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Editor's note
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It's been a good week for Africa, which is rather fitting given that the continent celebrated Africa Day, marking 54 years since the Organisation for African Unity was founded.
The World Health Organisation got its first African leader, Ethiopian-born Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. Kabir Sheikh discusses how the new man at the helm can make his dream of universal health coverage a reality. And David Sanders explains why this appointment is good news for developing countries, including those on the continent.
Meanwhile, Nic Cheeseman points out that democracy in Africa is in a healthier state than many believe. It's not all good news though: Beatrice Akala sounds a warning about the sexism inherent in Kenya's political system, which has seen women leaders sidelined for a long time.
It's the weekend, so let's not end on a gloomy note: Thaddeus Metz weighs in on the subject of happiness, arguing that the best sort of life - or at least a really good one - would include both happiness and meaningfulness.
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Top story
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the new Director-General of the World Health Organisation
Reuters/Denis Balibouse
Kabir Sheikh, Public Health Foundation of India
The new director-general of the World Health Organisation has set universal health coverage as a priority. There are several ways to make headway with this goal.
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Tedros Ghebreyesus, the newly elected Director-General of the World Health Organisation.
Reuters/Denis Balibouse
David Sanders, University of the Western Cape
There are a number of challenges that the World Health Organisation's new leader, Ethiopian-born Tedros Ghebreyesus, will have to navigate during his tenure.
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The art of happiness
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Shutterstock
Thaddeus Metz, University of Johannesburg
The best sort of life would include both happiness and meaningfulness. Although one sometimes has to choose between these two values, one ought to strive for a life in which there's plenty of both.
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Politics + Society
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Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham
As we celebrate Africa Day and reflect on how far the continent has come since the Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963, it's a good time to assess whether democracy is working.
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Beatrice Akala, University of Johannesburg
Kenya's progressive 2010 Constitution brought improved women's representation in Parliament and public life. But historical prejudices remain, always more intensely apparent during elections.
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Amanda Gouws, Stellenbosch University
High profile stories of femicide come with a flare up of societal outrage, protest and collective introspection. But nothing ever really changes.
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Science + Technology
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Julien Benoit, University of the Witwatersrand
The theory that humankind originated in Europe is an old one. It was abandoned in 1924 when the first Australopithecus was discovered in South Africa.
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John Butler-Adam, University of Pretoria
Africa's overall contribution to research might be small, but smart people are undertaking smart and important work on and about the continent.
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Business + Economy
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Karen Hofman, University of the Witwatersrand; Charles Parry, South African Medical Research Council
Under pressure to create new markets, big alcohol producers are scouring the African continent in what promises to yield negative socioeconomic consequences.
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Ruth Hall, University of the Western Cape; Dzodzi Tsikata, University of Ghana; Ian Scoones, University of Sussex
Many African countries are still searching for inclusive commercial farming models that can bring in private investment without dispossessing local people.
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Environment + Energy
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Mike Muller, University of the Witwatersrand
Dams are once again being recognised as important key contributors to a prosperous and sustainable future.
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Martin Sullivan, University of Leeds; Oliver Phillips, University of Leeds; Simon Lewis, UCL
It's crucial to know the relationship between biodiversity and carbon storage to assess whether carbon-focused conservation will also protect the most biodiverse forests.
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Education
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Liesel Ebersöhn, University of Pretoria
Schools that have supportive strategies in place can offer buffers. They can promote positive outcomes -- for pupils and teachers.
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Mzi Nduna, University of the Witwatersrand; Dominic Targema Abaver, Walter Sisulu University
Many people use religion and culture as explanations for their homophobic attitudes.
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