The number of children receiving school meals through government programs has increased by 20% since 2020, found the last edition of the WfpLighthouse biennial report The school state feeding worldwide.

Now, nearly 80 million additional children can enjoy nutritious meals in school, bringing the world total to around 466 million.

Beyond health and diet, national programs can benefit from employment, agriculture and other sectors.

“School meals are much more than just nutrients – as important as that. For vulnerable children who receive them, they are a way out of poverty and in a new world of learning and opportunity“Said Ms. McCain.

“They are proven to be one of the most intelligent and profitable investments that any nation can make to improve the long-term health, education and economic prosperity of future generations,” she added.

Example of what is possible

The increase in the number of children receiving school meals comes from the expansion of these international programs, and in particular by countries which are part of the coalition of school meals, a network led by more than 100 governments at PAM as a secretariat.

Global funding for school meals has more than doubled, going from $ 43 billion in 2020 to 84 billion dollars last year. Africa leads to the sharp increase with 20 million additional children on the continent now fed through national programs, but domestic financing remains even lower in low -income countries.

“The sharp increase in school meal programs funded nationally is a powerful sign of what is possible, even in difficult times. But in low -income countries, where needs are the most important, progress remains in danger while world aid and domestic resources are insufficient, “said Carmen Burbano, director of school meals at WFP.

Meals improve learning results

Children who are hungry may not go to school or may have trouble concentrating even if they do, according to the report. Providing meals to school can both encourage attendance and help students remain engaged and more easily absorb educational equipment.

The report has revealed that school meals are a much more effective way to improve the quality of education compared to other popular programs and policies such as teacher training and technological contributions.

A nutritional supply has also been associated with increased attention time, higher cognitive function and better attendance.

“It is only now that we really recognize that the well-being of schoolchildren and adolescents is the key to their learning capacity,” said Professor Donald Bundy, co-editorial for the report on Wednesday.

A catalyst for the economy

The report estimates that the delivery of school meals at 466 million children generates approximately 7.4 million cooking jobs worldwide, with additional employment in logistics, agriculture and supply chains.

At the national level, school meal programs generally generate around 1,500 jobs per 100,000 children.

Preliminary results in some African countries suggest that programs are expensive in terms of gains obtained in the education, health and nutrition sectors. In Malawi, for example, each $ 1 invested has brought economic advantages ranging from $ 2 to $ 18 depending on the district.

The local purchase of school food can also create reliable and predictable markets for small operators and family farmers, which ultimately encourages the diversification of crops, stimulates rural economies and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

Speaking during the regular briefing in New York, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said that António Guterres followed the diplomatic benefits that followed through the NATO military alliance “with great concern” at the incident, which would have taken place in the middle of a large-scale Russian drone and a missile attack against Ukraine.

“” There is an urgent need for a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and for just, complete and lasting peace in Ukraine – The one who fully supports the sovereignty of Ukraine, its independence and its territorial integrity, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions “, Mr. Dujarric said.

Several slaughtered drones

According to the media, the Polish authorities, with the support of the NATO allies, have shot down several Russian drones that crossed the country overnight – the first time Russian drones were slaughtered on NATO.

Polaire Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that he was putting his nation to his point to open the conflict since the Second World War.

Poland joined the organization of the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO, in 1999 with Hungary and the Czech Republic as part of the first expansion of the military alliance in central and eastern Europe.

While certain violations of Polish airspace have been reported since the large -scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, the day -to -day incident highlights the growing regional impact of the conflict.

The media also pointed out that the Ministry of Defense of Russia declaring that strikes aimed at the industrial military sites of Ukraine in its Western regions and that there was no target in Poland.

The secretary general and the UN continue to urge all the parties to respect international law.

Mr. Dujarric noted that the situation “again underlines the regional impact and the real risk of expansion of this devastating conflict“, Returning the UN call to the protection of civilians and adhesion to humanitarian standards.

THE The troubles started on Monday As so-called “protest of the Z generation” against corruption, nepotism and restrictions on social networks. He Quick Escalitude After the security forces opened fire on the crowd.

On Tuesday, the demonstrators stormed and burnt down the Parliament, the Supreme Court and several government offices, notably Singha Durbar – the central administrative complex. Home of political leaders have been attacked, invaded police stations and Tribhuvan International Airport have briefly closed.

In addition, the media and schools were burned, while the Ministry of Health and Population was also destroyed, notably the National Health Emergency Operation Center.

The UN chief requests the dialogue

UN Secretary General António Guterres said that he was “deeply saddened by loss of life” and urged restraint, dialogue and an in -depth investigation into violence.

“I call on the authorities to comply with human rights law”, poster On social networks late Tuesday (New York Time).

“Demonstrations must take place peacefully, respecting life and goods.”

Volatile security

According to the media, the updated toll includes both demonstrators and the police, as well as people killed in fires during demonstrations. Many remain unrecovered, hospitals reporting seriously injured patients.

The turmoil also triggered the jailbreaks in several places, some prisoners still free.

Some accounts suggest that demonstrations may have been infiltrated by external actors, which further complicates the volatile safety environment.

Efforts to restore order

The army took control of national security Tuesday evening, the local time, deploying troops through the Katmandu valley and imposing movement restrictions to stabilize the situation.

Control points have been established and people were invited to stay at home, except for essential trips.

The media also pointed out that the army had recovered some of the weapons looted to police staff, while groups of young people helped to apprehend the prisoners escaped and firearms. Some detainees go voluntarily.

Tribhuvan International Airport has since reopened its doors and certain police stations are back in operation.

Country at the crossroads

Even in the middle of chaos, some groups of young people were seen eliminating the debris from their neighborhoods.

Behind immediate disorders, talks would be underway on the possible training of an interim government to lead the country through the crisis. Discussions also include the dissolution of the Parliament, the investigations on the assets acquired illegally and the reform of the key institutions.

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Daywhich is marked every year on September 10, WHOTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “each lost life leaves a deep impact on families, friends, colleagues and entire communities”.

All age groups are affected by suicide and were the third cause of death among the 15 to 29 year olds worldwide in 2021, last year for which data was gathered by whom.

Suicide does not only occur in high -income countries and has an impact on all regions of the world.

Almost three -quarters of world suicides have occurred in low -income and intermediate income countries in 2021.

The average number of suicides worldwide in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.

In Africa, the figure was 11.5, while in Europe and Southeast Asia, the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.

Globally, the lowest suicide rate was in the eastern Mediterranean region at 4.0 per 100,000, while in the Western Pacific, it was 7.5 per 100,000.

Who is at risk?

The link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular depression and alcohol consumption disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high income countries.

However, many suicides occur impulsively in times of crisis with a rupture of the ability to deal with the stress of life, such as financial problems, relational disputes or chronic pain and pain.

In addition, the experience of conflicts, disasters, violence, abuses or losses and a feeling of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior.

Suicide rates are also raised among vulnerable groups who suffer from discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, intersex (LGBTI) and imprisoned prisoners.

Go from silence to the opening

“” We must move from silence to the opening, from stigmatization to empathy and neglect to support“Said Dr. Tedros.

“We have to create environments where people feel safe to speak and ask for help,” he said.

“The displacement of the narrative on suicide also means stimulating systemic change, where governments prioritize and invest in quality mental health care and policies to guarantee that everyone obtains the support they need.”

According to the WHO WHO WHO report in 2024, government median expenditure in mental health has remained at a modest 2% of the total health budgets since 2017.

In addition, there is a significant disparity between high and low -income nations. While high income nations allocate up to $ 65 per person with mental health, low -income nations spend as little as $ 0.04.

Which recognizes mental health as a universal human right.

Effective prevention measures

Who says that there are effective measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and self -harm.

Live lifeThe agency’s initiative in suicide prevention, recommends the main effective interventions based on following evidence:

• limit access to suicide means (for example, pesticides, firearms, certain drugs);
• Interact with the media for a responsible declaration of suicide;
• promote socio-emotional life skills in adolescents;
• Identify, assess, manage and follow any person affected by suicidal behavior early.

“We are witnessing a dangerous escalation in Gaza City, where Israeli forces have intensified their operations and ordered everyone to move south”, ” said The humanitarian country team of the occupied Palestinian territory.

“” Nearly a million people are not now without safe or viable options – neither the North nor the South offer security.“”

The warning occurs two weeks after confirmation of the famine at the Governorate of Gaza.

Hungry and exhausted

According to Latest figures of the health cluster led by the World Organization, 361 Palestinians died due to malnutrition since the start of the war almost two years ago, including 130 children.

More than half a million people live with catastrophic conditions marked by famine, destitution and death.

Civilians who try to leave north of Gaza face dangerous and barely passable roads, overcrowded shelters and prohibitive transport costs – summits that most families simply cannot afford.

“The survivors in Gaza are exhausted”, aid agencies saidStressing that civilians and the health infrastructure on which they count “should never be targeted”.

Hospitals outdated

Hospitals are overwhelmed and collapse under tension.

The Al-Shifa et al-Ahli installations of Gaza City operate at a capacity of almost three times, with incidents of mass victims on average eight per day.

If a wider Israeli offensive occurs, the Gaza Strip could lose half of its remaining hospital beds, the health agencies warned.

Aid restrictions continue

The team of humanitarian countries has also noted ongoing Israeli obstacles on aid, declaring that “the current levels of humanitarian support are fully insufficient”.

The fuel, water and food routes must remain open and uninterrupted, said agencies, warning “devastating consequences” if access is still obstructed.

“To the families of Gaza: the humanitarian community will remain in Gaza City as long as we can and will remain through the strip, doing everything possible to provide help and provide rescue services,” they said.

“” To the international community: act. Call for an immediate ceasefire. Respect international humanitarian law, including the release of hostages and arbitrarily detainees. This catastrophe is manufactured by man and responsibility rests with all of us. »»

“I am ashamed in the name of the world that we cannot find in ourselves to be more compassionate, to be more kind, to recognize what people here are going through,” said Tom Fletcher, who heads the United Nations Emergency Rescue Agency, OchhaDuring a visit to the Caribbean nation.

“I listened to people whose life was destroyed by brutal violence,” he said. “” They are desperate for security, dignity, hope. I refuse to believe that we cannot do better for them. “”

A country of 11 million, Haiti continues to deal with a serious humanitarian and protection crisis in the midst of a cholera epidemic and an increase in malnutrition rates.

Half of all Haitians face food insecurity and unprecedented forced travel levels that tripled last year for more than a million people, according to a update By Ocha, which noted that large -scale travel continued in 2025.

‘They don’t want to be here’

For more than a year, the gangs resumed large expanses inside and outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, violating, killing, plundering civil infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, as well as the removal of recruits of children to fight.

” Right away, Up to half of all members of the armed group are children“Said Ocha. »»Fear permeates everyday life“While families are forced to leave their homes and seek shelter, food and security.

“They have been moved several times by violence,” said Fletcher, who met with authorities, partners and affected families living in makeshift shelters. “They want to live their life like anyone else.

“They don’t want to be here. They want to rebuild their lives. They want education for their children. They want health care they need. They need drinking water. “

Live “in misery”

Some displaced families have shared their fate, notably Roudy Jean, who said: “We must be able to live in a normal way, as in the rest of the world”.

Cashmina Jean-Michel, a woman moved by the violence of the gangs, said that she once had a beauty salon and staff employee, but lost everything.

“At 5 am, there were a lot of shots,” she recalls. “I lost everything, my property, my business, but the safety of my children was my top priority. I had no choice but to make them run and run immediately. Today, I live in a very small space in misery, where I can only keep one of my children while others have to stay with friends. ”

Many families have been moved two or three times, said the United Nations aid chief.

Food and shelter shortages

Innocent Fagnau, vice-president of a site for internally displaced people like Mr. Jean and Mrs. Jean-Michel, described the current challenges.

“Now, with the quantity of people we have currently, this space has not been designed for this use,” he said.

“There is also a food problem on this site. The quantity of food we receive to distribute, for example, we finish the amount of here, but what about 15 or 16 hours? People should always be able to eat something. ”

Rebuild lives, overcome despair

The OCCED’H Youth Center provides rays of hope, specifically targeting adolescents and young people from the communities affected by armed violence and those living on sites for internal people in the metropolitan area of ​​Port-au-Prince, where access to education and training is extremely limited.

The Center offers practical and professional training at nearly 300 students, including Phanie wissese, who learns leather crafts.

“I love to develop my creative skills, and if you take Cuircraft seriously and put your whole heart in what you do,” she said, “it can help you achieve economic independence.”

‘We must be here’

During a visit to the youth center, Mr. Fletcher said: “We can find ways to repel this crisis, against a feeling of despair and deterioration because here … These young people, they cut their hair, they do manicures, they teach Pédicure, they make bracelets, they learn to repair motorcycles. But, finally, they rebuild their lives. ”

He said the world had to lend a hand in this regard.

“We can see that people can also strengthen their communities, not only as an individual, but as a society, as a Haiti, and ultimately, that is why we must be here,” he said. “This is why the world must be here, helping them to rebuild the ruins of their lives as despair. »»

‘It’s not enough’

While the United Nations agencies are disturbed to provide essential support and goods and services, Mr. Fletcher said that more should be done.

To date, the humanitarian call for Haiti remains seriously underfunded. Of the $ 908 million necessary to meet urgent needs, only 11% are funded, leaving a financing gap of $ 800 million.

“That is not enough,” said the head of the United Nations. “I cannot believe that we have so much trouble collecting the funds necessary to support these families when they try to rebuild their lives, but we must be there for them. We have to do better. “