Also In The News for April 22
Study Findings Could Promote Development of Avian Influenza Diagnostic Test
A new study that examined blood samples from people who were recovering from avian influenza led FDA scientists to identify the parts of the virus that are exposed to the immune system, which could promote development of diagnostic tests, United Press International reports. The researchers identified a protein of the H5N1 virus, called PB1-F2, which is a potential target for attack by immune systems to stop the spread of the virus (UPI, 4/21). The study was published online Monday in PLoS Medicine and is available online (FDA release, 4/21).
IRIN Examines Economy's Effect on Nonprofits Worldwide
IRIN on Tuesday examined how the global economic situation is causing nonprofits worldwide to lay off staff and cut back on aid programs in developing countries. Sixty-four percent of charities that have an annual income of more than $1.48 million said they are concerned that their services or funding will be significantly affected by the economy, according to a recent update form the Charity Commission. "Some charities still face that double whammy of a drop in income as well as an increased demand for services," Suzi Leather, chair of the commission, said (IRIN, 4/21).
Nigeria Might Not Reach Poverty Eradication, Child And Maternal Health Development Goals, Officials Say
Nigerian government officials on Tuesday said that Nigeria is in danger of not meeting some of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals that deal with poverty eradication and child and maternal health by the target date of 2015, the Punch reports (Chiedozie, Punch, 4/22). As a result, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua directed Nigeria's Presidential Committee to create annual plans to increase the likelihood that Nigeria meet the targets (Taiwo, This Day, 4/22).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.