Breastfeeding ‘for a healthier planet’

World Breastfeeding Week got underway on Saturday, with the UN urging communities everywhere to “support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”. Health agency (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a joint call for governments to protect and promote women’s access to skilled breastfeeding counselling – a critical component of breastfeeding support. More

No end in sight to COVID crisis, and its impact will last for ‘decades to come’

Expressing “appreciation for WHO and partners’ COVID-19 pandemic response efforts”, the emergency committee convened by the UN health agency’s chief, made it clear that there is not yet an end in sight to the public health crisis that has so far infected more than 17 million and killed over 650,000 people. More

Launch of policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on Southeast Asia

As in other parts of the world, the health, economic and political impact of COVID-19 has been significant across Southeast Asia — hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. The pandemic has highlighted deep inequalities, shortfalls in governance and the imperative for a sustainable development pathway. And it has revealed new challenges, including to peace and security. More

Its Time To Recognise The Critical Contribution Nurses And Midwives Make To Global Health!

“Women-centred care is vital and the strong bond that I form with the woman is an essential part of their experience.”

“During my own pregnancy and birth journey, I was in awe of the midwives who cared for me; they were such positive, passionate professionals. From this moment, I knew that I wanted to be ‘that person’ for someone else”, said Adele Close, a Registered Nurse/Midwife from Calvary Lenah Valley, Tasmania.

Adele became a Midwife after 15 years of working in advertising/design industry. She says that during the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives are so privileged to be part of a newborn’s first few days of life, often before grandparents and siblings have even met their new addition. These are unique circumstances, and Adele feels honoured to support these families as they adjust to their new lives during these unprecedented times.

Adele enjoys the flexibility that this profession offers as it gives her the opportunity to be involved in my children’s schooling and extra curricula activities and ensures she keeps fit by playing hockey and walking with her family.

This year the World Health Organisation has declared 2020 as the International Year of Nurses and Midwives and we at UNIC Canberra are deeply appreciative for the opportunity to email- interview some of the healthcare workers from Calvary, a Health, Community and Aged Care provider across Australia, who spoke to us about what inspired them to take nursing as a profession, how they balance work and personal life, their COVID-19 stories of ingenuity and advice to the younger generation.

Secretary-General’s video message for the Launch of the Policy Brief entitled “COVID-19 in an Urban World”

Urban areas are ground zero of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 90 per cent of reported cases.

Cities are bearing the brunt of the crisis – many with strained health systems, inadequate water and sanitation services, and other challenges.

This is especially the case in poorer areas, where the pandemic has exposed deeply rooted inequalities. Continue reading →

Temporary Basic Income to protect the world’s poorest people could slow the surge in COVID-19 cases, says UNDP

The immediate introduction of a Temporary Basic Income for the world’s poorest people could slow the current surge in COVID-19 cases by enabling nearly three billion people to stay at home, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report named Temporary Basic Income: Protecting Poor and Vulnerable People in Developing Countries .

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