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IRIN was launched in 1995, in response to the gap in humanitarian reporting exposed by the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath. It is an editorially independent, non-profit project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments and other institutions. http://www.irinnews.org/
Stories by IRIN News
Asbestos: Deadly But Still Not Banned In Asia
Even though public health experts recognize how deadly asbestos can be, its use is on the rise in the construction industry throughout Asia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Philippines To Launch Nationwide Study On Disaster Medical Preparedness
Health officials in the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries worldwide, are launching a nationwide study to determine whether medical facilities can function during an emergency.
Malaria During Pregancy Stunts Fetal Growth, Experts Say
Malaria infection during the earliest months of pregnancy stunts fetal growth even when the mothers show no symptoms, according to a large-scale study conducted along the Thai-Burmese border.
Myanmar In Dire Need Of HIV Treatments, Experts Say
Lack of access to anti-retroviral therapy to treat HIV has left thousands of patients in Myanmar with deteriorating immunity and increased vulnerability to tuberculosis, say health workers.
“Blind” Fault Line Caused Negros Earthquake, Philippine Experts Say
Philippine authorities are scrambling to map out previously unknown fault lines across the archipelago after a powerful 6.9 magnitude quake hit Negros earlier this month.
No Rice, No Way: Indonesia Attempts To Wean Population Off Rice
Indonesia’s attempt to wean its population off rice has been hampered by a lack of viable alternative staples and cultural attachment to the grain, experts say.
Aging Asia Faces Issues Of Isolation And Poverty, Experts Warn
With 60 percent of the world’s population, Asia has one of the largest concentrations globally of aging persons, creating a host of potential challenges, experts warn.
UN: High Rates Of Maternal Deaths In Myanmar Among Migrants, Refugees
Lack of access to reproductive healthcare in Myanmar has led to high rates of maternal deaths and unplanned pregnancies among the country's displaced and refugee populations, say health experts.
Arsenic: Poisoning Nepal’s Groundwater Slowly And Steadily
After the discovery of unsafe levels of arsenic in Nepal’s groundwater a decade ago, government officials and aid groups are taking a critical look at whether their efforts have made a difference.