Scientists have called for a more balanced approach in distributing the billions of dollars available for controlling tropical diseases. In a paper published on Tuesday, they said a focus on the big three tropical diseases — HIV, malaria and tuberculosis — has left millions of Africa’s poorest people without treatment for a range of illnesses.

A ban on the import of live poultry and feathers from Turkey was imposed by the European Commission on Monday after 1 870 birds died of avian flu last week. Amid fears that migrating birds are carrying a deadly strain of the virus from east Asia, the restrictions were rushed into place on Monday night.

"It is a lie that the press operates freer here than in Zimbabwe," says Trevor Ncube, publisher of the <i>Mail & Guardian</i>. Charlene Smith probes why he says that, assesses the <i>M&G</i> at 20 years, and reflects on press freedom at SA’s weekly newspapers.

Out with the term "educator" and bring back "teacher". This is one of 40 recommendations contained in report entitled <i>A National Framework for Teacher Education in South Africa</i>. The report was produced by the ministerial committee on teacher education, initially set up in February 2003 to look at how current policies could be drawn into a unified system for teacher development.

World Teachers’ Day is usually an opportunity for great cheers of admiration for the many thousands who strive to do right by the 12-million or so youngsters in our schooling system. To those of you who do honour your professional duties, I add my voice of appreciation.

Teachers around the world share their experiences in celebration World Teacher’s Day on October 5.