MDG 2 calls for universal primary education. Last month, the UN released a major MDG review study showing that 89% of children in the developing world are enrolled in primary education. In sub-saharan Africa, enrollment stands at 76%, which is up from 58% in 1999. The report credits governments that have abolished school fees and undertaken other policies that make access to eduction more affordable for poor children.
By Harold Pollack, the Helen Ross Professor at the School of Social Service Administration and faculty chair of the Center for Health Administration Studies at the University of Chicago.
It is not often that the President of the United States weighs in directly on debates at the UN Economic and Social Council.
SG to Kabul: after much media speculation, the SG’s spokesperson confirmed today that he has traveled to Kabul to co-chair the International Conference on Afghanistan tomorrow with President Karzai. In his opening remarks, he is expected to call on the Afghan people to achieve peace through reconciliation and build a future based on economic development and cooperation. He is expected to hold a joint press conference with Karzai as well. In his remarks this morning at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, he called on the
By Wayan Vota
While everyone is amazed at the quick proliferation of mobile phones in the developing world, here's a startling statistic from the Technology Salon which should check our unbridled enthusiasm for m-everything: 73% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia do not have a mobile phone.
Starvation looms for millions of people in the landlocked African country of Niger. Earlier this month, the World Food Program executive director Josette Sheeran declared Niger an emergency operation, saying that the brains and bodies of children under five may become damaged for life. "We risk losing a generation there," she said.
SG: today the SG convened the first meeting of the MDG Advocacy Group in Madrid, which is co-chaired by Rwandan President Kagame and Spanish PM Zapatero. He urged the Advocates to educate and inform on the MDGs and help send the message, especially in this time of economic uncertainty, that the Goals go beyond development and are about generating global economic growth. This weekend, the SG travels to Geneva to attend the Third World C
A new study from the Alan Guttmacher Institute found that Ethiopia could save 34 million dollars a year by meeting unmet demand for contraceptive services. It would save the medical costs associated with unintended pregnancies. Expanding contraceptive services would also empower women and improve the health of women and children.
It’s an excellent report, and the logic and the data are solid. Here are some excerpts:
Former super-model Christy Turlington-Burns is a well known advocate for maternal health. She recently channeled her activism into a film that takes a hard look at the global plague of maternal mortality. Her documentary, No Women No Cry debuted at the Tribecca Film Festival in April. Earlier this month, Turlington screened the film at the United Nations for Ban Ki Moon and other diplomats.