A Hallowe’en-themed campaign aimed at attracting blood donors in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been scrapped after the community reacted in horror to its “threatening” message. Read the full story

Finland will not follow the lead of neighbouring Sweden and instead will continue to forbid blood donations by gay men, says the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. Read the full story

Norway pledged nearly USD 490 million to Sudan in aid this week according to reports by Reuters. The Norwegian government expressed its hope that other countries would step forward and also contribute to Sudan.

Raymond Johansen, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Norway, attended a three day donor conference on the issue and said: “The Norwegian government has decided to allocate 2.5 billion kroner (USD 487.3 million) over the next four years which I think is substantial.”

The Oslo conference took place from 5th to 7th May, during which Sudan asked donor countries for a total of USD 6 billion for the period from 2008 to 2011. The Sudanese government described the decades of civil war experienced in the country and the strong need to rebuild.

“I also hope this (Norway’s contribution) will encourage other states both to follow up on their previous obligations and come up with new pledges,” Johansen said.

Currently funds to Sudan are disbursed through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund administered by the World Bank; however Johansen suggested that a faster mechanism be put in place for future donations and disbursements.