The prevalence of malnutrition in the region fell to 6.4 percent in 2024, down from seven percent in 2023, which is a significant improvement, according to the report.
This progress results in 25 million people escaping hunger in just one year.
However, progress is uneven, with nearly 80 percent of the population living in South Asia at risk. Overall, the Asia and Pacific region still accounts for almost 40 percent of the world’s hungry.
Cost is the culprit
By 2024, 24.4 percent of children under five were disabled, with South Asia having the highest prevalence. On the other hand, adult obesity continues to rise, especially 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 at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
Among other key recommendations, the report calls on countries to strengthen multi-sectoral policies that address food insecurity and nutrition.
Key Gaza’s water pipeline has been repaired, but conditions remain dire
In Gaza, an important water pipeline in the south is back up and running after a repair team was given access to the site by Israeli authorities.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a week ago that the main water pipeline running from Israel to 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 come to the site and make repairs was denied at the time.
Preparation 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 supplies, sanitation, nutrition and humanitarian cash transfers for children and families.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also highlighted the critical need for safe and robust shelters.
With assistance from the Republic of Korea, the agency has replaced more than 800 worn-out tents for displaced Gazans, but this is just the beginning, UNDP insisted.
New influenza strain circulating in Europe, says WHO
The early arrival of seasonal flu has continued to sweep 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 flu-like symptoms tested positive for the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
New variant dominates
The UN agency confirmed that a new flu variant called A (H3N2) now accounts for up to 90 percent of all confirmed cases in the European region.
“It shows how even a small genetic variation in the flu virus can put enormous pressure on our health systems because people haven’t built up immunity to it,” said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
He also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated quickly.
As in previous episodes of influenza, school-age children are the primary drivers of community spread. But adults at least 65 years old are usually most at risk, accounting for the majority of severe cases requiring hospitalization.
