Childhood vaccines missed by millions

How to stay optimistic; Mumbai's teen rap star

View this email online Goats and Soda editor's note Micha Pawlitzki/Getty Images It's easy to be a pessimist these days. Just check the latest headlines and sigh. But how do you keep optimism going? That's what reporter Ari Daniel asked some of the advocates and activists at the Skoll World Forum in mid-Aoril. We're highlighting their answers: from basking in the love of family to watching kids at play. For me, playing the piano is a spirit booster, whether it's a Bach invention or an Aretha Franklin keyboard run. I marvel at the ability of humans to create beautiful music. As a bonus, I'm reminded of my wonderful piano teacher, my mom -- a Bach buff but alas not an Aretha fan. Read the story about optimism here. We'd like to hear from our readers as well: What do you do to keep yourself feeling positive in the face of gloom? Email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line "Optimism" and we may feature your strategy on NPR.org. Please include your name and location. Submissions close on Friday, April 28.  Marc Silver Editor, Goats and Soda in the news Claire Jeantet and Fabrice Caterini / Inediz Why millions of kids missed out on routine childhood vaccines COVID-19 disrupted health care across the globe, causing the biggest drop in childhood vaccination rates in decades. UNICEF's latest estimates find that nearly 50 million children entirely missed out. MSF doctor in Sudan tells how chaos of conflict is hindering health-care efforts We spoke to Dr. Ghazali Babiker, country director for Médecins Sans Frontières in Sudan, who is in Khartoum. He offered a grim assessment of the impact of fighting on the ability to give health care. The Taliban again bans Afghan women aid workers. Here's how the U.N. responded The Taliban has reiterated its decision to ban Afghan women from working for the U.N. and other aid agencies. The repercussions could be devastating for programs in which women play a vital role. climate Kathleen Feng Epic drought in Taiwan pits farmers against high-tech factories for water The island is facing one of its worst dry spells in a century, and both the agricultural and high-tech sectors are competing for scarce water resources.  music Raksha Kumar/NPR The improbable fame of a hijab-wearing teen rapper from a poor neighborhood in Mumbai First Saniya wrote poems. Then she began rapping. Now she appears on TV and YouTube and before big crowds, spreading her message about justice. Her father the rickshaw driver is her chauffeur. Newsletter continues after sponsor message links we like   In Senegal, fencing classes for youth who've been in prison or in care homes are teaching valuable lessons. "Fencing has taught me how to respect others – my opponents and the coaches,” one student told The Guardian. NPR's "The Picture Show" looks at the precarious lives of Ukrainian refugees. TikTok and YouTube influencers in Brazil are sharing advice on how to mine for gold -- but, as restofworld reports, their videos lead to "illegally digging for gold on protected indigenous land." Claudia Acuña of Chile shared her deeply spiritual music at NPR's Tiny Desk, starting with "an almost ceremonial incantation of purpose with her song 'Yo,' which translates to 'I Am.' "  Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WMFE (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: goatsandsoda@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Goats and Soda emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy