The prevalence of undernourishment in the region fell to 6.4 percent in 2024, from 7 percent in 2023, marking a significant improvement, according to the report.
This progress translates into 25 million people escaping hunger in just one year.
Progress is uneven, however, with nearly 80 percent of people living in South Asia at risk. Overall, the Asia-Pacific region is still home to nearly 40 percent of the world’s hungry people.
Cost is the culprit
In 2024, 24.4 percent of children under five were stunted, with South Asia recording the highest prevalence. On the other hand, obesity among adults continues to increase, particularly in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific).
The report found that the cost of a healthy diet in the region was on average higher than the global average last year, at $4.77 per person per day in purchasing power parity (PPP).
Among other key recommendations, the report calls on countries to strengthen multi-sectoral policies to combat food insecurity and nutrition.
Key water pipe in Gaza repaired, but conditions remain miserable
In Gaza, a key water pipe in the south is back operational, after a repair team was granted access to the site by Israeli authorities.
The United Nations Office for Aid Coordination (OCHA) reported a week ago that the main water pipeline connecting Israel to Khan Younis in southern Gaza had suffered damage and was out of service – a major concern for the enclave’s 2.1 million residents.
A request to access the site and carry out repairs was refused at the time.
Prepare for winter
Meanwhile, despite the cold winter temperatures, UN agencies and partners continue to work to help Gazans stay warm.
This includes UNICEF, which welcomed Sweden’s support for winter supplies, sanitation, nutrition and humanitarian cash transfers for children and families.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also highlighted the critical need for safe and sturdy shelter.
With help from the Republic of Korea, the agency has replaced more than 800 worn-out tents for displaced Gazans, but this is only the beginning, UNDP insisted.
A new strain of flu is circulating in Europe, according to the WHO
The early arrival of seasonal flu continued to spread across Europe, with at least 27 European countries reporting “high or very high” flu activity on Wednesday.
In six countries – Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom – more than one in two patients with flu-like symptoms tested positive for the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
A new variant dominates
The United Nations agency has confirmed that a new flu variant called A(H3N2) now accounts for up to 90 percent of all confirmed cases in the European region.
“This shows how a small genetic variation in the flu virus can put enormous pressure on our health systems, because people have no immunity to this virus,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe.
He also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated quickly.
As in previous flu episodes, school-age children are the primary drivers of community spread. But adults aged 65 and over are generally at greatest risk, making up the majority of severe cases requiring hospitalization.
