Over 2 million girls and women globally suffer from untreated obstetric fistulas, a condition linked to prolonged or obstructed labor, according to the World Health Organization. The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula highlights the need for awareness and action to address this significant health issue affecting women worldwide.

Immunization has been credited with saving at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years, according to the World Health Organization. As World Immunization Week is observed, public health officials highlight the significant achievements of vaccination, including the eradication of diseases like smallpox.

Global cancer deaths are on the rise, with one in nine men and one in 12 women dying from the disease worldwide. The World Health Organization highlights an increasing global cancer burden and a growing need for services. In Africa, cancer is responsible for nearly one in six deaths, with cervical, breast, liver, prostate, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma being the most prevalent.

Over 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, according to the World Health Organization. The practice is most prevalent in 28 of the 30 countries in Africa where FGM is commonly practiced.

The annual Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November focuses on education, empowerment, and eradication of lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and medical care. Smoking is identified as the leading cause, responsible for 85% of cases, but non-smokers are also affected. The WHO reports 1.8 million global deaths and 2.2 million new cases in 2020. Oncologist Dr. Catherine Nyongesa highlights the challenges in early detection and diagnosis, often leading to advanced-stage identification. Risk factors include secondhand smoke, occupational hazards, and air pollution. The WHO advocates for early detection programs and primary prevention measures to reduce lung cancer incidence and save lives.

In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases globally, with 9.7 million deaths. The WHO predicts over 35 million new cases by 2050, attributing the rise to aging populations and increased exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, infections, UV exposure, and obesity. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasizes the need for investment in cancer services to address treatment inequalities, especially in low-income countries. In Africa, cancer accounts for nearly 1 in 6 deaths, with breast cancer being the deadliest for women. The WHO and International Atomic Energy Agency's Rays of Hope Initiative aims to improve access to radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging in low- and middle-income countries.

TikTok has agreed to collaborate with Kenya on reviewing and monitoring its content following a virtual meeting between Kenya’s president William Ruto and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. The partnership is a response to concerns raised by a Kenyan citizen about indecent content on the platform.

The Global Terrorism Index 2023 report highlights a significant increase in terrorist attacks in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, which now accounts for more terrorism deaths than South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa combined. The report notes a 2,000% increase in terrorism in the region over the past 15 years. Survivors of past attacks, like Lilian Munyiva from Kenya, continue to live with trauma. Recent al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya have resulted in the deaths of at least 30 security personnel. Kenyan officials, including Kithure Kindiki, are enhancing security measures. The United Nations, led by António Guterres and Vladimir Voronkov, is launching initiatives to support and amplify the voices of terror victims and survivors. The deadliest terrorist groups in 2022 were identified as the Islamic State and its affiliates, al-Shabaab, Balochistan Liberation Army, and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin.

More than 12,000 delegates, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, are expected to attend the Africa Climate Summit from September 4-6. Kenya's Ministry of Health is preparing to provide medical assistance, while Kenya's cabinet secretary for environment, Soipan Tuiya, confirmed over 12,500 delegates from 130 countries. The summit aims to express African solidarity in managing the climate crisis and will focus on topics like climate finance, food sovereignty, and water investments. The Nairobi Declaration on Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions will be launched to invite global partnerships. The summit will bring together leaders, organizations, and civil society to design and accelerate climate change solutions for Africa.

The United Nations marks its seventh Global Road Safety Week, highlighting the alarming rate of road fatalities, particularly among young people. Sabine Machel, U.N. Resident Coordinator in Tiblisi, Georgia, calls for improved road quality and vehicle safety. Personal stories from Gladys Some and Husseina Islam underscore the human impact of road accidents. The World Bank's Alex Van Trotsenburg emphasizes the economic benefits of road safety. The U.N. aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030 through comprehensive transport system improvements.