Also in global health news: Museveni on Uganda anti-gay bill; Zambia, India on collaboration; media examines water issues; Southern Sudan conflict

Jan 9 2010

Pres. Museveni Comments On Uganda's Anti-Gay Legislation

The Associated Press reports that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said that the anti-gay bill to be considered late next month or early March by the country's parliament "is too harsh and [he] has encouraged his ruling National Resistance Movement Party to overturn the death sentence provision. Several lawmakers have agreed and say they will push to remove the statute." In addition, James Nsaba Buturo, Uganda's minister of state for ethics and integrity said, "The death penalty is likely to be removed." The AP also reports that the lawmaker who introduced the bill has rebuffed requests to completely withdraw the legislation from consideration (Olukya, 1/8).

Former Zambian President Requests India's Help To Fight HIV/AIDS In Zambia

Kenneth David Kaunda, a former president of Zambia, on "Thursday sought Indian assistance in providing his country with drugs," especially for HIV/AIDS, ANI reports. During a meeting with Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Kaunda noted India's "significant advances in the development of drugs" (1/7). Ansari noted India's progress in dealing with HIV/AIDS, PTI/Bernama reports. "Ansari appreciated the works being done by Kaunda in areas of HIV/AIDS in Zambia and assured the first Zambian president that India is ready and willing to assist Zambia in the best of its capabilities" (1/8).

NPR, CNN Examine Water Issues

CNN examines the debate over water privatization and the best ways to improve access to clean water and alleviate shortages (Evans, 1/8). NPR reports that "[t]he Middle East is facing its worst water crisis in decades. For three summers, the annual rains have failed to come. Farmland has dried up across the region in Iraq, Syria, southeast Turkey and Lebanon." The article explores the political, social and food problems surrounding the lack of water (Amos, 1/7).

Southern Sudan In Danger Of Major Conflict, Report Says

"Major conflict could return to southern parts of Sudan unless international action bolsters a faltering peace accord, ten aid agencies said in a report released Thursday," CNN reports (1/7). The groups "blamed a 'lethal cocktail' of rising violence, chronic poverty and political tensions," according to BBC (1/7). According to an Oxfam International press release, "In 2009 some 2,500 people were killed and 350,000 fled their homes  … The agencies also warned that growing frustration over the lack of development in southern Sudan is harming the chances of peace. Less than half the population has access to clean water and maternal mortality rates are among the worst in the world" (1/7).