While the Asia and Pacific region has made notable progress in reducing hunger, persistent challenges remain in addressing malnutrition, food insecurity and unequal access to healthy diets, a new UN report published on Wednesday concludes.
The prevalence of undernourishment in the region declined to 6.4 per cent in 2024, down from seven per cent in 2023, marking a significant improvement, according to the report.
This progress translates into 25 million people escaping hunger in just one year.
Progress is uneven, however, with nearly 80 per cent of people living in South Asia at risk. Overall, Asia and the Pacific region still account for nearly 40 per cent of the world's hungry.
Cost is the culprit
In 2024, 24.4 per cent of children under five were stunted, with South Asia recording the highest prevalence. On the other hand, adult obesity continues to rise, particularly in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific)
The report finds that the cost of a healthy diet in the region averaged higher than the global average last year, at $4.77 per person per day on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
Among other key recommendations, the report calls on countries to strengthen multi sector policies addressing food insecurity and nutrition.
Key Gaza water pipeline repaired, but miserable conditions remain
In Gaza, a key water pipeline in the south is back up and running, after a repair team was granted access to the site by Israeli authorities.
The UN aid coordination office ( OCHA ) reported a week ago that the main water line running from Israel into Khan Younis in southern Gaza had sustained damage and was out of service - representing a key concern for the enclave's 2.1 million people.
A request to reach the site and make repairs was denied at the time.
Preparing for winter
Meanwhile, amid cold winter temperatures, UN agencies and partners continue to work to help Gazans stay warm.
This includes UNICEF , which welcomed support from Sweden for winterisation supplies, sanitation, nutrition and humanitarian cash transfers for children and families.
The UN Development Programme ( UNDP ) also highlighted the critical need for safe and sturdy shelters.
With assistance from the Republic of Korea, the agency has replaced more than 800 worn-out tents for displaced Gazans, but it's only a start, UNDP insisted.
New influenza strain circulates in Europe, says WHO
The early arrival of seasonal influenza has continued sweeping across Europe, with at least 27 European countries reporting "high or very high" flu activity as of Wednesday.
In six countries - Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK - more than one in two patients with influenza-like symptoms tested positive for the virus, according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ).
New variant dominates
The UN agency confirmed that a new influenza variant called A (H3N2) now accounts for up to 90 per cent of all confirmed cases in the European region.
"It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems because people don't have built-up immunity against it," said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
He also emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated quickly.
As in previous episodes of influenza, school-aged children are the primary drivers of community spread. But adults aged at least 65 are usually most at risk, constituting the majority of severe cases that require hospitalisation.
