EBOLA/EVD [to 4 April 2015]
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC); “Threat to international peace and security” (UN Security Council)

Ebola Situation Report – 1 April 2015
[Excerpts]
SUMMARY
:: A total of 82 new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported in the week to 29 March, a slight increase compared with 79 cases the previous week. Case incidence in Guinea increased to 57, compared with 45 the previous week. This offset a fourth consecutive weekly fall in case incidence in Sierra Leone, which reported 25 confirmed cases. Liberia reported no confirmed cases over the same period.
:: In addition to an increase in case incidence in Guinea, the geographic area of transmission also increased. A total of 7 Guinean prefectures reported at least one confirmed case in the week to 29 March, compared with 3 the previous week. Two of the 7 prefectures that reported a new confirmed case, Fria and Siguiri, did so for the first time in over 50 days. Siguiri, which borders Mali, is the first prefecture outside the western area of Guinea to report a confirmed case for over 30 days…
:: A 45-day state of health emergency has been declared in the Guinean prefectures of Forecariah, Coyah, Dubreka, Boffa, and Kindia. The capital, Conakry, will also be subject to emergency measures, which include the restriction of movement in areas of transmission, the temporary closure and quarantine of private hospitals and clinics where EVD cases have been detected, and limitation of burial participation to close relatives only. All corpses will be tested for EVD during the 45-day emergency period…

COUNTRIES WITH WIDESPREAD AND INTENSE TRANSMISSION
:: There have been a total of 25,178 reported confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of EVD in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone (table 1), with over 10,000 reported deaths (outcomes for many cases are unknown). A total of 57 new confirmed cases were reported in Guinea, 0 in Liberia, and 25 in Sierra Leone in the 7 days to 29 March…

United Nations – Secretary General, Security Council, General Assembly  [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.un.org/en/unpress/
Selected Press Releases/Meetings Coverage
3 April 2015
SC/11850-AFR/3104
Security Council Press Statement on Al-Shabaab Attack in Garissa, Kenya

2 April 2015
SG/SM/16640-AFR/3102-PKO/476
Receiving Report on Mali Violence, Secretary-General Condemns ‘Excessive Use of Force’ by Formed Police Unit
Secretary-General
Press Release
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The inquiry launched by the Secretary-General to determine the facts surrounding the violent demonstration that took place on 27 January 2015 in Gao, Mali, in front of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) Regional Headquarters has submitted its report.

The inquiry determined that members of a MINUSMA Formed Police Unit used unauthorized and excessive force on civilian protesters during the demonstration, resulting in the death by gunfire of three protesters and the wounding of four others.

The inquiry also established that some protesters and organizers of the demonstration bear responsibility for the violence of the protest, which included Molotov cocktails, stone throwing and attempts to breach the perimeter of the Regional MINUSMA Headquarters in Gao. The inquiry noted that MINUSMA security forces were left to face the protesters on their own in violation of the Status of Forces Agreement with the host country. Five MINUSMA police officers were wounded during the event.

The Secretary-General profoundly regrets the casualties among civilians resulting from the excessive use of force during this event by the MINUSMA personnel concerned. He condemns it as a violation of the MINUSMA Directive on the Use of Force. The Secretary-General is committed to ensuring that the responsible individuals are held fully accountable for their actions.

Steps are being taken in this regard with the authorities of Mali and the relevant police-contributing country. The Secretary-General encourages the Government of Mali to take the appropriate steps to prevent future such incidents. Communications, management and crisis procedures within MINUSMA will also be examined to prevent the recurrence of such acts.

The Secretary-General is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families according to local customs and appropriate United Nations procedures. MINUSMA is in contact with the local authorities and with the individuals and families concerned in this regard. On behalf of the United Nations, the Secretary-General expresses his deepest apologies to the victims and their families.

The United Nations and MINUSMA in particular remain committed to supporting the stabilization of Mali.

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SG/A/1558
Secretary-General Appoints High-Level Panel on Global Response to Health Crises

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SG/SM/16642
Secretary-General Welcomes Iran Nuclear Framework, Looks for Comprehensive, Negotiated Solution by June

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GA/11632
Adopting Nine Texts, General Assembly Establishes Nelson Mandela Prize Statute, Promotes Cooperation with Regional Organizations, Culture of Accountability
The General Assembly today adopted without a vote eight resolutions and one decision, including one establishing the statute of the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize and two on promoting cooperation with regional organizations.

1 April 2015
ECOSOC/6680
Inclusive Wealth Creation, Not Just Growth, Vital in Post-2015 Period, Speakers Stress as Economic and Social Council Concludes Integration Session
Speakers at the Economic and Social Council drew attention today to the multidimensional nature of the challenge of generating equitable and inclusive employment opportunities as part of achieving sustainable global development, as that body concluded its 2015 integration segment.

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31 March 2015
ECOSOC/6679
Economic and Social Council Tackles Challenges to Creating Decent Jobs as Solution for Climate Change, Global Income Inequality, Unemployment in Africa
In three interactive panel discussions today, the Economic and Social Council looked at how climate change challenges could be met through creating decent jobs, how dignity and prosperity could become the norm for working people, and how policies could translate sustained economic growth in Africa into “broad-based and job-rich outcomes” towards inclusive sustainable development.

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30 March 2015
SC/11846
Security Council Members, in Monthly Wrap-Up, Gravely Concerned about ‘New Brand’ of Terrorism Targeting Ethnic, Religious Groups as Cross-Border Violence Spreads
The situation in the Middle East, protection of children in armed conflict and crises in Africa dominated the Council’s schedule, the Permanent Representative of France, President of the body for March, said in a monthly wrap-up meeting this afternoon.

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SC/11845
Top United Nations Officials Warn Security Council of Constrained Humanitarian ‘Footprint’ for Victims of Boko Haram’s Attacks in Nigeria, Region
Unless well-targeted humanitarian assistance reached those fleeing Boko Haram’s increasingly brutal attacks, more than 3 million people in northern Nigeria would be unable to meet basic food needs in the coming months and millions more would be affected, top United Nations officials said, briefing the Security Council on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

UNOCHA [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases
03 Apr 2015
– Chad: Revue de Presse Humanitaire au Tchad, du 21 mars au 03 avril 2015

– Yemen: Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos Statement on Yemen

– Syrian Arab Republic: Syrian Arab Republic: Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) OCHA , March 2015

– South Sudan: Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator: “Freedom of Movement Vital During the Planting Season”

01 Apr 2015
– Lebanon: Lebanon receives $18 million to address the needs of the most vulnerable

– Iraq: The United Nations Brings Relief to al-Baghdadi [EN/AR]

– Yemen: Statement from the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Johannes Van Der Klaauw

31 Mar 2015
– Syrian Arab Republic: Donors pledge $3.8 billion to help people affected by the constantly deteriorating Syria crisis

– Yemen: Statement of the Yemen Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Johannes van Der Klaauw

– Syrian Arab Republic: Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Valerie Amos, Remarks to the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria

30 Mar 2015
– Assistant Secretary-General Kyung-Wha Kang: Briefing to the Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security caused by terrorist acts (Boko Haram), 30 March 2015

– Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos: Remarks to Third Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations Donors to the Syrian People, Kuwait City, 30 March 2015

– Vanuatu: Humanitarian Coordinator Warns of Secondary Emergency

– Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria – Concept Note

UNICEF [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_78364.html

Myanmar peace agreement – UNICEF Statement
NEW YORK, 31 March 2015 – “The successful conclusion of a National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of Myanmar and representatives of 16 ethnic armed groups is welcome news for children in Myanmar, who have suffered from some of the longest-running civil conflicts in the world.

Protect children from escalating violence in Yemen, UNICEF appeals
NEW YORK/AMMAN, 31 March 2015 – At least 62 children have been killed and 30 injured during fighting in Yemen over the past week, according to UNICEF. The fighting is severely damaging basic health services and education, while violence and displacement are leaving children terrified.

UNICEF education assistance to reach 30,000 school-aged children in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, 31 March 2015 – As Vanuatu’s schools officially reopen, UNICEF and its partners are supporting the Government of Vanuatu to provide assistance to 30,000 school-aged children from early childhood to secondary school level who have been affected by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Pam. Early assessment data suggests that 50 per cent of the schools in Tafea, Torba, Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces suffered damage to infrastructure, facilities and resources.

Children killed and injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in eastern Ukraine – UNICEF
KYIV/GENEVA, 31 March 2015 –At least 109 children are reported to have been injured and 42 killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine since March last year, UNICEF said today.

WHO & Regionals [to 4 April 2015]
:: Conflict in Yemen kills and injures hundreds, places major strain on health system
1 April 2015, Sana’a, Yemen – An escalation in conflict and violence in Yemen has resulted in hundreds dead and thousands injured, and placed immense strain on health facilities and humanitarian health care providers…

…WHO, in support of Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF France and Spain) and other partner organizations to ensure that patients receive the treatment they urgently need and that health facilities are provided with sufficient medicines and medical supplies.

To date, WHO and partners have provided interagency emergency health kits for more than 80 000 beneficiaries, as well as blood bags, oxygen cylinders with regulators, and IV fluids. Urgently required medicines and other supplies that are available in the country are being procured locally. With the closure of all airports and ports to Yemen, WHO is coordinating with the World Food Programme and UN partners to explore alternative solutions for the provision of additional medicines and medical kits from its humanitarian hub in Dubai.

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:: The Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER) 3 April 2015, vol. 90, 14 (pp. 133–148) includes:
– Planning, requesting medicines and reporting for preventive chemotherapy
– UNICEF and WHO meet to strengthen reporting of anthelminthic treatment for preschool children

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:: WHO Regional Offices
WHO African Region AFRO
No new digest content identified.

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
:: Experts Discuss Actions to Include Health in All Public Policies in the Countries of the Americas (03/30/2015)

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
:: Make food safety a priority: WHO 31 March 2015

WHO European Region EURO
:: Complex food chain increases food safety risks 31-03-2015

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: Conflict in Yemen kills and injures hundreds, places major strain on health system
1 April 2015, Sana’a, Yemen – An escalation in conflict and violence in Yemen has resulted in hundreds dead and thousands injured, and placed immense strain on health facilities and humanitarian health care providers

WHO Western Pacific Region
:: Ensuring food in the Region is safe from farm to plate
MANILA, 1 April 2015 – Diseases caused by unsafe food claim an estimated 2 million lives globally each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region marks World Health Day (7 April) this year by urging governments, the food industry and consumers to observe food safety to save lives and improve global health.

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.unep.org/newscentre/?doctypeID=1

Selected Press Releases
Livelihoods Development Critical to Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and Economic Recovery – New Study
03/04/2015
WASHINGTON, DC/GENEVA, April 3, 2015 ‒ In the wake of armed conflict, rebuilding livelihoods is critical to peacebuilding and economic redevelopment, according to a new study launched today by the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the University of Tokyo, McGill University, and Tufts University.
According to the study, entitled Livelihoods, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, reestablishing natural resource-based livelihoods following conflict can strengthen food security, provide employment, help reintegrate ex-combatants and other vulnerable groups, and offer opportunities for cooperation between formerly warring groups.

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Renewables Re-energized: Green Energy Investments Worldwide Surge 17% to $270 Billion in 2014
Driven by solar and wind, world investments reverse 2-year dip, brush aside challenge from sharply lower oil price; 103GW capacity added in 2014 is roughly that of all US nuclear plants
31/03/2015

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme [to 4 April 2015]
http://unhabitat.org/media-centre/press-releases/

Iraqi IDPs to get shelter and basic services, thanks to Japanese funding
Baghdad 30 March 2015 – Through the support of the Government of Japan, UN-Habitat launched a project in Iraq to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country to enhance self-reliance and improve their living conditions through provision of prefabricated durable shelters and basic services in Baghdad, Dohuk and Kerbala Governorates…

FAO Food & Agriculture Organization [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.fao.org/news/archive/news-by-date/2015/en/

Countries pledge to wipe out sheep and goat plague globally
High-level authorities from 15 countries pledged on Thursday to collaborate on a global plan to wipe out forever the devasting animal disease known as ‘Peste des petits ruminants’ by 2030, a lethal plague for goats and sheep and the scourge of rural households in vast swathes of the developing world.
2-04-2015

Infographic
Healthy soils are the foundation of the food system. Our soils are the basis for agriculture and the medium in which nearly all food-producing plants grow. Healthy soils produce healthy crops that in turn nourish people and animals. Indeed, soil quality is directly linked to food quality and quantity. With a global population that is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, compounded by competition for land and water resources and the impact of climate change, our current and future food security hinges on our ability to increase yields and food quality using the soils that are already under production today.
1-04-2015

FAO and government team up to restore food security in northern Mali
The government of Mali and FAO have launched the implementation phase of a $5 million project aimed at restoring the livelihoods of households affected by the armed conflicts and climate change in the northern part of the country.
1-04-2015

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.ifad.org/media/press/index.htm

31 March 2015:
IFAD supports livestock marketing and climate resilience in Sudan

WMO World Meteorological Organization [to 4 April 2015]
https://www.wmo.int/media/?q=news

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Inauguration of the operational centre for ocean observation in Brest
30 March 2015
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO inaugurated the new JCOMMOPS centre with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 18 March 2015.

The in situ Observing Platform Support Centre of the Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMMOPS), which monitors ocean observing networks, is thus moving it’s centre of gravity from Toulouse to Brest in order to be closer to the high concentration of ocean professionals on the French coast.

“There are 10,000 buoys, floats and ships with equipment that take the pulse of the ocean, in addition to satellites,” explained the centre’s director, Mathieu Belbéoch. They contribute to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the permanent global system for ocean observations over the long term. GOOS plays play a vital role in improving the collection of data required for the development of climate forecasts and climate change detection.

The JCOMMOPS support centre assesses networks’ performance while encouraging their harmonization and optimization. It also assists in the establishment and maintenance of several observation networks, such as Argo and DBCP, which require 2 000 deployments per year. This colossal global effort is facilitated by a dedicated team, in constant dialogue with the ocean community, and by stakeholders of all maritime fields that contribute to the deployment of equipment and to data collection…

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.unido.org/en/news-centre/news.html

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UNIDO and Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation announce new institutional partnership
Thursday, 02 April 2015
VIENNA, 2 April 2015 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) will jointly promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition with a special focus on poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.

A Joint Declaration on this purpose was signed in Vienna today by LI Yong, the Director General of UNIDO, and Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, the Secretary-General of D-8.
As an inter-governmental organization D-8 focuses on economic cooperation within eight developing countries namely, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. It pursues the objectives of improving Member States’ positions in the world economy, diversifying and creating new opportunities in trade relations and providing better standards of living.

Joint UNIDO and D-8 activities are foreseen in the areas of trade capacity-building, including of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the promotion of entrepreneurship; in such sectors as ceramic and glass, cement, machinery, automotive, food, iron and steel, textile, garment and petrochemical; as well as in rural renewable energy and industrial energy efficiency; climate change and cleaner production; and in investments and technology promotion.

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Africa on path of inclusive and sustainable industrialization, says UNIDO Director General
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
ADDIS ABABA, 31 March 2015 – The new industrial policy of the nineteen countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) holds the key to the economic growth of the entire region…

UNESCO [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/for-the-press/press-releases/

03.04.15
Syrian journalist Mazen Darwish winner of UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
The winner of the 2015 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, currently imprisoned. The Prize will be awarded during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, which will this year be hosted by Latvia (National Library, Riga, 6 p.m.).

USAID [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases

Research Shows that Simple Treatments Can Help Save the Lives of Babies Who Lack Access to Hospital Care
April 1, 2015
New evidence shows that treating severe infections closer to home with fewer antibiotic injections could save lives by increasing access to care when hospitalization is not possible
Simple antibiotic regimens for newborns with severe infections – such as pneumonia and sepsis – in lower income countries is as effective as the standard course of twice daily injections and hospitalization over the course of a week, according to research conducted in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of Congo…

African Union [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.au.int/en/
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Apr.02.2015 China supporting continent-wide efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2 April 2015- Ahead of the operationalisation of the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in July 2015 African and Chinese officials met from 26 to 28 March 2015 in Beijing, China to discuss strengthened health collaboration. The roundtable endorsed policy recommendations on disease control and prevention including ways to engage new partners and build strong health systems. The meeting particularly focused on ways to support the African CDC’s continent-wide work in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response.

“We deliberated on a set of policy recommendations that we will consider at this year’s ministerial gathering where we will call for strengthened dialogue between China and African countries” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, the Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission, “the roundtable committed to tailoring Chinese support to African health priorities and increased Chinese and African investments in health” he added.

The key policy recommendations from the roundtable include strengthening health collaboration between China and Africa governments. The meeting further recommended collaboration in the development of resilient and sustainable health systems to support the goal to reach universal health coverage, provision of adequate healthcare and financial protection of all citizens. African and Chinese pharmaceutical companies and the China Chamber of Commerce for Imports and Export of Medicines and Health Products were urged to explore the means of collaboration including joint ventures, technology transfers and shared industrial parks…

The African Development Bank Group [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/

Seychelles: AfDB Approves US$ 26 million for Mahe Water Project
03/04/2015 – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has allocated a loan and a grant amounting to US$ 25.995 million dollars to finance a water project in Mahe in the Seychelles.

Progress made on the Africa Regional Integration Index presented to African Ministers
02/04/2015 – The African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), recently in Addis-Ababa, presented preliminary data on the continent’s Regional Integration Index to the 8th AU-ECA Conference of Ministers.

AfDB Board approves US $123.77 million for Angola Urban Water Project
01/04/2015 – The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 approved a US $123.77-million loan to the Republic of Angola to finance the country’s Institutional and Sustainability Support to Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Service Delivery Project.

AfDB approves US $100-million Risk Participation Facility for FirstRand Bank S.A. to boost trade finance in Africa
01/04/2015 – The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 a US $100-million unfunded Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) for FirstRand Bank Limited South Africa (FRB), under which the two banks will share the default risk on a portfolio of trade transactions originated by issuing banks in Africa and confirmed by FRB.

World Bank [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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Developing Common Principles for Tracking Climate Finance
This week, more than two dozen of the world’s largest development finance institutions – including multilateral development banks like the World Bank Group and regional and national development banks like Agence Française de Développment – agreed to a common set of principles that each will use to consistently track financial commitments that help reduce the drivers of climate change. Tracking climate mitigation finance is the first step. The group is also developing principles for tracking adaptation finance and the ability to leverage finance, with frameworks possible mid-year.“
Date: April 3, 2015

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Modern Credit Infrastructure Allows for Quicker Loans
Information a click away
Recent credit infrastructure modernization in the banking sector have made transactions easier to process, and have facilitated access to loans for small businesses such as Alam’s. FMFB-A’s deputy of the operations department, Nawid Rahyab, says: “Banks used to have lots of challenges in issuing loans as there was no organized online structure for assessing and managing risks. However, now it is very easy to access information to assess and manage risks.” A key improvement was the establishment of the Collateral Registry (CR) and Public Credit Registry (PCR) systems, which has enabled FMFB-A to expedite the process of loan issuance, according to Rahyab. The core objectives and priorities of the CR and PCR systems are to provide secure loans and facilitate private sector access to much needed loans…
Date: April 2, 2015

Amref Health Africa [to 4 April 2015]
http://amref.org/news/news/

Gunmen Attack Kenyan University
April 2, 2015
An unknown number of armed gunmen this morning launched a deadly attack on the Garissa University in North Eastern Kenya. The attackers struck at 5.30am and began shooting indiscriminately. Kenyan military stationed near the university arrived soon afterwards and cordoned off the university, forcing the attackers to take refuge in the classrooms, where they are currently holed up, having taken hundreds of students hostage.

So far, 25 bodies have been retrieved from one of the classrooms, while 65 people are being treated at the Garissa General Hospital and other health facilities. Amref staff were the first to respond to the distress calls using one of the office vehicles to transport the injured to hospital. Amref Flying Doctors has also sent a medical team aboard three aircraft to Garissa – two King Lear and one Caravan – to help with managing the casualties and possible evacuation.

Amref Health Africa has 33 employees in Garissa, working in the Afya Plus Imarisha project. All staff and their families are safe and have been advised to work from home, while all travel by staff to the area has been halted until further notice.

This is a very sad situation indeed. Amref Health Africa sends our condolences to the families of those who have been affected and stand in solidarity with the people of Garissa at this time.

BRAC [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.brac.net/content/stay-informed-news#.VPstwC5nBhV

Frugal innovation – the secret to scaling sustainably
April 2, 2015 by Farazeh Mahboob and Anjali Sarker
In the changing landscape of development, long standing boundaries between non-profit and for profit models are merging while social enterprises are emerging. Even the most generous aid models are not enough to provide basic services to the 1.2 billion poor people living in middle income countries. In this context, the third Frugal Innovation Forum hosted by the BRAC Social Innovation Lab explored how we can serve millions in a sustainable manner. Under the theme ‘pushing the boundaries of development’, several speakers from the development sector, multinational corporations and social enterprises expressed that we need frugal innovations that can create more impact with less resources and institutions that can scale sustainably…

WASH & CLEAN in the labour ward
A knowledge dissemination workshop on ‘WASH & CLEAN in the labour ward: A situation analysis in India and Bangladesh” was held on 25 March 2015 at BRAC Centre Auditorium. The Bangladesh part of this study is a collaboration between BRAC and the University of Aberdeen, UK with funding support from the Soapbox Collaborative, UK. In the workshop, findings of the study on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and infection prevention practices in maternity unit of hospital was shared with stakeholders working in the field of maternal health…

Danish Refugee Council [to 4 April 2015]
http://drc.dk/news/archive/

DRC stays in Yemen despite current crisis
(02.04.15)
Category: Press releases
The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate with thousands of civilians forced to flee their homes because of the ongoing conflict. Refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Yemen are finding themselves in an even more precarious situation and at risk of secondary displacement. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) continues to deliver life-saving services in the country amidst the fragile situation despite its recent evacuation of expatriate staff out of Yemen.

Heifer International [to 4 April 2015]
http://www.heifer.org/about-heifer/press/press-releases.html

April 2, 2015
Heifer Awarded $750,000 From Starbucks Foundation to Support Coffee Farmers in Tanzania
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
Heifer International was awarded a Starbucks Foundation grant of $750,000 to help fund the Mbozi Farmer Livelihood Improvement Project in Tanzania, which will help improve livelihoods and quality of life for smallholder coffee growing communities in the East African country.