Entries by Circle Blue

Study Highlights Compound Effect of Hurricanes and Covid-19

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Hurricane evacuations could increase the health risks of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States, according to a Columbia University study. The study found that storms rated as a Category 3 or higher could increase Covid-19 infections by thousands of cases if evacuations are not well managed. Researchers from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences […]

Pacific Region Prepares for Covid-19 with Water, Nutrition, Sustainability Projects

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The Pacific Community and European Union began three new projects today aimed to tackle the impacts of Covid-19 and assist long-term recovery in the Pacific region. The projects will provide immediate support for food and nutrition security across 12 Pacific countries, improve sustainable energy security for the Federated States of Micronesia, and increase access to […]

New Funding for Sudan Supports Climate-Resilient Food and Water Security

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The Green Climate Fund, along with the United Nations Development Program, signed a $25.6 million grant with the government of Sudan to promote food and water security in the country. The project is expected to support 1.2 million farmers and nomadic herders directly and 2.5 million people indirectly. “Addressing the impact of climate change is […]

At Greek Refugee Camp, Women’s Hygiene Products are Scarce

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Menstrual hygiene and sanitizing products are scarce at the large Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, according to the Women’s Media Center. Since the start of the pandemic, the two main women’s hygiene providers at the camp have had to switch focus to other Covid-19 essential services. Distribution of sanitary pads has […]

Kenyan Youth-led Groups Take Lead on Covid-19 Prevention

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Youth-led organizations in Kenya are working to stop the spread of Covid-19 in informal settlements by building handwashing stations, according to UN-Habitat. With support from UN-Habitat and other government, non-profit, and private partners, there have been an estimated 1.5 million hands washed since the work began 5 months ago. The “One Stop Centers” started with […]

Report: When Reopening Schools, Don’t Forget About Lead

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The Environmental Working Group reported this week that schools may want to test their water for lead and bacteria before reopening this fall. Many school buildings shut down in the spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and water has sat in pipes for months. This stagnant water, if not flushed, could prove a health risk […]

WHO, UNICEF Report Highlights Need for WASH as Schools Reopen

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The World Health Organization released a report this week emphasizing the need for hygiene, sanitation, and handwashing facilities in schools around the world. As children head back to the classroom this fall, access to these WASH services is an important step for children’s safety. The report, published in collaboration with UNICEF, highlighted that 43 percent […]

Niger Receives Handwashing Stations From UNICEF to Curb Covid-19

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Niger’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation received four new vehicles and 362 handwashing stations from the United Nations Children’s Fund this week. The move is part of an effort to extend water and sanitation services to all of the country’s residents. The new handwashing devices will be installed in 54 facilities, 71 public places, and […]

Lack of Clean Water, Services Endanger Inmates in Nicaragua

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Prisons in Nicaragua are massive spreading grounds for Covid-19, according to Amnesty International. While the Ortega administration downplays the pandemic, a lack of safe drinking water and medical services, along with constant overcrowding, have endangered the lives of inmates across the country, the nonprofit group says. The Jorge Navarro prison complex or “El Modelo,” the […]