Flooding and mudslides wiped out homes, animal shelters and livestock for 121 Heifer-supported families in eastern Uganda this week. None of our project participants were hurt, but 45 Heifer animals have died so far.

The flooding took place about 25 miles from Mbale, along the banks of the Manafwa River. Recent heavy rains caused the river to spill out on to surrounding villages and farmland. Project participants reported losing entire fields of rice, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee and cotton that would have been harvested in October.

When you think of Africa and health issues, do you think of cancer? Chances are you don’t. There is a huge misconception that cancer is a “privileged” disease that only effects higher income societies. The truth of the matter is that cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and over 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries. The statistics are far greater when you incorporate all noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Heart and lung disease, diabetes and cancer account for 80% of all deaths in developing countries.

Since it's inception in 1989, the Red Hot Organization has worked with everyone from David Byrne and Patti Smith to Wu Tang Clan, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bon Iver and Grizzly Bear. Their catalogue of compilation albums includes genres from Bossa Nova to country, and to music legends like Cole Porter and Fela Kuti, as well as a tribute to love letters.

Medical improvements are showing that through early detection and proper combination of antiretroviral therapy, the lifespan of HIV-positive people is greatly increased. This article/slideshow from CBC News talks specifically about treatments for Africans, but the positive effects certainly will reach global proportions. -LE

The US women’s soccer team advances to the World Cup final, Obama stands strong behind a long-term debt deal, a Brooklyn man has murdered and dismembered an 8 year-old boy, the U.S. may lose its Aaa debt rating, and Minnesota is currently a dry state. Also, two studies show that certain pills can prevent H.I.V. [...]

The following is a letter from LIVESTRONG‘s President and CEO, Doug Ulman, about a growing global health crisis. We hope that you will review and act on this information. There are lives hanging in the balance and it is up to us, the citizens of the world, to speak up.
Dear Friends,
It’s inspiring to see so many dedicated LIVESTRONG supporters joining Lance and calling on world leaders to face up to the global cancer crisis.