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  A Lifeline for Socotra: How the UAE and WHO Are Tackling Malnutrition Yemen’s Socotra Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking biodiversity, is facing a silent crisis—malnutrition. With alarming rates of acute malnutrition among children and anemia in pregnant women, the island’s healthcare system is under immense strain. However, a new humanitarian initiative led by the  United Arab Emirates (UAE)  and the  World Health Organization (WHO)  is bringing hope to thousands of vulnerable families. The Crisis in Socotra Socotra, home to over  83,000 people , has long struggled with food insecurity and limited healthcare access. Recent reports reveal: 10.9%  of children under five suffer from  Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) . 1.6%  face  Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) , a life-threatening condition. 92.7%  of pregnant women experience  anemia , increasing risks during childbirth. Only  32 health facili...

  The  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) , established over four decades ago, has been a platform for collaboration and trade among its member states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Despite facing various geopolitical challenges, such as regional conflicts, security threats, and financial vulnerabilities, the GCC remains committed to advancing peace, stability, and success within the Gulf nations. The  GCC’s  inaugural shared vision for territorial security is significant because it marks a historic moment in the organization’s history and underscores its commitment to fostering participation and exchange among its member states. The vision focuses on core standards of discretion, exchange, and peaceful conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of settling disputes through negotiations and exchange rather than force or restraint. The GCC’s shared vision aims to enhance stability and security in the Gulf nations through improved ...

  Turkey has made significant strides in mending ties with the  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  countries, paving the way for deeper economic cooperation. The recent agreement to launch negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Turkey and the GCC signifies a mutual desire to foster stronger economic ties and unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and development. The FTA will liberalize trade in goods and services, facilitate investments, and substantially increase Turkey’s trade volume with the Gulf region. The potential FTA holds immense strategic importance for both parties. For Turkey, it represents a crucial step towards diversifying its trade partners and reducing its reliance on traditional markets. By forging closer economic ties with resource-rich Gulf nations, Turkey can tap into new sources of investment and capitalize on the region’s vast wealth. On the other hand, the Gulf states are actively pursuing economic diversification strategies, ...

  The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional organization consisting of six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Established in 1981, the GCC's objectives are to enhance coordination and integration among its members.  In 2023, notable developments in the six countries include the COP28 Summit in Dubai , the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the focus on space technologies, the BRICS group joining six other countries, the first-ever liquefied hydrogen ship in Oman, the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League, and the introduction of Fedha, a virtual news presenter generated using artificial intelligence. COP28 marked the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, while the G20 Summit in September launched the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The UAE, Bahrain, and the UK are set to join forces to develop advanced space technologies to reduce greenhouse emissions and tackle natural d...