Monkeypox outbreak raises concerns

Abortion access for Ukrainian refugees in Poland; Nobelist on rape as weapon of war

View this email online Goats and Soda editor's note Dr. Denis Mukwege/Fabian Sommer/Picture Alliance via Getty Images Dear readers, We have been privileged to feature exclusive interviews with two Nobel Peace Prize winners in the past few weeks.  They were talking about serious issues -- the rise of malaria cases and deaths during the pandemic and the use of rape as a weapon of war in Ukraine. But there was an element of hope in their interviews as they paid tribute to the women who inspire them.  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia, said of her mother: "Our father [became] ill while we were children. She had to carry the burden. She fed the family, she took care of him, she made sure we got an education. That's the kind of strength that makes a difference." Dr. Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has devoted much of his life to aiding women who have been raped. "I can say the resilience of women is something that really fuels my courage to treat them," he told NPR. "I also treat men and I can tell you there's a big difference. I don't think they recover as easily as women. Women always have a reason to stand up and restart their lives. They are living for their children, their families and to support others. Sometimes men just think about themselves. That's why I think women are very, very strong. Read the interview with Ellen Johnson Sirlea here. Read the interview with Dr. Denis Mukwege here. Marc Silver Editor, Goats and Soda Newsletter continues after sponsor message top story CDC/Getty Images Rare monkeypox outbreak in U.K., Europe and U.S.: What is it and should we worry? The cases point to possible sexual transmission of this cousin of smallpox — a previously unknown method of spread for monkeypox. in the news Alejandro Martinez/Europa Press via Getty Images Why Poland's restrictive abortion laws could be problematic for Ukrainian refugees Poland's abortion laws are among the strictest in Europe. Advocates are seeking to help Ukrainian refugees who wish to terminate a pregnancy — including women raped by Russian soldiers during the war. The U.S. pledged billions to fight climate change. Then came the Ukraine war The U.S. promised to slash its emissions and send tens of billions of dollars to low-lying and less well-off nations. The war in Ukraine is delaying that even as the toll from climate change rises. First malaria vaccine hits 1 million dose milestone -- although it has its shortcomings The vaccine couldn't have come at a more critical time, with a surge in cases and deaths from malaria during the pandemic. But its efficacy — and its schedule — are far from ideal. links we like   NPR's Radio Diaries tells the story of Rahima Banu, the toddler in Bangladesh who was "the last known person in the world to be infected with naturally-occurring deadly smallpox." The Taliban now asks female TV reporters to cover their faces when on the air. See a selection of images from the photographers shortlisted for the Contemporary African Photo Prize. The Guardian features their pictures. The Atlantic profiles the great Nigerian author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. A perennial Nobel candidate, he's now 84 and living in a planned California community, which prompts him to observe: "“Culture comes from messiness. It never comes from the neat.” Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: goatsandsoda@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Goats and Soda emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy