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Africa, Madagascar

Madagascar elections: they happened, and without incident

The first round of the elections on 25 October was a momentous occasion: that they happened at all is remarkable, after so many false starts. That they happened without incident was more than most people hoped for. Here’s to hoping they can repeat the feat for the second round on 20 December. Read the full story here. Published on African Arguments, 30 October 2013. Continue reading Madagascar elections: they happened, and without incident

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Africa, Travel

Comoros: Tropical charm off the beaten path

You may struggle to place the country on a map (fyi in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique) but this is precisely why travellers love the Comoros. They have signature Indian Ocean charm, without the high end frills of other tropical islands. Read the full story here. Published on lonelyplanet.com, 18 October 2013. Continue reading Comoros: Tropical charm off the beaten path

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Africa, Madagascar, Radio

Education: collateral damage of Madagascar’s politics

The political crisis in Madagascar has had a devastating impact on the education system: money for schools and teachers has dried up and parents have struggled to pay fees. Elections on 25 October could herald a new chapter. You can listen to the story here (starts nearly 12 min in). The piece aired on the BBC’s From Our Own Correspondent on Radio 4 on 17 … Continue reading Education: collateral damage of Madagascar’s politics

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Africa, Madagascar

Elections in Madagascar: Better Than Nothing?

The presidential elections on 25 October will be the first since Andry Rajoelina overthrew Marc Ravalomanana in a coup in February 2009. The country is in dire financial straits and desperately need to move on, but what will polls bring an end to the crisis? Read the full story here. Published on economist.com on 16 October 2013. Continue reading Elections in Madagascar: Better Than Nothing?

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Global Health

Treating children with HIV

WHO now recommends that anti-retroviral therapy be prescribed to all children under five. But where will the drugs come from and what happens when children reach adolescence? Read the full story here. Article published on the Guardian’s Development Professionals’ Network on 12 September 2013. Photo courtesy of the Gates Foundation, on Flickr, with Creative Commons License. Continue reading Treating children with HIV

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Africa, Global Health

Wanted: standard model for HIV diagnostics in Africa

A standard protocol on diagnosis and tests for HIV/AIDS tests will streamline product development and distribution, and accelerate access to treatment for patients. Read the full story here. Published on the Guardian Development Professionals’ Network, 6 August 2013. Photo is ©2011, Sokomoto Photography for International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Continue reading Wanted: standard model for HIV diagnostics in Africa

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Africa, Travel

West Africa’s best wildlife parks

Everyone knows about the great national parks of eastern and southern Africa – Masai Mara, Kruger and Serengeti all conjure up images of majestic landscapes, packs of lions lazing in the shade and herds of elephants roaming the savannah. But have you heard of Mole, Pendjari and Waza? These reserves are some of the finest in West Africa and bring a low-key charm many eastern … Continue reading West Africa’s best wildlife parks

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