A Big HIV Breakthrough…

There was news this week that two important studies regarding the use of vaginal rings could prevent the spread of HIV in women. The studies found that HIV rates dropped by about 30% among women who used a monthly anti-retroviral vaginal ring. This is a big deal for two reasons. First, any breakthrough in the fight against HIV is important on its own right. But more importantly, this ring gives the power of stopping the spread of HIV to women (who are more susceptible to catching the virus than men.) Instead of negotiating with a partner to use a condom, the woman can insert the ring and not have to depend on anyone else. That’s progress. 

(Science Mag http://bit.ly/1oYJNfa)

A Fresh crisis in South Sudan..

Many thousand South Sudanese reside in what are known as Protection of Civilian camps dotted throughout the war-torn nation. In reality, these are UN Peacekeeping bases to which people fled as war broke out last year. They have become hastily constructed IDP camps, where tensions can run high. Earlier this week, South Sudanese government troops opened fire in one of these camps, near the city of Malakal, killing over a dozen people. Thousands of people have now fled to outside the camp, where humanitarian access is even more difficult. Ban Ki Moon visited the country this week, amidst this latest flare-up. But the crisis continues. 

(Guardian http://bit.ly/1RYSdi2)

Fiji struggles to get back on its feet

The strongest cyclone ever reported in the southern hemisphere, Cyclone Winston, battered Fiji last weekend. Over 40 people were killed and thousands displaced. This week,the recovery effort begins in earnest. Hundreds of thousands of people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and many of these people live in remote, hard-to-reach places. The United Nations will soon issue a funding appeal to help pay for the long-term humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. In the meantime, this super storm is yet the latest example of the kinds of extreme weather events to which we must become accustomed, thanks to climate change. 

(CNN)

Can the Syria Ceasefire Hold? 

Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart have agreed to a cessation of hostilities in Syria. This is just the latest diplomatic effort to convince the belligerents on the ground (and those that support them) to stop fighting and start seeking a political solution to the Syria crisis, which is now entering its sixth year. The cessation of hostilities excludes efforts to combat ISIS and Al Qaeda, but theoretically includes government forces and the rebels they are fighting. It is supposed to go into effect at midnight tonight. This is the latest best hope to stop the fighting in Syria. And if it fails, it will be back to the political drawing board, which means more misery and suffering for people trapped in conflict on the ground. 

(Guardian http://bit.ly/1pckeYj)