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Based on evidence indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) has advised the World Health Organization (WHO) that this variant should be designated as a VOC, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a Variant of Concern (VOC) named Omicron. WHO

The number of people in need of humanitarian food assistance across northern Ethiopia has spiked as a direct result of ongoing conflict, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday. UNTV CH

WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on all governments to “implement a comprehensive and tailored approach of public health and social measures” to prevent COVID-19 transmission and “take the pressure off health systems and save lives." WHO

Amid escalating conflict in Yemen, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that access to lifesaving aid is becoming harder for civilians in Marib governorate, including more than one million people who are estimated to be displaced there. UNTV CH

Political will along with arms control management critical in stemming illicit trade of small arms, light weapons, speakers tell Security Council.

Political will along with arms control management critical in stemming illicit trade of small arms, light weapons, speakers tell Security Council.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said it was concerned that legal action is under way in Russia “seeking to close down Memorial, among the country’s most respected human rights groups,” according to a spokesperson. UNTV CH

The World Health Organization (WHO) commemorated a Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination and welcomed groundbreaking new initiatives to end the devastating disease, which claims the lives of over 300,000 women each year. WHO

Security Council adopts presidential statement highlighting importance of preventive diplomacy in maintaining international peace, security.

The fourth WHO global tobacco trends report released today, shows that there are 1.30 billion tobacco users globally compared to 1.32 billion in 2015. This number is expected to drop to 1.27 billion by 2025. WHO