Malnutrition is defined as undernourishment as well as over-nutrition that may lead to obesity and non-communicable diseases, writes Monica Islam, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh. The UN has declared a Decade of Action on what has been called “the silent development crisis”.  Since malnutrition is a pervasive multi-sectoral issue, it is described …

“It’s time to support action on nutrition !” Read More »

Midwife services do not have a high profile in her home culture, writes Ashley Foster-Estwick, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who takes time on International Day of the Midwife to look at the pros and cons of the profession. I searched today in my local phone directory for a midwife, eager to see a …

“Where are the midwives in Barbados?” Read More »

Hepatitis attacks the liver, an organ that is essential to good health. Omer Fayshal Pavel, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, looks at some of the causes of hepatitis and ways to prevent or battle the condition. Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. It can affect …

“Hepatitis is a deadly global threat” Read More »

Jake Elson, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, questions whether the execution of a person, as mandated by the state, can ever be considered fair punishment. Throughout history, there has been no subject as strongly emotive and passionate as the one of whether or not to abolish the death penalty. We live in …

“Can capital punishment ever be justified?” Read More »

As social media reaches saturation level, concern grows about the impact on road safety. Mary Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Commonwealth Correspondent in London, UK, writes that earlier hopes about hands-free devices offering a solution are being dashed as researchers find that distraction not tied to just one technology.  New penalties to combat drivers using their mobile …

“Bigger penalty for driving while on the phone” Read More »

A tax on sugar-loaded soft drinks is being advanced as a way to counter the rise in childhood obesity. Ruth Adeyi, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent in the UK, looks at the reaction from health professionals and the soft drink industry. In 2015 the sugar tax was debated in Britain’s House of Commons after an online petition …

“Sugar levy aims at childhood obesity” Read More »

A new report reveals that many children in the U.K. are exposed to harmful chemical toxins in their schools, writes Ruth Adeyi, 24, a Correspondent from London, UK. How London’s Mayor responds to this crisis will be a test of his leadership. A report commissioned by London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has found that thousands of …

“London schools exposed to illegal levels of pollution” Read More »