World Bank [to 27 February 2016]
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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Opinion
Closing the Gender Gap: Lessons from Africa
February 25, 2016
Makhtar Diop and Cristina Duarte The Huffington Post
We hear that girls in Africa don’t have the same opportunities as boys to get a decent education, that discrimination is shutting women out of the jobs and assets they need to provide a better standard of living for their families, that the benefits of economic growth are being wiped out because women are having too many children, and that thousands of women are dying in childbirth because they don’t have access to basic healthcare.
While all of these things are true, they also hide something that you rarely hear – that Africa has been making significant progress and even has a thing or two to teach the rest of the world…

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World Bank Ready to Support Fijian Government Following Tropical Cyclone Winston
SYDNEY, February 21 2016 – The World Bank is deeply concerned for the people of Fiji as reports come in about the damage caused by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston. The World Bank’s disaster risk management…
Date: February 21, 2016 Type: Press Release Language: English

IMF [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.imf.org/external/news/default.aspx
[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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February 22, 2016
Revenue Mobilization and International Taxation: Key Ingredients of 21st-Century Economies
Speech by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
Arab Fiscal Forum
Abu Dhabi,

African Development Bank Group [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/

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25/02/2016
AfDB Board approves 2016-2020 Country Strategy Paper for Tanzania
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) will support Tanzania’s economic transformation to inclusive and green growth with an indicative concessional resource assistance package estimated at over US $1.1 billion over a five-year period.

AfDB-Seychelles: New development strategy targets diversification and resilience
25/02/2016 – The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 approved the 2016-2020 Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Seychelles, which aims to foster a more diversified economy with greater resilience to external shocks and job creation for youth.

AfDB and World Bank meet to discuss way forward for Africa Hydromet Program
22/02/2016 – Faced with drought, flooding, and climate-resilient infrastructure, adequate hydro-meteorological services are necessary to support resilient growth across a range of sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. But given 80 percent of such services on the continent are under-funded, have weak capacity and deteriorated infrastructure, collaboration is seen as the only viable solution to help turn the situation around.

Adesina received by the Egyptian President during Africa 2016 forum in Sharm el-Sheikh
22/02/2016 – On February 20, 2016, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina during the “Africa 2016” forum held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

First meeting of insurance bodies urges closer cooperation to boost investments in Africa
22/02/2016 – Over 30 participants from 18 institutions that provide guarantees and insurance in Africa gathered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from February 15 to 16, 2016 for the Abidjan Union, the first pan-African meeting of export credit and investments insurers in Africa.

Asian Development Bank [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.adb.org/news

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News Releases
26 February 2016
ADB, New Zealand Help Boost Education Services in Ha’apai, Tonga After Cyclone Ian
Officials today participated in an opening ceremony and formal handover of schools rebuilt and refurbished after they were damaged by Cyclone Ian in 2014.

26 February 2016
More Than 3,000 Madang Villagers Complete Financial Literacy Course
More than 3,000 residents of Madang Province celebrated the completion of a financial literacy course today, bringing the total number of course graduates to almost 100,000.

25 February 2016
Faster Public Investment Crucial for Nepal’s Recovery – ADB President
ADB President Takehiko Nakao today met with Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel to discuss Nepal’s economic recovery and social development after the earthquakes in 2015.

24 February 2016
ADB, LOMC Sign $25 Million Loan to Boost Credit Access, Support Sri Lankan Micro Business
ADB and LOMC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading non-bank microfinance institutions, today signed a $25 million loan agreement to boost access to credit for individuals and micro enterprises.

23 February 2016
ADB President Announces Scaled-Up Support for Sri Lanka to Over $2 Billion for 2016-2018
ADB President Takehiko Nakao today met with Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena and other government officials, reaffirming ADB’s strong commitment to support Sri Lanka’s continued development.

23 February 2016
ADB to Provide $2 Million Emergency Assistance to Fiji After Cyclone Winston
ADB will provide $2 million in emergency assistance to help the government and people of Fiji to cope with and recover from the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

23 February 2016
Innovative Auctions to Channel Funds to Small Sri Lanka Firms
ADB will provide $100 million through innovative bank auctions to help channel more funds to smaller Sri Lankan firms that struggle to access the finance they need to grow.

23 February 2016
ADB to Help Sri Lanka Expand Colombo Port Operations Using PPP
ADB and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority today signed a transaction advisory services agreement to develop the East Container Terminal of Colombo Port through a public–private partnership.

Amref Health Africa [to 27 February 2016]
http://amref.org/news/news/

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Published: 25 February 2016
Can A Bath Of Milk And Honey Replace Female Genital Mutilation?
[Alternative rites of passage]

Aravind Eye Care System [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.aravind.org/default/currentnewscontent

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[Undated]
Farm Fest Award for Aravind – Pondicherry
Pondicherry
The Department of Agriculture, Government of Puducherry conducted 30th Flower, Vegetable and Fruit show 2016 from 24th to 26th January 2016. Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry participated and won First Prize for Ornamental and Kitchen Garden, as well as Second Prize for Herbal Garden. Certificates and a memento were given by the Department of Agriculture, Puducherry. Staff got First Prize for Vegetable and Fruit Carving second prize for Rangoli. It is for the six consecutive year that Aravind – Pondicherry receives first prize for Ornamental Garden.

CARE International [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases

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26th Feb 2016
Cyclone Winston: Women the backbone of Fiji’s disaster recovery
Fiji
As the international relief effort in Fiji continues, humanitarian organisation CARE says it is critical international aid targets the specific needs of women and girls.

SYRIA CRISIS: Aid and civilians attacked as leaders talk ceasefire
23rd Feb 2016 Syria
Just as the world’s leaders committed themselves to get aid delivered to millions of Syrians in need, aid agencies warn that this has been one of the worst months on record with many reports of indiscriminate attacks on aid and civilians.

ETHIOPIA EL NIÑO DROUGHT: In eight weeks, millions will have no food if funding gap persists
23rd Feb 2016 Ethiopia
Ethiopia is now firmly in the epicentre of the global El Niño crisis, with widespread drought severely impacting large swathes of the north, central and eastern highlands. With a gap in the supply fast approaching, over 10 million are at risk of going without food by April. …

FIJI CYCLONE WINSTON: CARE warns of disease outbreaks
22nd Feb 2016
After the devastation of tropical cyclone Winston on Fiji, CARE warns of disease outbreaks, with water supplies cut off and thousands still seeking emergency shelter.

Danish Refugee Council [to 27 February 2016]
https://www.drc.dk/news

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26.02.16
Danish Refugee Council provides emergency response after large scale destruction in Malakal, South Sudan
Around 30,000 internally displaced persons experienced another traumatic displacement when serious violence occurred last week in an established Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal, South Sudan. The site was populated by almost 50.000 South Sudanese who had sought protection from the civil war.

24.02.16
Closing of borders in Europe is the wrong way to go
The Danish Refugee Council warns against the closing of European national borders, which takes place in many places in Europe due to the current influx of refugees. It can result in large refugee camps in the countries at Europe’s outposts and could eventually force people to stay inside countries as Syria and Iraq. The latest example of the control of borders is that Afghans are now being rejected at the border between the Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greece.

IRC International Rescue Committee [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.rescue.org/press-release-index
Latest Press Releases

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25 Feb 2016
International Rescue Committee Disappointed by Austria, Balkan States’ Decision to Institute New Measures on Refugees Seeking Sanctuary in Europe

23 Feb 2016
Deterioration in southern Syria highlights urgency of President Obama’s meeting with King of Jordan

22 Feb 2016
IRC: Macedonia border closure to Afghans another example of arbitrary decisions which threaten the lives & wellbeing of refugees

22 Feb 2016
The International Rescue Committee welcomes the European Council’s commitment to making urgently needed humanitarian assistance available for refugee response within the EU

ICRC [to 27 February 2016]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new
Selected News Releases and Articles

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Syria: “Time to end this horrendous war” says ICRC president
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, has urged the parties to the Syrian conflict to allow aid deliveries to all people in need and to continue to work towards a political solution to end the suffering o
26-02-2016 | News release

Ukraine crisis: ICRC participates in release and transfer of nine conflict-related detainees
Kiev/Donetsk (ICRC) – Today, nine detainees held in connection with the conflict in Ukraine were released and transferred back to their place of origin.
26-02-2016 | News release

Iran: National Societies meet to discuss how migrants can keep in touch
Tehran (ICRC) –The Iranian Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hosted a conference on helping migrants maintain ties with family members.
25-02-2016 | News release

Paul Pogba to present €100,000 cheque to ICRC on behalf of UEFA
For the ninth consecutive year, UEFA has set aside €100,000 for the ICRC.
23-02-2016 | News release

IRCT [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.irct.org/

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News
US Court of Appeals: Rasmieh Odeh must be allowed to submit psychological evidence of torture
26 February 2016

News
Scientific Symposium: Megan Berthold from the Scientific Committee explains why an event like the Symposium is needed
22 February 2016

Islamic Relief [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/

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February 23, 2016
Why is the World Humanitarian Summit important?
Today, as we reach three months until the world’s first World Humanitarian Summit, Islamic Relief explains why the initiative is so important.

February 23, 2016
A Quick & Easy Guide to the World Humanitarian Summit
The World Humanitarian Summit will be held in 2016, and its focus is on innovative ways to respond to the growing humanitarian needs in the country. We explain what it’s all about and why Islamic Relief has been involved in the process from the beginning.

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/press/press-releases

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Press Releases
Patent Challenge Hearing on Gilead Hepatitis C Drug Sofosbuvir Starts in India
February 26, 2016
New York/New Delhi—In proceedings that could have major implications for millions of people waiting for affordable access to a lifesaving hepatitis C drug, the Indian Patent Office this week began hearings to determine whether US pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences deserves a patent for sofosbuvir, a hepatitis C drug for which the company currently charges $1,000 per pill in the US.

Press release
Developing Countries Hit with High Price Tag for Critical New TB Drug
February 24, 2016
International medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today expressed great concern at the high price announced for the new tuberculosis (TB) drug delamanid. Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka said that it would make delamanid available to some developing countries at a price of $1,700 per treatment course.

Press release
Kenya: MSF Warns of Possible Cholera Spike if Poor Conditions in Wajir are Not Addressed
February 22, 2016
As the rainy season approaches in Wajir, northeastern Kenya, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warns that the substandard water and sanitation situation is creating ideal conditions for a future increase in cholera cases. While today patient numbers in the cholera treatment center in Wajir Hospital are stable, MSF urges for an immediate improvement in sanitation services to avoid another spike in cases.

Field news
CAR: MSF Distributes Aid Following Fire
February 25, 2016
After a recent large fire destroyed the makeshift shelters and belongings of at least 449 families in the Batangafo displaced persons camp, one of the largest in Central African Republic (CAR), Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams rapidly organized to distribute emergency kits including cooking and hygiene items for those affected.

Field news
South Sudan: Its Compound Looted, MSF Still Treats Wounded Amid Fighting in Pibor
February 24, 2016
A Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical compound was looted during fighting that began on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 23, in the town of Pibor, in South Sudan’s Jonglei State. The fighting, which continued into today, wounded at least 35 people and drove approximately 1,000 to seek shelter at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in the area.

Field news
Thousands Stranded by Border Restrictions in Greece and the Balkans
February 23, 2016
Thousands of men, women, and children are stranded between Greece and the Balkans after the sudden imposition of new border restrictions for Afghan refugees on the Western Balkans route this week. Refugees are being provided with no information and little-to-no humanitarian assistance, and are at risk of violence and abuse.

Mercy Corps [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.mercycorps.org/press-room/releases

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FEBRUARY 20, 2016
MERCY CORPS ON SYRIA: HUMANITARIAN AID FOR ALL, NOW
Global Organization Calls for Unfettered, Sustained Humanitarian Access across Syria
STATEMENT FROM NEAL KENY-GUYER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MERCY CORPS

OXFAM [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases

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25 February 2016
Oxfam water filters arrive in Fiji for Cyclone Winston response
Oxfam water filtering equipment that will be vital in preventing the spread of waterborne disease in the weeks following Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston has arrived on the ground in Fiji, as Oxfam steps up its response.

Southern Africa faces “litmus test” to help millions of people now suffering from worsening regional food crisis
24 February 2016
Aid donors and southern African governments must take immediate and substantial action to help poor people cope with a rapidly-deteriorating regional food crisis, fuelled by El Nino-related drought and crop failures.

Oxfam water & hygiene expert reports back from cyclone hit Fiji
24 February 2016
Oxfam water and hygiene expert Carlos Calderon has landed in Fiji, where Oxfam is gearing up its aid efforts following the complete destruction left by Cyclone Winston.

Oil, gas and mining transparency initiative facing crisis of relevance and legitimacy: Oxfam
23 February 2016
Oxfam raised the alarm today that a leading global transparency initiative for the oil, gas and mining sector faces a crisis of relevance and legitimacy. As the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) meets for its Global Conference in Lima, Peru this week, Oxfam calls on the EITI Board and stakeholders to regain its position as a leader in reforming the industry.

Winnie Byanyima appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment
23 February 2016
Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima says she is “honored” at her appointment by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to the first-ever High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Water high priority in Cyclone Winston response
23 February 2016
Access to clean water and sanitation will be one of the greatest needs in Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Winston response, and must be prioritised, Oxfam said today. Clean water for drinking and hand washing is essential for the prevention of waterborne diseases after a disaster.

Fiji Government trying to contact Tropical Cyclone Winston blackspots as death toll rises
22 February 2016
The Fijian Government is still trying to contact areas that haven’t been heard from since being struck by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston on the weekend. Oxfam in the Pacific Regional Director Raijeli Nicole said communication blackspots were making it very hard to assess damage and determine the scale of the response required.

Norwegian Refugee Council [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.nrc.no/

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Colombia
New tensions affect the peace process
Oda Lykke Mortensen (25.02.2016)
New tensions arise in the three-year-long peace process between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). It is believed to be less likely the parts will meet the deadline of 23 March. Our Country Director in Colombia, Christian Visnes, explains the situation.

PATH [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.path.org/news/index.php

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Press release | February 22, 2016
Meningitis A nearly eliminated in Africa through vaccination, reaching more than 235 million people
Officials at Addis conference plan transition from mass campaigns to use in childhood immunization programs to prevent resurgence of deadly epidemics.

Save The Children [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9357111/k.C14B/Press_Releases_2016/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp

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Press Releases
Thousands of Children Affected by Cyclone Winston in Fiji Could Face Prolonged Stays in Evacuation Centers, Warns Save the Children
February 22, 2016

Families in Fiji Prepare for Impacts of Category 5 Cyclone Winston, Most Powerful Storm to Hit the Island Nation Since Records Began
February 20, 2016

Growing Fears for Remote Communities in Aftermath of Cyclone Winston as Monster Storm Finally Leaves Fiji
February 20, 2016

Tostan [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.tostan.org/latest-news

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February 22, 2016
Abandonment of Harmful Practices: A Growing Movement
As Tostan approaches the celebration of its 25th Anniversary this week, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible changes we’ve witnessed over the past 25 years. This has included major progress in the community-led movement for the abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) since the village of Malicounda Bambara in Senegal first declared their public abandonment of this harmful traditional practice in 1997.

To date, over 7,500 communities across West Africa—who have directly and indirectly participated in our human rights-based education program, the Community Empowerment Program (CEP)—have participated in public declarations to promote human rights and abandon harmful practices like FGC, child marriage, and gender-based violence…

Gavi [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.gavialliance.org/library/news/press-releases/

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26 February 2016
Positive impact of Advance Market Commitment highlighted in report
Innovative financing mechanism helping pneumococcal vaccines reach poorest children in record time.
Geneva,– Children in the world’s poorest countries are being protected against the leading cause of pneumonia more quickly than ever thanks in part to the influence of the pilot Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for pneumococcal vaccines, an independent evaluation report published today confirms.

The AMC Outcomes and Impact Evaluation examined the role of the AMC in the successful introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine into the routine immunisation programmes of more than 50 developing countries since 2010. Historically it has taken more than a decade for the first children in developing countries to access the same new, effective vaccines as children in richer countries. In this case, newly developed pneumococcal vaccines were provided to developing countries within a year.

The report concludes that “the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines through the AMC pilot has accelerated immunisation coverage against pneumococcal disease across 53 Gavi counties to date, with 49 million [children] fully immunised [against the disease]”. The report also confirms that manufacturers made decisions to expand capacity to serve Gavi countries’ requirements in response to the AMC and its supply agreements…