Get Caught Up on the Latest Global Health News You May Have Missed During the 2022 Holidays

In case you missed it over the holidays, here’s the latest news in global health:

• The Taliban introduced a ban on women from working for domestic and international non-governmental groups. The announcement served as a harsh reminder of the crucial role that civil society organizations play in the global struggle for women’s rights. NGOs are calling on the Canadian government to maintain current levels of international aid funding and commit to a predictable increase in its 2023 budget. Read the recent opinion article by Julia Anderson, CEO of CanWaCH, and Kate Higggins, CEO of Cooperation Canada.

• Watch this video by World Vision Canada and read this statement by Islamic Relief Canada to learn more about the crucial role played by Afghan women in delivering humanitarian assistance:

The ban on female NGO staff must end. @worldvisioncan stands with @worldvision and our partners in @Afghanistan as we seek to save lives. https://t.co/7YiM0qUnWB

— Michael Messenger (@mjmessenger) December 29, 2022

• This ban followed earlier announcements of an indefinite ban on Afghan women from attending universities and tightened restrictions on girls’ education above grade six. Read the statement shared by Save the Children Canada in response here. 

We are disturbed that girls and women in Afghanistan have been banned from attending university. Education is a passport to a bright future – taking it away shatters hopes and aspirations. #Afghanistan #letafghangirlslearn pic.twitter.com/UoZEaYggwu

— Plan Int'l Canada (@PlanCanada) December 22, 2022

• The Global Nutrition Report is seeking a new Host. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply by 8 a.m. GMT, 15 January 2023 to join the world’s leading independent assessment of the state of global nutrition! Learn more here. 

• Since June 2022, Pakistan has faced an unprecedented climatic disaster as massive floods swept through the country and standing floodwater refused to recede. December saw Action Against Hunger share a story on the current situation, as nearly 22 million people have already been impacted. 

• To mark the end of a year that saw conflict, the climate crisis and COVID-19 affect children’s lives, UNICEF Canada shared five stories of hope from around the world. They include efforts to offer vaccination for children in Indigenous communities in Peru, enhanced access to safe water supply in Garissa County, Kenya and safe spaces for children and families fleeing the war in Ukraine. Read them here. 

• Congratulations to CanWaCH member WaterAid Canada named the best nonprofit employer in the workplace mental health category of the 2022 Charity Village awards! 

In this year’s @CharityVillage Conference & Awards, @WaterAidCanada won the Best Workplace Mental Health (Staff Under 20) Award.

Listen to Freya Struthers
reflecting on WaterAid’s work in workplace mental health and outstanding individual impact.https://t.co/qge9Erko7g https://t.co/Y0MsQOUMqD

— WaterAid Canada (@WaterAidCanada) December 22, 2022