Health Alerts: Spike in Child TB and Global Bird Flu Updates

The World Health Organization reported a 10% increase in child TB infections in Europe's region, while bird flu cases continue to spread globally, with the UK and Bangladesh reporting new outbreaks. Malnutrition in Yemen, malaria in Congo, and concerns of HIV infections after a US aid freeze were also highlighted.

The World Health Organization has called for urgent public health measures as child tuberculosis (TB) cases in the European region saw a significant 10% increase in 2023. The region, home to 53 countries, recorded over 7,500 cases among children, raising concerns about ongoing transmission.

Meanwhile, Yemen's western coastal areas face a dire malnutrition crisis, with UNICEF labeling the situation near catastrophic in regions like Hodeidah, where severe and acute malnutrition is prevalent.

The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed a deadly disease outbreak in its Equateur province was malaria, accounting for 52 deaths earlier this year. In related news, the emergence of bird flu in a sheep in the UK marks a new development in the global spread of the H5N1 virus, prompting pandemic fears.

(With inputs from agencies.)