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Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 31, 2025 Healthcare

Six years ago, on December 31, 2019, the first reports of an unknown pneumonia spreading in Wuhan emerged – thus began the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2023, after more than 6.9 million deaths had been confirmed, the WHO declared the end of the global health emergency. However, the virus itself has not disappeared.

Recent studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, together with partners from seven countries, demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to lead to hospitalizations and deaths in the European Region. Furthermore, the latest vaccines are the most effective way to prevent severe disease.

COVID-19 remains dangerous

The EuroSAVE network, established in 2021 to monitor the spread of severe respiratory infections, analyzed nearly 4,000 hospitalizations in six countries between May 2023 and April 2024. Nearly 10 percent of the patients studied were infected with COVID-19. More than two-thirds of those infected were over 60 years of age or had chronic health conditions—the very groups the WHO recommends annual booster vaccination. In reality, only 3 percent of patients in these countries had received a vaccination in the previous 12 months.

COVID-19 continues to lead to severe outcomes: 13 percent of patients were admitted to intensive care, and 11 percent died. A comparative study from 2022 to 2024 showed that those hospitalized with COVID-19 were more likely to require oxygen support, intensive care, and had a higher risk of death than patients with the common flu.

High vaccine efficacy

Two other EuroSAVE studies confirmed the high efficacy of existing vaccines. One, based on data from Kosovo, found that receiving the vaccine in the last six months reduced the risk of hospitalization by 72 percent and the risk of severe outcomes by 67 percent. Another study, conducted in six countries, showed a 60 percent reduction in hospitalizations.

WHO emphasizes the importance of annual booster vaccination for older people, patients with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems, pregnant women and health care workers.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 31, 2025 Humanitarian aid

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the Israeli authorities' decision to suspend the activities of numerous humanitarian organizations in the Gaza Strip "outrageous."

Thirty-seven international humanitarian organizations may reportedly lose their licenses to operate in the Gaza Strip starting January 1. These include key UN partners, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, which plays a critical role in running five feeding centers that provide assistance to children with severe malnutrition.

According to Türk, this is the latest in a series of illegal restrictions on the population's access to humanitarian aid, including Israel's ban on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He also noted attacks on Israeli and Palestinian NGOs.

"I call on all states, especially those with influence, to take urgent action and ensure that Israel immediately allows unimpeded aid to enter the Gaza Strip," Türk said.

He stressed that such arbitrary decisions to suspend humanitarian operations worsen the already dire situation in which the residents of Gaza find themselves.

"I remind the Israeli authorities that they have an obligation – under international law – to ensure the availability of basic necessities for daily life in Gaza, including by allowing and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid," Türk said.

Six children died due to heavy rains

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that a sixth child has died in the Gaza Strip this month due to harsh living conditions associated with heavy rains.

UNICEF said in a statement that the latest victim was seven-year-old Ata Mai. He drowned on December 27 during a flood in a makeshift camp for internally displaced persons in Sudan, northwest of Gaza City.

The Children's Fund notes that extreme winter conditions are exacerbated by the lack of safe shelters.

"Teams visiting camps for displaced people report appalling conditions that no child should be living in, with many tents blown away or completely destroyed," said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Begbederon.

Ata lived in a camp of about 40 tents. All his brothers and sisters were under 10 years old, and the family had already lost their mother during the war. UNICEF is currently providing the family with essential assistance, including blankets and tarpaulins.

The Gaza Strip faces a severe housing crisis: more than 1.9 million people are displaced, and only limited shelter materials are reaching the enclave.

Together with its partners, UNICEF is providing support to thousands of affected families. This includes installing temporary water pipes, distributing hygiene supplies, tarpaulins, and blankets, providing access to toilets, cleaning and restoring sewer pipes, clearing storm drains, and protecting tents from flooding.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.