Widespread access to information technology reduces poverty and African countries should put more focus on decreasing the costs of broadband access, the World Bank says. While some progress has been made with innovative mobile banking and free call roaming, African countries continue to have the world’s poorest overall IT performance.
WHO warns of vaccine shortfall for coming flu season
Worldwide production and supply of H1N1 vaccines likely are insufficient to meet need for the upcoming fall flu season, and health care workers should be the first to receive vaccinations, the World Health Organization says. Vaccination of health workers will help guarantee the continuity of health care systems in the event of widespread infections, according to the WHO.
Former Rwanda governor sentenced to life for 1994 genocide in the country
Former Rwanda governor and military commander Tharcisse Renzaho was sentenced to life in prison on five counts of genocide and crimes against humanity. As the governor of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, Renzaho held authority over the police force, implicating him in the thousands of deaths that occurred in the 100-day 1994 genocide in which more than half a million Tutsis were killed. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which sentenced Renzaho, has handed down judgments for nearly 39 people.
Taylor labels Hague case ‘lies’
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor took the stand to dismiss the charges explained by the prosecution as “lies,” including accusations he provided military assistance to Revolutionary United Front rebels and plotted to invade Sierra Leone. He also denied receiving coffee tins full of blood diamonds from the RUF.
Philippine bombings: No one is a suspect and everyone is to blame
Despite three recent bombings in the southern Philippines, the UN has resumed relief operations in the troubled area. Concerns about the safety of the region and travel restrictions curtailed the activity of the UN World Food Program, which provides food to half a million people displaced by violence since the fall. No one has taken responsibility for the bombings, and suspicions as to the culprit or culprits are running rampant.
India ‘racing’ to wipe out polio
Outdated health systems, malnourishment and population movements continue to adversely affect India’s efforts to eradicate polio. Officials have used bikes, small boats, and elephant and camel convoys to reach far-flung villages during the past three months in a bid to immunize 172 million children
G8 pledges $20 bln in farm aid to poor nations
G-8 leaders pledged $20 billion in aid to poor countries during the next three years to shore up food stocks amid the ongoing global recession and build agricultural capacity. Developing countries applauded the move, which expanded the expected commitment by $5 billion, but expressed worry about past failures to keep aid promises.