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As countries ramp up their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and work to contain new variants of the virus, WHO is tirelessly working towards equitable access of the new vaccines and continues to provide support in many other ways to countries all over the world. Here are some recent activities WHO was able to carry out to thanks to the vital backing of its many donors.

India rolls out the worlds largest COVID-19 vaccination drive with support from WHO

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the vaccination site at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. Story published by WHO/SEARO on 16 January 2021.

India recently rolled out the worlds largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in January to reach around 300 million individuals in priority groups. The vaccines will be administered at over 3 000 sites in all states and union territories. Among the first to be vaccinated are 10 million health-workers who are at high risk of exposure to the disease.WHO is supporting the campaign through information, monitoring, and providing guidelines.

WHO helps maintain essential cholera protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Sudan

Hon. Elizabeth Acuei Yol, Minister of Health, administering oral cholera vaccine, South Sudan. Story published by WHO/AFRO on 20 January 2021.

WHO is supporting an oral cholera vaccination campaign in South Sudan to protect flood-displaced populations in high-risk areas.

The five-day campaign in January was organized and led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO, UNICEF, IOM, MEDAIR and other partners to reach nearly 100 000 individuals aged one year and above in Pibor town, Verteth, Gumuruk and Lekuangule.

With European Union support, WHO will fight COVID-19 and strengthen health systems in Somalia

WHO/Somalia personnel receiving medical supplies donated by the EU. Story published by WHO/EMRO on 21 January 2021.

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Somalia and the WHO Somalia country office recently signed a 5 million multi-year contribution agreement for a project to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and to strengthen the countrys health systems.

WHO and the EU Delegation to Somalia will continue to collaborate closely in the future, alongside the health authorities, in their joint efforts to reach and support the most vulnerable populations across the country with essential and life-saving health services.

WHO and DHL team up to deliver health-care equipment to the Pacific

DHL sends healthcare supplies for WHO to the Pacific Islands. Story published by WHO/WPRO on 19 January 2021.

WHO recently teamed up with DHL Global Forwarding to coordinate WHOs latest delivery: more than US$ 2 million worth of medical devices such as oxygen concentrator sets, patient monitors and pulse oximeters. The equipment was flown with the help of DHL from Singapore to WHOs Division of Pacific Technical Support in Fiji.

The devices are destined for hospitals and other health-care facilities in eight countries and areas in the Pacific, where they will help local medical professionals to treat COVID-19 patients.

Canada and WHO support COVID-19 prevention programme among indigenous people in Bolivia

Demesio Semo Molle of the Yuqui council told WHO staff that his community doesnt have access to clean water. Story published by PAHO/WHO on 20 January 2021.

Thanks to funding from the government of Canada and technical assistance from the WHO Regional Office for the Americas, Bolivia recently established a culturally adapted communication and training programme to prevent and manage COVID-19 in the tropics of Cochabamba. The programme is aimed to help the Pachinu and Bia Recuate communities of the Yuqui people and benefitted from their active participation.

EU, WHO donate supplies to enhance lab capacity for COVID-19 testing in Belize

Local staff receive laboratory equipment donated by the EU and WHO. Story published by PAHO/WHO on 20 January 2021.

The European Union (EU) and WHO Regional Office for the Americas recently donated a stock of crucial supplies to the Central Medical Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness to enhance the laboratorys capacity to continue the screening and testing for COVID-19 nationwide.

WHO, Germany deliver critical medical supplies to Western Balkan countries to strengthen COVID-19 response and save lives

A medical worker with COVID-19 test samples at Belgrades Torlak institute. Story published by WHO/EURO on 25 January 2021.

WHO has partnered with the German Government to deliver medical supplies worth 3.65 million to countries in the Western Balkan region. These supplies 334 ventilators and 19 400 pulse oximeters will equip health facilities to monitor and improve the health outcomes of COVID-19 patients, particularly in intensive care units.

The shipments were distributed at the end of 2020 to hospitals across the regions five countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. They will serve the immediate needs of countries during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as strengthen the capacities of hospitals for future health emergencies.

EU provides additional 35 million to support the fight against COVID-19 in Afghanistan

A COVID-19 Rapid Response Team in Afghanistan. Story published by WHO/EMRO on 26 January 2021.

The EU-Delegation in Kabul recently announced additional support of 35 million to tackle COVID-19 and mitigate its socioeconomic impacts in Afghanistan. Since the start of the pandemic, the EU has mobilized almost 147 million to address the immediate health crisis and provide humanitarian assistance to people in need.

The additional funds will contribute to strengthening the response capacity of health systems to test and treat patients, to improve infection prevention, to raise awareness and to reduce nutritional risks through three projects implemented by WHO, UNICEF and a consortium led by the Aga Khan Foundation.

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Read more about WHOs response to COVID-19 across the world.

Without the support of donors and partners, WHO would not be able to reach these countries in need and help them make it through the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO thanks all governments, organizations and individuals contributing to the COVID-19 response around the world, and in particular those who have provided fully flexible contributions, to ensure a comprehensive fight against the disease.

African Development Bank, Alwaleed Foundation, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bulgaria, CAF, Canada, Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), China, Cte dIvoire, COVID MPTF, COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Commission, Finland, France, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, Germany, GFATM, Pacific Health Officers Association, Guinea, Holy See, Iceland, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Japan, Ireland, Islamic Development Bank, Italy, King Baudouin Foundation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Novartis International AG, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Pacific Health Officers Association, Pandemic Tech, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Slovenia, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tetra Pak Export FZE, Standard Chartered Bank, Thailand, United Kingdom, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNDP/UNOSS, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNFCU Foundation, United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), United States, Viet Nam, Vital Strategies/Resolve to Save Lives, World Bank, World Bank/PEF

Read more about donors and partners contributing to the COVID-19 response

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From Afghanistan to South Sudan: how WHO and partners continue to fight COVID-19 around the world - World Health Organization

News that Jack Sloane (played by Maria Bello) is leaving has been known to NCIS fans since the summer of 2020 when the actor announced her departure after three years on the show. However, the time has now arrived for Sloane to bow out of the CBS series on-screen - and a synopsis from season 18, episode eight has left a number of the fandom thinking a relocation could be behind her exit.

In the next episode of NCIS, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) will accompany Sloane to Afghanistan.

As the CBS synopsis explains: When Sloane's name is discovered in Afghanistan at the site of an abandoned bus with a dead driver, Gibbs accompanies her on a trip to find a group of girls who were kidnapped from the bus.

Also, McGee (Sean Murray), Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) track down a hacker who emailed compromising information to the Taliban.

But what will the conclusion of Sloane and Gibbs trip to Afghanistan be? Well, it's not looking good.

READ MORE:NCIS 2021: Jimmy Palmer star opens up on struggle after Breena's death

Theories are starting to emerge among NCIS fans - from a deadly exit to an unlikely reunion with daughter Faith (Kate Hamilton).

However, a popular scenario which could see Sloane say her farewells would be for her to settle in Afghanistan for good.

This would both avoid the deadly exit so many are fearing as well as leave the door open for any possible return.

Taking to Twitter to discuss the theory, one fan said: Right so Jack stays in Afghanistan then they pull a Ziva (Cote de Pablo).

Ziva, of course, left the series several years ago only to return from the dead in season 17 to shock Gibbs and co.

Adding to the debate, another put forward plans as to how she could stay: Im hoping she would stay at Afghanistan and start a charity, that sounds like the best scenario rn (sic).

While others were simply hoping Sloane wouldnt suffer a similar fate to the likes of Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander).

I just read the press release for Jack's last episode. I was really hoping it wouldn't be centred around Afghanistan they said.

#NCIS Please don't kill her off not even in a heroic way. Just no. She deserves so much more. @mostx1 @stevebinder.

Fans will have to wait until March 2 when NCIS season 18 returns to see if its any clearer just how Sloane will depart.

In the meantime, CBS has released a promo image to show Gibbs and Sloane in Afghanistan.

Dressed head to toe in camouflaged protective gear, the two are certainly readying themselves for any danger which may come their way.

And they seem to be deep in conversation with a soldier - but could he be delivering a warning to the two?

Away from the Sloane storyline, fans are still coming to terms with the heartbreaking Covid plot with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).

In episode seven, Jimmy delivered the shock news that his wife Breena had died amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And it looks like Jimmy may begin to struggle with the grieving process going forward.

But will Gibbs and the team be able to rally around their pal to help him through the ordeal?

NCIS season 18 returns to CBS on March 2.

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NCIS 2021: Sloane to move to Afghanistan as fans tip heartbreaking Gibbs separation - Express

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti. (File photo)

India on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, saying that Islamabad has been disrupting the peace process in Afghanistan by helping terror groups like Al-Qaida, ISIS - launch violent attacks in Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) in the neighbouring country.

"It is essential that we don't lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL K, Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan, etc. in South Asia, said India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti while speaking at the Security Council Briefing on ''Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts'' on Tuesday.

He added that the UN Secretary General's report on ISIL should also cover activities of the proscribed terrorist entities under ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions regime like Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and "frontal organizations that raise funds for their activities."

"The world is fully aware that these groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan that have disrupted the peace process. We are also witnessing the relocation of terror groups to Afghanistan especially in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, across the Durand Line," the Indian envoy stated.

Mr Tirumurti reiterated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's eight-point action plan during the January assembly that was inclusive of summoning the political will; don't justify terrorism, don't glorify terrorists and "No double standards. Terrorists are terrorists. A no good or bad distinction to be made."

He said that India welcomes the programmes that are launched by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office global programs launched by UNOCT to assist member states in building their capacities to prevent and counter-terrorism and acknowledge the direct utility of the Global Countering Terrorist Travel Program and the Global Program on Countering the Financing of Terrorism to prevent and detect travel of foreign terrorists and funding of terrorist entities.

The envoy reiterated India's full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the UN. "India has been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts, has taken part in all major global initiatives against international terrorism and is a party to all 13 United Nations'' sectoral conventions relating to terrorism," he said further.

The intra-Afghan peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban had resumed in January but no progress till now has been made.

The talks were overshadowed by a series of disagreements and a surge in violence, including armed clashes and blasts across the country.

However, Former Pakistan senator Afrasiab Khattak had said that Islamabad has been using the Taliban as a "tool" for its dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that the world and all stakeholders should respect the rules of sovereignty and international relations.

"For a guarantee of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, we must ask the world and all stakeholders to respect the rules of sovereignty and international relations. Stop giving sanctuaries and stop interfering in the affairs of their neighbours," the Afghan President said.

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Terror Groups In Pakistan Disrupting Peace Process In Afghanistan: India - NDTV

Reflections on U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky's determination to censor Mary Miller's comments invoking Adolf Hitler's name to make a point, that the later was "right on one thing: whoever has the youth has the future."

A classical definition of evil is that it is the perversion of good, much like rust on metal. It cannot exist without being a leach, has to have something wholesome to hook itself onto in order to twist. Thus, an evil person has to have attributes of goodness (power, intellect, position) in order to even exist and do damage to self and others. In Western tradition, the devil was said to have incredible attributes that he uses for destructive ends. Similarly for the villain Adolf Hitler: What he said was right insofar as it went, as many other writers have said the same truism using slightly different phrasing.

Ought not Ms. Schakowsky assume the high road and give respect to another in one's stated profession? Doubly so for a first-year elected official? How would Ms. Schakowsky like it if a professional linguist or philosopher parsed her mistakes with razor-sharp accuracy for the times she has erroneously overstated something in the past?

Adolf Hitler's evil regime hurt a huge swath of humanity. But so did Josef Stalin and others. Are all evil persons hereby off-limits to quote in order to press home a point? Just where does Ms. Schakowsky's censorship end? Had Ms. Miller quoted Stalin, would she be just as irate?

Lastly, the chilling effects of government officials censoring others when the latter are making a point is quite scary. As in the medical field, a doctor's unintended therapy's bad consequences can overtake the very good that was intended.

Norman Suire

Elgin

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Chilling trend toward censorship - Chicago Daily Herald

When I think of important topics to discuss, politically and socially, I think of censorship especially reflecting on its endless ability to generate controversy.

Can censorship be too much or too little? For me, it really depends.

Is censoring people and content on social media outlets going to be beneficial in the long run?

I am not one to condone violence, and I think extreme and violent hate speech should not be permitted on social media platforms.

Even though I agree with the First Amendment and understand that censorship can be contradictory to that, I think it is important to censor unnecessarily threatening speech on social media.

While we cannot censor all hate speech, because it is a protected right, there are times where I think that speech can go too far.

Radical speech that I believe deserved censorship could be seen through the recent ban on former President Donald Trump from a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, due to his involvement in the Capitol riots.

Right-winged supporters of Trump thought those bans were a violation of the First Amendment.

This is simply not true because social media platforms can censor whoever they please and there is not a limit. These social media platforms are private companies, making decisions of their own free will.

Social media platforms are not owned by the government, and there is no law that prevents these platforms from regulating their content. A Twitter account is not a First Amendment right.

According to USA Today, advocacy groups called for Marjorie Taylor Greene a recently elected Republican representative from Georgia who has been a controversial figure lately to be removed from Facebook for telling dangerous lies.

Civil rights and other advocacy groups told Facebook in a statement that it allowed Greene to exploit its platform for many years without taking any action.

Greene has made many controversial remarks on social media, including that the Sept. 11 attacks were all a hoax.

The Georgia representative also liked many controversial remarks on Facebook and has worn facemasks that said Trump Won and Free Speech.

Even though the House of Representatives voted to have Greene stripped of her committee assignments, how does that prevent her from spreading misinformation?

Greene was temporarily suspended from Twitter but did that help anything? While she may have different political views than me, I think the lies she has spread through tweets and other social media platforms need to be removed because I believe her statements can be threatening and dangerous.

But is it necessary to censor everything? What should actually be censored and what is unnecessary?

Being censored isnt what we grew up on, but it was kind of forced upon us due to radical speech in the age of social media. While I agree that everyone's opinions are valid, some things said online are offensive and violent that they need to be censored.

The recent statement released by Penn States Black Caucus about the Zoom bombing during the spring Involvement Fair said anti-Semitic and white supremacist language was used as well as racial and homophobic slurs.

Penn State officials have condemned the Zoom bombing and an investigation is still ongoing. But does taking action against these criminals prevent anything from happening in the future?

According to Black Caucuss statement, these kinds of hateful attacks happen all the time in real life and online. Even though incidents like these have happened before and are still going on today, how can we aim for somewhat of a resolution?

I genuinely believe the Zoom bombing incident was disgusting, and while Penn State could not have anticipated it happening, I am glad there is an investigation that will hopefully bring those criminals to justice.

We can prevent some of these things from happening with a bit of censorship.

I dont think censoring everything is the answer to the worlds problems, but censoring violent, dangerous and discriminatory speech even though it is a right is the next step for productive politics and our social wellbeing as a whole.

If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.

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Why I think censorship is important in the age of social media | Column - The Daily Collegian Online