Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Islamic sectarian violence in Nigeria

7/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




In the past few days, heavy fighting in the northeastern part of Nigeria raged as sectarian violence erupted leading to the burning of houses and death of hundreds of people.

Government troops are battling Islamic militants headed by a radical cleric and forcing thousands people to escape to avoid the chaos. Reacting to the disturbance which left many dead on the streets, the president of Nigeria Umaru Yar'Adua says the situation is under control.

“The violence, which the authorities said began with an attack on a police station in the town of Bauchi on Sunday that left at least 39 people dead, quickly spread across four states in a heavily Muslim region long troubled by religious unrest. In this instance it appeared to have been led by an obscure fundamentalist opposed to what the authorities call “Western education.”---New York Times/ AFP (07/28/09, Nossiter, A.)

Nigeria is populated by about 140 million composed of 50% Muslims mostly in the North and 50% Christians in the South. Since the imposition of strict Muslim Shariah law in 12 northern states a decade ago after years of military rule, about 10,000 died in the ensuing religious conflict. Extremists allied with the Muslim radicals wage war against western education.

An analyst believes the root cause of the problem is the severe economic difficulties rocking the area. In spite of richness in oil and fuel reserves of Nigeria, unemployment and hunger are prevalent.

According to the World Health, 54% of Nigerians subsist in less than $1 per day budget. The people are frustrated with the government for the lack of electricity, water, healthcare and other basic human services. (Photo Credit: AFP/graphicis; AFP/ Utomi Ekepei) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Crash site of Air France flight #447 confirmed; Filipino seaman among the missing

6/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


With no survivors so far reported, the tragedy could well be the worst aviation mishap of Air France through its years of operation. The crash site of the Air France jetliner was confirmed by fuel oil floating at sea, an aircraft passenger seat and pieces of metal debris seen in deep sea, a three-mile path of wreckage between the coasts of Brazil and Africa. Six hundred fifty (650) km northeast of Fernando do Noronha archipelago, the pieces of debris in the Atlantic Ocean were reported by the Brazilian Air Force.

The appearance of aircraft fragments is bolstered by a report that a pilot of TAM, a Brazilian airline saw glowing spots on the sea surface in what was thought to be site where the plane fell from the sky. Continued effort to find the plane’s black box to explain the circumstances of the crash is underway. In spite of the tragedy occurring during a supposed inclement weather, terrorism and sabotage have yet to be ruled out by investigators.

Among the 228 on board the airbus A330 are 12 crew members and Pinoy OFW Arden Jugueta counted among the missing with very little chance of surviving. On a connecting flight en route to Paris from Rio de Janeiro, Jugueta was on his way to Manila when the horrible mishap occurred. This was relayed by the French Foreign Ministry (FFM) to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA.)

In accordance to the rules of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA,) the family of Jugueta is entitled an accident insurance benefit of P200,000 plus a burial compensation of P20,000 once the seaman’s death is ascertained. OWWA promises to bring back the victim’s body to the Philippines if found.--- AP (06/03/09 Pia Lee-Brago)

As the personal heart-rending details of the disaster are disclosed, the magnitude of human suffering becomes more obvious. People learn that the missing passengers are human beings with jobs, children and social roles to play in society. Their families and friends are from more than 30 countries in disbelief, waiting for the news of the search teams---- rushed to rescue their loved ones from the coldness of the ocean. (Photo Credit: AFP/ Vanderlei Almeida) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Migration tragedy: 21 dead and hundreds missing as boat sinks in Mediterranean sea

4/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In the cold waters off Libya, a frail fishing boat carrying about 250 aspiring migrants to Europe sank during stormy weather on Friday, March 27, 2009. At least 20 illegal aliens drowned and more than 200 hundred were reported missing. Mostly from Africa and Middle East, the victims were part of an undetermined number of illegal travelers who perish each year in their bid for a better life.

“Thousands of African, Asian and Middle Eastern migrants fleeing wars and poverty use Libya and other North African countries as a launching pads for the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to southern Europe — often in rickety, overloaded boats. Another flimsy vessel with about 350 migrants was rescued about a day later in the same area where the fishing boat capsized.” AP (03/31/09, Fergany, AM; Santana, R)

Although 350 migrants in a second boat with no casualties were rescued and brought back to Tripoli, Jean-Philippe Chauzy of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Geneva, Switzerland said this sea mishap could be the biggest in terms of the number of dead and missing of a sea vessel leaving North Africa to Europe.

The cause of the sinking has not been known, but a Libyan police officer said the boat was overloaded, and bad weather could be a contributory factor. Some survivors however spoke of a hole that caused the boat to capsize.

The death of the migrants brings to light the growing problem of illegal immigration. In spite of efforts to curb unlawful movement of people in Europe, nationals from impoverished countries worldwide risk their lives in search for better economic opportunities.

Even those who travel with valid papers also face hardships and alienation in their search for jobs. A recent case is the humiliation and abuse by Chip Tsao, an arrogant HK journalist who disparagingly insulted overseas Filipinos whose country he referred to as “a nation of servants.” (Photo Credit: Holvic) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "New Immigration Laws Worry Illegal Aliens In Europe " Posted by mesiamd at 6/22/2008

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PostHeaderIcon Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

3/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
In his first visit to Cameroon, Africa, Pope Benedict VI renewed his calls to all believers of the Roman Catholic Church to help the impoverished people of the world.

He underscores the need to protect and defend the poor African family from the snares of secularization that is fraying traditional values, causing a lot of misunderstanding and suffering in many nations. Cameroon is listed as among the poorest countries of the world where hunger is prevalent.

Amidst criticism versus the Vatican for preaching against artificial contraception, the German-born pontiff stresses his opposition against the use of condom. He says condoms distract people from personal discipline and proper sexual behavior. His long-standing religious perspective upheld by Catholics is contrary to the United Nation’s (UN) belief that condoms are necessary tools to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Catholic Opposition to the UN Declaration of gay rights

In another vein, the Catholic Church along with the Islamic faith opposes UN’s position on gay rights----the decriminalization of homosexuality. It is expected that under Barack Obama’s secular leadership, USA will a signatory to the declaration.

This is a complete reversal from the conservative position espoused by former Pres. George W. Bush, a perspective supported by many of America's 76% Christians who are against abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and stem cell research. In December last year, 66 of U.N.'s 192 members signed the decriminalization of homosexual acts, but 70 countries continue to outlaw the practice which they believe lead to deplorable sexual acts in society. (Photo Credit: DMalantic) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon The Ebola-Reston virus scare in the Philippines

3/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

There was panic and alarm when Ebola virus first emerged as a fatal bleeding disease in Congo (Zaire) in 1978. Similar outbreaks in neighboring countries in Africa occured. Transmitted mainly by body fluids, the acute infection (aka Ebola hemorrhagic fever, EHF) of the Filoviridae family of RNA viruses presented like a typical viral infection--- fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, and weakness after an incubation of 2 to 21 days. Some manifested with a skin rash, conjunctival injection, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, internal and external bleeding.

There were those who survived and spontaneously recovered, but many with severe infections showed signs of hemorrhage, fluid loss, shock, and eventual death. EHF is feared because it is highly transmissible and carries a high mortality rate.

Reported cases of EHF have been zoonotic infections (animal borne.) A potential agent of bioterrorism, Ebola can present as a nosocomial infection, a disease contracted in hospitals and medical facilities during an outbreak. The exact origin, location, and natural habitat (known as the "natural reservoir") of Ebola virus aren't fully known. This makes containment of the infection difficult.

The first 4 of the 5 subtypes of Ebola is known to cause disease in humans: Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, Ebola-Ivory Coast and Ebola-Bundibugyo. The virulence and lethality of these viral strains are suggested by World Health Organizations's (WHO) containment recommendations below. EHF has no known vaccine nor specific cure.



WHO's containment of Ebola

•Suspected cases should be isolated from other patients and strict barrier nursing techniques implemented.
•Tracing and following up people who may have been exposed to Ebola through close contact with patients are essential.
•All hospital staff should be briefed on the nature of the disease and its transmission routes. Particular emphasis should be placed on ensuring that invasive procedures such as the placing of intravenous lines and the handling of blood, secretions, catheters and suction devices are carried out under strict barrier nursing conditions (biohazard.) Hospital staff should have individual gowns, gloves, masks and goggles. Non-disposable protective equipment must not be reused unless they have been properly disinfected.
•Infection may also spread through contact with the soiled clothing or bed linens from a patient with Ebola. Disinfection is therefore required before handling these items.
•Communities affected by Ebola should make efforts to ensure that the population is well informed, both about the nature of the disease itself and about necessary outbreak containment measures, including burial of the deceased. People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried. --- World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO's therapy and treatment of Ebola

• Severe cases require intensive supportive care, as patients are frequently dehydrated and in need of intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes.
• No specific treatment or vaccine is yet available for Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Several potential vaccines are being tested but it could be several years before any is available. A new drug therapy has shown some promise in laboratory studies and is currently being evaluated. But this too will take several years.
• Experimental studies using hyper-immune sera on animals have shown no protection against the disease. ---World Health Organization (WHO)



Ebola Reston virus in the Philippines

"In 1989, Reston, an Ebola virus subtype, was isolated in quarantined laboratory cynomolgus monkeys (Macacca fascicularis) in Reston, Virginia, USA. From 1989 to 1996, several outbreaks caused by the Ebola Reston subtype occurred in monkeys imported from the Philippines to the USA (Reston in Virginia, Alice in Texas and Pennsylvania) and to Italy. Investigations traced the source of all Ebola Reston outbreaks to one export facility near Manila in the Philippines, but the mode of contamination of this facility was not determined. Several monkeys died, and at least four people were infected, although none of them suffered clinical illness."---World Health Organization (WHO)

The Ebola-Reston (ERV,) the fifth subtype of the virus was first found in Philippine monkeys. It has caused disease in primates, but not in humans. Mainly because this that local health authorities seem to be “in control” over the simmering Ebola outbreak that has infected pigs in Pandi, Bulacan.

To make sure the ERV doesn't spread to the general population, the Philippine government in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) is on the process of slaughtering 6,000 infected pigs. So far no person has been reported to have fallen ill of the disease, but there are 6 farm workers and butchers who turned positive for Ebola antibodies. This is surely a cause of concern.

In spite the Department of Health's (DOH) effort to contain the disease, nobody knows the extent ERV has spread in the country at this time. It is unclear which other animal species harbor the disease agent and need isolation or killing. Philippine health authorities can only speak of what they know---that a number of pigs and some individuals were proven to be positive for antibodies--- which means they encountered the virus without suffering signs of illness.

With the potential to mutate and acquire virulence, Ebola-Reston can be transmitted to susceptible hosts and become infective to more animals and humans. Though ERV doesn’t cause disease in healthy individuals, it’s unclear what happens if the virus infects people with weak immunity or those sick of debilitating illnesses. That’s why to avoid epidemics, isolation or euthanasia of infected animals (like in the Avian Flu infection) are high in the list of priorities.

Awareness of the disease is enhanced through step-up public health education. Cleanliness is important. There is heightened watch over the sale of “double-dead” meat that may carry the disease agent. As a precaution, testing for ERV is expanded and export of porcine meat to other countries has been halted.

The strategies to combat ERV is complex and tedious. Despite DOH’s monitoring and vigilance, medical workers have to deal with the challenges of a serious health threat whose outcome is just starting to unravel. The danger of Ebola doesn't only rest on the Philippines, but on the entire world as well. It's a global effort that this disease is nipped on the bud. (Photo Credit: [][][][][]/ www.bio.davidson.edu /KeeAun)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Aardvark in Detroit Zoo

12/30/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a nocturnal animal of Africa that thrives on ants and termites. Because of its pig-like features, it is also called earth pig or earth hog.

Known to live in savannahs, grasslands, and rain forests, the mammal with a characteristic elongated snout, hairy body, sharp claws, and large ears shares some features of the South American anteater. In captivity it grows to 88 to 123 lbs and lives to up to 23 years.

Africans admire the aardvark’s relentless search for food at night. The porcine-like warm-blooded animal lives in burrows and comes out at night to forage in an area that can extend form 10 to 20 kilometers. With poor eyesight, the earth hog whose natural predator includes leopards and lions is hunted by humans for bush meat. In a Detroit Zoo a newborn aardvark is born showing how unusual animals try to survive in captivity. (Photo Credit: Mark Gaskill/ Detroit Zoo)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon "If you are poor, you are not likely to live long"

7/19/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
“There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty. Poverty has gripped our people. If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.” –Nelson Mandela’s Message to the World on his 90th Birthday (07/18/08)



A towering symbol of anti-apartheid, an inspiration of decency, pardon, and resolute defiance against injustice, Nelson Mandela, 1993 Nobel peace prize awardee who served 27 years in jail, celebrates his 90th birthday on Friday, July 18, 2008, in his home with his family in Qunu, South Africa, 18 years after he was released from prison, 14 years after he was elected president in his country’s first democratic National Assembly election, 10 years after he married his 3rd wife Marcha Grachel, and 4 years after his recession from public life. Photo Credit: Habebe/AP

“This man, who had been vilified and hunted down as a dangerous fugitive, incarcerated for nearly three decades, would soon be transformed into the embodiment of forgiveness and reconciliation. Those who had hated him would, most of them, be eating out of his hand----the prisoner become President, in time to be admired by the whole world in an extraordinary outpouring of adulation.“ No Future Without Forgiveness (1999, Tutu, Desmond. p10.)=0=
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