New global guidelines published on Thursday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative will further hone food security and nutrition analysis processes for better and more actionable information during humanitarian crises.

After thorough consultations, food security and nutrition experts from 15 organizations have released a third version of the IPC Technical Manual.

In addition to the IPC’s Acute Food Insecurity scale, it incorporates two new scales, measuring chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition. It also includes a new classification of the IPC Acute Food Insecurity scale’s Phase 5, called ‘Famine Likely’.

Additionally, the updated manual introduces new data requirements to analyze areas with limited or no humanitarian access. The collection of high-quality food security and nutrition data in these locations has faced major challenges including security, legal and logistical constraints, often preventing humanitarian actors from reaching populations during emergencies.

To address these challenges, the IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0 introduces additional data collection modalities that target key access points to obtain evidence for IPC analysis. These access points include locations where populations have newly arrived after displacement, nearby locations, displacement camps, health centres and distribution points among others.

“This is a major development, especially for humanitarian crises in conflict contexts with little or no humanitarian access, because the IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0 will improve our ability to reach conclusions in these contexts to better inform decision-makers.” said José Lopez, the IPC Global Programme Manager.

The earlier versions were the basis for the declaration of Famine in Somalia in 2011 and in South Sudan in 2017, and informed humanitarian response decisions. The IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0, which includes protocols for the most severe crisis contexts, also sets a new global benchmark for Famine declarations with the introduction of the ‘Famine Likely’ classification.

This applies in locations where there is insufficient evidence for Famine classification due to circumstances on the ground, but where available information indicates that Famine is likely occurring or will occur. This will boost the IPC’s ability to warn about potential Famine in contexts where limited data previously was a barrier.

For the first time, the IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0 also includes a wide range of IPC scales: Acute Food Insecurity, Acute Malnutrition, and Chronic Food Insecurity. This creates a better understanding of the linkages between the three conditions, providing decision-makers with invaluable information for the strategic design of response actions to comprehensively address food insecurity and malnutrition.

“This Manual also reconciles the link between emergency and development analyses, by helping decision-makers identify food insecurity drivers through the use of Acute and Chronic Food Insecurity scales. This provides information for both effective humanitarian assistance and medium and long-term development action,” said Emily Farr, the Chair of the IPC Global Steering Committee.

The IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0 further reinforces the IPC principles of transparency and neutrality of the analysis by providing clearer guidance and tools on the analytical process, including technical consensus building and quality assurance. Emphasis is also placed on strategic communications to ensure the right information is conveyed to the right people at the right time.

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Real Madrid are confident of signing Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard this summer, according to Sky sports News in England.

The Spanish side are expected to overhaul their squad at the end of the season having missed out on the Champions League and La Liga titles, and the Premier League duo are high on their wish-list.

Pogba has received heavy criticism for his performances during Manchester United’s recent run of poor form, and is expected to leave if they miss out on qualification for the Champions League.

Hazard’s contract expires at the end of next season, and he has shown no inclination to renew the deal, meaning Chelsea will allow him to join Real if they match his £100m asking price.

Pogba came close to joining the La Liga side when he was leaving Juventus three years ago, but eventually joined United for £89m instead.

While on international duty last month, the 26-year-old admitted playing for Real under the management of his countryman Zinedine Zidane would be a “dream for anyone”.

PSG are also understood to be interested in signing the France international midfielder.

Hazard, 28, has also been open about his desire to play for Real during his career, describing it as “my dream since I was a kid”.

In addition, Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur told Sky Sports that Hazard sees Zidane as an inspiration, and that the Frenchman’s return as Real manager meant Hazard’s move to the Bernabeu was “falling into place”.

Real have had a hugely disappointing season, with Zidane’s return making him their third manager this season after the sackings of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

After winning three consecutive Champions League titles during Zidane’s first reign, they exited the competition at the last-16 stage this season after a 4-1 home defeat to Ajax.

They will end the season with no trophies for the first time in four years, and Zidane has pledged to make “changes” to the squad this summer.

Gary Neville: Pogba doesn’t want to be there

Former United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports that Pogba wants to leave Old Trafford this summer: “I don’t think he wants to be here, that’s his problem. His agent [Mino Raiola] is into him. He’s done brilliant for Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], by the way, scored 11 goals and made seven assists or so.

“I thought a few months ago that everything was brilliant, but I said that I believed the issues would resurface. We know his agent, we know the influence he has, and he’s had his head turned by other clubs.” – story via Sky Sports in UK.

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Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has handed over cheques worth Shs4.4 billion under the revenue sharing scheme to communities surrounding Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area.

The cheques were handed over by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu to the district leaders of Kisoro, Kanungu and Rubanda at the Bwindi Conservation Area head office in Buhoma.

“Government appreciates the contribution of communities neighboring protected areas in the conservation of wildlife in Uganda.” He said Prof. Kamuntu.

“We are giving this money in recognition of the important role that communities play in our conservation efforts; we believe that we cannot effectively conserve wildlife without the support of the communities. I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for rallying behind UWA in conserving the two gorilla parks. It is my humble appeal to you that you continue with this support to conservation and ensure that all forms of illegal wildlife activities, are eliminated” he said.

Prof. Kamuntu further gave assurances that Uganda is safe for visitors and warned that anyone who tries to endanger tourists who come to Uganda will be dealt with according to the law.

He said the money disbursed under the revenue sharing scheme keeps on increasing because of the ever increasing number of tourists who visit the parks to track gorillas and urged them to work closely with the park management by ensuring that wrong elements do not infiltrate to parks so that visitor numbers keep on increasing.

“As government, we are committed to improving the infrastructure and facilities for tourism in all tourism destinations. I am glad that UWA, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has been able to build this magnificent Visitor Information Centre which I have officially commissioned this morning”

The UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha called for adequate monitoring of the fund for it to be put to good use. “With adequate monitoring, it is our hope that the funds will be put to good use and be spent in accordance with the approved projects so that the benefit the intended people” he said.

He said UWA will continue to improve tourism facilities in all conservation areas in order to offer visitors the best experience.

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Victoria University has awarded whoever will emerge as Miss Curvy with full Scholarship on tuition and 70 per cent scholarships on tuition for the remaining 24 contestants for Masters, Bachelors, Diploma and Foundation programs.

Victoria University is a premium University accredited by the National Council of Higher Education and Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Council. It stands out as a pivot of academic excellence, offering a fresh and intellectually thriving environment that nurtures critical and progressive thinkers. It’s a private university that has been in existence since 2010 and stands out with a first class teaching environment.

Ruparelia Foundation, through Victoria University they will be extending three scholarship offers to the Miss Curvy contestants for our Masters, Bachelors, Diploma and Foundation programs under four faculties of; Health Sciences, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology and the Department of Petroleum and Energy Studies plus a free short course for each of the contestants.

According to Associate. Prof. Krishna N. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University their aim in partnering is to impart and provide knowledge to the contestants through the scholarships; this will result into career growth. He also said he appreciates the contestants’ leadership skills as they have come to this level after fighting many challenges including but not limited to bullying, body shaming etc.

“We are giving them free short courses in Public Speaking and Presentation so that they may effectively transfer their leadership skills, implant the message of having pride in who they are, inspire and motivate others who may be facing similar challenges what they have faced in the past.” She said

The VC said key objectives of the scholarship is to extend our international standard of education, to promote equality in communities by supporting talented students to acquire the necessary academic qualifications, to promote entrepreneurship and skills in Africa that will help address the skills gap as well as the challenges of human capital development.

Victoria University is set to admit and impart knowledge and skills to both local and international students as we extend a hand to the communities in need and also contribute to the government’s part in development.

“We appreciate Miss Curvy for organizing this event to appreciate the participants and plus size females. Victoria University is happy to be partnering with Miss Curvy for purposes of enhancing career growth and positive life enrichment of the Miss Curvy contestants.” the VC said.

CEO of Miss Curvy Uganda, Annie Mungoma appreciated that institutions such as Victoria University have come out with a cause of ensuring that the contestants are skilled and acquire knowledge through the scholarships which they can take up in the desired degree of their choice.

“This will have direct impact and will enhance their career growth and have something to hope for in future.” she said.
The scholarship shall be provided to only those contestants who have the entry requirements as per the National Council for Higher Education.

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