What We’re Reading: A promising malaria drug, food supply fears and the South African labor strike

Sep 3rd, 2010 10:04 AM UTC
By Robyn Mitchell

New malaria drug candidate holds promise – Scientists have identified a promising drug that represents an entirely new class of medicines to treat malaria. Further studies are in the works, with the potential of clinical trials later this year. (Gautam Naik, The Wall Street Journal)

U.N. delays release of report on possible Congo genocide – Rwandan outrage over a report suggesting that its troops might have been responsible for genocide in neighboring Congo prompted the U.N. to delay its release for a month. (Neil MacFarquhar, The New York Times)

Fears grow over global food supply – Violent food riots in Mozambique are just one consequent of increasing wheat prices worldwide – due in part to Russia’s extended grain export ban – raising fears about a return to the food shortages and riots of 2007-08. (Javier Blas, Financial Times)

South African labor strike remains unresolved – South African schools will remain shut and hospitals and courts disrupted until at least Sept. 6 while striking public-sector workers debate a government wage offer, a labor spokesman said. (Franz Wild, Bloomberg)

Geldof seeks $1bn for African investment – Aid activist Bob Geldof is seeking to raise $1 billion for a private equity venture in Africa, which, if successful, would be among the largest in a wave of new business seeking to jump on resurgent economic growth on the continent. (William Wallis, Financial Times)

TAGS: What We're Reading