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Prolonged bouts of torrential rain in Monrovia have led to devastating floods throughout the city, forcing tens of thousands from their homes, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Monrovia's vulnerability to flooding stems from several issues, including dense population, an inadequate sewage system, and a lack of stringent construction regulations. According to Ansu Dulleh, the Executive Director of the NDMA, the extent of the flooding is "something we have never seen before." This calamity has…

Recently, tragedy struck in KwaZulu-Natal when two individuals succumbed to the perilous effects of hypothermia after being ensnared by a relentless snowstorm on the N3 highway. This heartbreaking incident unfolded over the weekend, showcasing the unforgiving nature of winter weather. As snow blanketed the roads, rendering them treacherous, many motorists found themselves caught in an unexpected deluge of white. The sudden onset of severe weather can often catch drivers off guard, emphasizing the critical need for caution…

Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, recently unveiled a staggering statistic: in 2022, hepatitis, a severe liver infection, claimed the lives of 15,000 individuals in Ghana. This grim figure breaks down to approximately 42 lives lost each day, with young adults bearing the brunt of this health crisis. “Many cases remain hidden,” Dr. Aboagye emphasized, pointing out that a considerable segment of the population doesn’t even realize their infection status, which complicates efforts to…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…

As Africa grapples with the rising financial toll of climate change, accessing climate finance becomes vital for both addressing these challenges and adapting to them. Moreover, it's essential for steering the continent's development in line with the global aim of capping temperature increases to 1.5°C.  African representatives face a pivotal moment at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where they are encouraged to push for fair climate finance allocation for their continent. A new financing strategy is anticipated to be established by a…

A recent study conducted by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education sounds the alarm on how climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of extreme weather phenomena. This escalation is placing the world’s aging network of dams—more than 70,000 in total—under increased threat, particularly in regions marred by conflict where some structures lie neglected and abandoned. Take, for instance, the catastrophic failure of the Arbaat Dam in Port Sudan last August. The region experienced an unprecedented…

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema left many taken aback with his candid comments regarding the pressing need for constitutional reform during a speech delivered in the Zambian parliament. He articulated concerns that, without necessary adjustments, certain oversights could potentially result in the country facing a dramatic scenario: "a situation where we could have no general election for eight years." This unexpected assertion sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former president Edgar…

A recent parliamentary investigation has revealed a troubling lack of dam inspectors within the Department of Water and Sanitation. This alarming situation comes on the heels of the catastrophic failure of three dams in the Western Cape back in August. The aftermath of the collapse was devastating, as it displaced over a hundred individuals, wreaking havoc on their livelihoods and communities. To put things into perspective, dam owners are legally obligated to provide safety evaluations conducted by certified inspectors.…

The 25th International AIDS Conference highlighted an essential approach for eradicating HIV as a public health dilemma by the year 2030: prioritizing community involvement. Globally, the fight against HIV has always relied on collective action, making significant strides along the way. However, Dr. Joram Sunguti—a Senior Technical Advisor specializing in HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) at Pathfinder International—stresses that intensifying community engagement is crucial for tackling enduring…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On Thursday morning, a female legislator from Southwest State revealed that authorities at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu prevented her from traveling to Baidoa. Senior officials denied her claim. Federal MP Sareedo Mohamed Abdalla voiced her frustration on social media, sharing her experience of being blocked from boarding a flight to her home state. This episode occurred just days after other flights carrying passengers were similarly obstructed. It is an indication of growing political…