Save the Children on Tuesday confirmed that two of its staff were killed in a Christmas Eve massacre which is being blamed on military junta troops. The massacre left charred bodies of more &nbsp;than 30 people on a highway located in eastern Myanmar.

Fighters opposing military junta said that they found 30 burnt bodies. Those dead included women and children. The highway where the bodies were found is in Kayah state where &nbsp;pro-democracy rebels have been fighting the military.

Save the Children later said two of its staff members had been caught up in the incident and were missing.

Myanmar has been in chaos since the February coup, with more than 1,300 people killed in a crackdown by security forces, according to a local monitoring group. 
Self-proclaimed "People's Defence Forces" have sprung up across the country to fight the junta, and drawn the military into a bloody stalemate of clashes and reprisals.

On Tuesday Save the Children confirmed in a statement that the two men were "among at least 35 people, including women and children, who were killed."

"The military forced people from their cars, arrested some, killed many and burnt the bodies," it said, adding the two men were both new fathers.

"This news is absolutely horrifying," said chief executive Inger Ashing.

"We are shaken by the violence carried out against civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar."

(With inputs from agencies)

Save the Children on Tuesday confirmed that two of its staff were killed in a Christmas Eve massacre which is being blamed on military junta troops. The massacre left charred bodies of more than 30 people on a highway located in eastern Myanmar.

Save the Children on Tuesday confirmed that two of its staff were killed in a Christmas Eve massacre which is being blamed on military junta troops. The massacre left charred bodies of more than 30 people on a highway located in eastern Myanmar. Fighters opposing military junta said that they found 30 burnt bodies. Those dead included women and children. The highway where the bodies were found is in Kayah state where pro-democracy rebels have been fighting the military. Save the Children later said two of its staff members had been caught up in the incident and were missing. Myanmar has been in chaos since the February coup, with more than 1,300 people killed in a crackdown by security forces, according to a local monitoring group. Self-proclaimed "People's Defence Forces" have sprung up across the country to fight the junta, and drawn the military into a bloody stalemate of clashes and reprisals. On Tuesday Save the Children confirmed in a statement that the two men were "among at least 35 people, including women and children, who were killed." "The military forced people from their cars, arrested some, killed many and burnt the bodies," it said, adding the two men were both new fathers. "This news is absolutely horrifying," said chief executive Inger Ashing. "We are shaken by the violence carried out against civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar." (With inputs from agencies)

Save the Children confirms death of two staffers in Myanmar massacre

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, every day around 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk.&nbsp;

Both outdoor and household air pollution is a threat to health across the globe. &nbsp;

More than 40 per cent of the world’s population is exposed to high levels of household air pollution from mainly cooking with polluting technologies and fuels.&nbsp;

Air pollution was the 4th leading risk factor for early death worldwide in 2019 (State of Global Air 2020). Air pollution is estimated to have contributed to 6.67 million deaths worldwide in 2019.&nbsp;

The air quantity index (AQI) is a way to measure air pollution levels. It takes into account five chief pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5. More than half of the Indian population gets exposed to PM2·5 greater than the annual limit recommended by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Lancet study estimates that 8.8 per cent of under-5 deaths in India could be attributed to air pollution in 2017.&nbsp;

According to the 2019 World Air Quality Report, India is home to 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, where air quality can be as much as ten times over the safe limits of air pollution recommended by WHO.&nbsp;

Why are children at higher risk?

Children are more susceptible than adults to air pollution as their lungs, brains and immune systems are still developing and their respiratory tracks are more permeable. Children also breathe more air per kilogram of body weight, so their exposure to air pollution is much greater than adults. &nbsp;

What are the effects of air pollution on children’s health and development?

Air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age. Air pollution can also cause asthma, childhood cancers, chronic diseases, poor lung function, pneumonia and other types of acute lower respiratory infection.&nbsp;

Together, household air pollution from cooking and ambient (outside) air pollution cause more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries.&nbsp;

Every third child in Delhi has impaired lungs due to the high level of pollutants that are present in the city's air.&nbsp;

A study from Bangladesh found a pneumonia incidence among children under 5 increased by 3.2 per cent for every PM2.5 increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air -- a standard measure in air pollution analysis.&nbsp;

Pregnant women exposed to polluted air are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birth-weight children.&nbsp;

Air pollution accounts for 20 per cent of newborn deaths worldwide, most related to complications of low birth weight and preterm birth. Of neonatal deaths attributable to air pollution, nearly two-thirds are related to household air pollution.&nbsp;

A recent study from India revealed a negative impact of exposure to air pollution during the first trimester of pregnancy on child growth indicators. Prolonged exposure to polluted air also negatively impacts neurodevelopment in children. Air pollution affects children's learning process by exacerbating respiratory illnesses, fatigue, school absenteeism and attention problems.

The relationship of air pollution and covid pandemic on child health is interesting. Lockdowns resulted in a temporary reduction in air pollution levels but the situation has become worse again after lifting of covid restrictions. There is also evidence that air pollution may increase the risk of covid infection by affecting the body’s immunity.

Government’s Response

Several factors have been identified for polluted air, namely- Industrial emissions, automobile emissions, stubble burning, construction and demolition activities, use of unsafe fuels for cooking etc.&nbsp;

India has taken several steps at the central and state level to control pollution and improve air quality—be it the use of CNG, the odd-even measures in Delhi, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for clean fuel, or the National Clean Air Programme.&nbsp;

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.&nbsp;

In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, NACP implementation has faced a number of challenges. The program also focussed on 122 big cities only. A parliamentary committee too has acknowledged the lack of air pollution data from smaller cities and towns and the need for more transparency in the monitoring of NACP.&nbsp;

A large scale survey study from India found a homogenous effect of air pollution on child health in both NACP and non-NACP cities.&nbsp;

Save the Children’s Role

Save the Children advocates for the need for clean air, through participation in Multisectoral convergence meetings at the national and state levels on child health- where air pollution is also part of discussions.

The organisation advocates and works for ensuring a safe environment, especially in schools and anganwadis.

Save the Children with partners have supported the Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, Government of India in drafting Childhood Pneumonia Management guidelines that include reduction of air pollution as a key preventive intervention.

Way Forward

With the recent announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2070, the time to act is now.

The right combination of political will, appropriate implementation, and a strong compliance mechanism from both the government and private sector are required to move forward.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, every day around 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, every day around 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Both outdoor and household air pollution is a threat to health across the globe. More than 40 per cent of the world’s population is exposed to high levels of household air pollution from mainly cooking with polluting technologies and fuels. Air pollution was the 4th leading risk factor for early death worldwide in 2019 (State of Global Air 2020). Air pollution is estimated to have contributed to 6.67 million deaths worldwide in 2019. The air quantity index (AQI) is a way to measure air pollution levels. It takes into account five chief pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5. More than half of the Indian population gets exposed to PM2·5 greater than the annual limit recommended by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Lancet study estimates that 8.8 per cent of under-5 deaths in India could be attributed to air pollution in 2017. According to the 2019 World Air Quality Report, India is home to 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, where air quality can be as much as ten times over the safe limits of air pollution recommended by WHO. Why are children at higher risk? Children are more susceptible than adults to air pollution as their lungs, brains and immune systems are still developing and their respiratory tracks are more permeable. Children also breathe more air per kilogram of body weight, so their exposure to air pollution is much greater than adults. What are the effects of air pollution on children’s health and development? Air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost one in 10 deaths in children under five years of age. Air pollution can also cause asthma, childhood cancers, chronic diseases, poor lung function, pneumonia and other types of acute lower respiratory infection. Together, household air pollution from cooking and ambient (outside) air pollution cause more than 50 per cent of acute lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. Every third child in Delhi has impaired lungs due to the high level of pollutants that are present in the city's air. A study from Bangladesh found a pneumonia incidence among children under 5 increased by 3.2 per cent for every PM2.5 increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air -- a standard measure in air pollution analysis. Pregnant women exposed to polluted air are more likely to give birth prematurely and have small, low birth-weight children. Air pollution accounts for 20 per cent of newborn deaths worldwide, most related to complications of low birth weight and preterm birth. Of neonatal deaths attributable to air pollution, nearly two-thirds are related to household air pollution. A recent study from India revealed a negative impact of exposure to air pollution during the first trimester of pregnancy on child growth indicators. Prolonged exposure to polluted air also negatively impacts neurodevelopment in children. Air pollution affects children's learning process by exacerbating respiratory illnesses, fatigue, school absenteeism and attention problems. The relationship of air pollution and covid pandemic on child health is interesting. Lockdowns resulted in a temporary reduction in air pollution levels but the situation has become worse again after lifting of covid restrictions. There is also evidence that air pollution may increase the risk of covid infection by affecting the body’s immunity. Government’s Response Several factors have been identified for polluted air, namely- Industrial emissions, automobile emissions, stubble burning, construction and demolition activities, use of unsafe fuels for cooking etc. India has taken several steps at the central and state level to control pollution and improve air quality—be it the use of CNG, the odd-even measures in Delhi, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for clean fuel, or the National Clean Air Programme. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, NACP implementation has faced a number of challenges. The program also focussed on 122 big cities only. A parliamentary committee too has acknowledged the lack of air pollution data from smaller cities and towns and the need for more transparency in the monitoring of NACP. A large scale survey study from India found a homogenous effect of air pollution on child health in both NACP and non-NACP cities. Save the Children’s Role Save the Children advocates for the need for clean air, through participation in Multisectoral convergence meetings at the national and state levels on child health- where air pollution is also part of discussions. The organisation advocates and works for ensuring a safe environment, especially in schools and anganwadis. Save the Children with partners have supported the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in drafting Childhood Pneumonia Management guidelines that include reduction of air pollution as a key preventive intervention. Way Forward With the recent announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2070, the time to act is now. The right combination of political will, appropriate implementation, and a strong compliance mechanism from both the government and private sector are required to move forward.

Opinion | Air pollution and child health: Time to act is now!

Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;on Saturday urged&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;to halt the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the&nbsp;children.

Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta&nbsp;over&nbsp;several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-dozens-rescued-as-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-spains-tenerife-373576">Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife</a>&nbsp;

This was widely seen as retaliation for&nbsp;Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment.

Spain&nbsp;on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;to Morocco.

"Repatriations from Ceuta continue today,"&nbsp;Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;posted on Twitter Saturday.

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Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. <a href="https://t.co/SSuBZH5IqP">pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP</a>
— Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveChildrenEs/status/1426458830897045506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain&nbsp;is not guaranteeing the protection of&nbsp;minors," it said.

The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of&nbsp;Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

"We have been informed by&nbsp;children's organisations on the ground that the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;of&nbsp;minors&nbsp;has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial.

She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago. The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the children. Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside. Also read | Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife This was widely seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment. Spain on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied minors to Morocco. "Repatriations from Ceuta continue today," Save the Children posted on Twitter Saturday. Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP — Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) August 14, 2021 × The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain is not guaranteeing the protection of minors," it said. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP. Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx "We have been informed by children's organisations on the ground that the repatriation of minors has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial. She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children slams Spain over repatriation of minors

According to Save the Children, dozens of children were abducted by jihadists in Mozambique during raids in 2020. At least 51 children, most of them girls, have been abducted in the northern Mozambique province of Cabo Delgado over the past 12 months.

Mozambique: Dozens of children, mostly girls 'seized by jihadists' during raids in 2020

Children as young as 11 are being beheaded in Mozambique, UK-based aid group Save the Children&nbsp;said on Tuesday, as part of an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced many more&nbsp;from their homes.&nbsp;

Save the Children&nbsp;said it had spoken to displaced families who described 'horrifying scenes' of murder, including mothers whose young sons were killed. In one case, the woman hid, helpless, with her three other children as her 12-year-old was murdered nearby.&nbsp;

"We tried to escape to the woods, but they took my eldest son and beheaded him," the 28-year-old, who Save the Children&nbsp;called Elsa, was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"We couldn't do anything because we would be killed too."&nbsp;

Another mother, a 29-year-old Save the Children&nbsp;calls Amelia, said her son was just 11 when he was killed by armed men.&nbsp;

Reporters could not immediately reach Mozambique police or government spokespeople for comment.&nbsp;

Mozambique's northernmost province of Cabo Delgado has since 2017 been home to a festering insurgency, linked to Islamic State, that has escalated dramatically in the past year.&nbsp;

While beheadings have always been a hallmark of the attacks, throughout 2020 the insurgents began regularly engaging the military to capture and hold key towns. Brutality also continued, with mass killings including the murder of around 52 people at once in the village of&nbsp;Xitaxi&nbsp;in April.&nbsp;

Altogether almost 2,700 people on all sides have died in the violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project (ACLED), a consultancy that tracks political violence. Almost 670,000 people have been displaced,&nbsp;'Save the Children'&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The United States last week declared the Mozambique group a foreign terrorist&nbsp;organisation&nbsp;over its links to Islamic State, saying the group reportedly pledged allegiance to it as early as 2018. Islamic State claimed its first attack in Cabo Delgado in June 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Children as young as 11 are being beheaded in Mozambique, UK-based aid group Save the Children said on Tuesday, as part of an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced many more from their homes.

Children as young as 11 are being beheaded in Mozambique, UK-based aid group Save the Children said on Tuesday, as part of an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced many more from their homes. Save the Children said it had spoken to displaced families who described 'horrifying scenes' of murder, including mothers whose young sons were killed. In one case, the woman hid, helpless, with her three other children as her 12-year-old was murdered nearby. "We tried to escape to the woods, but they took my eldest son and beheaded him," the 28-year-old, who Save the Children called Elsa, was quoted as saying. "We couldn't do anything because we would be killed too." Another mother, a 29-year-old Save the Children calls Amelia, said her son was just 11 when he was killed by armed men. Reporters could not immediately reach Mozambique police or government spokespeople for comment. Mozambique's northernmost province of Cabo Delgado has since 2017 been home to a festering insurgency, linked to Islamic State, that has escalated dramatically in the past year. While beheadings have always been a hallmark of the attacks, throughout 2020 the insurgents began regularly engaging the military to capture and hold key towns. Brutality also continued, with mass killings including the murder of around 52 people at once in the village of Xitaxi in April. Altogether almost 2,700 people on all sides have died in the violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a consultancy that tracks political violence. Almost 670,000 people have been displaced, 'Save the Children' said. The United States last week declared the Mozambique group a foreign terrorist organisation over its links to Islamic State, saying the group reportedly pledged allegiance to it as early as 2018. Islamic State claimed its first attack in Cabo Delgado in June 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Mozambique militants beheading children as young as 11: Save the Children  

A new app launched in South Sudan on Friday aims to help aid workers reunite thousands of children with their families after they became separated during a five-year war and identify other vulnerable children.

The app was developed by the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) and the charity Save the Children to allow the hundreds of field workers tracing families in South Sudan to share information on their phones or tablets.

"Caseworkers are the backbone of everything we do. They walk for hours and hours under the scorching sun, wade through mud, travel for days on bumpy dirt roads to knock on doors," said Rama Hansraj, head of Save the Children in South Sudan.

"They are in every corner of South Sudan, yet until now have found it difficult to communicate with other caseworkers on the other side of the country. With this new app, we're bringing their work into the 21st century."

South Sudan, the world's newest country, has been ravaged by civil war since 2013 after clashes erupted between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

The government signed a peace agreement with rebels in September, but the war has had a devastating impact. At least 50,000 people have been killed and one in three South Sudanese have been uprooted from their homes.

Children have borne the brunt of the violence, said aid workers, with more than 19,000 registered as missing, unaccompanied or separated from their families.

While more than 6,000 children have been reunited with their families, thousands are still living with temporary foster families or in care centres.

Many were abducted by armed factions to be used as child soldiers, informants or porters. Others were separated from their parents after an attack on their villages.

Some separated children are also migrants from poor families forced to look for work, or runaways who were facing physical or sexual abuse at home said, aid workers.

Child protection caseworkers - who come from various charities as well as the government - will now be able to directly input data on separated children into the app so that other field workers can easily access it.

The app is connected to a database featuring children's pictures and biodata, as well as details on circumstances leading to separation and where their family used to live.

"The app will be vital in a poorly connected South Sudan. It can be synced before the caseworker heads out and allows them to access the necessary files while in remote areas," said Helene Sandbu Ryeng from UNICEF in South Sudan.

The app has a photo and sound features, which is crucial - especially when parents and their children have been separated for years, which is often the case in South Sudan, added Ryeng.

It will also help identify minors who need help such as counselling for trauma.

Field workers will be able to input data on their apps, according to a level of priority so that it can be quickly followed up by child protection teams based in their offices.

A new app launched in South Sudan on Friday aims to help aid workers reunite thousands of children with their families after they became separated during a five-year war and identify other vulnerable children.

A new app launched in South Sudan on Friday aims to help aid workers reunite thousands of children with their families after they became separated during a five-year war and identify other vulnerable children. The app was developed by the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) and the charity Save the Children to allow the hundreds of field workers tracing families in South Sudan to share information on their phones or tablets. "Caseworkers are the backbone of everything we do. They walk for hours and hours under the scorching sun, wade through mud, travel for days on bumpy dirt roads to knock on doors," said Rama Hansraj, head of Save the Children in South Sudan. "They are in every corner of South Sudan, yet until now have found it difficult to communicate with other caseworkers on the other side of the country. With this new app, we're bringing their work into the 21st century." South Sudan, the world's newest country, has been ravaged by civil war since 2013 after clashes erupted between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar. The government signed a peace agreement with rebels in September, but the war has had a devastating impact. At least 50,000 people have been killed and one in three South Sudanese have been uprooted from their homes. Children have borne the brunt of the violence, said aid workers, with more than 19,000 registered as missing, unaccompanied or separated from their families. While more than 6,000 children have been reunited with their families, thousands are still living with temporary foster families or in care centres. Many were abducted by armed factions to be used as child soldiers, informants or porters. Others were separated from their parents after an attack on their villages. Some separated children are also migrants from poor families forced to look for work, or runaways who were facing physical or sexual abuse at home said, aid workers. Child protection caseworkers - who come from various charities as well as the government - will now be able to directly input data on separated children into the app so that other field workers can easily access it. The app is connected to a database featuring children's pictures and biodata, as well as details on circumstances leading to separation and where their family used to live. "The app will be vital in a poorly connected South Sudan. It can be synced before the caseworker heads out and allows them to access the necessary files while in remote areas," said Helene Sandbu Ryeng from UNICEF in South Sudan. The app has a photo and sound features, which is crucial - especially when parents and their children have been separated for years, which is often the case in South Sudan, added Ryeng. It will also help identify minors who need help such as counselling for trauma. Field workers will be able to input data on their apps, according to a level of priority so that it can be quickly followed up by child protection teams based in their offices.

New app seeks to reunite South Sudan's 'lost children' with families

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-odisha-government-says-adequate-steps-taken-to-avoid-outbreak-of-any-epidemic-219507">areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha</a>.&nbsp;

The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by this severe cyclonic storm Fani. The families and communities impacted by this devastating calamity need our support as they begin to rebuild," Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star and Disney India, said in a statement. "Through our contribution, we hope to help the families affected as they recover from this cyclone," Gupta added.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-releases-images-of-power-situation-after-fani-217238/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With this aid, Save the Children in India will provide affected families with critical shelter, basic needs and also work in cyclone shelters and temporary camps.

In August 2018, Disney and Star India came forward to extend support during Kerala floods, the release said.&nbsp;

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha. The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India.

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha. The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India. "Our hearts go out to those affected by this severe cyclonic storm Fani. The families and communities impacted by this devastating calamity need our support as they begin to rebuild," Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star and Disney India, said in a statement. "Through our contribution, we hope to help the families affected as they recover from this cyclone," Gupta added. Watch: NASA releases images of power situation after Fani With this aid, Save the Children in India will provide affected families with critical shelter, basic needs and also work in cyclone shelters and temporary camps. In August 2018, Disney and Star India came forward to extend support during Kerala floods, the release said.

India's Disney donates Rs 2 crore to Cyclone Fani relief in Odisha

An NGO in its report said India's infant mortality rate and child labour remained issues of grave concern even as it noted that India has improved its ranking in the world childhood index.

"Save the Children"&nbspin its report End of Childhood, ranked India 113 in the list of 175 countries in the world childhood index. India ranking has gone up just 3 places since last year.

The report said India's nutrition, infant mortality and child labour remained issues of grave concern in the country where under-five child mortality is 43 per 1,000 live births for 2016, even though Census of India had measured it to be 39 per 1,000 live births in the same year.

Another challenge the report mentioned is that of adolescent pregnancy. In India, the number of births per 1000 girls aged 15-19 is 23.3 per cent, which means one out of four girls are more likely to give birth before reaching 20.

"Many children in the country still start their lives disadvantaged just by virtue of being a girl or because they are poor. Early marriage, child labour and malnutrition are just some of the ways in which children are robbed of their childhood," said Bidisha Pillai, CEO, Save the Children, India.

The report said "certain forms of cultural violence &nbsp- such as dowry-related abuse and acid throwing in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, for example - only affect girls and women, and carry lifelong health consequences, or even result in death."

The report ranked Singapore and Slovenia as the top country in the childhood index. Norway and Sweden were ranked joint third with Finland ranked sixth with Ireland and Netherlands tied at number six. &nbspIceland, Italy and South Korea were ranked in eight position in the list.

"Adolescence is a period of pronounced vulnerability, especially for girls. In Bangladesh and Cameroon, more than 20 per cent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 report having experienced forced sex. 139 Rates above 10 per cent are reported in 11 other countries: Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Jordan, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda," it said.

Niger at 175 was ranked at the bottom of the list with Mali at 174, the Central African Republic at 173, Chad at 172 and South Sudan at 171. Although it noted that in sub-Saharan Africa, 25 of 49 countries that is 51 per cent countries had improved their scores.

Uganda had achieved a 20-point score increase, with Somalia improving its score by 13 points.&nbsp

In East Asia and Pacific, 16 of 21 countries made progress with China and Thailand improving by 11 points.

"Almost all developed countries have little or no change in their scores – 25 of 30 countries moved 2 or fewer points in either direction," it said, adding,"the biggest movers are Malta (up 8 points from 953 to 961) and Latvia (up 7 points from 956 to 963)."&nbsp

 
&nbsp

In East Asia and Pacific, 16 of 21 countries made progress with China and Thailand improving by 11 points.

An NGO in its report said India's infant mortality rate and child labour remained issues of grave concern even as it noted that India has improved its ranking in the world childhood index. "Save the Children"&nbspin its report End of Childhood, ranked India 113 in the list of 175 countries in the world childhood index. India ranking has gone up just 3 places since last year. The report said India's nutrition, infant mortality and child labour remained issues of grave concern in the country where under-five child mortality is 43 per 1,000 live births for 2016, even though Census of India had measured it to be 39 per 1,000 live births in the same year. Another challenge the report mentioned is that of adolescent pregnancy. In India, the number of births per 1000 girls aged 15-19 is 23.3 per cent, which means one out of four girls are more likely to give birth before reaching 20. "Many children in the country still start their lives disadvantaged just by virtue of being a girl or because they are poor. Early marriage, child labour and malnutrition are just some of the ways in which children are robbed of their childhood," said Bidisha Pillai, CEO, Save the Children, India. The report said "certain forms of cultural violence - such as dowry-related abuse and acid throwing in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, for example - only affect girls and women, and carry lifelong health consequences, or even result in death." The report ranked Singapore and Slovenia as the top country in the childhood index. Norway and Sweden were ranked joint third with Finland ranked sixth with Ireland and Netherlands tied at number six. &nbspIceland, Italy and South Korea were ranked in eight position in the list. "Adolescence is a period of pronounced vulnerability, especially for girls. In Bangladesh and Cameroon, more than 20 per cent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 report having experienced forced sex. 139 Rates above 10 per cent are reported in 11 other countries: Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Jordan, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda," it said. Niger at 175 was ranked at the bottom of the list with Mali at 174, the Central African Republic at 173, Chad at 172 and South Sudan at 171. Although it noted that in sub-Saharan Africa, 25 of 49 countries that is 51 per cent countries had improved their scores. Uganda had achieved a 20-point score increase, with Somalia improving its score by 13 points. In East Asia and Pacific, 16 of 21 countries made progress with China and Thailand improving by 11 points. "Almost all developed countries have little or no change in their scores – 25 of 30 countries moved 2 or fewer points in either direction," it said, adding,"the biggest movers are Malta (up 8 points from 953 to 961) and Latvia (up 7 points from 956 to 963)."

India improves ranking in world childhood index; infant mortality, child labour a concern: Report

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo appealed for Rohingya refugee children and has shared two contrasting images one image of Rohingya man carrying a baby in his hand and the second image of him with his kids.

The image captioned &quot;One ???? where we all ❤ our children. Please help. #Rohingya #Refugee @SavetheChildren.&quot;

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One ???? where we all ❤ our children. Please help. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rohingya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rohingya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Refugee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Refugee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SavetheChildren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavetheChildren</a> <a href="https://t.co/t2eJN244Jl">https://t.co/t2eJN244Jl</a> <a href="https://t.co/9ZPwe5olJC">pic.twitter.com/9ZPwe5olJC</a>
&mdash; Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/964093317997826048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/conditions-not-conducive-for-voluntary-repatriation-of-rohingyas-un-high-commissioner-for-refugees-32814">Recently, UN High Commissioner for Refugees</a> Filippo Grandi informed the Security Council on Tuesday that Myanmar has failed to put in place conditions for the safe return of Rohingyas.

&quot;Let me be clear: conditions are not yet conducive to the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees,&quot; the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo is the brand ambassador of a world&#39;s leading NGO &#39;Save the Children&#39; which aims to provide a better life and creates hope for a brighter future to those children who are in utter need.

The UN predicts over 8,50,000 Rohingyas have crossed over to Bangladesh since August 25th last year ever since the Myanmar Army allegedly started persecuting them.

The Rohingya refugees are currently living in despair, especially the children, their basic needs are not fulfilled, every day they are facing new challenges, the supply of food and medicines are limited and they are dealing with political turmoil.

Bangladesh had reached a deal with Myanmar in December last year to repatriate nearly 700,000 Rohingyas but reports said several refugees did not wish to return without guarantees of safety.

Ronaldo has come up to lend his voice and visibility to spotlight issues faced by Rohingya children.

There are other celebrities also who volunteer&nbsp;for this great cause like Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Garner, Bridgit Mendler and Rachel Zoe.

The foundation is fighting for children&#39;s rights since 1919 and in 2016 they reached more than 157 million children through their global movement.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has come up to lend his voice and visibility to spotlight issues faced by Rohingya children

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo appealed for Rohingya refugee children and has shared two contrasting images one image of Rohingya man carrying a baby in his hand and the second image of him with his kids. The image captioned "One ???? where we all ❤ our children. Please help. #Rohingya #Refugee @SavetheChildren." One ???? where we all ❤ our children. Please help. #Rohingya #Refugee @SavetheChildren https://t.co/t2eJN244Jl pic.twitter.com/9ZPwe5olJC — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) February 15, 2018 × Recently, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi informed the Security Council on Tuesday that Myanmar has failed to put in place conditions for the safe return of Rohingyas. "Let me be clear: conditions are not yet conducive to the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees," the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said. Real Madrid star Ronaldo is the brand ambassador of a world's leading NGO 'Save the Children' which aims to provide a better life and creates hope for a brighter future to those children who are in utter need. The UN predicts over 8,50,000 Rohingyas have crossed over to Bangladesh since August 25th last year ever since the Myanmar Army allegedly started persecuting them. The Rohingya refugees are currently living in despair, especially the children, their basic needs are not fulfilled, every day they are facing new challenges, the supply of food and medicines are limited and they are dealing with political turmoil. Bangladesh had reached a deal with Myanmar in December last year to repatriate nearly 700,000 Rohingyas but reports said several refugees did not wish to return without guarantees of safety. Ronaldo has come up to lend his voice and visibility to spotlight issues faced by Rohingya children. There are other celebrities also who volunteer for this great cause like Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Garner, Bridgit Mendler and Rachel Zoe. The foundation is fighting for children's rights since 1919 and in 2016 they reached more than 157 million children through their global movement.

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo appeals for Rohingya refugee children

Gunmen stormed the office compound of&nbsp;the Save the Children charity in&nbsp;Jalalabad about 9 am Wednesday morning.

A car bomb was set off at the office after which a gun battle was underway.

So far, two are reported dead with 12 wounded.&nbsp;

The local Tolo News channel reported security forces to have cordoned off the compound.&nbsp;

It is unclear at the moment how many gunmen there are. Or how many employees are trapped inside.&nbsp;

No one has as yet claimed responsibility for the attack however, Taliban has distanced itself from the attack denying its involvement in a Twitter post.&nbsp;

A string of attacks started at about 9 am&nbsp; -- when employees begin to show up at work -- in Afghanistan recently.&nbsp;

TOLOnews reports four attackers to be currently inside the compound while &quot;plumes of black smoke rise from the organization&rsquo;s compound&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to Attaullah Khoghyani, Provencial governor&#39;s spokesman, one security force member and a civilian have lost their&nbsp;life. Twelve others were reported.

Save the Children tweeted out saying that, &quot;We are devastated at the news that our Save the Children office at Jalalabad, Afghanistan came under attack this morning as armed men entered the building about 0900 today local time. Our primary concern is for the safety and security of our staff. We are awaiting further information from our team and cannot comment further at this time,&quot; noted the tweet.&nbsp;

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BREAKING: horrific news of an ongoing attack targeting Save the Children compound in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, with reports of several injured. <a href="https://t.co/7p2iKP7cbT">pic.twitter.com/7p2iKP7cbT</a>
&mdash; SavetheChildren News (@SaveUKNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveUKNews/status/956064810461999107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The local Tolo News channel reported security forces to have cordoned off the compound

Gunmen stormed the office compound of the Save the Children charity in Jalalabad about 9 am Wednesday morning. A car bomb was set off at the office after which a gun battle was underway. So far, two are reported dead with 12 wounded. The local Tolo News channel reported security forces to have cordoned off the compound. It is unclear at the moment how many gunmen there are. Or how many employees are trapped inside. No one has as yet claimed responsibility for the attack however, Taliban has distanced itself from the attack denying its involvement in a Twitter post. A string of attacks started at about 9 am -- when employees begin to show up at work -- in Afghanistan recently. TOLOnews reports four attackers to be currently inside the compound while "plumes of black smoke rise from the organization’s compound". According to Attaullah Khoghyani, Provencial governor's spokesman, one security force member and a civilian have lost their life. Twelve others were reported. Save the Children tweeted out saying that, "We are devastated at the news that our Save the Children office at Jalalabad, Afghanistan came under attack this morning as armed men entered the building about 0900 today local time. Our primary concern is for the safety and security of our staff. We are awaiting further information from our team and cannot comment further at this time," noted the tweet. BREAKING: horrific news of an ongoing attack targeting Save the Children compound in #Jalalabad #Afghanistan, with reports of several injured. pic.twitter.com/7p2iKP7cbT — SavetheChildren News (@SaveUKNews) January 24, 2018 ×

Video: 2 dead, 12 wounded in attack at Save the Children office in Afghanistan

South Asian countries- India, Nepal and Bangladesh which have recently been the victim of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/infographic-the-19677">deadly&nbsp;flood</a>, will be getting aid from the American multinational technology company- Google.

Google has diverted $1 million relief fund to the flood affected areas of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-flood-death-toll-rises-to-103-19695">India</a>,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/16-million-people-in-south-asia-affected-by-floods-red-cross-19205"> Nepal</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-221-dead-in-india-bangladesh-nepal-floods-19016">Bangladesh</a>.&nbsp;

The funds that are generated from Google.org and Google employees will be provided to organisations working in favour of the relief work.

&quot;We are committing $1 million from Google.org and Google employees to Goonj and Save the Children for their relief efforts,&quot; Rajan Anandan, Vice-President, South East Asia and India, wrote in a blog post.

Save the Children organisation is providing food, water, temporary shelter and hygiene items to the victims. Besides the basic amenities, the organisation will also provide educational materials to the flood affected children by setting child-friendly spaces.&nbsp;

The organisation is providing livelihood support to flood victims from three countries and aims to expand to around 1,60,000 people.&nbsp;

The other organisation working with Google, Goonj, is an NGO that plans to provide a helping hand to over 75,000 flood affected families from rural India. In addition to the basic amenities- food, mats, blankets and hygiene items they will also be rebuilding the destroyed roads, bridges and schools.

Google&#39;s Crises Response team has also activated an &quot;SOS Alert&quot; for the floods in India, Nepal, Bangladesh.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/mumbai-revives-back-430">flood</a> in these countries has claimed over 1200 lives and uprooted million of people from their homes.

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The funds that are generated from Google.org and Google employees will be provided to organisations working in favour of the relief work

South Asian countries- India, Nepal and Bangladesh which have recently been the victim of the deadly flood, will be getting aid from the American multinational technology company- Google. Google has diverted $1 million relief fund to the flood affected areas of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The funds that are generated from Google.org and Google employees will be provided to organisations working in favour of the relief work. "We are committing $1 million from Google.org and Google employees to Goonj and Save the Children for their relief efforts," Rajan Anandan, Vice-President, South East Asia and India, wrote in a blog post. Save the Children organisation is providing food, water, temporary shelter and hygiene items to the victims. Besides the basic amenities, the organisation will also provide educational materials to the flood affected children by setting child-friendly spaces. The organisation is providing livelihood support to flood victims from three countries and aims to expand to around 1,60,000 people. The other organisation working with Google, Goonj, is an NGO that plans to provide a helping hand to over 75,000 flood affected families from rural India. In addition to the basic amenities- food, mats, blankets and hygiene items they will also be rebuilding the destroyed roads, bridges and schools. Google's Crises Response team has also activated an "SOS Alert" for the floods in India, Nepal, Bangladesh. The flood in these countries has claimed over 1200 lives and uprooted million of people from their homes.

Google to give $1 million flood relief fund to India, Nepal, Bangladesh

More than 700 million women got married before the age of 18, according to a UK-based NGO <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/EVERY%20LAST%20GIRL%20REPORT%20FINAL.PDF">Save The Children</a>.

A little over 230 million women got married before they turned 15, the report said, underscoring the scourge of child marriage in various parts of the world.

The problem is worse in developing nations as one in three girls get married before the age of 18.

The findings suggest that an estimated 70,000 adolescent girls die due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

Child marriage remains widespread in several communities despite the practice being deemed illegal and viewed as a human rights violation by the United Nations.

Such marriages trigger a vicious circle for women as most girls who get married under the age of 18 do not continue with their education. Lack of education not only undermines the girl&#39;s future but also limits the country&#39;s national economy, the report said.

Girls who get married before 18 also face the threat of domestic violence, marital rape&nbsp;and the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, the report stated.

Despite the UN deeming it as a crime, seven countries do not have any law to prevent underage marriages. About 30 countries allow girls&nbsp;to get married at the age of 14 with parental approval.

African nations of Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia are considered to be hardest places for a girl to be brought up in, as per Save The Children index.

South Asian countries do not fare well either. In India, 47 per cent of women are married off before they turn 18, according to UNICEF. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, UNICEF pegs the number at 65 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

(WION)

A UK-based NGO's findings suggest that an estimated 70,000 adolescent girls die due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth

More than 700 million women got married before the age of 18, according to a UK-based NGO Save The Children. A little over 230 million women got married before they turned 15, the report said, underscoring the scourge of child marriage in various parts of the world. The problem is worse in developing nations as one in three girls get married before the age of 18. The findings suggest that an estimated 70,000 adolescent girls die due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Child marriage remains widespread in several communities despite the practice being deemed illegal and viewed as a human rights violation by the United Nations. Such marriages trigger a vicious circle for women as most girls who get married under the age of 18 do not continue with their education. Lack of education not only undermines the girl's future but also limits the country's national economy, the report said. Girls who get married before 18 also face the threat of domestic violence, marital rape and the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, the report stated. Despite the UN deeming it as a crime, seven countries do not have any law to prevent underage marriages. About 30 countries allow girls to get married at the age of 14 with parental approval. African nations of Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia are considered to be hardest places for a girl to be brought up in, as per Save The Children index. South Asian countries do not fare well either. In India, 47 per cent of women are married off before they turn 18, according to UNICEF. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, UNICEF pegs the number at 65 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. (WION)

700 million women married before age of 18: Report

A maternity hospital supported by Save the Children was bombed Friday in an air raid in Idlib province of northwest Syria, causing casualties and heavy damage, the Britain-based charity said. 
 
&quot;Save the Children supported maternity hospital in #Idlib bombed, casualties reported - numbers unconfirmed,&quot; it tweeted. 
 
In a statement, Save the Children said the bomb hit the entrance to the hospital. 
 
&quot;This is the only hospital specialising in maternity and children in the northern western side of rural Idlib,&quot; it said. 
 
&quot;Casualties have been reported and we are awaiting confirmation of numbers,&quot; the statement said. 
 
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said that the hospital in the rebel-held town of Kafar Takharim was heavily damaged and left barely operational. 
 
Quoting sources on the ground, it said a jihadist from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham who was going to visit his wife in the hospital was killed in the raid. 
 
&quot;It was him that was targeted. He went to visit his wife who had just given birth when the bombing happened,&quot; said the monitoring group&#39;s head, Rami Abdel Rahman. 
 
The bombing came a day after the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusra Front, said it was breaking ties with the global terror network and changing its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. 
 
Save The Children said the hospital is the biggest in the area, serving over 1,300 women monthly and carrying out over 300 deliveries a month. 
 
&quot;The hospital has six incubators for premature babies, and an outpatient clinic for supporting pregnant women and providing after delivery care,&quot; it said. 
 
The Britain-based Observatory did not specify if the raid was carried out by Syrian regime aircraft or warplanes of its Russian allies.&nbsp;Several clinics and makeshift hospital in rebel-controlled areas have been hit by Syrian regime air strikes, particularly in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. 
 
Last week, air raids struck four makeshift hospitals and a blood bank over a 24-hour period in the regime-besieged eastern sector of the city of Aleppo. 
 
In a separate statement, Sonia Khush, Syria Director for Save the Children, said the situation for an estimated 100,000 children trapped under siege and bombardment in Aleppo is &quot;desperate&quot;. 
 
&quot;The world cannot turn its back while children are bombed and then denied medical treatment,&quot; she said.&nbsp;&quot;We need an end to the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and immediate and unfettered access for humanitarian aid.&quot; 
 
CIA chief not optimistic about Syria 
 
Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan said on Friday he was not optimistic about the future of Syria. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t know whether or not Syria can be put back together again,&quot; Brennan told the annual Aspen Security Forum. His comments were a rare public acknowledgement by a top US official that Syria may not survive a five-year civil war in its current state. 
 
The twin US goals in Syria have been ending the violence that already has claimed some 400,000 lives, according to United Nations estimates, and seeking a political process to replace Assad, whom President Barack Obama has said &quot;must go.&quot; 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The bombing hit the entrance to the hospital, the area's biggest, serving over 1,300 women and carrying out over 300 deliveries every month

A maternity hospital supported by Save the Children was bombed Friday in an air raid in Idlib province of northwest Syria, causing casualties and heavy damage, the Britain-based charity said. "Save the Children supported maternity hospital in #Idlib bombed, casualties reported - numbers unconfirmed," it tweeted. In a statement, Save the Children said the bomb hit the entrance to the hospital. "This is the only hospital specialising in maternity and children in the northern western side of rural Idlib," it said. "Casualties have been reported and we are awaiting confirmation of numbers," the statement said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said that the hospital in the rebel-held town of Kafar Takharim was heavily damaged and left barely operational. Quoting sources on the ground, it said a jihadist from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham who was going to visit his wife in the hospital was killed in the raid. "It was him that was targeted. He went to visit his wife who had just given birth when the bombing happened," said the monitoring group's head, Rami Abdel Rahman. The bombing came a day after the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Nusra Front, said it was breaking ties with the global terror network and changing its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. Save The Children said the hospital is the biggest in the area, serving over 1,300 women monthly and carrying out over 300 deliveries a month. "The hospital has six incubators for premature babies, and an outpatient clinic for supporting pregnant women and providing after delivery care," it said. The Britain-based Observatory did not specify if the raid was carried out by Syrian regime aircraft or warplanes of its Russian allies. Several clinics and makeshift hospital in rebel-controlled areas have been hit by Syrian regime air strikes, particularly in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Last week, air raids struck four makeshift hospitals and a blood bank over a 24-hour period in the regime-besieged eastern sector of the city of Aleppo. In a separate statement, Sonia Khush, Syria Director for Save the Children, said the situation for an estimated 100,000 children trapped under siege and bombardment in Aleppo is "desperate". "The world cannot turn its back while children are bombed and then denied medical treatment," she said. "We need an end to the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and immediate and unfettered access for humanitarian aid." CIA chief not optimistic about Syria Central Intelligence Agency Director John Brennan said on Friday he was not optimistic about the future of Syria. "I don't know whether or not Syria can be put back together again," Brennan told the annual Aspen Security Forum. His comments were a rare public acknowledgement by a top US official that Syria may not survive a five-year civil war in its current state. The twin US goals in Syria have been ending the violence that already has claimed some 400,000 lives, according to United Nations estimates, and seeking a political process to replace Assad, whom President Barack Obama has said "must go." (AFP)

Save the Children-supported maternity hospital bombed in Syria: NGO

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