Bhutan

Summary

This framework document aims to introduce a proactive approach to assess adaptation needs and encourage timely adaptation. The idea behind this approach is that if an assessment shows that specific policies and practices of stakeholders are at risk of failure due to climate change, corrections are encouraged and losses or damages can be prevented. The approach focuses on identifying whether and when the performance of policies, management, and social-cultural practices drops below a decisive level due to climate change, and adaptation is required.

SEAR/PR/1700

New Delhi, 7 September 2018: Countries in WHO South-East Asia resolved to accelerate efforts to control dengue which threatens nearly 1.3 billion people with frequent and largescale outbreaks, and control malaria, that continues to be endemic in the Region.

Foreword

SEAR/PR/1693

New Delhi, 3 August 2018: In a significant win against childhood killer diseases, two countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, DPR Korea and Timor-Leste, were today verified for eliminating measles, and six countries certified for controlling rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, two years ahead of the target year 2020.

“These achievements demonstrate the commitment and resolve of countries in the Region towards health of women and children, and for universal health coverage”, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia.

ASEAN Region –Mo n s o o n alFlo o d in g Po ten tialLan d s lid eExpo s u re,3Au gu s t 2018

Introduction

Preface

The last several years have been exciting and eventful for UNDP, as the organization repositions itself to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the demands of UN Member States to reform the UN development system. Both are about significant changes aimed at a new course for development, one that supports people and the planet, and that meets the challenges and opportunities of our complex, rapidly changing world.

New Delhi, 17 July 2018 – Lauding efforts being made by countries to save more and more lives through immunization, including during public health emergencies, World Health Organization today called for further accelerating efforts to reach the nearly five million unvaccinated children in WHO South-East Asia Region.

In the South Asia region, flash floods account for a significant portion of the casualties and property damages that result from flooding. Given that flash floods can occur at any time or place, with potentially disastrous results, there is an urgent need to prioritize efforts that aim to improve early warnings capabilities.

THIMPHU, BHUTAN (6 June 2018) — The Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan and grant package totaling $53 million to promote growth in and around Phuentsholing by developing a township area adjoining the city protected by new defenses against floods and riverbank erosion.

Inside this newsletter, you will find five original articles from the Bangkok Regional Hub, featuring the work of country office work-flows in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and the Solomon Islands, highlighting the ways in which UNDP programmes in the region cross-cut gender equality mainstreaming efforts, or ensure women's empowerment to accelerate sustainable development.

Articles:

• Religious Leaders Challenge Gendered Misconceptions in Afghanistan

Executive Summary

Overview

The Government supports the provision of gender-appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools and nunneries. However, there is poor operations and maintenance (O&M) and limited knowledge about menstruation among girls. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) guidance for students has been developed and training for teachers is underway to improve their understanding of – and confidence to teach – menstruation and puberty.

There is increasing recognition that menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a multi-sectoral issue that requires integrated action, particularly from the education, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.

Numerous studies have shown that the lack of MHM-friendly facilities and support for schoolgirls and female teachers is a barrier to their full participation in school and thus to quality education.

New approach puts theory of Climate-Resilient Water Management into practice on the ground

• Climate-driven water scarcity could reduce GDP growth rates in South Asia by as much as 6%.1

• Climate change will increase water-stress through irregular rainfall patterns and increased incidence of floods and droughts.

• The Action on Climate Today (ACT) programme has developed a conceptual framework that clearly distinguishes Climate Resilient Water Management (CRWM) from traditional approaches to water management.

KATHMANDU – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will shift its support from in-kind food assistance to distributions of cash to refugees from Bhutan located in Nepal starting mid-2018; this is in line with refugees’ preference and will ensure the dignity of choice for assisted people, who will be able to purchase the food they like.

Foreword

As we fight for journalist rights for another year, there’s a pervading sentiment emanating through the collective discourse of media workers in South Asia.It is audible in the street demonstrations and protests of media workers.