From the Editors - 25 January to 1 February 2026

 

Good Vibes for News & Views beyond March - Tom McDermott reported on the online discussion held on Wednesday, 28 January, on the possibilities for News & Views to continue beyond the end of March.  Along with many good suggestions, 9 members have indicated their willingness to help manage and / or lead XUNICEF communications beyond that date.

Outreach - Niloufar Pourzand reported on the very impressive results of her outreach to encourage staff facing retirement or recently retired or separated to join XUNICEF.  Her post on Linked-in alone has been read over 7,300 times and has brought in at least 30 new members so far.  Join her effort and reach out to those going through retirement or separation - often at a point much earlier than they expected.

Columnists

Ramesh Shrestha offers History of future, reflecting on the likely trajectory of our world based on current trends in polarized geopolitics, economy, and destructive technology.

Missing You

Howard Dale, RIP - We were saddened to learn of the passing of Howard Dale, who many of us came to know over his long career in UNICEF.  Less known was Howard's passion for photography.

Dr. William Foege, RIP - The global public health community mourned the passing of Dr. William Foege, architect of the vaccination strategies that led to smallpox eradication. Kul Gautam shared his personal tribute to Dr. Foege as a friend and mentor, as well as his letter to Catherine Russell on the role Dr. Foege played in UNICEF's work.

Mark Tully, RIP - Girija Devi shared news of the death of Sir William Mark Tully, one of the most influential voices in Indian journalism and broadcasting and was also played a key role in reporting on Bangladesh.

Articles shared by Members

Measles - the UK has lost its measles elimination status, following 3,600 suspected cases in 2024.

Maternal mortality in the USA - according to a new study the figures are far higher than earlier known.

Some of Ukraine's children taken to Russia in the early years of the war are now turning up ass Russian soldiers according to an article by the Institute of the Study of War.

Reports

Ten Overlooked Crises - CARE's tenth annual Crisis Report identifying ten overlooked humanitarian crises that didn't make headlines in 2025, with nine of the ten located in Africa.

The Report of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict points to that grave violations against children reached unprecedented levels for the third consecutive year in 2024, amidst shrinking humanitarian funding.

Gianni Murzi's article Hospital of Hope, was recently published by Dodho Magazine, featuring narrative and stunning photos of the hospital at Chokwe Mozambique during an HIV crisis.

Pension

Review - Comprehensive Review of the UN Pension Scheme from Jerry Barton, President of FAFICS and sent to members of AFICS.   The Canadian Association of Former International Civil Servants reported on the forthcoming UNJSPF Holistic Review and pension security.

Pension increase - the newsletter of the British Association of Former UN Public Servants (BAFUNCS)  announced that UN pensions on the Dollar track will rise by 2.7 percent in April 2026, while those on the Sterling track will increase by 3.4 percent.

XUNICEF Zimbabwe Reunion - Final preparations: 

Update #17 announced the African Day Gala Dinner on March 12 at Elephant Hills Resort, with African-themed décor, cultural exchange, and music.

Update #18 detailed an optional visit to UNICEF-Wild Horizons partnership-supported climate-resilient schools in Victoria Falls.

Comments from Readers.

                                                                                                                                    Tom McDermott
                                                                                                                                    Editor of the Week