busy, and sometimes paradoxically withdrawal. Funding from UNICEF enabled us to conduct an original anthropological study in five countries of sub-Saharan Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Togo), studying newborn care from birth to the seventh day of life. We focused on the various kinds of care provided to these babies and on their diverse meanings. We examined how the social status of newborns induced forms of care and of interpretations of particular disorders. This work shows that the conceptions of the newborn: vulnerable beings of uncertain social integration – engendered less investment by health care professionals at birth, but inversely, strong mobilization by members of the extended family. Despite the generalization of hospital births, care during the first days of life remained associated with the domestic household universe and was barely if at all medicalized. The heterogeneous integration of medical recommendations for newborn care in the first days of life can be analyzed as arising from divergent intentions around the birth and the reception of the newborn. This study also examined how changes in neonatal care may generate conflicts of influence and intrafamily power struggles and thus allowed us to explain how the adoption of some recommended neonatal care was compromised and how they need to be adapted locally. It thus showed how some changes in neonatal care helped to bring about the reexamination of family roles. This will lead us to discuss how to define "respectful care" for these subjects who cannot speak. Beyond quality of care based on good practice guidelines, it is important to underline how respect in the care relationship is indissociable from the local cultural construction of newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has linked broad societal changes related to the COVID‐19 pandemic and poorer mental health in young people. There remains a pressing need for studies examining the factors that are associated with better mental health and well‐being. The current study addresses this gap using a community‐based survey called the Waterloo Region Youth Impact Survey. It was designed in partnership with local youth and the Canadian Index of Well‐Being in accordance with United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund guidelines. Using a convenience sampling methodology, this survey was developed to explore the domains, rates, and correlates of well‐being and mental health among youth during the pandemic (N = 297). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify dimensions related to children's social environment (friends, school, family), sense of belonging, mental health, and well‐being. Subsequently, a mediation model was tested. The relationship between children's environments and mental health and well‐being operated via perceived sense of belonging. Findings shed light on patterns of youth mental health and well‐being during the pandemic, illustrating the role of belonging as a promotive factor with public health relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Iodine deficiency is considered as a global challenge, even after decades of efforts to solve the issue. Our objective was to assess the iodine deficiency status and associated prevalence of goiter in population groups (school-age children and women) from rural areas of District Poonch, and to assess the determinants of iodine deficiency in the area. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in District Poonch Azad Jammu and Kashmir from 25 April 2022 to 30 June 2023. A total of 150 goiter patients from different villages of the District Poonch was included. Their urinary iodine concentration and goiter prevalence was assessed. Using palpation techniques, a trained and experienced public health officer assessed the presence of goiters based on WHO/ UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Descriptive statistics were computed for continuous variables and presented in frequency and percentage, based on the distributional characteristics of the data. chi-square was used to check association between socio-demographic factors and goiter. It was a HEC Project No.: 20-16988/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2021. Results: Iodine status and associated goiter prevalence was high and 59.3% of them were severely iodine deficient. Within the district, the highest severe iodine deficiency was observed in 81.1% goiter patients of the Rawalakot subdivision, Hajira and Abbaspur subdivisions. Regarding goiter status 40% of the patients were classified with palpablevisible goiter and 56% were characterized with visible but nodular goiter. Conclusion: Study showed that there was a severe iodine deficiency and associated goiter prevalence in the area. Policymakers should take actions for future to overcome iodine deficiency in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EQ) by analyzing the frameworks of international sustainability agendas driven by UNESCO, WEF, and UNICEF. It explores the potential of AI integrated with EQ to effectively address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The integration of EQ into AI use is pivotal in using AI to improve educational outcomes and health services, as emphasized by UNESCO and UNICEF's significant initiatives. This paper highlights the evolving role of AI in understanding and managing human emotions, particularly in personalizing education and healthcare. It proposes that the ethical use of AI, combined with EQ principles, has the power to transform societal interactions and decision-making processes, leading to a more inclusive, sustainable, and healthier global community. Furthermore, this paper considers the ethical dimensions of AI deployment, guided by UNESCO's recommendations on AI ethics, which advocate for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI developments. It also examines the World Economic Forum's insights into AI's potential to revolutionize learning and healthcare in underserved populations, emphasizing the significance of fair AI advancements. By integrating perspectives from prominent global organizations, this paper offers a strategic approach to combining AI with EQ, enhancing the capacity of AI systems to meaningfully address global challenges. In conclusion, this paper advocates for the establishment of a new Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 18, focused on the ethical integration of AI and EQ across all sectors, ensuring that technology advances the well-being of humanity and global sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents with disability have lower vaccination rates than the general population, including HPV vaccination. Understanding the multi-level influences on vaccination in specialist schools is crucial to achieve optimal vaccination coverage and vaccination experiences for adolescents living with disability. Objective: To identify and improve understanding of the facilitators and barriers of HPV vaccination among adolescents with intellectual disabilities or autism in Victorian specialist schools to inform strategies to increase vaccination acceptance and uptake. Methods: Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (adolescents with disabilities, parents, school and council immunisation staff) from six specialist schools in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Inductively derived themes were then deductively mapped across the UNICEF 'Journey to Immunization' model. Results: 32 interviews were conducted with stakeholders (2 adolescents, 7 parents, 13 school staff, 10 council staff). Trust in vaccines was high, but knowledge of the HPV vaccine was limited. Barriers included lack of accessible information for parents, the consent process, behavioural challenges and vaccine-related anxiety among students. The immunisation program in special schools was perceived as convenient, however preparing students for vaccination day and catering to individual student needs were key. Participants expressed a need for more parent information about options and additional support for vaccination outside of the school program. Conclusions: Our study identified a range of facilitators and barriers to the school immunisation program for students with disabilities in specialist schools. The next phase of this work will use co-design workshops to build on the suggestions for improvement and opportunities that could be leveraged to improve vaccination uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) for water supply and sanitation developed by the WHO and UNICEF defines safe child feces disposal practices as either burial or defecation into a toilet. Children become exposed to fecal-oral illnesses when their stools are not disposed of appropriately, and this vulnerability persists until all children's stools are properly disposed of. Data on the elements influencing child feces disposal in East Africa is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of safe child feces disposal in East Africa. Methods: Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys, which were collected between 2015 and 2022 in 10 East African nations, were used in this analysis. For a weighted 44,821 children under the age of two, we examined additional features as well as how child feces were disposed of. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were carried out to choose potential components and identify important explanatory variables connected to the outcome variable. With 95% confidence intervals, adjusted odd ratios (AORs) were used to present the results. P values of ≤ 0.2 and < 0.05 were used to investigate significant factors in the binary and multivariable multilevel logistic regression models respectively. Results: Approximately 65.54% (95% CI: 65.10, 65.98) of children's waste was disposed of properly. Women age from 35 to 49 years (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.19) 15–24 years old, primary (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.53,1.72), and secondary/higher education (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.14,1.31), women from highly educated community (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.22,1.46), employed (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.24,1.35), poorer(AOR = 1.51,95% CI, 1.42,1.61), middle(AOR = 1.67, 95% CI, 1.56,1.78), richer(AOR = 1.96,95% CI, 1.82,2.11), and richest(AOR = 2.08, 95% CI, 1.91,2.27), mass media exposure (AOR = 1.37,95% CI,1.31,1.44), community level mass media exposure (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.34,1.34), had ANC visit(AOR = 1.71, 95% CI, 1.55,1.88), modern contraceptive(AOR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.12,1.23), health institution delivery (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI, 2.09,2.34), had an improved toilet facility (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI, 1.07,1.17), children who's their age group from 6 to 11 months old, (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI, 2.01,2.25) and 12–23 months old (AOR = 3.10,95% CI, 2.94,3.27) were the factors associated with higher odds of safe child feces disposal as compared to less than six months old children respectively. Finally, women from high community poverty level (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI, 0.79,0.95), and rural women were the factors associated with lower odds of safe child feces disposal (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98) compared to their counterparts respectively. Conclusions: East Africa has a Slightly lower proportion of properly disposing of child feces. There was a strong correlation between characteristics such as residence, mother's age, education level, work status, place of delivery, ANC visit, child's age, wealth index, media exposure, and poverty. Acting on these factors and strengthening and using links between mother and child health care is, thus, strongly advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of planning governments is to provide physical, mental, and social support to people by providing them with relevant facilities. The purpose of this study was to compare the implementation of the laws related to the educational support of exceptional children and adolescents in Iran and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) international organization. Methods: The research method was qualitative and adaptive. The sample included the documents and annual reports available in the Organization for Education of Exceptional Children and the Welfare Organization of Iran that were selected through available and targeted sampling from 2011 to 2020, and an international dimension, UNICEF annual reports on educational support for exceptional children and adolescents from 2011 to 2020. Some quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive methods, and content analysis was done in the documentation adaptation section. According to the findings, the number of exceptional children and adolescents covered by well-being has increased in recent years. Results: The Phi correlation coefficient between families of exceptional children and adolescents and welfare authorities on the quantity and quality of educational support showed that the views of families and authorities were in harmony. According to a UNICEF study in 51 developing countries, 42% of female and 51% of male exceptional and disabled children (an average of about 47%) managed to attend primary school, while in Iran, the average was 62.5%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that educational support in Iran is better than UNICEF reports from developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Growth reference values about mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) are vital for assessing children's nutritional status. However, Pakistan lacks these reference values and growth charts. This study aims to develop these for children aged 6–60 months and compare them with global standards. Methods: The data were acquired from the 2018 National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan, which was conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) during 2018–2019. The final study cohort comprised 57 285 children, with 51% being boys. Percentile values and charts for MUAC‐for‐age were developed using generalised additive models for location, scale and shape with the Box–Cox power exponential distribution. Results: The mean MUAC was 14.21 cm (±2.07 cm) and 14.13 cm (±2.12 cm) for the boys and girls, respectively. At 60 months of age, the P3 and P97 percentiles for girls were slightly higher than those for boys. The median percentiles of Pakistani children were smaller than the World Health Organisation 2007 standards and with international references. Conclusion: We observed disparities in MUAC‐for‐age growth references among Pakistani children compared to global standards, highlighting regional, age and gender variations. This underscores the need for developing countries like Pakistan to establish their growth references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional air quality monitoring networks typically tend to be sparse over areas of interest. Because of the high cost of establishing such monitoring systems, some areas are often completely left out of regulatory monitoring networks. Recently, a new paradigm in monitoring has emerged that utilizes low-cost air pollution sensors, thus making it possible to reduce the knowledge gap in air pollution levels for areas not covered by regulatory monitoring networks and increase the spatial resolution of monitoring in others. The benefits of such networks for the community are almost self-evident since information about the level of air pollution can be transmitted in real time and the data can be analysed immediately over the wider area. However, the accuracy and reliability of newly produced data must also be taken into account in order to be able to correctly interpret the results. In this study, we analyse particulate matter pollution data from a large network of low-cost particulate matter monitors that was deployed and placed in outdoor spaces in schools in central and western Serbia under the Schools for Better Air Quality UNICEF pilot initiative in the period from April 2022 to June 2023. The network consisted of 129 devices in 15 municipalities, with 11 of the municipalities having such extensive real-time measurements of particulate matter concentration for the first time. The analysis showed that the maximum concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were in the winter months (heating season), while during the summer months (non-heating season), the concentrations were several times lower. Also, in some municipalities, the maximum values and number of daily exceedances of PM10 (50 μg/m3) were much higher than in the others because of diversity and differences in the low-cost sensor sampling sites. The particulate matter mass daily concentrations obtained by low-cost sensors were analysed and also classified according to the European AQI (air quality index) applied to low-cost sensor data. This study confirmed that the large network of low-cost air pollution sensors can be useful in providing real-time information and warnings about higher pollution days and episodes, particularly in situations where there is a lack of local or national regulatory monitoring stations in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public spaces have many tangible health benefits for children. This paper draws on the work developed by the authors working closely with UNICEF, UN-Habitat, and WHO to conceptualize, research, and write the principles and guidance of public spaces for children and a compendium of 50 case studies. For this paper, the authors selected eight case studies that directly or indirectly address children's physical and mental health as a rationale for urban transformations and the development of public spaces within neighbourhoods and local areas using evidence-based health-promoting strategies. The analysis within and across cases understands some of these strategies, and the degree of urban transformation achieved as measured through changes in the physical and social environments and institutional arrangements. The case studies demonstrate it is possible to develop safe and vibrant public spaces within neighbourhoods through equity-focused planning to reduce health disparities for children and adolescents. Lessons are drawn for scaling up niche ideas to create healthy cities and neighbourhoods for children while also addressing the gaps, most notably that of insufficient efforts devoted to moving beyond assumptions of health benefits to actually making visible the health impacts of the interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Since 1990, global child and infant mortality rates have typically stabilized or decreased due to improved healthcare, vaccination rollouts, and international funding. However, Afghanistan continues to face the highest child and infant mortality rates globally, with 43 deaths per 1000 live births. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to this high mortality rate and propose interventions to address the issue. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on articles published in English within the last 10 years (2013–2023). The search terms included "Child mortality," "Infant mortality," "SIDS," "COVID‐19," and "Afghanistan." Original studies, systematic reviews, case studies, and reports meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Additional sources from organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank Group, WHO, and EMRO were also reviewed. Results: The study findings reveal significant challenges contributing to Afghanistan's high infant and child mortality rates. These challenges include birth defects, preterm birth, malnutrition, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), traumatic injuries, fatal infections, infanticide, and abuse. The ongoing conflict, insecurity, and humanitarian crises further exacerbate the situation, leading to increased child casualties. Despite efforts by international agencies like UNICEF to provide vaccines and maternal education, the infant mortality rate remains high. Conclusion: In conclusion, Afghanistan's child and infant mortality rates are of significant concern, and it is imperative that action be taken to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peer-reviewed literature is commonly used to assess academic progress and research excellency. However, representation in authorship of global health publications is biased and unfair. In order to shed light on current gaps towards attaining gender equality in scientific production and shift power asymmetries in global health research, we conducted an assessment of authorship trends from 1972 to 2021 with a focus on gender and geographic representation in scientific articles authored or co-authored by researchers affiliated with UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and HRP public reports for publications where at least one author was affiliated with HRP. Our main outcome measures were author gender and location of author affiliation, classified by region and country income group. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the publications under analysis as well as the total number of authors from the included papers. We applied a logistic regression model to explore associations between author gender and other characteristics of published articles and a time series analysis to assess how time can influence the inclusion of women as authors in a publication. Python and R were used for all analyses. Results: A total of 1,484 publications with 14,424 listed authors representing 5,950 unique authors were included in our analysis: 42.5% were female, 35.1% male, and 22.4% unknown (p<0.0001). First authorship was more likely female (56.9%) and from a high-income country (74.6%, p<0.0001) while last authorship was mostly male (53.7%) also from a high-income country (82.5%, p<0.0001). Females more frequently published papers using qualitative data (61.4%) and reviews/estimates (59.4%) while men published more case control (70.7%) and randomised controlled studies (53.0%), p<0.0001. The adjusted odds of there being a female author increased 4% for every additional year that passed. Conclusion: While there are more females authoring articles as compared to the past, they are still lagging behind with regards to seniority and prestige. Likewise, female representation is closely tied to what institution they are affiliated with and where that institution is located. Global health research institutions need to actively promote change by ensuring women are included in research and research outputs, giving them opportunities to lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In response to the COVID-19 challenge and the consequent concerns and misconceptions about potential mother-to-child virus transmission, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, launched a 3-month nationwide media campaign to promote appropriate and safe breastfeeding practices using national and regional television and radio channels, as well as social media. This study assesses the reach and impact of a media campaign in Ethiopia on improving mothers', partners'/caregivers', and the public's awareness of and practices related to appropriate and safe breastfeeding. Methods: A two-round mobile survey was conducted using random digit dialing (RDD) and an interactive voice response (IVR) system. In order to assess the impact of the media campaign, the study compared outcomes related to awareness, perceptions, and safe breastfeeding practices using post-intervention comparison data across levels of exposure (exposed vs. unexposed to the campaign). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed using a two sample test of proportions to estimate the impact of the media campaign. Results: Among the 3170 mobile subscribers who completed the survey questions, half (50%) reported that they had seen or heard media advertisements about appropriate breastfeeding, the importance of continuing breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to safely breastfeed a baby when a mother is suspected or confirmed with COVID-19. The PSM analysis showed that exposure to the media campaign was significantly associated with awareness and perceptions of the importance of continuing appropriate breastfeeding during the pandemic among the general public (proportion difference, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12–0.19; p < 0.0001) and mothers with children under 2 years old or their partners (proportion difference, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.12, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The nationwide media campaign promoting safe breastfeeding practices in the context of COVID-19 reached half of the target breastfeeding mothers and the general public and had a significant impact on awareness and perceptions about the importance of continuing appropriate and safe breastfeeding practices. Future media campaigns should ensure that the intensity and frequency of media spots are appropriate to achieve adequate exposure, message recall, and influence infant and young child feeding behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and appraise the effectiveness and impact of breastfeeding promotion interventions conducted across Portuguese- speaking sovereign countries. Methods: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched 14 electronic databases for publications published through 31 July 2023. The search terms were designed to find studies promoting breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding in pre- defined Portuguese- speaking countries. Results: Of the 5263 papers initially retrieved, 30 interventional studies on breastfeeding met the inclusion criteria across three countries: Brazil (N = 26), Portugal (N = 2) and Guinea Bissau (N = 2). Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother-infant pairs, healthcare professionals, and school children. Overall, the interventions increased exclusive breastfeeding and better breastfeeding practices, such as a higher duration of breastfeeding. The interventions positively affected maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge and perception. Only four studies used a theoretical framework. Conclusion: While the results were often statistically significant, no study had an outcome close to the recommended UNICEF and WHO goal of 70% breastfeeding at six months. The need to determine what works for the recommended six months postpartum period is critical for maximising children's health in Portuguese- speaking countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hundreds of millions of doses of Praziquantel (PZQ) have been administered to persons with and without schistosomiasis living in schistosomiasis endemic settings, through the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy which started in the early 2000s. A recent publication suggested high risk of PZQ-related visual disorders, raising public health concerns. We aim to systematically synthesize evidence on the magnitude of PZQ-related visual disorders. Methods: We will search PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and LILACS from 1977 (when the first human clinical trials on PZQ started) to 31st May 2024, with no language restrictions. The key search terms will include "Praziquantel", "PZQ", "visual disorder", "adverse events", "side effects", "blurry vision" and "visual impairment" together with alternative terms and synonyms. All the countries endemic for schistosomiasis will be included as search terms. We will also search HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Thesis Databases and Preprint Repositories. Where necessary, we will contact expert researchers working in the field of schistosomiasis, UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), pharmaceutical industries, country-specific Food and Drug Authorities (FDAs) and the European Medicines Agency databases. We will search Conference Proceedings and reference lists of relevant studies for additional studies. At least two authors will independently select studies, extract data and assess risk of bias in the included studies. Any disagreements or discrepancies will be resolved through discussion between the reviewers. Heterogeneity will be explored graphically, and statistically using the I2-statistic. We will conduct random-effects meta-analysis when heterogeneity is appreciable, and express dichotomous outcomes (visual adverse events including excessive lacrimation, blurry vision and visual impairments) as risk ratio (RR) or Odds Ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). We will perform subgroup analysis to assess the impact of heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the effect estimates. The overall level of evidence will be assessed using GRADE. Expected outcomes: The present review expects to identify and categorize visual disorders occurring after administration of PZQ, alone or in combination with other drugs. By synthesizing the data from multiple studies, the review aims to present a quantitative assessment of the risk or odds of experiencing a visual disorder in different populations after ingesting PZQ. The review will also generate insights into whether PZQ in combination with other drugs are associated with increased odds of visual disorders and whether the occurrence of visual disorders correlates with dosage or treatment duration. Policymakers, public health experts and stakeholders could rely on the review findings to deliver context-sensitive preventive chemotherapy programs by adjusting drug combinations or dosing schedules to reduce risk of visual adverse effects in populations treated with PZQ. The review aims to identify gaps in the current evidence regarding visual disorders following PZQ administration in schistosomiasis endemic settings which can serve as the basis for future research on important but unanswered questions. Dissemination and protocol registration: The findings of this study will be disseminated through stakeholder forums, conferences, and peer-review publications. The review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)- CRD42023417963. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender differences in early childhood development are under-researched in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where almost 90% of the world's young children live. This study examines the direction, magnitude, and variation of gender similarities and differences in 3- and 4-year-olds' early childhood development in 71 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Moreover, we explore whether country-level gender inequality correlates with gender differences in early development. We analyzed Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) data from UNICEF's Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys and the Demographic and Health Surveys between 2010 and 2019 (n = 226,980). Using logistic regression, we estimated children's odds of being developmentally on track in literacy-numeracy, approaches to learning, social-emotional, and physical domains. We also used meta-analytic regression to examine associations between early childhood development and country-level indicators of gender inequality. In approximately one-half of LMICs, odds of being developmentally on track did not significantly differ for girls and boys; in countries with significant differences, girls were more likely to be on track than boys (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.18–1.24], p <.001). Differences favoring girls were largest in the social-emotional domain (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = [1.24–1.30], p <.001). Country-level gender development index explained a substantial amount of variation in gender differences across countries. Overall, findings suggest that when gender differences exist, girls are more likely than boys to be developmentally on track, particularly in the social-emotional domain and in countries with greater gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) was the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature and was a mentor to Pablo Neruda who also went on to become a Nobel laureate, yet Mistral’s work is rarely studied in English translation today. This article aims to bring attention to the author’s life and legacy, particularly through her diplomatic work and writing, with an emphasis on Mistral’s poetry in the hope of returning Gabriela Mistral to a place of distinction and standing that encourages future reading and study. Illustrative of the author’s voice, excerpts of Mistral’s work are woven throughout. The article traces key moments in Mistral’s life from childhood in the Elqui Valley of Chile through her years as a rural schoolteacher and onward to her position as a leader in education reform in Mexico. Through both her writing and diplomatic work, Mistral gained worldwide prominence. Her work through the League of Nations demonstrated an ongoing concern for human rights and especially for the rights of children and women in poverty and in the workplace. She was instrumental in the founding of the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and an advocate for writers and artists and their crucial role in illuminating important societal issues. The article highlights Mistral’s 1937 talk before the Committee on Letters and Arts in Paris and addresses her connection with Pablo Neruda and the story of Juan Miguel, whom she adopted and called Yin-Yin; Yin-Yin died tragically at age seventeen. Finally, the article provides an overview of the life influences, themes, and timing of each of Mistral’s four major collections of poetry in their English translation by Doris Dana (1971): Desolation (1922), Tenderness (1924), Felling (1938) and Wine Press (1954). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Routine vaccination coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean declined prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic. We assessed the pandemic's impact on national coverage levels and analyzed whether financial and inequality indicators, immunization policies, and pandemic policies were associated with changes in national and regional coverage levels. Methodology: We compared first- and third-dose coverage of diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus-containing vaccine (DTPcv) with predicted coverages using time series forecast modeling for 39 LAC countries and territories. Data were from the PAHO/WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form. A secondary analysis of factors hypothesized to affect coverages during the pandemic was also performed. Results: In total, 31 of 39 countries and territories (79%) had greater-than-predicted declines in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverage during the pandemic, with 9 and 12 of these, respectively, falling outside the 95% confidence interval. Within-country income inequality (i.e., Gini coefficient) was associated with significant declines in DTPcv1 coverage, and cross-country income inequality was associated with declines in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverages. Observed absolute and relative inequality gaps in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverage between extreme country quintiles of income inequality (i.e., Q1 vs. Q5) were accentuated in 2021, as compared with the 2019 observed and 2021 predicted values. We also observed a trend between school closures and greater-than-predicted declines in DTPcv3 coverage that approached statistical significance (p = 0.06). Conclusion: The pandemic exposed vaccination inequities in LAC and significantly impacted coverage levels in many countries. New strategies are needed to reattain high coverage levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UNICEF policies, plans, and strategies increasingly demonstrate that gender equality and the empowerment of girls are central to the organization's mandate to advance child rights. In its newest frameworks, UNICEF has pledged to practice gender transformative approaches to achieve progress toward advancing adolescent girls' wellbeing and agency, as well as a more gender equal world. Employing such approaches requires shifting power and resources to adolescent girls and girl-led organizations and networks. This means deliberate support for girls' capacities as leaders and changemakers; understanding and confronting the gendered and age-related power dynamics and norms that impede gender equality at all levels of society and stages of life; and working with girls and their communities to create more gender equitable environments for girls' rights (Rumble et al., 2022).UNICEF has seen some early successes, but also encountered challenges in applying these approaches. Gaps in expertise, restricted funding, and political sensitivities are just a few impediments to ensuring transformative action at scale. Yet, the potential impacts are enormous.In this Practice Perspective Article, we share our reflections on principles UNICEF is applying, implementation challenges it is encountering, early outcomes it is capturing, and lessons it is learning in its work to employ gender-transformative approaches to further adolescent girls’ rights.

There has been increasing recognition of vaccine access challenges in middle-income countries and the need for increased action, particularly in countries that are not eligible for or have transitioned out of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance support. These countries' immunization systems are more vulnerable than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing programme challenges, increasing the risk of delayed vaccine introductions, backsliding immunization coverage rates, and increased coverage inequity. The potential health and equity impact of improving immunization outcomes in middle-income countries is substantial. Modelling suggests that the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and vaccines for rotavirus and human papillomavirus in this set of Gavi-transitioned and non-Gavieligible middle-income countries in 2020 could have saved an estimated 70,000 lives if 90 % coverage had been reached. Further, increasing coverage for already-introduced vaccines to 90 % could have saved an additional estimated 16,000 lives. Over the past decade, stakeholders have made considerable efforts to identify immunization challenges in middle-income countries as documented in the 2015 SAGE-endorsed Shared Partner Middle-Income Country Strategy. In the coming decade, new global platforms like Gavi 5.0 and the Immunization Agenda 2030 provide opportunities to align on MIC strategies and provide coordinated global support to middle-income countries. The international COVID-19 pandemic response has the potential to lay the foundation for long term support beyond the scope of COVID-19 to non-Gavi eligible middle-income countries. Meanwhile regional mechanisms to address immunization barriers in middle-income countries have grown in number and strength, offering sustainable platforms for cross-country collaboration and the provision of tailored technical support. To ensure that these opportunities are successfully acted upon and that middle-income countries achieve the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, comprehensive, multi-stakeholder consultations were conducted to identify areas of action with the greatest potential to accelerate immunization progress. Stakeholders should work together to put these findings, highlighted in this paper, into action, adapting their approaches to specific country contexts and learning from and building on existing efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates infant feeding rhetoric from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) partnership that prioritizes exclusive breastfeeding. The study approaches patient education materials as user documentation and analyzes the materials for kairos and metaphor. The author argued that the materials function as documentation for the birthing parent's body operating within the system of the BFHI. The article concludes with recommendations for future research and for creating infant feeding resources that provide critical access to the healthcare system by rejecting the body-as- machine metaphor and reflecting families' diverse situations, not just the situation of the U.S. healthcare system or BFHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the associations between prenatal temperature exposures and low birthweight (LBW) and modification by cash transfer (CT) receipt. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Five rural districts in Northern Ghana. Population or sample: A total of 3016 infants born to women interviewed as part of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP 1000) impact evaluation between 2015 and 2017. Methods: Birthweight was collected using household surveys administered to LEAP 1000 eligible women. We used a UNICEF‐developed multiple imputation approach to address missingness of birthweight and applied an empirical heaping correction to the multiply imputed birthweight data. Survey data were linked to the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5‐hourly temperature averaged to weeks for 2011–2017 using community centroids. Using distributed‐lag nonlinear models, we explored the lag‐specific associations between weekly average temperatures greater than 30°C and LBW, and stratified by LEAP 1000 treatment. Main outcome measures: Low birthweight (<2.5 kg). Results: Twelve percent (n = 365) of infants were LBW; the mean ± SD birthweight was 3.02 ± 0.37 kg. Overall, increasing temperatures were associated with increased odds of LBW, with the greatest odds observed in the 3 weeks before birth (odds ratio 1.005–1.025). These positive associations were even larger among comparison infants and null among treatment infants. Conclusions: Our study found increased odds of LBW with high weekly average temperatures throughout pregnancy and the preconception period and demonstrate mitigated effects by the LEAP 1000 CT program. More evidence on the potential of CTs to serve as adaptation interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries is needed to protect pregnant persons and their infants from the impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study examines the integration of UNICEF MENA's 12 core life skills in the Pakistan Studies textbook, grade 9. The textbook was selected for analysis through purposive sampling. The study employed qualitative content analysis, facilitated by NVivo 14 software, to identify and categorize content related to each life skill. The analysis of the textbook shows that life skills are presented somewhat incoherently in the textbook. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are well-covered through analyzing questions and tasks. The text also raises topics concerning regional differences and social issues and calls for respect for diversity and empathy. To foster participation and cooperation, emphasis is given to group work and discussions. However, specific skills such as creativity, negotiation, and self-management are not given much attention. The textbook is not geared toward skill development in these content areas and is more of a knowledgedelivery text. However, looking at all the twelve core life skills, the textbook could have provided more comprehensive coverage. This research suggests a need to work towards the importance of all functional life skills in developing future curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Roca: Revista Científico-Educacional de la Provincia de Granma is the property of Universidad de Granma, Departamento Editorial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) remain a significant global public health challenge, with severe consequences ranging from congenital anomalies, Goitre to mental deficiency. Preventing these disorders through iodized salt consumption is cost-effective and efficient. Aims/ objective: To assess the prevalence of goitre and the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt in selected four districts (Saran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Patna) of Bihar (a state in eastern India) using WHO/ UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Materials and Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-12 years. A multi-stage sampling method was employed, and iodine content in household salt samples were analysed. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of goitre ranged from 0.9% to 4.63% across districts, indicating that goitre is not a public health problem. Adequate iodized salt consumption varied from 71.95% to 86.72%, falling short of the 90% USI goal. Urinary iodine excretion data were not available due to ongoing laboratory setup in PMCH, Patna. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for strengthened monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability of IDD control activities for achieving sustainable elimination of IDD in Bihar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various problems experienced by children of foreign families who immigrated to Turkey from different countries for various reasons have been frequently discussed in learning environments recently. Among these, primary problems such as individual differences, cultural differences and language problems at school come to the fore. PICTES (Supporting the Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System) project (2016-present) is jointly carried out by UNICEF and the Ministry of National Education to integrate Syrian students under temporary protection living in Turkey into the Turkish education system. This research aims to examine teachers' views on the problems arising from the cultural differences of students from different nationalities in an adaptation class opened within the scope of the PICTES project. The participants of this research, in which a holistic single case design was used among the qualitative research methods, were determined by the criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods. Research data were collected from an adaptation class in Afyonkarahisar. The descriptive analysis method was used to analyse the research data. According to the findings, teachers state that language difference is the main cultural difference in the adaptation class and that students are reluctant to learn Turkish. In addition, the participants state that there is a tendency among students to engage in aggression, lying, violence, and grouping according to their nationality, that they have problems adapting to school, and that their families avoided cooperation. As a result of the research, teachers need professional development in teaching foreign students, eliminating cultural differences and establishing cooperation with foreign families. It is also determined that students tend to speak in their native language because they do not need to speak Turkish in the adaptation class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper briefly presents two case studies of disruptive innovation in social work practice from Romania, namely the introduction of social services for children with their parents working abroad (Save the Children Romania) and of the minimum package of services for children and families (DGASPC Bacău in collaboration with UNICEF Romania). The analysis of disruptive innovations is useful for understanding how certain initiatives have led to changes in social work legislation and, subsequently, the introduction of new practices. Social service providers are innovating to find solutions to problems such as unmet social needs or existing pressure on the social work system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is widely considered to be one of the most important prevention measures as a health strategy. This paper examines trends in basic childhood vaccination coverage and which country and time-dependent determinants may have influenced childhood immunization rates (1-dose BCG, 1- and 3-dose DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), 1-dose measles, and 3-dose polio) between 1980 and 2020 across 94 countries. We identify economic, inequality, demographic, health, education, labor market, environmental, and political stability factors of immunization. To do this, we use data from the annual WHO and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) coverage estimates. The empirical analysis consists of generalized estimating equation models to assess relationships between immunization rates and socioeconomic factors. Additionally, we follow the Barro and Sala-i-Martín approach to identify conditional convergence. Our findings show the strongest positive statistically significant association between immunization rates and GDP per capita, as well as births attended by skilled health staff. Moreover, our research demonstrates conditional convergence, indicating that countries converge towards different steady states. The present study brings new insights to investigating the determinants of childhood vaccination coverage and provides significant implications for health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Gender equality is inherently bound with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) provision, access, and use. Gender shapes experiences of projects and services, from participation in design to ensuring access to appropriate facilities. Many observers call for active attention to gender throughout the project cycle, but there is little evidence of the extent to which this happens in practice. Purpose: The article examines the extent to which evaluations of WASH implementation identify good gender‐inclusive practices. It explores the reasons for failings and suggests ways gender equality could be more actively considered and effected in WASH programming. Methods and approach: Textual analysis was undertaken on World Bank and UNICEF project evaluation documents to identify how gendered elements were addressed. Practices were then categorized according to a Gender Sensitivity Framework, rating them on a sliding scale measure from "gender insensitive" to "transformative." The perceived barriers to gendered programming were subsequently triangulated using a mixed methods survey of WASH practitioners which used self‐identified challenges to assess consensus moderation to triangulate perceived barriers to gendered programming. Findings: Lack of clarity in conceptualizing gender results in poorly defined targets that are often insufficiently context specific. Consequently, project objectives are either reductionist, limiting progress on "gender" to easily quantifiable measures that fail to capture the varied lived realities of gendered experiences, or comprise vague qualitative statements that cannot be accurately assessed, leaving gender inclusion unaddressed. Policy implications: Gender is a social construct that is shaped by culture. Context‐specific understanding would support more nuanced gender‐inclusion objectives that could be monitored while also correlating with people's lived realities. Regular evaluation of gender guidance would ensure organizations' understanding and conceptualization of gender reflects the fluidity of society. Policy and practice interventions that guarantee the active involvement of multiple stakeholders and diverse voices would ensure that implementation is effective and evaluation is more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somalia is a complex and fragile setting with a demonstrated potential for disruptive, high-burden measles outbreaks. In response, since 2018, Somalian authorities have partnered with UNICEF and the WHO to implement measles vaccination campaigns across the country. In this paper, we create a Somalia-specific model of measles transmission based on a comprehensive epidemiological dataset including case-based surveillance, vaccine registries, and serological surveys. We use this model to assess the impact of these campaign interventions on Somalian's measles susceptibility, showing, for example, that across the roughly 10 million doses delivered, 1 of every 5 immunized a susceptible child. Finally, we use the model to explore a counter-factual epidemiology without the 2019–2020 campaigns, and we estimate that those interventions prevented over 10,000 deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU's human rights policies and actions have two main components: protecting the fundamental rights of EU citizens and promoting human rights around the world. One of the aspects that the UN focuses on is the relationship between democracy and human rights, as the organisation upholds the importance of equal political participation of citizens of its states and full respect for human rights, including the recognition, protection and promotion. As defined by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), human rights are norms that recognise and protect the dignity of all people, meaning they apply to everyone, without distinction of race, gender, education, political opinion, sexual orientation or any other type of moral judgement. The realisation of human rights also obliges states to be responsible for protecting these norms and prohibits certain acts that violate them. Human rights can be said to be one of the greatest achievements of mankind. One of the most important human rights documents is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed in 1948 at the UN General Assembly. Consisting of 30 articles, the Declaration formalises all the theoretical developments made earlier on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. Another innovation of the Declaration was the inclusion of human rights in the universal character, becoming the rights of all peoples. Thus, for the UN, human rights "are universal legal guarantees that protect individuals and groups from acts and omissions by governments that violate human dignity". Human rights are fundamental and therefore inalienable human rights, i.e. those rights whose violation would lead to an attack on the very essence of humanity. For this reason, it is important that everyone is aware of and knows about human rights, their content and the forms of protection provided for them, as everyone should be able to enjoy their fundamental rights for the sole purpose of living in peace, without distinction. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law create an environment in which countries can promote development, protect people from discrimination and ensure equal access to justice for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunization is essential for safeguarding health workers from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) that they may encounter at work; however, information about the prevalence and scope of national policies that protect health workers through vaccination is limited. Understanding the global landscape of health worker immunization programmes can help direct resources, assist decision-making and foster partnerships as nations consider strategies for increasing vaccination uptake among health workers. A one-time supplementary survey was distributed to World Health Organization (WHO) Member States using the WHO/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Joint Reporting Form on Immunization (JRF). Respondents described their 2020 national vaccination policies for health workers – detailing VPD policies and characterising technical and funding support, monitoring and evaluation activities and provisions for vaccinating health workers in emergencies. A total of 53 % (103/194) Member States responded and described health worker policies: 51 had a national policy for vaccinating health workers; 10 reported plans to introduce a national policy within 5 years; 20 had subnational/institutional policies; 22 had no policy for vaccinating health workers. Most national policies were integrated with occupational health and safety policies (67 %) and included public and private providers (82 %). Hepatitis B, seasonal influenza and measles were most frequently included in policies. Countries both with and without national vaccination policies reported monitoring and reporting vaccine uptake (43 countries), promoting vaccination (53 countries) and assessing vaccine demand, uptake or reasons for undervaccination (25 countries) among health workers. Mechanisms for introducing a vaccine for health workers in an emergency existed in 62 countries. National policies for vaccinating health workers were complex and context specific with regional and income-level variations. Opportunities exist for developing and strengthening national health worker immunization programmes. Existing health worker immunization programmes might provide a foothold on which broader health worker vaccination policies can be built and strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Indonesia has made progress in increasing vaccine coverage, but equitable access remains challenging, especially in remote areas. Despite including vaccines in the National Immunization Program (NIP), coverage has not met WHO and UNICEF targets, with childhood immunization decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination has also experienced hesitancy, slowing efforts to end the pandemic. Scope: This article addresses the issue of vaccine hesitancy and its impact on vaccination initiatives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This article utilizes the vaccine hesitancy framework to analyze previous outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and their underlying causes, ultimately providing recommendations for addressing the current situation. The analysis considers the differences between the pre-pandemic circumstances and the present and considers the implementation of basic and advanced strategies. Key findings and conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is a significant challenge in the COVID-19 pandemic, and public health campaigns and community engagement efforts are needed to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake. Efforts to address vaccine hesitancy promote trust in healthcare systems and increase the likelihood of individuals seeking preventive health services. Vaccine hesitancy requires a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach that considers local contexts and realities. Strategies should be tailored to specific cultural and societal contexts and monitored and evaluated. Highlights: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including a lack of trust in vaccines, misinformation, cultural beliefs, and past negative vaccine experiences. The hesitancy to get vaccinated could lead to low vaccination coverage and slow eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases. It is crucial to understand the specific drivers of each country and population to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Collaborating with community or religious leaders, healthcare providers, and influencers could increase people's awareness and gain trust, which can help reduce vaccine hesitancy. The issue of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine inequity are closely related, with the potential to significantly influence each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge of critically ill patients and a sudden increase in the need for oxygen treatment worldwide. Pre-existing gaps in oxygen systems became apparent, and governments, multilateral agencies, and other partners scrambled to increase the production, supply, and use of oxygen to meet this need. The importance of an oxygen ecosystem that is appropriate for the local context became clear. This review describes strategies for oxygen ecosystems in middle-income countries, with specific experiences from Lebanon, following the authors' extensive assessment of the country's oxygen ecosystem, on behalf of the government and UNICEF. In the assessment, fifteen governmental hospitals were visited and evaluated using the UNICEF Oxygen System Planning Tool, discussions were held with key stakeholders, and documents were reviewed. An optimal oxygen ecosystem needs to take into consideration the production of oxygen and delivery to facilities, the maintenance system within facilities, and the clinical use of oxygen. Lebanon, a lower-middle income country in the Middle East, is contending with an extensive economic crisis affecting the health system. Eighteen recommendations for strengthening the oxygen ecosystem in Lebanon that are relevant for other middle-income countries include the establishment of a National Oxygen Committee, installation of additional oxygen plants, strengthened systems for maintenance and electricity supply, increased production, procurement and supply chain resilience, improved training and human resources, the use of data collection and regular information to guide the ecosystem, and integration of oxygen into the rest of the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lives Beyond Figures (LBF) is a multimodal book intended to raise awareness on underprivileged Egyptians' socio-economic circumstances. While many Egyptian nonprofit campaigns are frequently criticized as poverty porn, LBF generated over nine million empathetic reactions on social media. This study analyzes LBF textually and visually, using systemic functional grammar and the grammar of visual design, to understand how LBF elicited such reactions. Results demonstrated how the editor's ethical approach to empathy reduced its material, emotional, and cognitive costs, and motivated readers to identify with the narrators. The editor broke the boundary between financially secure donors and the poor, respected the narrators' privacy, presented them as the heroes of their own stories, highlighted their ordeals' cultural and economic causes (instead of attributing them to a lack of money), and used visuals to invite readers to contemplate such causes and potential solutions. LBF can inspire nonprofit campaign designers to remain ethical and elicit empathy more effectively when encouraging donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

More than 13.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses were delivered between 2021 and 2023 through a mix of delivery platforms, with mass vaccination campaigns being the main approach. In 2022, with the continued circulation of SARS-CoV2 and the need for periodic boosters being most likely, countries were required to plan for more sustainable approaches to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. In this context of uncertainty, a global tool for integrating COVID-19 vaccines into immunization programs and as part of broader health systems was published jointly by the WHO and UNICEF to respond to country needs. This paper summarizes the approach to, and lessons learned during, the development of a global guidance document and describes some examples of its early use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The guidance leveraged existing health system frameworks, proposed four steps for planning and implementing the COVID-19 vaccination integration journey, and identified investment areas. The development process maximized robust global stakeholder and country engagement, and the timeframe was aligned with donor funding windows to support countries with the integration of COVID-19 vaccination. The rapid dissemination of the guidance document allowed countries to ascertain their readiness for integrating COVID-19 vaccination and inform the development of national plans and funding applications. While progress has been made in specific areas (e.g., optimizing cold chain and logistics leveraging COVID-19 vaccination), in the context of decreasing demand for COVID-19 vaccines, reaching adult COVID-19 vaccine high-priority-use groups and engaging and coordinating with other health programs (beyond immunization) remain challenges, particularly in LMICs. We share the learning that despite the uncertainties of a pandemic, guidance documents can be developed and used within a short timeframe. Working in partnership with stakeholders within and beyond immunization towards a common objective is powerful and can allow progress to be made in terms of integrating health services and better preparing for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from the WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 revision were analyzed to assess the status of routine immunization in the WHO African Region disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, coverage for the first and third doses of the diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP1 and DTP3, respectively) and the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) in the region was estimated at 80%, 72% and 69%, respectively (all below the 2019 level). Only 13 of the 47 countries (28%) achieved the global target coverage of 90% or above with DTP3 in 2022. From 2019 to 2022, 28.7 million zero-dose children were recorded (19.0% of the target population). Ten countries in the region accounted for 80.3% of all zero-dose children, including the four most populated countries. Reported administrative coverage greater than WUENIC-reported coverage was found in 19 countries, highlighting routine immunization data quality issues. The WHO African Region has not yet recovered from COVID-19 disruptions to routine immunization. It is critical for governments to ensure that processes are in place to prioritize investments for restoring immunization services, catching up on the vaccination of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children and improving data quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-being of society depends on family harmony, which requires planning before marriage, Data from UNICEF records around 115 million married boys under 18 years old, with reproductive health impacts on girls married in adolescence. Early marriages in Indonesia have multifaceted detrimental impacts, spanning psychological, social, and health domains. Teenagers entering matrimony early often grapple with emotional challenges amid household responsibilities, contributing to a surging divorce rate in this demographic. Moreover, early marriage poses serious risks to reproductive health, particularly for teenage girls, leading to complications like premature birth, bleeding, and low birth weight infants, escalating maternal and infant mortality rates. To mitigate these issues, an analysis evaluates the impact of providing education through e-modules to enhance teenagers' knowledge of family planning. Employing a Quasi Experiment pre-test post-test design with a control group, the study focuses on 17 peer counselors in the Kramatwatu Family Planning Hall area, revealing a substantial knowledge improvement from 61.47 to 75.59 after education. Statistical tests, with a significant p-value of 0.000 (≤ 0.05), conclude a significant increase in knowledge among peer counselors. Future research should explore developing peer counseling modules covering diverse topics beyond family planning to comprehensively address adolescents' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Universal Periodic Review has given UN development agencies an opportunity to further reframe their work as rights-promotion. The UPR consists of regular reviews of state reports on their human rights situations. It is a peer-review process, encouraging states to improve their rights records and making specific suggestions on how to do so. Still, by itself the UPR has no powers to push for compliance other than report-driven mechanisms. However, development agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, and the rest of the UN Sustainable Development Group are being encouraged to participate in all facets of the UPR process. They can help states prepare reports, help the UPR review those reports, and, crucially, incorporate suggestions from the UPR into national development plans of cooperation. They do this by linking UPR recommendations with the Rights-based Approach to Development. This opens up new ways to promote human rights through a more cooperative model: it moves beyond 'naming and shaming' to a more active process of rights implementation by development agencies, working cooperatively with states. The process is new, and only sporadically followed; however, if fully implemented, it can provide a model for a new phase of rights promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze functional aspects of breastfeeding, selfefficacy, and pain reported by mothers during breastfeeding, in newborns with severe and mild ankyloglossia. Methods: This is an observational study, carried out with 81 babies with ankyloglossia, assessed by the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (severe: scores 0–3; mild: scores 4–6) nested in a cohort carried out at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, Brazil. The functional aspects of breastfeeding were analyzed using the Breastfeeding Observation Form of the United Nations Children’s Fund (BOFUNICEF) and the LATCH Scoring System. Breastfeeding selfefficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale — Short-Form. Pain indicators were evaluated by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Maternal age was 26.7±0.8 years, and 64.2% reported high school education. Most babies were male (67.9%), and the birth weight was 3232±60g. A significant association was detected in the sucking aspect evaluated by the BOF-UNICEF [β=0.22 (95%CI 0.07; 0.73), p-value=0.013]. However, the groups did not differ in the assessment of breastfeeding performed by the LATCH scale. The groups had no differences in the assessment of breastfeeding self-efficacy reported by mothers, and in pain scores. Conclusions: Despite the observation of sucking difficulty in infants with severe ankyloglossia., the quality of breastfeeding in general, maternal pain, and self-efficacy reported by mothers do not differ when compared with infants with mild ankyloglossia. Therefore, the severity of ankyloglossia seems not to affect the breastfeeding indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Asia is an important region in world politics. Historical, political, natural-geographical, ethno-demographic, intellectual, economic and cultural factors of the region have made it one of the main participants in international relations. By the last quarter of the 20th century, the countries of Central Asia actively entered the world economy and international relations. The UN has played an important role in the international recognition of the countries of the region and promotion of various international initiatives. The Central Asian countries tried to show themselves in global politics as active members of the UN. The UN has become a forum for these countries to express their views, implement national, regional and international initiatives, protect their rights, and study world experience in national development. Central Asian countries and the UN are interested in mutual cooperation, and over time dynamic growth and new trends began to emerge in mutual relations. Main directions of cooperation of the Central Asian countries with the UN, the results of such cooperation and the analysis of existing problems are discussed in the paper. The article outlines the historic significance of the accession of the Republics of Central Asian region to the UN, its partnership in political, economic and social issues, global and regional initiatives of Central Asian States in the framework of the Organization. This article focuses on cooperation in Central Asia with the UN in solving regional problems. It analyzes issues of sustainable development and peace in Central Asia, the historical and cultural heritage and restoration of national values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent months, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern about the spread of a new pandemic after the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on education. UNICEF says Over 168 million children's classrooms around the world have been shuttered. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to identify the criteria and requirements of resilient design for classrooms to avoid closures during crises. Researchers have addressed the relationship between spaces and the spread of viruses inside them, so the research assumes that there is a relationship between the design criteria of classrooms and the spread of viruses inside them. Hence, the research methodology consists of a qualitative approach then comparative analysis. The first part involves analyzing the literature review to identify a design matrix that includes design criteria for classrooms. The research has identified four resilient design criteria and their requirements for classrooms, such as 1- Epidemic Prevention, 2-Climate Change Adaptation, 3-Integration of Technological Advancements, and 4- Support Advanced Education. The research focused on primary school due to the high infection rates of the Omicron variant among children, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, the second part involves a comparative analysis of four classrooms in government primary schools using the design matrix. The case studies Two within Egypt and Two outside Egypt. Finally, the results include an evaluation of the four proposed resilient design criteria for the classrooms and which one is the most resilient and adaptable during the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Syrian Civil War, which started in 2011, has had destructive influences on the country, its civilians, and the region as a whole. This paper delves into the current status of the education sector in Syria and proposes potential policy recommendations to prevent the sector from a complete collapse. Through examining the current economic status in Syria, alongside the main negative impacts of the Syrian Civil war on the education sector, this paper argues for the necessity of collaboration between the Syrian government and international organizations by increasing funding, providing more resources, and increasing online learning modalities to strengthen the country’s overall education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]