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The number of children dying under five years of age declined by two thirds over the past two decades in Southern Asia, according to new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Division and the World Bank Group. Southern Asia includes nine countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The report reveals that the number of child deaths under 5 years of age decreased from 5 million in 1990 to 1.3 million in 2022.  The report also shows that Southern Asia’s under five mortality rate, or the probability that a child would die before five years of age, reduced by 72 per cent since 1990, and 62 per cent since 2000.

“We have made heartening progress to save millions of children’s lives since 1990.  These aren’t just numbers on a page – these are children’s lives saved, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. This success is largely due to investments in trained health workers, improvements in newborn care, treatment of childhood illnesses and vaccinations for children against deadly diseases,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for Southern Asia. “This progress shows us that change is possible. These lives saved are testament to the engagement and will of governments, local organizations, health care professionals such as skilled birth attendants, parents, and families to save the most vulnerable children.” ...

Despite this progress, however, much more needs to be done...

The report also reveals that progress among countries is uneven. Three countries (Iran, Sri Lanka and Maldives) have achieved the SDG 2030 target for under five child mortality reduction and four are on track to meet the target (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal). For example, Bangladesh’s neonatal mortality rate decreased from 66 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990, to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022.

However, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, urgent action is required to accelerate their annual rates of reduction substantially to meet 2030 targets...

“We call on governments across the region to invest in simple solutions such as having trained birth attendants at every birth, ensuring that all newborns have essential care, better care of small and sick newborn babies, medicines, clean water, electricity, and vaccines to save lives. Every child has the right to healthcare.”

Greater Los Angeles wildfires

The Greater Los Angeles area has long been susceptible to wildfires, a phenomenon that has become an annual fixture due to the region’s Mediterranean climate, dry brush, and strong seasonal winds. Wildfires in this area, often referred to as "LA fires," are both a natural and devastating occurrence, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, residents, and emergency responders.

Severity and Frequency: Wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles region have increased in both frequency and intensity over recent years, exacerbated by climate change, drought, and urban sprawl. The 2018 Woolsey Fire and the 2020 Bobcat Fire are among the most significant examples of recent devastation. These fires, along with others like the 2007 Griffith Park Fire and 2014 San Fernando Valley Fires, have ravaged large swathes of land, destroying homes, forcing thousands of people to evacuate, and disrupting daily life.

The impact is not limited to the physical destruction of homes and infrastructure; the loss of natural habitats and wildlife is equally tragic. Forests, chaparral, and other ecosystems that rely on periodic fires for regeneration are devastated, and animals are displaced or perish. Smoke pollution is also a major concern, affecting air quality across the region and even spreading to neighboring states.

Preparedness and Response: One of the strengths of the Los Angeles area when it comes to wildfire management is the rapid and coordinated response of local agencies, particularly the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Cal Fire, and other regional firefighting units. These agencies are equipped with the latest technology, including fire-retardant planes, helicopters, and ground crews, to combat wildfires. However, despite their best efforts, the sheer scale and unpredictable nature of these fires often result in overwhelming situations, especially when fires spread quickly due to high winds or difficult terrain.

Evacuation plans, public alerts, and community preparedness programs are crucial in mitigating the impact of wildfires. Unfortunately, some neighborhoods in wildfire-prone areas are still underprepared, which can lead to tragic outcomes. The public's awareness of fire dangers has improved over the years, but ongoing education remains necessary to minimize risks and casualties.

Environmental Consequences: Beyond the immediate destruction caused by wildfires, the environmental aftermath is long-lasting. While fire can play a natural role in certain ecosystems by clearing out dead vegetation, the intensity and frequency of these fires have outpaced nature's ability to recover. Wildfires in urban-adjacent areas are particularly harmful because of their impact on water supplies, air quality, and local wildlife, many of which struggle to adapt to the increasingly volatile environment.

The rebuilding process is not only financially costly but also environmentally taxing, as there is often a need to balance restoration with sustainability. There’s also the added issue of the loss of carbon sequestration capacity in areas that burn, which further contributes to the cycle of climate change.

Conclusion: Wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area are a constant and evolving challenge. While the region is well-equipped to handle these events, the frequency and scale of these disasters continue to test the limits of preparedness, response, and recovery. As climate change intensifies, it’s crucial that both residents and authorities adapt to new methods of fire management, land use, and ecological restoration.

Sunday 18th June 2017

Palm trees and coconuts

Sunday 18th June 2017

Sunset Cricket Pt III