children

Three children die from flu in Tonga: Report

The children were seriously ill and died from influenza and pneumonia, TBC reported, quoting a confirmation of the victims’ cause of death, from Vaiola Hospital.

No details were released about the victims.

According to the World Health Organisation, pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. It can cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages, however it is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.

Can ‘good dirt’ protect your kids from asthma and allergies?

It began back in 1989, when a doctor named David Strachan observed younger siblings were less susceptible to eczema and asthma.   

He proposed it was because they were exposed to more unhygienic practices and infections, courtesy of their older brothers and sisters.   His theory became known as the hygiene hypothesis (now known by several other names, including the ‘old friends’ theory).

It’s valid to wonder about this link given New Zealand’s high rates of asthma compared to overseas. 

South Sudan: Thousands facing food insecurity as food aid cuts hit

The deaths occurred in a displacement camp in the northern Warrap state.

It comes after the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said it had suspended rationing programmes in parts of the country due to a lack of funding.

In June, the body said it needed $426m (£352m) to continue distributing food.

But that aid has not been forthcoming as the international community has focussed on other overlapping crises, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hepatitis detected in nearly 300 children worldwide

Health officials around the world are investigating a mysterious increase in cases of the liver condition which was first spotted in the UK.

A common virus called adenovirus, which has rebounded after the pandemic, could be causing the surge.

One death has been reported by the WHO.

As of 1 May, it said most cases of young children with hepatitis had been detected in Europe with small numbers also reported in the Americas, western Pacific and South East Asia.

Panic attacks in children prevalent in Tonga post-eruption and tsunami

Dr Vulivuli, who has been in Tonga for the last two months assisting with humanitarian efforts, said the Government has recognised the problem and is supporting communal efforts to address it.

The January 15 volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga are continuing to haunt the kingdom's children as aid agencies report psychological distress among children.

"The events of the volcano are still haunting them today, you know with the slightest sound of thunder now in Tonga.

Vaccine rollout in Tonga to younger children

The programme started Tuesday, with children lining up to receive their first doses at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku'alofa.

According to the latest update from Tonga's Ministry of Health, 90 percent of the Kingdom's eligible population (aged 12 and over) are double vaccinated, and only 2 percent remain unvaccinated.

There are 1,522 active cases with 11 officially recognised Covid deaths.

 

Photo Ministry of Health  Caption: Pfizer vaccine rollout for children at Queen Salote Hall 

Dan Carter takes on 24-hour kickathon for charity

Returning to Eden Park to launch his dedicated fundraising platform in association with UNICEF, the DC10 fund, Carter is taking on a 24-hour kickathon.

He is aiming to knock 1598 kicks between the posts in a period of 24 hours - matching the total number of points the first-five notched in his All Black career.

Funds raised from the event will be put toward UNICEF's water sanitation and hygiene programme for children in the Pacific.

     

Mariupol children bear the brunt of Vladimir Putin's war

He clutches a small yellow toy tractor but says nothing as specialist nurses monitor his condition. The Russian shell that blasted shrapnel into his belly also badly wounded his parents and grandparents as they tried to flee Mariupol. A victim of Putin's war and he's not yet three years old.

In the next bed to Artem lies 15-year-old Masha, also from near Mariupol. Her right leg was amputated after it was torn apart by the blast from a Russian shell last Tuesday.

Metaverse app allows kids into virtual strip clubs

A researcher posing as a 13-year-old girl witnessed grooming, sexual material, racist insults and a rape threat in the virtual-reality world.

The children's charity said it was "shocked and angry" at the findings.

Head of online child safety policy Andy Burrows added the investigation had found "a toxic combination of risks".

The BBC News researcher - using an app with a minimum age rating of 13 - visited virtual-reality rooms where avatars were simulating sex. She was shown sex toys and condoms, and approached by numerous adult men.

Netflix Squid Game schools warning sent to parents

The Netflix South Korean thriller series tells the story of debt-ridden people competing for a huge cash prize in a deadly series of children's games.

Its popularity prompted Central Bedfordshire Council to email parents about "aggressive" primary pupils.

They were advised to "be vigilant", as first reported by The Guardian.

The email said: "There have been some concerning reports recently about children and young people 'playing' Squid Game whilst at school.