http://uk.oneworld.net/article/archive/7364 en_GB_uk OneWorld UK - UK/English/Topics/Development/MDGs One-size-fits-all approach causing food crisis http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160391/1/7364 Soaring prices of food items are making it difficult for poor countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Any long-term planning has to focus on MDGs and cross-sectoral linkages with adequate budgets if governments wish to tide over the present crisis, says Salil Shetty, Director of the UN Millennium Campaign. Children knock at doors of lawmakers in India http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160304/1/7364 Many members of parliament in the Indian capital woke up surprised to find groups of children knocking at their doors. The children aided by NGOs submitted a charter of demand to be passed on to Indian Prime Minister, reminding them to fulfill the government’s promise of education for all. Towards disabled-friendly water solutions http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160278/1/7364 A discussion paper by WaterAid, Creating user-friendly water and sanitation services for the disabled, takes a look at the social, technical, financial and policy barriers faced by the disabled in meeting water and sanitation needs in Nepal. The document recommends designing proper technologies to facilitate their access to basic services. Education 'Lesson' Targets Politicians Worldwide http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/160077/1/7364 WASHINGTON, Apr 24 (OneWorld) - Recording artist Shakira and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined forces this week with millions of students and teachers around the globe calling for redoubled efforts to allow children to attend school. No education for all in India http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160108/1/7364 Even as UNESCO’s latest report pans India for lagging behind in the race for achieving education for all by 2015, experts gathered in the capital weigh up the nationally sponsored Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Exclusion and discrimination remain core challenges as millions of children remain outside its fold, is the verdict. Awarding business-driven solutions in development http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160008/1/7364 International Chamber of Commerce, UNDP and the International Business Leaders Forum invite nominations for 2008 World Business and Development Awards in support of Millennium Development Goals. The awards recognise the contribution of the private sector through business activities that lead to progress in achieving one or more of the MDGs. No safe drinking water for all in India yet http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159934/1/7364 Figures compiled by WaterAid disprove the government's claims of providing safe drinking water to over 90% of population. India has yet to do more to reach the Millennium Development Goals in this sector as millions continue to suffer from contaminated water-borne diseases. Nepal on track in reducing infant mortality http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159917/1/7364 Female community health workers are saving young lives in the country by providing key services and interventions to pregnant women and children. While Nepal’s success in reducing child mortality puts it on track to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4, neonatal mortality remains a challenge with over 50% less than one month old babies dying. Most Indians spending from pockets on health http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159603/1/7364 Despite India’s ambitious National Rural Health Mission in action, rural health services remain poor, lacking infrastructure, staff and essential medicines, with funds pouring into private healthcare. At a recent meet at the capital, policymakers, experts, activists and the media examined the lacunae and discussed future strategies. A guide for advocacy on safe water http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159446/1/7364 Access to safe water and sanitation can be ensured through effective advocacy and planning by involving grassroots voices, says WaterAid's Advocacy Source Book. The book is a useful resource for monitoring policies and programmes in the context of Millennium Development Goals on water and sanitation. Progress on TB diagnosis going slow http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159134/1/7364 The latest WHO report: The Global Tuberculosis Control 2008 documents a slowdown in progress on diagnosing people with TB, citing lack of funds as the major reason. The report also stresses on combating new forms of the disease like multi-drug resistant TB and the lethal combination of TB/HIV. Sharp reduction in black carbon emission can be a lifesaver http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159122/1/7364 Black carbon or soot is the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide and causes 1.6 million deaths worldwide every year. Using smoke free cookers and making economies less carbon intensive can curb soot emissions, says a study released in a British journal. A ‘silent famine’ underway in Bangladesh http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159093/1/7364 UNDP has said that rich nations must enhance their aid to Bangladesh to cushion the rising prices of food items. With inflation reaching 16% and the cost of rice doubling in last one year, poor households are spending more than two-thirds of their earnings on food. Experts Urge All-Out Toilet Efforts http://www.oneworld.net/article/view/159046/1/7364 BANGKOK, Mar 20 (IPS) - New technology, religion, and the market must be harnessed to secure basic toilet facilities for Asia's rural and urban poor, sanitation experts from the region said here Thursday. AIDS campaign promotes condom use http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/158815/1/7364 Men who talk about sex are more likely to use condoms consistently. Keeping this in mind India's HIV and AIDS mass media campaign has launched its second contest to get men shed their inhibitions, using a local popular sport. The campaign hopes to reach out to an estimated 48 million men.