Category: MIL-Submissions

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

Weather News – Rain for East Coast, Sunny Skies Await New Zealand’s Weekend

Source: MetService

Covering period of Friday 27th – Tuesday 31st December – Heavy rain on the east coast of the North Island is set to begin to ease today (Friday), bringing sunnier and drier conditions to much of New Zealand to start the weekend. Following a cooler Friday, temperatures are expected to rise again, with Central Otago forecast to reach highs of 32°C.

Boxing Day saw exceptionally wet conditions across the eastern coast of the North Island, with over 100mm of rainfall recorded in the Tairāwhiti ranges. Gisborne alone received more than a month’s worth of rain in just one day, pushing its December rainfall total to over 200mm—close to setting a record for the wettest December there since records began in 1937.

“Onshore winds have maintained a steady feed of rain into the east of the North Island over the last 24 hours,” says MetService Meteorologist John Law. “While the rain will begin to ease today, it’s expected to linger in the Wairoa District until Saturday morning.” A Heavy Rain Warning remains in place for Wairoa until midday on Saturday.

In addition to the rain, southwesterly winds are expected to approach severe gale force in coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Central regions of New Zealand are also experiencing windy conditions, with Strong Wind Watches issued for areas where exposed locations could see gales or severe gales.

Clearer skies are on the horizon for much of the country. “Saturday promises a dry and sunny day for most of New Zealand, particularly in the western North Island and the South Island,” says Law. “However, some cloud and lingering rain in the east, as well as increasing cloud in the far south, may dampen spirits slightly.”

Central Otago is poised to take the lead in temperatures, with Alexandra expected to reach 32°C on Saturday. “While it’ll be a hot day in Otago, the heat could spark an isolated evening shower,” Law adds.

Looking ahead, rain is forecast to return to the North Island early next week, bringing wet weather to the already saturated Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions. “As we approach New Year’s Eve, it’s a good idea to stay updated on the forecast, particularly for areas like Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, which may see a rainy end to 2024,” says Law.

Posted on

Lifestyle – Season’s Greetings: Setting Goals That Stick with Exercise New Zealand

Source: ExerciseNZ

With the holiday season upon us, ExerciseNZ encourages everyone to make movement a joyful part of their Christmas and New Year celebrations—embracing the opportunity to reflect on the strides made in 2024 and set inspiring goals for an active, thriving 2025.

The summer break in Aotearoa is a perfect time to unwind and reflect on the whirlwind of the past year. Staying active through exercise and movement not only helps us recharge but also releases those feel-good hormones that make the season even brighter. Whether it’s a family stroll, a refreshing beach run, or joining a group class, staying active enhances physical health while providing much-needed mental balance during this often-hectic time of year.

Globally, 31% of adults and 81% of adolescents fall short of the recommended physical activity levels. Alarmingly, New Zealand ranks among the worst in the world for physical inactivity, with more than 50% of adults and 90% of children not meeting these guidelines. Sedentary habits, such as prolonged sitting and excessive screen time, are increasingly common and linked to poor health outcomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (about 21 minutes a day) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (around 11 minutes a day) per week. As the New Year approaches, many people set resolutions to improve their health and fitness. To ensure your goals lead to lasting success, consider these tips to help you stay active and make exercise a consistent part of your daily routine:

Start small: Set realistic, specific goals, like walking for 20 minutes a day or attending two exercise classes a week.

Prioritise habits over outcomes: Focus on building sustainable routines, such as adding workouts to your calendar, rather than obsessing over results.

Make it social: Exercise with friends or join a group to stay accountable and make the experience more enjoyable.

Find your why: Stay motivated by connecting your goals to a meaningful purpose—whether it’s boosting your energy, improving your health, or being a role model for loved ones.

Celebrate progress: Recognise and reward your small wins to keep yourself inspired and committed to your journey.

In summary, ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie highlights that “exercise, specifically during this time of the year, is all about discovering enjoyable ways to stay active, whether it’s walking, cycling, or simply spending time playing with your whānau. Every bit of movement counts and supports better health.” ExerciseNZ wishes you a safe, festive, and active holiday—mā te wā!

Posted on

Disaster Relief – Fire and Emergency Urban Search and Rescue Vanuatu deployment ends

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has completed its role in the wider New Zealand Government response to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu last week.
The team of 40 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) specialists who deployed last week as part of a mission led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) are scheduled to depart Vanuatu on Friday 27 December.
The USAR team has completed a range of tasks while deployed, such as initial crisis response, securing key strategic assets such as transport routes, building and geotechnical assessments and advice, and critical repairs to government infrastructure.
Fire and Emergency National Commander Russell Wood is proud of the support the deployed team has provided to the people of Vanuatu and happy they are able to be home for the New Year.
“Our strong partnership with the French Defence Engineers and Australian USAR teams has resulted in a coordinated urban search and rescue effort, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and support,” he says.
“This was especially evident in our collaboration with the Australian USAR team at the Billabong site during the Search and Rescue phase.
“It has been a privilege to support the New Zealand Government response in supporting our Pacific neighbours in their time of need.
“While our involvement in the initial phase comes to an end, the New Zealand Government response and recovery efforts in Vanuatu continue, to help them get back on their feet.”
Posted on

Boxing Day tsunami 20th anniversary a tragic reminder of the importance of tsunami safety – NEMA

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

This Thursday marks 20 years since the tragic Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is asking the public to take time to remember the 230,000 lives lost, and to think about their own tsunami safety.

The Boxing Day tsunami claimed 230,000 lives across India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka on 26 December 2004.  NEMA’s Deputy Chief Executive Emergency Management John Price says a similar catastrophe could happen in Aotearoa.

John Price was deployed to Thailand in 2005 following the tsunami. He worked as the ante-mortem commander in the international disaster victim identification team as part of Operation Phuket.

“The Boxing Day tsunami is a tragic reminder of the devasting power of tsunamis, and a reminder that we need to learn and plan.  A tsunami is more than a wave – it is a wall of debris and destruction. I’ve seen first-hand the heartbreaking human toll that tsunamis can claim, and the same could happen here in Aotearoa.

“All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk of tsunami, and we have a lot of coastline. The Hikurangi fault along the North Island’s East Coast could cause a similar scale earthquake and tsunami to the subduction zone in the Indian Ocean that triggered the tragic events of 20 years ago.

“For a local tsunami, the first waves could arrive in minutes. There won’t be time for an official warning, so immediate self-evacuation is key to survival.. It’s important we all recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.,

“When you’re near the coast, remember – Long or Strong, Get Gone. That means, if you feel an earthquake that is long – longer than a minute, or strong – it’s hard to stand up, get gone – evacuate as soon as the shaking stops.”

John Price says it’s critical that people near the coast check if they’re in a tsunami zone, and if so, plan their escape route.

“You can check our National Tsunami Evacuation Zone Map – if you’re heading somewhere coastal this summer, just pop in the address of your campground or bach to find out if you’re in a tsunami zone. (ref. https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones )

 Give it a go now and practice your escape route. It’s a nifty tool that could save your life. Plan today so you can live for tomorrow.”

 Mr Price says a lot of progress has been made both internationally and locally to strengthen tsunami arrangements since the Boxing Day tsunami. New Zealand now has a 24/7 geohazards monitoring centre, a 24-7 NEMA Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting Centre, the Emergency Mobile Alert system, and the world’s second largest DART buoy (marine tsunami sensor) network. However, they key to tsunami safety remains the public taking the right actions to keep themselves safe.

Posted on

Save the Children – “I held strong to my baby brother and waited for the moment to come where we both are going to die”: One week on from devastating earthquake, families in Vanuatu still terrified

Source: Save the Children

On the eve of Christmas, Save the Children is helping deliver relief to families in Port Vila and prioritising children’s needs in child friendly spaces.
One week on from Vanuatu’s deadly 7.3 magnitude earthquake, families hit by the disaster are still reeling from the nightmarish moment the quake hit, highlighting the need for mental health assistance alongside urgent humanitarian priorities.
An estimated 2,806 people across 11 evacuation areas are facing a very different Christmas Day to the one they’d looked forward to, having fled their destroyed or damaged homes. These estimates are likely to rise as authorities reach isolated families.
Save the Children Vanuatu acting Country Director, Lavinia Mahit-Wasinabani, says, “Tomorrow, many people around the world are celebrating Christmas, but I know for us here in Vanuatu, the feeling is one of deep sadness, along with a sense of gratitude. So many of our families are struggling with trauma, even as try to help each other.”
Merelyn- and her 10-year-old son, Peter-, told Save the Children of the terrifying instant the quake tore their home apart, separating the mother from her son as he held his 9-month-old baby brother, each wondering who would die first. Merelyn: “I was looking across the divided house and ground, towards my son carrying the baby, waiting for the moment where either them or myself will be thrown down by the shake.”
Moments before, Merelyn had been in a different part of the house, sewing to get some extra money for Christmas, as Peter played with his baby brother. When the quake started, she thought it would be a small, “normal” earthquake, common for Vanuatu that lies in a seismically active area of the Pacific. But before she could grab the baby, the ground between them split apart, and Peter watched his mother as they were all thrown back and forth.
Peter: “When the ground starts to shake, I was really scared and don’t know what to do. I held strong to my baby brother and waited for the moment to come where we both are going to die.”
When the tremors stopped, Merelyn managed to jump across the rift and run with the children out of the house. Seconds later, the house collapsed. They watched the destruction alongside crying neighbours.
Merelyn: “I saw the house walls split symmetrically, with the ground open so wide … I was shocked by how much damage this earthquake caused.”
Children and their families have told Save the Children that they’re too scared to go back into their homes, preferring tents to their damaged houses, even in the heavy rains currently hitting the area. Their anxiety has been compounded by the frequent tremors and aftershocks, one even reaching 6.1 magnitude at the weekend.
Merelyn: I don’t think I am taking my family back to this community. We are now residing in an open space with pieces of tents pulled together. I know it will take time to find a new home for my family, but I know it’s best for the safety of my boys growing up.”
Research shows the importance of early intervention after disasters to help children’s mental health. Save the Children is standing ready to help deliver psychological first aid, and to help life approach normality for children, as safe housing returns and school buildings rebuilt.
According to the latest update from the Vanuatu Government, there have been 14 confirmed deaths and more than 210 injured, but as recovery and relief efforts continue, those numbers too are expected to increase.
In a sliding doors moment, 16-year-old Walley escaped being trapped in the Billabong store, one of the buildings in Port Vila destroyed by the earthquake.
He was on his way there to do some Christmas shopping when the earthquake struck.
“When the earthquake happened, I was in a bus near the golf course, to go to town. I was surprised the bus turned, I thought it had hit a hole and actually it was an earthquake,” he said. “I was shocked and traumatised. I didn’t know what to do”
Walley had planned to go earlier, along with his aunt, but by chance didn’t leave his home until the afternoon.
“If we had gone in the morning, I think I would have been at Billabong too, the building that collapsed.”
Save the Children Vanuatu’s acting Country Director Lavinia Mahit-Wasinabani says it is critical that families most impacted by the earthquakes receive urgent life-saving support, and that children remain a priority in the recovery efforts.
“Save the Children has been assisting families such as Peter and Wally’s by supporting the distribution of relief to families in evacuation centres, including hygiene kits and basic household items as well as setting up child friendly spaces, so children are able to process the events of the last week in a safe and welcoming space,” Ms Mahit- Wasinabani said.
“We know how traumatic this past week has been not only to the communities in Port Vila and across the impacted areas of Shefa Province, but even for our own staff, who are still picking up the pieces of their own lives.
“We are committed to working with partners, including the Government of Vanuatu, to ensure that children and their families receive the support they need to begin the long road to recovery. The people of Vanuatu are incredibly resilient in the face of multiple disasters, but the cumulative impact of these emergencies has taken a significant toll on our community.” Save the Children, along with partners, has set up a Child-Friendly Space at Kokoriko Manples, creating a safe haven for children aged 3-15 to recover and find joy amidst the chaos and will look to set up at places like the Vila Central Hospital and other much needed areas following requests from the Government.
Ms Mahit- Wasinabani says, “We welcomed 120 pikinini to the space, where we engaged them in play and activities to help ease the trauma they experienced. One child shared, ‘I was scared running around after the quake thinking there would be another one that will crack the ground open, but after our short play, I realized I was actually playing again freely without worrying about a shake.’ A community leader also reflected, ‘I just realized I am still living after hearing the loud laughter and playful noises from the children.”
Save the Children has a long history of responding to emergencies in the Pacific and Vanuatu and is currently supporting the Vanuatu Government to assess the earthquake’s impact. We are guided by the National Disaster Management Office’s plan for response and are currently working alongside partners to meet the needs of impacted communities.
Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Disaster READY Program, funded by the Australian Government, Save the Children is also working with communities across Vanuatu to develop disaster preparedness plans and conduct drills to prepare for emergencies.
Posted on

China: Five years on, activists jailed in ‘cruel’ 2019 crackdown must be released – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International

It is time to step up demands for the Chinese government to release human rights defenders detained after attending a social gathering five years ago, Amnesty International said today.

In December 2019, a number of human rights activists met in the southeastern city of Xiamen for a dinner and discussion of social issues. From the 26th of that month, and over the weeks that followed, Chinese authorities forcibly disappeared human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi and legal scholar Xu Zhiyong until they re-surfaced in government detention.

Amnesty International considers both men prisoners of conscience and has consistently advocated for their immediate and unconditional release.

“The Xiamen crackdown epitomizes the Chinese authorities’ all-out assault on civil society and the cruelty with which they treat peaceful rights advocates,” said Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International’s China Director.

At least five other activists were also targeted, and detained, for their affiliation with the gathering. In the months that followed, all seven activists were reportedly held in “residential surveillance at a designated location” (RSDL), a form of secret incommunicado detention that places detainees at increased risk of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

“Over the past five years, Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi – along with several of their companions – have endured arbitrary detention, torture and unfair trials, merely because they attended a private gathering and discussed the civil society situation and current affairs in China.”

Following closed-door trials, on 10 April 2023 Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi were sentenced to 14 and 12 years in prison respectively for “subverting state power”. In October 2024, Xu Zhiyong began a hunger strike to protest his treatment in prison, which included being harassed by fellow cellmates, apparently at the behest of prison officials.

“The continued imprisonment of Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi is an outrage, and the international community must ramp up pressure on the Chinese government to address this injustice and secure their release,” Sarah Brooks said.

Both Ding and Xu have been the subject of recommendations to Chinese authorities by multiple governments and by UN officials, including High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Yet concrete actions to demand access to these individuals or to increase the consequences to Chinese authorities for their crackdown on human rights defenders have not materialized.

“The harsh sentences meted out to Xu and Ding are meant to send a message: that to fight to defend one’s rights is unacceptable to the Chinese government. Yet they persisted, and now their family members carry on advocating for their release with that same conviction.”

Ding Jiaxi’s wife, Sophie Luo, told Amnesty International ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Xiamen gathering: “I know that attending a private gathering does not violate any laws, and these citizens should not be imprisoned for even a day. Therefore, I will fight tirelessly for the dismissal of this case.”

A support group active online coordinated by activists in and outside of China is collecting messages and prayers to share with Xu, despite censorship and the risk of government retaliation.

“The Chinese authorities must immediately release Ding and Xu and stop punishing all those who participated in the Xiamen gathering. The grim picture painted by their continued imprisonment should galvanize international condemnation for China’s crackdown on civil society,” Sarah Brooks said.

Background

Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi were prominent members of the New Citizens’ Movement, a loose network of activists founded by Xu in 2012 to promote government transparency and expose corruption. Both had been jailed previously due to their advocacy; Ding served three and a half years and was released in October 2016, while Xu – whose sentence was slightly longer – was released in 2017.

Xu and Ding appealed their 2023 convictions, but in November 2023, the Shandong Provincial High Court upheld the verdict and sentence against them. Both have now requested a second appeal.

In jail, Ding and Xu have been deprived of fundamental rights, including access to reading and writing materials; have severe restrictions on their right to communicate with family and friends; and have reported challenges seeking medical care. Possibly in response to his hunger strike, the Chinese authorities allowed Xu to meet with his lawyer on 26 November 2024. It appears that Xu has since stopped his hunger strike.

Human rights defenders in China continue to face intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention, as well as torture and other ill-treatment for defending human rights and exercising their freedoms of expression and association. Such retaliation often also extends to their family members and colleagues.

As in many cases of Chinese activists, friends and family of Xu and Ding have faced threats and harassment for speaking out. For years, Xu was not only prevented from seeing his family but lacked legal counsel of his choosing; three lawyers appointed by his family withdrew from representing Xu, reportedly due to threats and intimidation from Chinese authorities.

Other human rights activists targeted in connection with the Xiamen gathering include:

  • Chang Weiping was sentenced to three and a half years in prison; he has served his sentence and was released in July 2024 but remains subject to a travel ban
  • Li Qiaochu received a sentence of three years and eight months; she has served her sentence and was released in August 2024 but remains subject to a travel ban plus two years of deprivation of political rights
  • Zhang Zhongshun was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in November 2024
  • Dai Zhenya and Li Yingjun were released on bail after spending time in RSDL, and they are also subject to a travel ban.

Amnesty International considers a prisoner of conscience to be any person imprisoned solely because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, their ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, socio-economic status, birth, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other status, and who has not used violence or advocated violence or hatred in the circumstances leading to their detention.

Posted on

Transport – A bit more patience is good for all of us

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight organisation Transporting New Zealand is asking all road users to take extra care on the roads over Christmas and the summer holidays.
While most people are looking forward to a relaxing break and unwinding over the summer, road transport is a 24/7 business. Trucking companies keep delivering essential supplies at all hours of the day and night to ensure the economy keeps humming.
There will also be plenty of roadworks around the country, as NZTA takes advantage of the warmer and drier weather for the summer maintenance season.
“While we welcome the fact road crews are busy fixing New Zealand’s roads, this also means inevitable delays and hold-ups at a time when many people are on the road heading to their holiday spot,” says chief executive, Dom Kalasih.
He says patience is essential, and Transporting New Zealand fully supports the NZ Police in working to keep Kiwis safe on the roads.
“Trucks are restricted to 90 km/h, even on sections of road with a 110 km/h limit, so if you are a motorist, you may need to factor in taking a little more time for your journey.
“Don’t take risks, slow down, and always show courtesy to other road users.”
Kalasih says arriving a few minutes later than you originally planned is better than not arriving at all. Risk-taking behaviours by motorists also causes unnecessary anxiety for professional road users driving a truck.
Statistics show that New Zealand road deaths for 2024 were down on previous years – 270 for the year to December 16, compared with 319 for the same time in 2023.
However, New Zealand continues to compare poorly with other countries, recording 7.3 road fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 – well ahead of Australia and more than twice as many as the UK and some European countries, according to data published by the International Transport Forum.
“Although it’s very pleasing that road fatalities are down on last year, there is still plenty of scope for improvement. It’s essential that all road users are driving sober and rested, buckling up, avoiding distractions, and taking their time.”
As well as being patient and courteous towards other drivers, slow drivers – both cars and trucks – should pull over to let vehicles behind them pass when it is safe.
Making sure you belt up and avoiding all distractions like using mobile phones or fiddling with controls while driving are other ways to prevent a tragedy from occurring on the road.
If you see unsafe driving or a road incident, you should report it to the Police on 111, or [star] 555 if the road incident is urgent but not life-threatening (such as non-injury crashes, traffic congestion, breakdowns and obstructions on the highway).
Posted on

Weather News – Christmas day weather – MetService

Source: MetService

It’s a wet start to Christmas week as showers persist for most areas of Aotearoa/New Zealand today (Monday), especially in the east of the South Island where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued. A quieter, brighter and drier day of weather arrives on Christmas Eve. For Christmas Day the best of the weather is likely to be first thing ahead of cloudier skies and wetter weather moving in from the west.

For Monday, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the eastern half of the South Island, continuing the trend observed over the past weekend, where afternoons have seen areas of thunderstorms with localised downpours. There is also a moderate risk for afternoon thunderstorms over Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. Showers over the country are expected to ease late this evening or in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve is looking like the pick of the week, with sunny spells expected over much of New Zealand on Tuesday.  Late in the day, rain is forecast to arrive in Fiordland with an approaching front from the Tasman Sea. But what does this spell for the big day?

MetService Meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says: “A warm and sunny start is expected for most of the country on Christmas Day. Rain then spreads north along the western half of the South Island during Christmas morning and extends eastwards in the afternoon”. In the North Island, a dry Christmas morning is expected ahead of rain reaching the western half of the island during the afternoon, with Northland most likely to receive the first drops of rain. The rest of the North Island can expect rain later in the day.

“The east of the North Island, particularly Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, looks best placed to stay dry for much of Christmas Day and will also see some of the highest temperatures of the day. However, a few showers are expected to squeeze through the Manawatu Gorge during the afternoon, affecting parts of the Wairarapa,” Shiviti says.

“It is also looking like a good Christmas day weatherwise for New Zealanders in the far south of the North Island, namely Wellington and Kapiti, as rain is only expected to move onto these areas in the evening, if at all” continues Shiviti.

Rain is expected to persist over parts of Aotearoa/New Zealand on Boxing Day as a low-pressure system moves over northern areas. The wet conditions are expected to clear from the south of the South Island during the evening.

Posted on

Save the Children 2024 IN REVIEW: Why three child killer diseases rose globally this year

Source: Save the Children

Three child-killer diseases – dengue, cholera, and mpox – witnessed major resurgences in 2024 fuelled partly by climate crises and conflict, with these illnesses likely to cause significant strains on communities in 2025 without more focused global attention, said Save the Children.
More than 13,600 people, including children, are suspected or confirmed to have died from these three diseases this year, with cases of dengue and mpox reaching record highs. While there was a slight global decline in cases of cholera, the number of fatal cases of the virus jumped 126% from 2023.
It was a horror year for dengue fever in 2024, with cases of the mosquito-borne virus reaching the highest number on record at 13.3 million – more than double the 6.5 million cases in 2023 which was itself a record high [1]. Increased urbanisation and changes in climate and temperatures have fuelled the mosquitoes that spread the virus. The World Health Organization estimates that 4 billion people are currently at risk of dengue and related viruses and this will rise to 5 billion by 2050.
There were nearly half a million cases of cholera this year, with 3,432 deaths recorded by the end of September, when most recent data was available [2]. While the number of cases in 2024 is 16% lower than last year, there has been a 126% spike in deaths, according to the WHO. The increase in mortality is likely due to the location of the outbreaks in conflict-affected areas where access to healthcare is severely compromised, and regions experiencing flooding that has damaged critical infrastructure.
This year saw a major increase in cases and fatalities from the mpox virus, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024 by both the World Health Organization and the Africa Centre for Disease Control. This followed a surge of mpox infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries in Africa, with a major portion of cases and deaths being children, and a new circulating variety (known as a ‘clade’) of mpox a particular concern to children.
Beauty, 17, lives with her sister and her parents in an informal settlement in Lusaka, Zambia. Her community was hit by a major cholera outbreak earlier this year. Beauty said:
“Cholera, this current outbreak, has really impacted me and my family because my father had to stop work because of the outbreak, and my mother – she’s a teacher – she also had to stop work for the same issue. It was challenging for us in terms of finances and surviving, but, to God’s grace, we’re surviving. It’s important to have access to clean water because most of the diseases that happen, they happen because people drink contaminated water. So, if you drink clean water…then you can prevent yourself from getting diseases like cholera.”
Dr Revati Phalkey, Global Health and Nutrition Director, said:
“Currently, about half of the world’s population is not fully covered by essential, quality, affordable health services – denying them their right to health committed as part of universal health coverage ambitions. Health systems are under enormous pressure to deliver universal health coverage with the majority of countries experiencing worsening or no significant change in service coverage since the launch of the sustainable development goals in 2015.
“We need greater global investments to build strong health systems that are able to deliver essential health services especially vaccines and essential medicines while responding to global health emergencies, including emerging issues like mpox.
“It is time for governments and the international community to step up and ensure all children are protected against disease and have access to adequate health services when they need them and where they need them. Every child has the right to survive and thrive and it is our collective responsibility to deliver on this.”
While these headline grabbing illnesses saw rapid increases in cases or death rates in 2024, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death among children under 5, killing about 500,000 children a year.
However, new estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) show that the number of children dying from pneumonia dropped sharply from 693,000 in 2019 to 502,000 in 2021, the lowest number ever recorded. This 28% reduction is being attributed to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and underscores the power of preventing the spread of infection. That said, the impact of the climate crisis is likely to increase respiratory diseases such as pneumonia once again, affecting children the most impacted by inequality and poverty.
Meanwhile, children are particularly vulnerable to dengue fever because their immune systems are weaker than adults and they tend to play outside where there is less protection against the mosquitos. Children under five are at particular risk of developing dehydration and shock from dengue if they contract the illness, and children are most impacted if the illness incapacitates or kills their parents and other caregivers.
Mpox causes fever, rash and lesions all over the body, severe headaches and fatigue, with some children developing respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, mpox can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that requires immediate specialist medical attention.
Cholera takes a heavier toll on young children, especially those under the age of 5 who are at higher risk of severe dehydration and death during cholera outbreaks.
Around the world, Save the Children provides public healthcare for children and their families, including treatment for diseases like dengue, cholera and mpox, and works with schools and communities to improve awareness on how to prevent infection.
  • [1] Total number of dengue-related deaths globally in 2024 – 9600 see [2]; Total number of cholera and acute water diarrhea deaths in 2024 – 4018 see [3]; Total number of Mpox deaths in 2024 – 57 see [4]; Total number of deaths of the three diseases in 2024 – 13,675.
  • [2] According to the WHO Global Dengue Surveillance, since the beginning of 2024, over 13.3 million dengue cases and over 9600 dengue-related deaths have been reported globally. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/dengue_global/
  • [3] According to the WHO, from 1 January to 27 October 2024, a cumulative total of 486 760 cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases and 4018 deaths were reported from 33 countries across five WHO regions. While the number of cases reported in October 2024 is 42% lower than the same period in 2023, the number of deaths has increased by 54% – reflecting severe response challenges in outbreak settings [ https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-cholera–external-situation-report–20—20-november-2024]
  • [4] According to the WHO, as of 1 December 2024, in Africa there were 13 171 confirmed cases of Mpox, including 57 deaths reported by 20 countries. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/
Posted on

Fire Safety – Holidaymakers urged to take care with fires in Coromandel this summer

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand urges caution around any activity involving flames, heat or fire on the Coromandel Peninsula over the summer months.
Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim says conditions in the Coromandel do not require any changes to the current open fire season, but this is constantly being assessed.
“We are monitoring our local conditions closely as we see the devastating fires happening all over the motu,” he says.
“To stay informed and up to date on the current conditions, and check if there are any restrictions in place, head to www.checkitsalright.nz.
“Our beautiful Coromandel Peninsula attracts around 300,000 visitors in summer, and we urge caution regarding any fire activity – remember, it only takes one spark. 
“We appreciate visitors and residents taking as much care as possible, to keep our people, property, environment and wildlife safe this summer.
“Remember, check it’s alright before you light.”