Ending gender-based violence in Nepal, and other news (28 Aug 2018)

Every Tuesday we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention.

• More skilled Ugandans are needed to reap the benefits of the country’s oil and gas industry, according to Honey Malinga, the director of the Directorate of Petroleum, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. While the sector is seeing large investments, Uganda needs more than 25,000 qualified workers, craftsmen, and technicians. Read more in New Vision (Uganda).

• Ending gender-based violence has become a priority in Nepal, and other equality measures have been mandated – such as reserving 50% of certain job opportunities for women. Now, argues Namrata Sharma, the Government of Nepal needs be held accountable to keep these and other commitments. Read more in The Himalayan Times.

• Two new projects, worth $50 million, have been launched to tackle tuberculosis in the Philippines. TB Platforms and TB Innovations are both five-year projects funded by USAID and led by the Department of Health; the goal is to eliminate TB in the country by 2035. Read more in the Manila Bulletin.

• Some have suggested that Australia shouldn’t give overseas aid when they need to tackle the effects of drought in their own country – Matt Wade argues that it isn’t an either/or choice, and overseas aid can benefit Australian farmers. Read more in the Sydney Morning Herald.

• Local climate adaptation projects will be supported in climate-vulnerable rural areas of Nepal. The UNDP and DFID will implement the Nepal Climate Change Support Programme, embedding climate resilience into development plans. Read more in The Himalayan Times.

• DFID have called for long-term support from the international community towards the Rohingya people. One year on from their forced exodus, this call comes for support in both Bangladesh and Myanmar. Read more in The Daily Star (Bangladesh).

• The Government of India remains committed to funding relief and rehabilitation without foreign aid, after the flooding in Kerala that has killed more than 400 people. While foreign money can be donated through India-origin individuals and foundations, India have rejected an offer of $100 million from the United Arab Emirates government. Read more in Dawn (Pakistan).

• The South-East Governors’ Forum has inaugurated its 12-person Consultative Committee on Health, prioritising healthcare in the development of the zone. The forum took place in Enugu, Nigeria; the director general Simon Ortuanya described the committee as ‘a dream come through’. Read more in Punch (Nigeria).

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