News & Media

Flawed Ghana health scheme pushed by World Bank

March 9, 2011

A major health insurance scheme in Ghana that the World Bank is pushing as a success model for other developing countries is severely flawed and not working for most Ghanaians, according to a new report by international agency Oxfam and Ghanaian non-governmental organisations.

Christchurch earthquake update

March 8, 2011

It has been more than two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch and efforts have shifted from rescue to longer-term recovery. In the initial aftermath, Oxfam water and sanitation experts worked with Civil Defence to quickly get water supplies flowing at locations across Christchurch. This work has now been handed over to the Red Cross. Oxfam has also offered the use of trauma counsellors.

UN action needed to help thousands in DRC stranded without assistance

March 8, 2011

On the day the UN’s head of emergency response, Valerie Amos, visits the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Oxfam urges the United Nations not to fail communities cut off from much-needed assistance. The UN must plan for funding that reflects the level of need on the ground and better protect communities from attack, says the international agency.

Annie Lennox: Men and women are still not equal

March 7, 2011

In this opinion piece published in the Dominion Post on the centenary of International Women’s Day, Annie Lennox explains that men and women are still not equal, and that the concept of feminism and its principles of equality and anti-sexism need to be refreshed and reclaimed by a new generation. Feminism shouldn’t be an F word, it should be embraced. She also discusses the formation of the EQUALS coalition which aims to re-open the debate about equality.

Oxfam gears up to help Ivory Coast refugees

March 6, 2011

Africa’s latest crisis is escalating into further bloodshed and risks becoming another “forgotten emergency” as thousands of Ivorian refugees flee for their lives. Oxfam is gearing up its operations as the number of people escaping the West African country in search of safety and aid in Liberia shot up from 40,000 to 70,000 over just a few days last week. This figure is likely to increase rapidly if fighting continues over the coming weeks.

Oxfam celebrates 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day

March 6, 2011

March 8, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day and to mark the occasion, humanitarian and development agency Oxfam is acknowledging women’s movements and the struggle for equality