74 Percent Drop in Measles Deaths

Since 2000, Measles deaths have been reduced 74 percent worldwide due to a focused effort to vaccinate children in developing countries. The U.N. vaccination campaign costs $600 million and officials estimate it saved 3.6 million lives.

Borgen Project Day Arrives in Anacortes

Anacortes, Washington -- Mayor Dean Maxwell presented Clint Borgen with a proclamation passed by the city council that declared Saturday, December 6th Borgen Project Day in Anacortes. The Pacific Northwest city is Borgen’s hometown and residents have been strong supporters of the organization and efforts to address global poverty.

Bill Gates Prods Washington on Foreign Aid

In a speech yesterday, philanthropist Bill Gates urged lawmakers and the coming Obama administration to maintain U.S. investments in foreign-aid and education initiatives despite the financial crisis. Mr. Gates urged broad support for President-elect Barack Obama's pledge during the campaign to double U.S. foreign aid to $50 billion by 2012, saying: “If we can support the president as he stands by his pledge to the poorest nations- even in the face of our own financial crisis- it will make a phenomenal statement about the kind of partner America plans to be in the world.”

Source: The Wall Street Journal

UN Ambassador Tough on Genocide and Poverty

This week president-elect Barack Obama appointed Susan E. Rice to be ambassador to the United Nations. Ms. Rice is known for her tough stance on genocide and her specialization in Africa. According to her: "We see human rights and democracy not only as the expression of universal values, but as the only means of achieving the goals of long-term political stability and sustainable economic development on the African continent."
Source: Time.com

Political Priorities by the Numbers

$20 billion: New capitol Citigroup will receive from bailout.
$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.