http://www.IRINnews.org Updated every day en-gb Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:14:00 GMT United Nations Integrated Regional Information Networks, http://www.IRINnews.org Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>CAPE TOWN, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - More than seven months overdue, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant will finally be released to key South African AIDS organizations that have been struggling to survive. Some were on the verge of shutting down. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94927 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94927 CAPE TOWN, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - More than seven months overdue, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant will finally be released to key South African AIDS organizations that have been struggling to survive. Some were on the verge of shutting down.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>NAIROBI, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - In August, Somalia faces constitutional limbo if the key provisions of a political "roadmap" agreed in September 2011, and one of the topics of this week's conference in London, are not met. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94926 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94926 NAIROBI, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - In August, Somalia faces constitutional limbo if the key provisions of a political "roadmap" agreed in September 2011, and one of the topics of this week's conference in London, are not met.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BUJUMBURA, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - At least 2,000 people displaced by recent torrential rains in the area of Gatumba, on the outskirts of Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, need food and shelter, say officials. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94925 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94925 BUJUMBURA, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - At least 2,000 people displaced by recent torrential rains in the area of Gatumba, on the outskirts of Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, need food and shelter, say officials.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>APAR, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Amid violent confrontations, some 6,000 people in northern Uganda who spent years displaced as the army pursued the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have been forced to leave their newfound homes because they lie in what has become a wildlife reserve. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94923 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94923 APAR, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Amid violent confrontations, some 6,000 people in northern Uganda who spent years displaced as the army pursued the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have been forced to leave their newfound homes because they lie in what has become a wildlife reserve.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BAGHDAD, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Fluctuating water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq's primary sources of surface water, will continue to mar agricultural development unless more equitable water access rights are agreed with neighbouring countries and modern irrigation techniques are more widely adopted to reduce wastage, says a government official. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94921 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94921 BAGHDAD, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Fluctuating water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq's primary sources of surface water, will continue to mar agricultural development unless more equitable water access rights are agreed with neighbouring countries and modern irrigation techniques are more widely adopted to reduce wastage, says a government official.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>DHAKA, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is ill-prepared for earthquakes due to lack of awareness and unplanned urbanization, say experts. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94920 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94920 DHAKA, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is ill-prepared for earthquakes due to lack of awareness and unplanned urbanization, say experts.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>COLOMBO, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - As the government of Sri Lanka comes under increasing international pressure to implement recommendations submitted by a presidentially appointed war commission, IRIN asked national analysts which recommendations were most easily achievable. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94919 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94919 COLOMBO, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - As the government of Sri Lanka comes under increasing international pressure to implement recommendations submitted by a presidentially appointed war commission, IRIN asked national analysts which recommendations were most easily achievable.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>LONDON/NAIROBI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - World attention is on the war-torn Horn of Africa nation once more, with analysts saying the London Conference on 23 February could mark a turning point in the country's quest for peace and stability. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94918 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94918 LONDON/NAIROBI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - World attention is on the war-torn Horn of Africa nation once more, with analysts saying the London Conference on 23 February could mark a turning point in the country's quest for peace and stability.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>NAIROBI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Many Somalis expect the London Conference on 23 February to lead to peace and stability, while others have questioned what a five-hour meeting can achieve. IRIN spoke to a cross-section about their expectations and whether or not it would help to stabilize the country after more than two decades of civil war: http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94917 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94917 NAIROBI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Many Somalis expect the London Conference on 23 February to lead to peace and stability, while others have questioned what a five-hour meeting can achieve. IRIN spoke to a cross-section about their expectations and whether or not it would help to stabilize the country after more than two decades of civil war:]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BRAZZAVILLE, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Health authorities in the Republic of Congo have recorded 340 cases of cholera, nine of them fatal, since June 2011, in the northern district of Likouala, and have warned that the disease continues to spread and that some health centres lack sufficient treatment. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94915 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94915 BRAZZAVILLE, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Health authorities in the Republic of Congo have recorded 340 cases of cholera, nine of them fatal, since June 2011, in the northern district of Likouala, and have warned that the disease continues to spread and that some health centres lack sufficient treatment.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BEIRUT/DUBAI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Experts worry that Syrians will have increasing problems accessing food in the coming months, as prices rise, conflict disrupts supply lines, dwindling finances strain subsidies and imports face challenges. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94914 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94914 BEIRUT/DUBAI, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - Experts worry that Syrians will have increasing problems accessing food in the coming months, as prices rise, conflict disrupts supply lines, dwindling finances strain subsidies and imports face challenges.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BANGKOK, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Southeast Asian half-island nation of Timor-Leste is falling short on most Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), experts warn. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94866 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94866 BANGKOK, 21 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Southeast Asian half-island nation of Timor-Leste is falling short on most Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), experts warn.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>DAKAR, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Nigerian government has stood back and watched while hundreds of children in the northwestern state of Zamfara have died of lead poisoning, and hundreds more been affected by it over the past two years, say rights groups and the local authorities. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94912 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94912 DAKAR, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Nigerian government has stood back and watched while hundreds of children in the northwestern state of Zamfara have died of lead poisoning, and hundreds more been affected by it over the past two years, say rights groups and the local authorities.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>BRICKAVILLE, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - In a cyclone-prone country like Madagascar, which feels the force of about 60 percent of the storms that form over the Indian Ocean every year, being prepared for disaster makes all the difference. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94911 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94911 BRICKAVILLE, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - In a cyclone-prone country like Madagascar, which feels the force of about 60 percent of the storms that form over the Indian Ocean every year, being prepared for disaster makes all the difference. ]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>GAZA CITY, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - An energy crisis is currently hitting the Gaza Strip‘s public services hard and could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis if a sustainable solution is not found soon. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94909 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94909 GAZA CITY, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - An energy crisis is currently hitting the Gaza Strip‘s public services hard and could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis if a sustainable solution is not found soon.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>JUBA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - An already dire food situation in South Sudan could deteriorate amid growing economic problems, food shortages and a mass influx of people fleeing Sudan in the next two months, agencies warn. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94908 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94908 JUBA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - An already dire food situation in South Sudan could deteriorate amid growing economic problems, food shortages and a mass influx of people fleeing Sudan in the next two months, agencies warn.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>JOHANNESBURG, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Allegedly tested for HIV without consent, found positive and subsequently dismissed, detained and deported, a South African journalist is attempting to take his case against Qatar to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to change the country's HIV travel and employment laws. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94906 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94906 JOHANNESBURG, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Allegedly tested for HIV without consent, found positive and subsequently dismissed, detained and deported, a South African journalist is attempting to take his case against Qatar to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to change the country's HIV travel and employment laws.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>DIFFA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - For generations, Diffa, the arid southeastern corner of Niger, has benefited from being closer to Nigeria than to commercial centres in Niger: Staple grains, fuel, clothing and other items at attractive prices have made their way across the border. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94904 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94904 DIFFA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - For generations, Diffa, the arid southeastern corner of Niger, has benefited from being closer to Nigeria than to commercial centres in Niger: Staple grains, fuel, clothing and other items at attractive prices have made their way across the border.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>TEL AVIV, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Ruth* suffered for five years before she summoned up the courage to escape her abusive husband and fled their home with her two young children. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94903 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94903 TEL AVIV, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Ruth* suffered for five years before she summoned up the courage to escape her abusive husband and fled their home with her two young children.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>SANA'A, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Since the signing of a power transfer deal sponsored by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November, Yemen has seen further protests and violence, and some key players, like the Houthi-led Shia rebels in the north, oppose tomorrow's presidential election. IRIN surveys the main events of the past two months. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94902 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94902 SANA'A, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Since the signing of a power transfer deal sponsored by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November, Yemen has seen further protests and violence, and some key players, like the Houthi-led Shia rebels in the north, oppose tomorrow's presidential election. IRIN surveys the main events of the past two months.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>JAYAPURA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Authorities in Indonesia's remote Papua Province say they have no plans to make male circumcision mandatory, despite media reports to the contrary. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94901 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94901 JAYAPURA, 20 February 2012 (IRIN) - Authorities in Indonesia's remote Papua Province say they have no plans to make male circumcision mandatory, despite media reports to the contrary.]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>ZIGUINCHOR, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - As the body count rises from the conflict between members of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and the Senegalese army, Casamancais are starting to lose hope that they will ever see a path to peace. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94895 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94895 ZIGUINCHOR, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - As the body count rises from the conflict between members of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and the Senegalese army, Casamancais are starting to lose hope that they will ever see a path to peace.]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>NAIROBI, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts sufficient arable land and water sources to produce food well beyond its own needs, yet it has the world's highest rates of malnutrition, as the following data illustrate: http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94893 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94893 NAIROBI, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts sufficient arable land and water sources to produce food well beyond its own needs, yet it has the world's highest rates of malnutrition, as the following data illustrate:]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>HARARE, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - Twenty-nine NGOs providing services ranging from alleviating food insecurity to assisting the disabled in Zimbabwe's Masvingo Province have been banned, sparking fears that this could be the start of a new wave of restrictions like the blanket ban placed on the activities of civil society organizations during the violent and disputed parliamentary and presidential elections in 2008. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94890 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94890 HARARE, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - Twenty-nine NGOs providing services ranging from alleviating food insecurity to assisting the disabled in Zimbabwe's Masvingo Province have been banned, sparking fears that this could be the start of a new wave of restrictions like the blanket ban placed on the activities of civil society organizations during the violent and disputed parliamentary and presidential elections in 2008.]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:02:02 GMT ]]>LONDON, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - A hundred years ago there was no way to treat tuberculosis (TB) except with rest, fresh air and nutritious food. Forty years later the discovery of antibiotics transformed treatment and TB has been a curable disease for more than half a century, but the disease still kills nearly 4,000 people a day. The goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to halve the incidence of TB by 2015 and eliminate it as a public health problem by 2050 seem far out of reach. http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94889 http://www.IRINnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=94889 LONDON, 17 February 2012 (IRIN) - A hundred years ago there was no way to treat tuberculosis (TB) except with rest, fresh air and nutritious food. Forty years later the discovery of antibiotics transformed treatment and TB has been a curable disease for more than half a century, but the disease still kills nearly 4,000 people a day. The goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to halve the incidence of TB by 2015 and eliminate it as a public health problem by 2050 seem far out of reach.]]>