Journalist Wolfgang Friedl discusses the severe and potentially global threat posed by the Ebola outbreak, criticizing the slow response time and inadequate containment measures. He highlights the failure of the scientific community and pharmaceutical bureaucracy to quickly approve and distribute treatments, leaving West African communities to wait for months. Friedl points out the lack of preparedness in hospitals and medical institutions in the U.S. and Europe, and the absence of protocols for waste management from Ebola patients. He traces the origins of the outbreak to a lack of resources and international commitment, as well as stigmatization and denial. The article also addresses the economic and social impact of Ebola on local economies, particularly in Liberia, and the need for sustainable prevention methods, including community-based disease surveillance and communication for development initiatives. Friedl emphasizes the urgency of global preparedness and resource mobilization to combat the outbreak.

The article reflects on the historical significance of the Berlin Wall, which once divided East and West Berlin, and its fall on November 9, 1989. It discusses the impact of the Wall's existence and its eventual demolition, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. The journalist explores the broader context of other barriers that still exist around the world, suggesting that while the Berlin Wall may have been torn down, the legacy of division it represented persists in many forms. The article may also touch on the commemorative events and the political and social discourse surrounding the anniversary of the Wall's fall.

The article discusses the International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), highlighting the prevalence of the practice and the efforts to combat it. It estimates that millions of girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM/C, with a significant number at risk each year, particularly in Africa. The article outlines the legal background, noting the involvement of United Nations agencies like UNICEF and conventions such as CEDAW and CRC in opposing FGM/C. It also references specific conferences and declarations aimed at ending FGM/C, including the Maputo Protocol and the UN General Assembly's Special Session on Children. The article details the situation in specific countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Djibouti, Yemen, and Somalia, mentioning government actions, legal status, and the involvement of NGOs and international organizations in addressing FGM/C.