Region: Democratic Republic of Congo

Topics: BusinessInfrastructure

Many foreign contractors have failed to repair the main road between Butembo and Beni in DRC’s remote Ituri province, after the annual monsoon floods leave it impassable. A construction company owned and operated by Congolese successfully fixed the road this year – but will their repairs withstand the coming monsoon season?

Region: Uganda

Topics: Moments

Region: Democratic Republic of Congo

Topics: Health

The Kisangani blood bank in Democratic Republic of Congo suffers from lack of international aid and a short supply of blood reserves. Patients in need of transfusions must seek out donations themselves – but finding a donor is all but assured.

Region: Haiti

Topics: HealthHuman Rights

Earlier in July, protests against price hikes paralyzed Port-au-Prince, but the demonstrations also forced the closing of one of the capital’s sources of affordable food: the informal street chefs known as “manje kwit.” With stands near markets and bus stops, these vendors offer meals for $1 or less, and their fare is a lifeline for many of the capital’s food-insecure residents.

Region: Democratic Republic of Congo

Topics: EnvironmentHuman Rights

The pygmies of the Ituri forest have been hunters for generations, and they say nearby villagers have encroached on their land and frightened prey away; the villagers, in turn, say hungry pygmies have stolen crops. But in 2017, the pygmies started farming, with the cooperation of village leaders, and that has helped to end often violent conflicts between the two groups.

Region: Democratic Republic of Congo

Topics: BusinessEntrepreneurship

Refrigerated beverages and recharged cellphones are among the benefits of a local businessman’s efforts to bring electricity to Komanda. But breakdowns are common, many can’t afford the use of generators, and residents criticize the national government for failing to provide an infrastructure plan for the region.

Region: Haiti

Topics: Environment

With the Port-au-Prince metro area producing 1,400 to 1,600 metric tons of waste daily, proper control will be a formidable and costly task. But officials hope that educating vendors and students about the dangers – and imposing new penalties – will curtail the problem.

Region: Democratic Republic of Congo

Topics: Health

Wherever you turn in the city of Kisangani, you’ll find makeshift eateries where hunger is economically satisfied – and diseases like typhoid fever may lie in wait. One health official states that none of these establishments in Kisangani meets hygiene standards, and many operate without officials’ knowledge.

Region: Zambia

Topics: Moments

Region: Haiti

Topics: ArtsCulture

Many Haitian children miss out on school and face serious health risks due to their country’s high poverty rate. A popular singing competition gives them a way to dream about success.