Early childhood development

ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss the transboundary haze at an upcoming meeting. The episode highlights longstanding regional tensions over the annual haze, which has strained diplomatic relations in previous severe seasons such as 2015.

Earlier assessments have similarly stressed that without accelerated action, high levels of hunger could persist for generations in the most affected regions.

The Commission stresses that these threats are not distant or abstract. Some already impose heavy burdens; others carry low-probability but catastrophic potential.

Health officials have acknowledged that traditional approaches have not fully resolved the stunting puzzle and are exploring new measures.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act still uses the term “child pornography” for child sexual abuse material – an outdated phrasing that can minimise the gravity of the crime.

The 59 per cent figure for unvaccinated suspected cases remains a stark marker of how quickly immunity gaps can turn into a public-health emergency.

Restrictions on education and freedoms, combined with chronic poverty and lack of future opportunities, have fuelled high levels of distress.

Without rapid and substantial additional funding, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 is grim, UNICEF says, as peak wasting season is underway.