Global measles surge: Warning of threat to children

Last year, 98 nations reported a major increase in measles cases compared with the previous year.

A global surge in cases of measles is posing a growing threat to children worldwide, according to a new report from the United Nations.

It reveals that 98 nations reported a major increase in measles cases in 2018 compared with the previous year.

Nearly 16,000 cases of the disease were reported last year, killing at least 260 children.

So why is a disease that’s highly preventable on the way back?

Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reports from the United Nations.

Why are there still anti-vaxxers?

Many people continue to resist vaccinating their kids despite small chance of adverse reactions.

A study of more than half a million children in Denmark shows there is no link between autism and the MMR vaccine, which is used to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Yet people continue to resist vaccinations.

Tens of thousands of people die every year from measles, a disease that can be prevented with a simple vaccine.

Al Jazeera’s Mereana Hond looks at why, against all scientific proof, scepticism over vaccines persists.

Social media posts come under scrutiny ahead of India elections

The Election Commission is trying to curb fake news in India weeks before parliamentary elections begin.

Twitter has dropped unverified political ads in India, ahead of next month’s national elections.

It comes a day after the Election Commission of India said it would scrutinise social media posts by candidates and parties.

Al Jazeera’s Faiz Jamil reports from New Delhi.

US lawmakers vote to end funding Yemen war

Members of the House of Representatives say the fighting could create long-term instability and pose a future threat to the United States.

The US House of Representatives has voted to end US funding for the war in Yemen, in defiance of President Donald Trump’s support for the Saudi-led coalition.

Trump says he will veto it, even as his administration has ignored measures to reduce civilian deaths.

Trump says Saudi Arabia is a valuable strategic partner, but witnesses say continued support could undermine regional stability.

Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reports from Washington.

Italy's League party grows in popularity in the south

How a northern Italian political party has managed to garner support in the country’s south.

Italy’s League party started out as a northern separatist movement, but in the past year, its support has extended to the south.

Its leader Matteo Salvini became an MP in the southern region of Calabria, and has focussed his agenda on immigration rather than mafia-related crimes.

Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego reports from Rosarno.

Nigeria struggles to rescue 20,000 girls from Mali sex trade

Officials say collusion between law enforcement agents and traffickers is hampering the rescue efforts.

Nigeria is struggling to bring home an estimated 20,000 girls trapped in Mali.

The victims of the sex trade are kept in appalling conditions.

Officials say collusion between law enforcement agents and traffickers is hampering the rescue efforts.

Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris reports from Kokoyo in western Mali.

Algerian-French community watches cautiously as crisis deepens

Far from home but closely watching the growing crisis, Algerians living abroad talk about their hopes and dreams for their homeland.

Algerians living abroad are watching events back home closely as hundreds of thousands of people protest against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to stand for a fifth term.

More than four million people of Algerian origin are estimated to live in France. Activists in Paris who are supporting their compatriots are also speaking up.

Al Jazeera’s Natacha Butler reports from Paris.

Venezuela's indigenous migrants struggle to preserve traditions

Indigenous groups who fled their country’s political and economic crises are among some of the most vulnerable migrants.

Aid workers in Brazil say indigenous people fleeing Venezuela are among some of the most vulnerable migrants.

Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Jamjoom reports from Boa Vista, Brazil, where he met one indigenous group who are doing all they can to hold on to their traditions after leaving Venezuela.

Christchurch mosque shootings: New Zealand mourns

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterates a need for policy change as New Zealand mourns the lives lost.

Tributes are being paid across New Zealand to mourn the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

As the grieving families prepared to bury their loved ones, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met Muslim community leaders in Wellington to show her solidarity and support.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas reports from Christchurch.

Five years since MH370 disappeared, work for improved tracking

US engineers hope a network of satellites in space could be the answer.

It is the fifth anniversary of one of the greatest ever aviation mysteries as Malaysian Airlines’ Kuala Lumpur-Beijing flight (MH370) vanished with 239 people on board.

The disappearance spurred demands for improved tracking technology and US engineers hope a network of satellites in space could be the answer.

Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro reports from Virginia.

New Zealand's Ardern vows justice for victims of mosque attacks

The prime minister made the promise in an emotional speech during the first parliamentary session since the mass shootings that took 50 lives.

In New Zealand, the bodies of some of the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks have been handed over to their families.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has promised justice for the 50 people who were killed. She made the vow in an emotional speech during the first parliamentary session since the mass shootings.

Al Jazeera’s Wayne Hay reports from Christchurch.