AP: Malaria progress falters – Critics say that the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating malaria deaths by 2015 is unrealistic, as the fight against malaria has slowed “amid a dramatic drop in efforts to reverse the epidemic.” While the malaria death rate has fallen by a quarter since 2000, officials warn that further improvements are in jeopardy. Stalled progress can be attributed to inadequate surveillance, the financial crisis, and donors prioritizing other health campaigns.
CNN: ‘Solar sisters’ spreading light in Africa – In Uganda, 90 percent of the population lives without access to electricity, which slows progress in healthcare and prevents people from escaping poverty. Solar Sister is a group “aiming to eradicate energy poverty while creating economic opportunities for women.” The group recruits and trains female entrepreneurs in East Africa to build their own businesses and sell affordable solar lighting though their community networks. (Teo Kermeliotis)
Devex: Global health becomes more deeply anchored in US State Department – Eric Goosby has been chosen to head the U.S. Department of State’s new Office of Global Health Diplomacy. The new role will provide “diplomatic support in implementing the Global Health Initiative’s principles and goals” and will be in addition to Goosby’s role as U.S. global AIDS coordinator. (Ivy Muncgal)
VOA: S. Africa’s Zuma Vows Change at Party Conference – South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, says that “the ruling African National Congress party is ‘the only hope for the poor and marginalized.’” Zuma hopes to be re-elected party leader at the five-day party conference which would make him the “heir apparent to the presidency again in 2014. (Anita Powell)
