At least 87% of COVID-19 vaccine doses have been given out in wealthier countries
COVID-19 vaccine distribution has been largely concentrated in higher income countries, despite dire need in conflict-affected areas as more transmissible COVID-19 variants drive up cases and intensify pressure on already strained health systems. Inequitable vaccine access has seen the US, UK and the EU each pre-purchase enough approved COVID-19 doses to vaccinate their populations more […]
Eight reasons why people are dying in the Mediterranean
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 600 people lost their lives in the Mediterranean during the first four months of 2021. This is more than twice the number of deaths recorded over the same period last year. The deadliest route is the Central Mediterranean route. More than 600 refugees and migrants […]
Total’s East African oil pipeline to go ahead despite stiff opposition
The Ugandan and Tanzanian governments have signed agreements with French oil major Total and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to build a 1,400-kilometer (900-mile) pipeline from Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean. The pipeline’s critics say 2,000 square kilometres (770 square miles) of protected areas […]
Herbs & Plants: Strawberries
Botanically, strawberry belongs to plant family, Rosaceae and species, Fragaria ananassa. It is the world’s most popular berry and widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red colour, juicy texture, and sweetness. Research provides substantial evidence to classify strawberries as a functional food with several preventive and therapeutic health benefits. Strawberries are a rich source […]
Solar Pumps for Sub-Saharan Farmers
The technology is spreading. A great help to increasing the yield of the fields and available food. Solar water pumps play an important part in improving the income of rural families. Around 95% of the cultivated land in sub-Saharan Africa depends exclusively on unreliable seasonal rains to supply water needs. The use of solar pumps […]
145 religious leaders: “Reject vaccine nationalism. Moral obligation to reach everyone”
In a global effort, 145 religious leaders from across the world – Christians, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists – have united their voices in a letter to heads of State and Government and pharmaceutical companies calling for global and universal access to vaccines. “We call on all leaders to reject vaccine nationalism and embrace a commitment […]
To go out in search of news
In his message for the 55th World Communications Day, which will be commemorated on Sunday, May 16, Pope Francis has challenged Catholic journalists to go out in search of news and aim for first-hand information, while shunning unverified news reporting. “The crisis of the publishing industry risks leading to a reportage created in newsrooms, in […]
Ghana: Living and dying in Agbogbloshie
Agbogbloshie, in Accra, the capital of Ghana, is one of the largest waste dumps for electronic appliances in the world and the workplace of thousands of people who are daily exposed to some of the most toxic substances resulting in premature death. We went to see the dump. Sule uses a hammer to strike what […]
Oral literature: Tortoise and Hare
Tortoise and Hare were chatting when Tortoise declared: “I bet I can beat you in a race.” Hare was stunned for a minute. He wasn’t sure he heard Tortoise correctly. “Did you say something about a race? Hare asked. Tortoise elaborated: “I challenge you to a race and I want all the animals present to […]
Kenya: Rose Wanjikũ Mũriũ, Karate Girl
She wants to make history: to be the first Kenyan Karate Woman to take part in the Olympics. Growing up, Rose hung out with her three older brothers and their friends, taking part in all manner of antics – from stealing a neighbour’s maize to hunting and cooking game meat. She did everything with such […]