Israel bans travel to US over omicron concerns

Israel on Monday banned its citizens from traveling to the United States without special permission, citing concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant.

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A statement issued by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office said cabinet ministers approved the measure, which would go into effect on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia urges against travel outside Kingdom amid COVID-19 concerns

Visitors from UK to Germany must enter 14-day mandatory quarantine

First Person: Women in Madagascar too ashamed to seek help giving birth

Some of the poorest women in an underdeveloped region south of Madagascar are “too ashamed” to seek the maternal health services they need, according to a midwife working in a health centre supported by United Nations agencies, but that may be about to change.

Health

Peace or war, midwives keep delivering

Millions of lives each year rely on the expertise and care of midwives and yet a global shortage is squeezing the profession like never before, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNPFA said on Sunday, marking the International Day of the Midwife.

Health

Europe: Report highlights direct link between pandemic and childhood obesity

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased obesity in school-aged children in Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) office for the region said in a new report issued on Wednesday, sounding the alarm for action.