The 2010 Ibrahim Index, released Monday, shows both progress and setbacks in the quality of governance in Africa between 2004-2005 and 2008-2009. While governance performance is improving in areas of economic and human development, it has suffered setbacks in what concerns democratic development. Created by the Mo Ibrahim foundation, the index essentially highlights development in Africa. - Wednesday 6 October 2010

The 18th Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has opened in Mexico where Uganda has intensified its campaign to get a seat the in Region D (Africa) Council. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Senegalese Energy Minister, Samuel Sarr who struggled to solve the country’s recurring power cut headaches, was fired Monday by President Abdoulaye Wade. He has been replaced by the President’s son, Karim Wade, who is already in charge of several ministerial portfolios including, air transport, infrastructure and international cooperation. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

According to an American study, regular consumption of wholegrain cereals reduces the risk of cardiac insufficiency (heart failure). - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Often eaten ‘on the hoof’, sandwiches are not necessarily a balanced meal. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Supportive care is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of cancer. And its evaluation is developing. At the Conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, an American study showed that for patients being treated for cancer, yoga provides a way of combating the fatigue that often accompanies treatment. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Daily iron requirements are particularly high for women before they reach the menopause. This is of course due in part to the blood loss associated with periods. The recommended daily intake is in fact 16 mg/day for women compared with 9 mg/day for men. And during pregnancy, this requirement rises to as much as 50 mg/day! - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Intense pain during periods, when urinating or during sexual intercourse, often associated with difficulty conceiving a baby … this is the unfortunate lot of women who suffer from endometriosis. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

Morocco is preparing to host The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to bring together policymakers, business leaders, and representatives of civil society to find lasting solutions to the region’s economic issues. - Tuesday 5 October 2010

People doing jail time in Zimbabwe’s overcrowded and squalid prisons may soon be receiving an array of contraceptives in a bid to prevent the spread of HIV, but the move is likely to reignite intense public debate on homosexuality. - Tuesday 5 October 2010