Opinion: A welcome piece of good economic news – While Americans and Europeans are experiencing a period of financial instability, “the rate of extreme poverty [in Africa] has fallen below 50 percent for the first time since 1981.” As the president of the World Bank since 2007, Bob Zoellick “will leave the rarest of legacies: a multilateral institution with its reputation enhanced.” In a recent interview, Zoellick explains that “successful developing nations set their own priorities, adopt a ‘relentless pragmatism,’ and move up a ladder of independence.” (Washington Post, Michael Gerson)
Tuberculosis Fears Spur Vaccine Search – As the transmission of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis becomes more prevalent, a global alliance of researchers and scientists are pinning their hopes on a new ‘blueprint’ to develop “a new vaccine that aims to disrupt transmission in hard-hit countries and communities.” Experts predict that they will need at least $1 billion in funding over the next 5 years to bring viable vaccines through the pipeline. (WSJ, Peter Wonacott)
Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair at the Times CEO Africa Summit – In an exclusive interview with CNN, Tony Blair explains that there is still much to be done on infrastructure projects in Africa, particularly with power, electricity and roads. Blair argues that “the biggest thing that will improve the plight of the million who still live in poverty [in Africa] is better governance, better infrastructure, and an inflow of quality private sector investment.” (CNN)
Ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, a call to action – With World Tuberculosis Day approaching on March 24, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that it is “high time to end the neglect of TB and push for more ambitious campaigns to stop the disease in this lifetime.” A new report calls for governments and the scientific community to “integrate tuberculosis diagnostics, treatment and care services with child health primary care, maternal and child health programs, and HIV services.” (Devex, Ivy Mungcal)
Playing for Change: Street musicians unite world through songs – Playing for Change is a “multimedia movement [of over 150 – mostly street- musicians], designed to break down global barriers and connect people of every race through the power of music.” The music recordings gave rise to the Playing for Change Foundation, “an initiative aiming to inspire, educate and empower youth in Africa” by building music schools in communities from Ghana to South Africa to Mali. (CNN, Isha Sesay)
