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Trouble around the world

February 1, 2011

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Protesters in Egypt; a heinous crime in Uganda

Anyone who cares about free expression has to be repulsed by the way the Egyptian government is closing down access to the internet, limiting free expression and firing on its own citizens. I admire the people who are daring to march for the freedom that should be their right in the 21st century.

I was appalled by the brutal murder of David Kato, LGBT activist, in Uganda.  What kind of people would post online the addresses and other personal information of people known to be LGBT and then advocate that they be executed! The fact of the crime and its brutality chill me.

From WikipediaDavid Kato Kisule (b. circa 1968 – d. January 26, 2011) was a Ugandan teacher and LGBT rights activist, considered a father of Uganda’s gay rights movement. He served as advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). Kato was murdered in 2011, shortly after winning a lawsuit against a magazine which had published his name and photograph identifying him as gay and calling for him to be executed.

Heroes on the ground: N.C. health directors

Last Friday, I spoke briefly at the annual meeting of North Carolina health directors. I really admire these people. They’re running health departments, serving more people, dealing with more complex social and community issues, and each year, their budgets get cut more. As a group, they are amazingly upbeat and positive about their jobs, in spite of being under such duress. I talked to them about changes in our North Carolina Institute for Public Health (NCIPH).  Ed Baker, MD, MPH, current director, is stepping down after 7 years of excellent leadership. I am delighted that Anna Schenck, PhD, MPH, director of our Public Health Leadership Program, has agreed to lead both programs and become Associate Dean for Practice. The NCIPH has many strong programs, and we are committed that it not just survives but continues to thrive. Practice is as important a part of what we do as research and academic programs.

At the meeting, Rachel Stevens, EdD, RN, former deputy director of the NCIPH, was given the Ronald H. Levine Legacy Award.  The very significant award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to public health in North Carolina.  This is great for Rachel and our School.

 

Happy Monday. Barbara


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The views expressed in this blog are Barbara Rimer’s alone and do not represent the views and policies of The University of North Carolina or the Gillings School.