Top of the Morning: Malaria Fight Slows; Egypt Passes Constitution; New OCHA Global Appeal

Top stories from DAWNS Digest. 

WHO: World is Slowing Fight Against Malaria

The WHO’s 2012 World Malaria report is out and the news is not all good.  “After a rapid expansion between 2004 and 2009, global funding for malaria prevention and control levelled off between 2010 and 2012, and progress in the delivery of some life-saving commodities has slowed. According to the World Malaria Report 2012, these developments are signs of a slowdown that could threaten to reverse the remarkable recent gains in the fight against one of the world’s leading infectious killers. For example, the number of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) delivered to endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa dropped from a peak of 145 million in 2010 to an estimated 66 million in 2012.” (WHO http://bit.ly/YbT2ZM)

Controversial Egyptian Constitution Narrowly Passes

The constitution, which was the focus of recent protests passed ,in a national referendum. “Egyptians voted in favor of a constitution shaped by Islamists but opposed by other groups who fear it will divide the Arab world’s biggest nation, officials in rival camps said on Sunday after the first round of a two-stage referendum. Next week’s second round is likely to give another “yes” vote as it includes districts seen as more sympathetic towards Islamists, analysts say, meaning the constitution would be approved. But the narrow win so far gives Islamist President Mohamed Mursi only limited grounds for celebration by showing the wide rifts in a country where he needs to build a consensus for tough economic reforms.” (Reuters http://reut.rs/V1QbQb)

UN Launches $8.5 Billion Humanitarian Appeal

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has officially requested $8.5 billion to provide essential relief to 51 million people in 16 countries in 2013. “Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, called today for US$8.5 billion to help an estimated 51 million people who will need urgent humanitarian relief in 2013. Ms. Amos made the appeal on behalf of the UN and international humanitarian organisations working in 16 crisis-affected countries around the world….The global appeal for 2013 includes 16 national appeals for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic,Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, occupied Palestinian territory, Philippines,Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and Zimbabwe.” (OCHA http://bit.ly/V1SLFW)