Global Scans · Poverty · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Due to a deteriorating global economic outlook, more than 130 out of 189 countries will experience reduced income growth, with the average global GDP growth rate falling from 4.1 percent to 3.1 percent between 2011 and 2030. Almost all of the countries with large numbers remaining in extreme poverty in 2030 will be in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.

• [New] Al-Houthi condemned the death traps of the American-Israeli initiatives to control humanitarian aid, claiming that Western countries continue to supply weapons to Israel so that it will continue its crimes against the Palestinian people. The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
• [New] Even though extreme poverty has declined around the world despite the profound impact of the global pandemic, there are still over 700 million people living in extreme poverty, and the risk of falling into, or back into, poverty remains high, driven by compounded shocks and crises. UN DESA VOICE
• [New] Hundreds of babies are at risk of death amid a critical shortage of baby milk, as Israel continues to restrict the humanitarian aid that can enter the beleaguered strip. The Guardian
• [New] The integration of genomic data into routine care, combined with streamlined access to clinical trials via the NHS App, has the potential to accelerate drug development, reduce health inequalities, and unlock new models of preventative care. Med-Tech Insights
• [New] Asghari, 35, is among tens of thousands of Afghans whom Iran has deported home in the past few weeks, in the fallout of a conflict the United Nations says risks further destabilising Afghanistan, already battling a humanitarian crisis. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] On a planet increasingly threatened by climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and the SDGs is essential to foster cooperation, drive meaningful action, and ensure a sustainable and just future for all. Springer Nature Switzerland
• [New] The IDF's operations in southern Gaza to secure the food distribution sites run by the American-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are to break the grip of Hamas on the local population, and to provide Palestinians with an opportunity to eat from another hand that is not the terrorist group. FDD
• [New] The U.S. seeks to project leadership, balancing support for Israel with humanitarian imperatives, while the UN grapples with enforcing international law in a region where power often overshadows principle. Global Bihari News
• [New] With more countries slashing international aid to redirect funding toward domestic or defence priorities - a reported $60 billion in cuts from the U.S. and £6 billion from the UK by 2027 - the future of global humanitarian response appears even more uncertain. Context
• [New] In the coming period, Israel will intensify its military operations in an effort to destroy Hamas' military capabilities, but also to remove as much as possible the danger of Hezbollah for the next day, even if there would be an international reaction due to the humanitarian crisis. All About Shipping
• [New] Anyone can get sick with COVID-19, but some people are at higher risk of developing severe illness, including people over the age of 65 and people who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions. TODAY
• [New] Addressing inequities in global value chains is crucial for sustainable development in low and middle-income countries, and to avoid mineral supply disruptions and support global cooperation on the climate crisis. International Institute for Environment and Development
• The swift resolution of Israel's 12-day war with Iran has revived hopes for a halt to the fighting in Gaza, where more than 20 months of combat have created dire humanitarian conditions for the population of more than two million. The Express Tribune
• Prospect notes with concern the deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran which risks further escalation throughout the Middle East region. Bectu
• Dialog between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as international mediators, must focus on creating pathways for humanitarian aid that do not threaten security. Breaking News Now
• Given the high rates of child poverty in the UK, and the value a decent meal provides, there is evidence that free school meals for all children could provide significant benefits in England. Queen Mary University of London
• New Zealand will provide $7 million in further humanitarian aid for conflict-affected communities in Ukraine, and $1 million for Ukrainians displaced in neighbouring countries. Ukraine's Arms Monitor
• Mental health and many common mental disorders are shaped to a great extent by the social, economic, and physical environments in which people live and that social inequalities increase risk of many common disorders. PubMed Central (PMC)
• The UNHCR announced significant job cuts, eliminating around 3,500 positions, due to a drastic reduction in humanitarian funding, which threatens essential services for millions of refugees. Martin Plaut
• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation closed its aid distribution sites on Friday, without giving a date on when they would reopen, as Palestinians in Gaza remain at risk of extreme starvation and famine, the United Nations and other aid groups have warned. ABC News
• BCG's decision to terminate its contract with GHF could have far-reaching implications for future humanitarian efforts in Gaza and similar regions. Trends Newsline
• Human suffering in Gaza is intolerable; allowing a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate; the denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Meer

Last updated: 11 July 2025