Teaching gorilla protection in Congo
Schoolchildren in the Republic of Congo capital Brazzaville are learning about gorilla protection as part of a campaign by conservationists, authorities and nongovernmental organizations to protect the threatened primates. Supporters hope the program will begin to change social attitudes toward gorillas and bolster new regulations to protect wildlife and protected areas put in place by authorities in 2008.
Injured children form bond that crosses Israeli-Palestinian divide
The friendship and journey of two severely injured hospital-bound young children — one Israeli, the other Palestinian — and their families is inspiring people around them to re-evaluate how they view individuals from other ethnic groups. Both children were wounded in violence associated with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
1 billionth person born in Africa
Though census data are patchy, the UN estimates that in 2009, Africa’s population reached 1 billion. The UN further estimates the population will nearly double by 2050, a massive boom that could represent an unbearable burden on food, health care and other resources — unless rising urbanization and education grow to meet the demands of a young population.
Kashmiri activists unite against domestic violence
A coalition of Hindu and Muslim activist groups has joined to combat rampant domestic violence in Kashmir, promoting new legal protections, including a draft law expected to be enacted next year.
HRW urges Kenya to protect children during HIV/AIDS testing
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over a Kenyan plan to test 4 million people for HIV/AIDS in their homes next year over fears the process might infringe upon children’s rights. Home testing and counseling are seen as vital processes in a country where many are unwilling to go to a clinic over fear of social stigma.
WHO hopeful about new polio vaccine
A new vaccine effective against both strains of polio will be instrumental in efforts to eradicate the debilitating disease, the World Health Organization said. The bivalent oral polio vaccine is being used for the first time this week in Afghanistan, where health officials hope to inoculate 2.8 million children younger than 5 years old.
