Exploring Lake Anosy, An Artificial Lake In Madagascar

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August 2, 2022

Lake Anosy is an artificial lake with a large monument in the middle of it, located in the southern part of the capital city of the Republic of Madagascar, Antananarivo.

Previously the lake was a small swamp, however, in 1830 it was created by the Scottish artisan missionary, James Cameron, during the era of the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar, Radama I.

Visible from the surrounding hills of Antananarivo, there is also a small islet connected to the “mainland” with an isthmus, there is an interesting memorial.

The so-called Monument aux Morts, also known as the Monument to the Dead, is a French-built memorial in order to commemorate the fallen soldiers during the First World War.

Designed by the sculptor Barberis and architect Perrin in 1927, it is the most recognizable feature of the lake.

The monument is a large golden angel on a plinth that holds branches of bay laurel with the left hand, while with the right one holds the Laurel wreath.

Being one of the most striking monuments in the capital city, every year on 26 June, a firework show is being organized on the lake, in celebration of the independence day of Madagascar.

From time to time, the park area surrounding the lake is the home to many poor and homeless people, and even though the water is highly polluted, there can be still seen people who are fishing or even swimming in the waters.

Nevertheless, Lake Anosy is definitely one of the landmarks of Madagascar that deserves to be seen in person, and the authorities should make bigger efforts to preserve this alluring site, so that it will be marveled by every single visitor.

U.S. Senate Confirms First Black Marine 4-Star General, Michael Langley

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Angel Gimalo

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August 2, 2022

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The Senate has confirmed Michael Langley to be a four-star general in the United States Marine Corps.

Langley is now the first Black four-star general in the history of the Marines.

General Langley will serve as the new leader in charge of U.S. Forces in Africa.

He has commanded at every level during his 37-year career in the Marines.

He’s served in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Japan, and has held top jobs within the Pentagon. Plus, Langley has led U.S. Forces in Europe and Africa.

The Louisiana native also holds degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and U.S. Army War College.

800,000 Children living with HIV not on treatment —UNAIDS

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Cleopatra Okohai

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August 2, 2022

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A new report released by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has revealed that treatment coverage among children living with HIV is poor.

According to the report, globally, an estimated 800,000 children living with HIV did not receive treatment in 2021.

The report, titled; “In Danger,” launched by UNAIDS showed that children living with HIV are often being left behind.

The UNAIDS report indicates that every day, 4.000 people—including 1,100 young people (aged 15 to 24 years)—become infected with HIV.

The report warns that if current trends continue, 1.2 million people will be newly infected with HIV in 2025, which is three times more than the 2025 target of 370,000 new infections.

The report notes that progress against HIV had slowed down since the COVID-19 pandemic while lamenting that the human impact of the stalling progress on HIV is chilling.

It noted, “As HIV testing and treatment programmes expand, children living with HIV are often being left behind. In 2021, an estimated 800 000 (640, 000– 990, 000) children living with HIV were still not receiving HIV treatment.

“Children comprised four percent of people living with HIV in 2021 but 15 percent of AIDS-related deaths, and the gap in HIV treatment coverage between children

and adults is increasing rather than narrowing.”

The report also revealed that in 2021, 650,000 (500,000–860,000) people died of AIDS-related causes, amounting to one every minute.

The UNAIDS report pointed out that without accelerated action to prevent people from reaching advanced HIV disease, AIDS-related causes will remain a leading cause of death in many countries.

The report further said the continued rising new HIV infection in some regions could halt or even reverse progress made against AIDS-related deaths.

According to the report, HIV funds from bilateral donors other than the US have plummeted by 57 per cent over the last decade, adding that HIV investments have not replaced lost international funding, mainly due to worsening economic conditions.

“The World Bank projects that 52 countries, home to 43 per cent of people living with HIV, will experience a significant drop in their public spending capacity through 2026.

“Progress is slowing as resources available for HIV in low- and middle-income countries decline, leaving their HIV responses US$ 8 billion short of the amount needed by 2025.

“Many major bilateral donors are reducing international assistance for AIDS; meanwhile, low-and middle-income countries struggle under the greater fiscal burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 and now the war in Ukraine are creating extraordinary headwinds.

“Many major bilateral donors are reducing international assistance for AIDS”, the report noted.

The report said in some parts of the world and for some communities, the response to

the AIDS pandemic had shown remarkable resilience in adverse times, which the reported noted had helped avoid the worst outcomes.

It, however, said global progress against HIV was slowing rather than accelerating, raising concern that the global AIDS response is under threat.

“The latest data collected by UNAIDS show that while new HIV infections fell globally last year, the drop was only 3.6 percent compared to 2020—the smallest annual reduction since 2016.

“As a result, many regions, countries and communities are left to address rising HIV infections alongside other ongoing crises.

“Eastern Europe and central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa

and Latin America have all seen increases in annual HIV infections over the past decade,” the report revealed.

The report also revealed that countries with the biggest increases in new HIV infections include the Philippines, Madagascar, Congo, and South Sudan.

The UNAIDs report further showed that 70 per cent of new infections are in groups designated as “key populations” for their particular vulnerability to infection.

The key populations include men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, people who inject drugs, and prisoners.

The UNAIDS key population data shows MSM has 28 times the risk of acquiring HIV compared to people of the same age and gender identity.

It also said that people who inject drugs have 35 times the risk, sex workers 30 times the risk, and transgender women 14 times the risk.

Speaking at its launch, UNAIDS Director, Winnie Byanyima, said the slow progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV was putting millions of people in grave danger.

“In Asia and the Pacific, UNAIDS data now shows new HIV infections are rising where they had been falling. Action to tackle the inequalities driving AIDS is urgently required to prevent millions of new HIV infections this decade and to end the AIDS pandemic.

“UNAIDS data showed insufficient progress on removing punitive laws that increase the risk of HIV infection and death for marginalised people including LGBTI people, people who inject drugs, and sex workers,” she said.

On inequalities, Byanyima noted that closing the inequalities by removing punitive laws, promoting human rights, and expanding community-led services is working in countries like Thailand.

‘Over 70% of infants in Nigeria denied exclusive breastfeeding’

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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August 2, 2022

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The United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation have said over 70% of infants in Nigeria are denied exclusive breastfeeding.

The organisations made this known in a joint press statement in commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week and made available to our Newsmen in Abuja, on Monday.

The 2022 World Breastfeeding Week is themed ‘Step up for breastfeeding: Educate and Support.’

According to them, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria is 29 per cent.

They, however, call on governments to allocate increased resources to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding policies and programmes, especially for the most vulnerable families living in emergency settings.

“During emergencies, including those in Afghanistan, Yemen, Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel, breastfeeding guarantees a safe, nutritious and accessible food source for babies and young children. It offers a powerful line of defense against disease and all forms of child malnutrition, including wasting.

“In Nigeria, the Exclusive Breastfeeding rate is 29 percent, meaning that over 70 percent of infants in Nigeria are denied the aforementioned benefits of breast milk in their formative years. Only 9 percent of organisations have a workplace breastfeeding policy, indicating that mothers lack the enabling environment to optimally breastfeed their babies. The results are high stunting rates of 37 percent of children Under-5, of which 21 percent are severe, and wasting among children under 5 years of age (7 percent). They continue to present severe consequences for the child.

“Breastfeeding also acts as a baby’s first vaccine, protecting them from common childhood illnesses.

“Yet the emotional distress, physical exhaustion, lack of space and privacy, and poor sanitation experienced by mothers in emergency settings mean that many babies are missing out on the benefits of breastfeeding to help them survive.

“Fewer than half of all newborn babies are breastfed in the first hour of life, leaving them more vulnerable to disease and death. And only 44 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life, short of the World Health Assembly target of 50 per cent by 2025.

“Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding is more important than ever, not just for protecting our planet as the ultimate natural, sustainable, first food system, but also for the survival, growth, and development of millions of infants,” the statement read in part.

The UNICEF and the WHO urged governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector to step up efforts to prioritise investing in breastfeeding support policies and programmes, especially in fragile and food insecure contexts.

“Equip health and nutrition workers in facilities and communities with the skills they need to provide quality counselling and practical support to mothers to successfully breastfeed.

“Protect caregivers and health care workers from the unethical marketing influence of the formula industry by fully adopting and implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, including in humanitarian settings.

“Implement family-friendly policies that provide mothers with the time, space, and support they need to breastfeed,” they said.

Nigerian Marine Scientist Calls Preservation Of Marine Habitat

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 2, 2022

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A marine scientist and conservationist, Mrs Oyeronke Adegbile, has called for the preservation of the marine habitat to prevent the extinction of sea animals.

Adegbile said in Lagos that a reorientation of residents of coastal areas was necessary to prevent the extinction of most marine species.

“There is a lot we can do to keep sea creatures alive and save a lot of them from extinction. One way to do this is to create awareness.

“Residents of coastal areas need to know what they have and be able to identify the species. We need to educate them on the relevance of these animals to the ecosystem.

“They need to know the essence of these species and their values, if they know these, they will be more committed to conserving marine species.

“Other things we can do is to help the coastal environments. We must keep the marine environment clean because we know that the environment of marine species is very crucial to their survival,” the expert stated.

Adegbile said that conservation of the environment was paramount in preserving marine animals.

She also noted that the species could be protected through the enforcement of laws and conventions guiding their conservation.

“And we know that we have so much challenge in today’s ocean ranging from pollution and marine debris to over-fishing.

“So, it is very important that their environment is conserved. The marine environment can be protected through various ways.

“One way to conserve marine habitat is by enacting laws and enforcing them. For example, sea turtles are an endangered species and are protected under major international laws and conventions.

“So, if we want to protect our ocean, we can do that by protecting the sea turtle. They are a flagship species and by protecting them, we can protect the entire sea habitat,” Adegbile said.

She said that other ways to protect sea animals from extinction was to ensure that oceans are kept clean and clear.

The marine scientist added that sea animals could be preserved by frequent and regular beach clean-ups.

She advocated the planting of trees on beaches to give shade, so that marine animals could come under them to nest.

“We must ensure we do not defecate on our beaches, and make sure that when we have picnics, we pick up all the trash after the picnic among other sustainable practices,” Adegbile said.

Paediatrician warns against treating Jaundice in Children with Antibiotics

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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August 2, 2022

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A Consultant Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Prof. Edamisan Temiye, has cautioned mothers against treating their newborns having jaundice with antibiotics.

According to him, neonatal jaundice can’t be treated with antibiotics, warning that mismanaging the condition could lead to brain damage in newborns.

The paediatrician said instead of giving the baby antibiotics, the baby should be taken to the hospital for appropriate treatment.”

Prof. Temiye disclosed this during an interview, stressing that though neonatal jaundice is completely preventable, it is still causing death and irreversible damage to newborns.

He asked mothers to stop giving their babies antibiotics and local concoctions when they have jaundice, noting that mismanaged jaundice causes assault on the brain of the child.

The paediatrician said, “Some of the causes of cerebral palsy may be genetic but most of them are caused by what happened in our environment. Cerebral palsy is an assault to the brain.

“The commonest cause of cerebral palsy in our environment is jaundice in babies which is completely preventable. Jaundice in the first week of life can lead to brain damage.

“Jaundice is so prevalent in our environment in the first week of life and it is usually mismanaged.

“Mothers go and buy antibiotics and prepare agbo and give to their babies with jaundice instead of taking them to the hospital for appropriate treatment.”

The paediatrician noted that mothers should worry about the development of their babies when they are not showing affection such as smiling during breastfeeding at the age of two months.

“By one and half months, that is when we start noticing there is a problem with a baby. The baby is supposed to smile and have a social smile. By six weeks of life, a baby is expected to smile when the mother is breastfeeding him or her. If the baby is not having a social smile and outward affection at this age, it means there is a problem with the brain.

“If by nine months, the baby is not crawling, there is a big problem and the parents should see a doctor,” he said.

He urged mothers to desist from acts and practices that are inimical to the normal growth and development of a child.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, jaundice is common in newborn babies because babies have a high number of red blood cells in their blood, which are broken down and replaced frequently.

“Also, a newborn baby’s liver is not fully developed, so it’s less effective at removing the bilirubin from the blood.

“Jaundice is one of the most common conditions that can affect newborn babies.

“It’s estimated six out of every 10 babies develop jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies born prematurely before the 37th week of pregnancy.

“But only around 1 in 20 babies has a blood bilirubin level high enough to need treatment.

“If a baby with very high levels of bilirubin is not treated, there’s a risk they could develop permanent brain damage. This is known as kernicterus,” says NHS.

Record 7 Billion People Participate In Largest Online Healing Service With Pastor Chris

By

Koko Lawrence

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August 2, 2022

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History was made at the July Edition of the “Healing Streams Live Healing Services” of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy. The healing power of God was clearly evident, as testimonies poured in from different parts of the world, with pictures and videos shown from the various healing centers during the service.

I witnessed the 3-day online life-changing healing program hosted by the President of LoveWorld Inc., Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome D.Sc, DD with a record 7 billion people participating from different parts of the world and it was mind blowing, the extent of the move of the Holy Spirit, with healings around the world.

The event which is usually translated in other languages other than English, had over 4,000 translations.

The life-changing event was characterized by several healings, miracles and testimonies from all around the world, as many turned their homes, offices, business outlets, churches, to healing centers.

The services which began earlier than usual started with times of worship from the choir ‘Loveworld Singers’.

One of the highpoints of the services included interviews of live testifiers of the past “Healing Streams Live Healing Services”. These testifiers from previous editions of “Healing Streams Live Healing Services”, were interviewed by a senior minister of the Healing School, Evang. Dr. Eddy Owase, relaying their experiences with so much gratitude and excitement.

The services came to a crescendo, when the man of God, Pastor Chris prayed for those on the healing lines, who came with several kinds of ailments expectant for a miracle. Those watching virtually were not left out, as the man of God also ministered to those on the projected screen, calling out their names and cases, while ministering the healing power of God to them.

Pastor Chris prayed specifically for everyone connected, with special prayers on the third day for families.

The “Healing Streams Live Healing Services” expresses God’s love, unfailing grace, the compassion of Jesus and the healing power in the Name of Jesus.

THE HEALING MINISTRY OF PASTOR CHRIS
The world renowned Healing School of Christ Embassy is the healing ministry of Pastor Chris, committed to taking healing to the nations, and manifesting the healing works of Jesus Christ, in our world today. The healing ministry of Pastor Chris has helped many receive healings through the diverse operations of the gifts of the Spirit, making them well and restoring them to a state of complete soundness.

Once Upon A Time – August 2 – 1858 – Government Of India Transferred From East India Company To British Crown

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 2, 2022

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338 BC Macedonian army led by Philip II defeats combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the Battle of Chaeronea, securing Macedonian hegemony in Greece and the Aegean

216 BC Second Punic War: Battle of Cannae – Carthaginian army lead by Hannibal defeats numerically superior Roman army under command consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro

1776 Formal signing of the US Declaration of Independence by 56 people (date most accepted by modern historians)

1790 1st US census conducted, the population was 3,939,214 including 697,624 slaves

1832 Battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin: 1,300 Illinois militia defeat Sauk & Fox Native Americans ending the Black Hawk War in the US

1858 Government of India transferred from East India Company to the British Crown

2018 Apple becomes the first American public listed company to reach $1 trillion in value

HISTORICAL EVENTS TODAY

TODAY IN FILM & TV

1973 “American Graffiti”, directed by George Lucas and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard premieres at the Locarno International Film Festival, Switzerland

TODAY IN MUSIC

1961 The Beatles 1st gig as house band of Liverpool’s Cavern Club

TODAY IN SPORT

1864 Saratoga Racecourse, America’s oldest Thoroughbred racetrack, opens its inaugural meet with four days of racing

MORE FACTS

1937 Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 is passed in America, essentially rendering marijuana and all its by-products illegal

2017 First footage of white giraffes posted by Hirola Conservation Program in north eastern Kenya

FAMOUS WEDDINGS

1882 US educational pioneer Booker T. Washington (26) weds Fanny Smith

1904 Novelist Hermann Hesse (27) weds Maria Bernoulli

1930 Laurence McKinley Gould (33), American Geologist and Polar Explorer weds Margaret (“Peg”) Rice in Ann Arbor, Michigan

NUGA Games: Boxing To Debut As Medal Sport In 2024

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 2, 2022

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The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) have jointly announced that boxing will be the 18th scoring sport at the 2024 NUGA Games in Jos, Plateau State.

The unveiling of the partnership was announced at a press briefing in Abuja addressed by the President of NUGA, Emeka Ogbu, the Vice President NBF, Azania Omo-Agege and the Technical Chairman NUGA, Prof Musa Garba Yakassai.

Yakasai said they saw that many students were interested in boxing following a demonstration carried out at this year’s NUGA Games held at University of Lagos.

He said boxing will feature as the 18th medal sport at the 2024 Games at University of Jos, by joining other combatant sports like Taekwondo, Judo and Karate which are medal sports at NUGA.

He also urged the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, to back a policy that will it make it mandatory for Nigerian university students to be considered for selection for the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games in the future given the depth of talent at the universities.

In his remarks, Ogbu thanked Omo- Agege for his relentless effort from the beginning of last year to make boxing get into the university system.

He said he was overwhelmed that 52 students registered for boxing at the last Games, adding as a result they would be taken to the World University Games billed for Turkey in September.

The NUGA President described the partnership with NBF as a worthy initiative as it will enable students channel their energy into boxing, tackle anti-social behaviour and equip the female students with self defence skills.

“Sports is also a team builder between campuses by building friendship and providing the platform for our students and society to give the students the opportunity to showcase their talent,” Ogbu said.

Omo-Agege thanked NUGA for partnering with the federation while expressing sadness that boxing is not getting same sponsorship like football.

E-learning: Katsina, UNICEF Launch Free Platform Targets 10,000 Learners, Teachers

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 1, 2022

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The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) with the target of enrolling 10,000 learners and teachers before the end of 2023.

The state Coordinator of the NLP, Usamatu Mohammad Gona, who disclosed this to journalists shortly after inaugurating the platform, said the NLP is a digital learning platform with online, mobile and offline capability that enables continuous access to quality education.

He added that the Learning Passport, delivered by UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Education and powered by Microsoft, with funding support from Global Partnership for Education (GPE), is free of charge for all learners across the state.

According to him, “The platform makes learning possible even outside the confines of a school which will help address the spiralling numbers of school-age children unable to learn, especially in states where insecurity hinders access to schools.

“Importantly, Learning Passport provides an opportunity for teachers to access quality teachers’ guides and resources and digitised capacity building modules meant for teachers while supporting them to deliver lessons in class. In Katsina, we are targeting 10,000 learners and teachers across the over 300 schools in the state before the end of November 2023”.

The state NLP coordinator noted, however, that the e-learning platform targets the enrollment of 4.5 million learners and 135,000 schools across the country by the end of 2023 and 12 million by 2025 respectively.

Additionally, he said, 30,500 teachers and school leaders are being trained on the use of the NLP and on how to integrate technology in classroom instructional practice.