Feb
28
Feb
27
How mobile telecommunications in the MENA region are creating jobs and improving everyday life
Mobile Africa — www.mobileafrica.net
Published on February 27, 2006
The mobile phone industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs inside and outside the industry, boosting economic growth and fostering social harmony and security, according to a new report released today.
MTC, the fastest growing mobile operator in the region, published the results of a first-of-its-kind detailed survey of the industry, “Mobility for One Language, Diverse Cultures” at the 3GSM World Congress at Barcelona. The report highlights both economic and social effects of mobile communications usage on the MENA region. Its results show that mobile revenues alone accounted for five percent of the increase in GDP in Bahrain between 2002 and 2004.
Feb
27
(editor's note: In 2005, Macedonia was ranked 107th by GDP-per-capita, according to the CIA World Factbook)
Feb
27
Low-tech garment holds promise in preventing maternal death related to childbirth
EurekAlert — www.eurekalert.org
Published on February 27, 2006
A simple, low-tech garment has the potential to prevent a major cause of death among women who give birth in many Third World countries, according to a new study by maternal health researchers.
Study findings show the use of a neoprene suit can save the lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth. Hemorrhaging accounts for about 30 percent of the more than 500,000 maternal deaths worldwide each year due to childbirth, nearly all in poor countries, according to the researchers.
Feb
27
The tin-can antenna: A boon for third world
International Herald Tribune — www.iht.com
Published on February 27, 2006
A physics research institute here is using a low-cost but effective tool to bolster communications in developing countries: the tin-can antenna.
Feb
27
Capacity building, empowerment and participation of rural people emphasised to ensure rural develop
Financial Express — www.financialexpress-bd.com
Published on February 27, 2006
The Asia-Pacific region, with a total population of over 2.02 billion (in 2003), has been achieving an unprecedented economic growth over the past decades. However, there has been an acute failure to ensure equitable distribution of income among indigenous communities, disadvantageous groups and those living in the remotest territories.
Institutional capacity building and empowerment and participation of rural people are key to ensuring rural development, experts said at a discussion Sunday. Having emerged as key elements of rural development, human resource development and institutional strengthening, have continued to play a pivotal role toward achieving equitable and sustained rural development, observed the speakers. The discussion on "From the Peasant Charter to the ICARRD: An overview of the Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Rural Development in the Asia-Pacific Region" was organised by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in the city. Bangladesh government's Rural Development and Co-Operatives Division Secretary Rafiqul Islam presided over the introductory session of the four-day conference.
Feb
27
Excerpts:
...the proliferation of mobile communications in developing countries has the potential to bring a wide range of financial services to an entirely new customer base,according to a new report commissioned by the Information for Development Program (infoDev) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the GSM Association.The infoDev report,which focuses on the use of mobiles for micro-payments in the Philippines,found that mobile-enabled commerce,or m-Commerce,can address a major service gap in developing countries that is critical to their social and economic development.In many developing countries, particularly in rural areas,access to financial services is limited.A large proportion of the population is excluded from formal banking systems and makes payments entirely using cash, which is far less secure and flexible than electronic payment mechanisms.However,in the Philippines,3.5 million people are using a service that allows them to transfer money over the two major mobile networks operated by SMART Communications and Globe Telecom."
Feb
24
Keya Sarkar: Micro finance awards tell a story
Business Standard (India) — www.business-standard.com
Published on February 24, 2006
Feb
24
Philanthropy is flourishing , but new donors are becoming much more business-like about the way thei
Economist.com — www.economist.com
Published on February 24, 2006
Excerpt from article...
"But the problem lies far deeper. “Foundation scandals tend to be about pay and perks, but the real scandal is how much money is pissed away on activities that have no impact. Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy,” says Michael Porter, a management guru at the Harvard Business School. “Philanthropy is decades behind business in applying rigorous thinking to the use of money.” Mr Porter believes that the world of giving can be transformed by learning from the world of business. Many of the leaders of the new generation of philanthropists agree with him, so “there is a big opportunity over the next 20 years to figure out how to make philanthropy effective.”
Feb
24
Health Tips On Your Cellphone
African Woman and Child Feature Service (Nairobi), Arthur Okwemba — allafrica.com
Published on February 24, 2006
While the youth are said to be keeping away from unfriendly HIV testing centres, an innovative local marketer has put these information literally on their fingertips - in mobile phones.
A service started two months ago - Interactive Healthcare Solutions - and which has already won a prestigious British award is proving popular especially with teenagers enquiring on issues to do with venereal diseases, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse.
