PRECIOUS: Orphans get free medicare (XINHUA)

Western Strength

China

The economy of China's western region is expected to grow by 13 percent this year, higher than the nation's average, said the Blue Book of Western Region 2011 published by Social Sciences Academic Press and Xi'an-based Northwest University in July. The book, China's first evaluative report on the economic quality of the western region, reviewed and analyzed economic growth in western areas since the implementation of the country's strategy on the development of its west in 2000.

Free Insurance

China

More than 300,000 orphans and children from underprivileged families in China have been given free insurance to cover 12 critical illnesses, according to the China Children Insurance Foundation, a charity that aims to extend insurance coverage to all vulnerable children. In cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the foundation launched a joint program in 2009 to give over 700,000 orphans registered with the ministry, under the age of 18, free medical insurance.

HELP: A-list musicians launch campaign to combat drought and famine in Somalia (XINHUA)

Stars Against Hunger      

Africa

A global social media campaign featuring a Bob Marley song was launched by some of the music industry's top stars recently to help stem the hunger crisis that is increasing in the Horn of Africa. More than 150 stars including Lady Gaga, U2, Justin Bieber, and Jay-Z are among the well-known figures using their Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to urge fans to donate money to help feed starving families. The campaign, called "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," can be found at imgonnabeyourfriend.org.

Take Advantage of Growth

Africa

An African expert recently urged emerging markets on the continent to take advantage of China's rapid growing household consumption which has kept double-digit average annual growth since 2004. Sanlam Investment strategist Alex Pestana said Africa will continue to be a key focus of Chinese investment. He urged the region to see opportunities from this relationship as commodity producers especially agricultural producers and other sectors like tourism and travel should really start benefiting.