More neglect for neglected tropical diseases; India's pigeon fight
Goats and Soda
editor's note
Marco Simoncelli/AFP/via Getty Images
Dear readers,
We published a story on neglected tropical diseases this week -- 21 ailments that can be devastating, causing pain and other symptoms, and even death. Yet they're underfunded in health campaigns.
In the photo above, a nurse performs surgery on a patient with trachoma in Ethiopia. Trachoma is one of these NTDs, caused by a bacterial infection, and can lead to blindness.
The U.S. has been a big funder of programs that have been hailed for eliminating at least one of these diseases in some 14 countries. But the U.S. aid cuts of 2025 are a big concern.
In response to an NPR request for comment on the rationale for cutting funds for NTD programs and whether any such programs were still being supported, a USAID spokesperson responded via email with a screenshot of an NPR story headlined Farewell to USAID: Reflections on the agency that President Trump dismantled and a statement — "What do you think farewell meant?"
A ban on feeding pigeons ruffles lots of feathers in Mumbai
The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings.
Africa Is a Country pays tribute to Pops Mohamed, who died this month at age 75: "He was a musician, composer, poet, sound healer and producer — a South African cultural hero."
Prada's $939 open-toe leather sandalis clearly inspired by the Kolhapuri chappai sandal worn by farmers in India's rural Maharashtra. The footwear sparked controversy in June when sandal-clad models walked the runway in Milan without any attribution to the traditional craftwork. The BBC reports that Prada now says it will source the sandals from Indian artisans.
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