The Rwandan government has secured a significant $28 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support its ambitious green infrastructure program. This grant is set to strengthen Kigali’s efforts in developing low-emission, climate-resilient infrastructure to address recurring flood issues that have impacted unplanned settlements. With over 77.3% of Kigali residents living in unplanned settlements vulnerable to extreme weather events, this project comes at a critical time. The new infrastructure will include flood management systems and environmentally sustainable urban developments designed to withstand the impacts of climate change. The grant will target three main areas: green investments, skills training,…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
A new coronavirus virus (COVID-19) XEC variant, is rapidly spreading across the United States. XEC has become the second most prevalent strain in the country, according to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, representing more than one in 10 cases. XEC variant was first identified in Germany in June. From what we know so far, the variant has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn and into the winter months. But what are the symptoms of XEC and how does it differ from previous strains? “There is no evidence, and no particular…
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. It’s often seen as a safe option, but like any drug, it has effects that are not immediately obvious and in certain situations where it’s best to avoid it. Key facts: Paracetamol is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain. It can also be used to treat fever (high temperature). It’s dangerous to take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol. Its overdose can damage your liver and cause death. Always follow the directions on the packet when using the drug. Liver stress One of the most…
The reality of the climate crisis is an undeniable truth: average global temperatures are increasing due to emissions of greenhouse gases released by human activities. (Disinformation) Rising temperatures bring with them increasingly frequent and severe weather events like droughts, wildfires and storms, devastating the natural world, people’s lives, and their livelihoods. The verdict is in, and the science is clear: we must take bold action to protect our world from the worst effects of climate change. And yet, many conversations about the climate crisis are still stuck in a different reality, where urgency is minimised, and the science is called into question.…
“The initiative will screen 500,000 residents aged 18 and above across all three senatorial zones in Kaduna State for diabetes and hypertension, providing free screening and services. The screenings will be conducted in two phases and will cover urban and rural areas, emphasizing underserved communities to ensure equal access to healthcare,” the state Commissioner of Health, Umma Ahmed said.
When the SELECT trial started in 2001, there were high hopes it would prove that taking vitamin E or selenium could help prevent prostate cancer. The newest results from the trial show just the opposite—that taking selenium or vitamin E can actually increase the odds of developing prostate cancer. By Patrick Skerrett Bottom line: men shouldn’t take selenium or vitamin E as a way to prevent prostate cancer, or anything else for that matter. “I counsel all of my patients to absolutely avoid any dietary supplements that contain selenium or vitamin E—including multivitamins,” says prostate cancer expert Dr. Marc Garnick,…
Lassa fever is a cryptic viral disease that is spread predominantly from rodents to humans in West Africa. We estimated the health-economic burden associated with Lassa fever, highlighting the gains to population health and economies that could be afforded by Lassa vaccines, several of which are currently in development. The problem Lassa fever is a poorly understood zoonotic disease that causes viral hemorrhagic fever and thousands of deaths annually throughout West Africa. It has also been identified as a leading pandemic threat by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health institutions. This has motivated considerable investment in the…
The price of a 50 kg bag of local rice surged year-on-year (YoY) by 152.9%, reaching N95,738 in September 2024, compared to N37,853 in September 2023. This data was revealed in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ‘Selected Food Price Watch’ for September 2024. Additionally, the price of 1 kilogram (kg) of local rice during this period was N1,914.77. The report highlighted that beans recorded an even higher YoY growth rate, exceeding 200%. Specifically, the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 281.97%, rising from N716.97 in September 2023 to N2,738.59 in September 2024. Month-on-month, the price saw…
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in business operations. According to GoDaddy’s Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 94% of respondents reported that digitization has significantly improved their work processes. AI tools offer various ways to enhance efficiency for small businesses, from streamlining workflows to improving decision-making, gaining a competitive edge, and enhancing customer experiences. AI can automate tasks, analyze data, and provide actionable insights, helping small businesses compete with larger firms. However, leveraging AI strategically and thoughtfully is key. Here are three ways AI can benefit your business: Automate Time-Consuming TasksAI can automate repetitive tasks such as data analytics, invoicing,…
The upcoming UN climate change meeting, COP29, will feature a dedicated Health Day on 18 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the negotiations from 11-22 November. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to ensure health is a central focus in climate talks. Maria Neira from the WHO emphasized two key objectives: raising awareness that the climate crisis is a health crisis and showing how mitigating climate change can bring significant health benefits. Neira stressed the need to integrate health into all climate actions. The Health Day will begin with a high-level meeting on the Baku Initiative on Human Development…