In brief

Southern Sudan sees upsurge of kala-azar: Recurrent outbreaks of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) have been reported in the autonomous region of Southern Sudan. A total of 6363 cases and 303 deaths have been recorded since outbreaks began in September 2009. Most patients (70%) are children aged under 15 years who are also malnourished and have other illnesses. WHO is supporting the relief operation but says that $0.7m (£0.4m; €0.5m) is needed to expand treatment centres and buy more drugs, diagnostic kits, and nutritional supplies.

NICE has approved 73% of cancer drugs since 2002: An analysis by …