Health : NGOs call for overhaul of health R&D system (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
The medical humanitarian organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has called on governments attending a World Health Organization health R&D meeting here to show the courage needed to push essential reforms through, so that new life-saving drugs, diagnostics and vaccines are developed for people in poor countries.

Development : If there's no rice, let them eat potatoes (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
When a gaggle of unruly and starving peasants complained about a shortage of bread in 17th century France, the queen consort Marie Antoinette is said to have infamously remarked: "Let them eat cake."

Latin America : Eliminating poverty at low cost (PRIV)
(IPS, Rio de Janeiro)
The success of pioneering efforts to reduce inequality and poverty using relatively few resources has led to an expansion in Latin America of direct aid, targeting the most vulnerable families, especially in rural areas.

Mexico : New recipe against poverty (PRIV)
(IPS, Mexico City)
The government of conservative President Felipe Calderon presented a new anti-poverty strategy in Mexico Monday, which will initially focus on delivering food aid to the poor.

Climate : Displacements set to increase (PRIV)
(IPS, Oslo)
Climate change is likely to lead to an increase in conflicts and forced migrations of poor people in the south, a new report warns.

United States : Hawks resurgent? (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
Are the latest accusations and tough language levelled against Iran, Syria, and North Korea evidence of a resurgence by the remaining hawks in the administration of President George W. Bush hoping for a final confrontation against one or more members of the revised "axis of evil" before his term ends next January?

Note to Readers : Holiday Notice (PRIV)
(, )
Due to the Ascension holidays in Europe, the next issue SUNS #6467 will appear on 5 May.