Evening Brief – 21st of Oct

Today’s briefing covers worsening humanitarian emergencies, deadly accidents, public health developments, education funding and new government initiatives.

Top Stories

1. UNICEF Reports Ongoing Child Casualties and Severe Conditions in Gaza Despite Ceasefire – UNICEF reports that more than 340 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire announcement, while severe conditions continue.
2. UN Aid Agency Warns Millions Face Deepening Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan – Nearly 16 million people in Afghanistan face crisis-level hunger, including about 3.4 million in emergency conditions, according to a UN aid agency.
3. Over 1,900 Children Orphaned or Separated by Ebola in Eastern DR Congo, UNICEF Reports – More than 1,900 children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have lost or been separated from caregivers during an Ebola outbreak.
4. Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Coast of Djibouti, Leaving at Least 139 Dead – At least 139 people, including 15 children, died after a migrant boat carrying more than 300 people capsized off Djibouti.
5. Escalating Conflict and Fuel Shortages Threaten Water Access for 1.6 Million Children in Taiz, UNICEF Warns – Fighting and fuel shortages in Taiz, Yemen, are threatening water systems serving about 3 million people, including 1.6 million children.
6. School Roof Collapse in Peshawar Leaves at Least 29 Dead, UNICEF Reports – A school roof collapse in Peshawar killed at least 28 children and one teacher and injured more than 100 people.
7. At Least 12 Children Reportedly Killed in Attacks in Sudan, UNICEF Reports – At least 12 children were reportedly killed in two attacks in Sudan’s West Kordofan and Khartoum states.
8. FDA Approves Hibsago as First Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B – The FDA approved Hibsago as the first antisense oligonucleotide treatment for certain adults with chronic hepatitis B without cirrhosis.
9. Federal and NSW Governments Finalize $560 Million Free TAFE Agreement – Australia and New South Wales signed a $560 million agreement to provide about 160,000 fee-free TAFE training places.
10. NSW Passes Legislation to Establish Future Jobs and Investment Authority for Coal Regions – New South Wales passed legislation creating an authority to support workers and communities in the state’s four coal-producing regions.
11. Justice Department Launches Up-Front Whistleblower Rewards Program for Fraud Tips – The U.S. Justice Department launched a program offering early financial rewards for fraud tips that lead to criminal charges.