ental well-being of young girls, despite decades of international commitments to eradicate them. According to the UN, progress made in previous years is now at risk of stalling or reversing as humanitarian crises multiply. Armed conflicts have displaced millions of families, disrupting vaccination programs, maternal health services and schooling, while economic instability has pushed vulnerable communities further into poverty. “Girls are often the first to lose access to healthcare and education when systems come under strain,” a senior UN official said. Without urgent action, we risk condemning an entire generation to long-term health and social consequences. The report also underscores the disproportionate impact of climate related disasters on girls, noting that floods, droughts and food insecurity exacerbate malnutrition and increase exposure to exploitation. In fragile settings, girls are more likely to be forced into early marriage or labor as families attempt to cope with economic hardship. Compounding the crisis is a growing gap in global health funding. The UN warned that reduced investment in gender focused health programs is limiting the reach of life-saving interventions, particularly in rural and conflict-affected regions. UN agencies are calling on governments, donors and international partners to scale up funding, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and prioritize gender-responsive policies. They stress that protecting girls health is not only a moral imperative but also a critical factor in long term economic stability and social development. As global leaders prepare for upcoming international health and development summits, the UN urged coordinated action to ensure that girls’ rights and health remain central to policy decisions. “The future of global health depends on how we protect the most vulnerable today,” the report concluded. Source: World Health Organization