Author name: fatih

Over 800 million affected by diabetes, treatment lags in Africa

Discover /

A new study reveals that over 800 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes, with more than half of those over 30 not receiving any treatment. African countries are among the hardest hit, as non-communicable diseases like diabetes account for 17 million premature deaths each year, many of which occur before the age of 70. The report highlights that in sub-Saharan Africa, only about 5 to 10% of adults with diabetes receive any form of treatment. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for urgent action to address the growing diabetes epidemic. “We’ve seen a concerning rise in diabetes over the past three decades, driven by factors such as increased obesity, the marketing of unhealthy foods, physical inactivity, and economic challenges,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. He stressed the importance of policies promoting healthy diets and physical activity, as well as strengthening healthcare systems to focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment. The WHO has set global targets for improving diabetes care by 2030, with a particular focus on increasing access to diagnosis and treatment across Africa, aiming to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for millions.

Over 800 million affected by diabetes, treatment lags in Africa Read More »

Egypt’s top diplomat, UN envoy discuss Sudan cease-fire efforts

Africa, Egypt /

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks in Cairo on Thursday with UN envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra to discuss cease-fire efforts in the war-torn country. Discussions between the two sides dwelt on the Sudanese crisis and ways to solve the conflict there, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Egypt is keen on preserving Sudan’s interests and maintaining its territorial integrity,” Abdelatty said. He said Cairo is engaged in regional and international efforts “to reach a cease-fire and settlement in Sudan to end the suffering of the Sudanese people,” according to the statement. The top diplomat voiced concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Sudan, reiterating Egypt’s commitment to “safeguarding Sudan’s interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” At least 12,260 people have been killed and more than 33,000 injured in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures. The UN has repeatedly warned that Sudan is facing the world’s worst displacement crisis, as the war shows no signs of ending and the threat of famine looms.

Egypt’s top diplomat, UN envoy discuss Sudan cease-fire efforts Read More »

Somaliland holds presidential election

Africa /

Election workers in Somaliland are counting ballots following Wednesday’s presidential election, the fourth since the region declared independence from Somalia three decades ago. The Somaliland Election Commission reported that the voting process went smoothly without incident. Incumbent President Muse Bihi is seeking a second term, facing challenges from opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID party. Preliminary results are expected by late Friday, with final tallies to be announced in about a week. The election has been overshadowed by a controversial deal granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of the Gulf of Aden coastline in exchange for recognition. Somalia has condemned the agreement, calling it a violation of its sovereignty, and has sought support from Egypt and Eritrea to counter Ethiopia’s influence. Despite more than 30 years of de facto independence, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any country. Its leaders hope this election will bring the region closer to international recognition.

Somaliland holds presidential election Read More »

IAEA chief holds talks in Iran on its nuclear program

World /

 The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday as part of his visit to Iran for talks on the country’s nuclear program. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called the talks between the two sides as “very important.” The Iranian nuclear program “has always been peaceful,” the spokesman said, stressing Iran’s willingness to “genuinely” work with the UN nuclear watchdog to resolve any misunderstanding regarding its nuclear program. Grossi arrived in Tehran Wednesday evening for a two-day visit during which he is expected to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit comes amid a dispute between Iran and the West regarding its nuclear program. In 2018, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Trump was reelected as US president earlier this month.

IAEA chief holds talks in Iran on its nuclear program Read More »

Zimbabwe farmers turn to climate-smart agriculture

Africa /

In Zimbabwe’s arid regions, farmers like Gertrude Siduna and Muchaneta Mutowa are turning to climate-smart agriculture to cope with harsh environmental conditions. Thanks to training funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), they’ve learned to adapt by cultivating crops and using technologies suited to the country’s changing climate. Gertrude Siduna, a 49-year-old farmer from Chipinge district, has shifted from growing corn to cultivating chilies. This change has significantly improved her livelihood. “I just pick the chilies from the fields and take them to the nearby Cargill processing center,” she says. “It’s simple, and the income is steady—about $400 in my first year of harvest.” This income has provided financial stability in an area where droughts often threaten traditional crops like corn. Muchaneta Mutowa, another beneficiary of climate-smart initiatives, has gained access to solar-powered water technology, which provides reliable water for her village. “Before, we had to fetch water from distant riverbeds,” she explains. “Now, with solar technology, we have water flowing from taps—it’s a game changer.” In Chiredzi, farmer Kenias Chikamhi also recognizes that growing traditional corn has become increasingly unreliable due to recurring droughts. He now sees crops like millet, which are more drought-resistant, as a viable alternative.

Zimbabwe farmers turn to climate-smart agriculture Read More »

Johannesburg’s Wits Planetarium reopens with new digital dome

Africa /

The largest planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa is set to reopen in Johannesburg early next year, featuring a fully upgraded digital dome that will offer stunning visuals of the solar system. On Wednesday, visitors got a preview of the newly renamed Wits Anglo American Digital Dome at Wits University, where demonstrations showcased the immersive experience. The dome is equipped with 10 state-of-the-art digital projectors and surround sound to bring the cosmos to life. Moumita Aich, head of the dome, said the new technology will transform learning for both children and adults, who are often absorbed in their cellphones. “This is screen time, but you’ll actually learn a lot in 20 or 30 minutes,” Aich explained. Since its opening in 1960, the planetarium has attracted tens of thousands of school children and aspiring astronomers, offering them a chance to explore the wonders of the solar system. With the renovation, the planetarium aims to inspire even more people to engage with the science of the universe, while also providing a research space for scientists to showcase their discoveries on the 360-degree screen.

Johannesburg’s Wits Planetarium reopens with new digital dome Read More »

Two Ugandans detained for insulting president on TikTok

Africa /

Two Ugandan men have been detained for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on TikTok. David Ssengozi (21), also known as Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri (28) appeared before Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis, who ordered their detention at Kigo Prison until November 13 for a preliminary hearing. The two men, along with a third defendant, Julius Tayebwa (19), are facing charges of hate speech and spreading “malicious information” against the president’s family and musicians linked to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Prosecutors argue that the content shared on TikTok was intended to “ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility” toward the first family and NRM affiliates. While Ssengozi and Ssekagiri denied the charges, their detention comes amid a broader government crackdown on criticism of state officials. In September, a police spokesperson warned the public against “abusing” the president, stating it was an offense. This follows a similar case in July, when a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for a TikTok video critical of the president’s family. The case has sparked renewed concern over Uganda’s stance on internet freedom and freedom of expression. Rights groups have long criticized the government’s restrictive approach, with the U.S. government recently highlighting limitations on internet freedom. In 2022, Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija fled the country after being detained for critical tweets about the president and his son, claiming he was tortured in detention.

Two Ugandans detained for insulting president on TikTok Read More »

US bans flights to Haiti after planes hit by gunfire

Africa /

ABD’nin seçilmiş başkanı Donald Trump, Merkezi İstihbarat Teşkilatı (CIA) Direktörlüğü görevi için eski Ulusal İstihbarat Direktörü John Ratcliffe’i aday göstereceğini duyurdu. 5 Kasım’da yapılan başkanlık seçimlerini kazanan ve 20 Ocak 2025’te görevi devralacak olan Trump, kabinesindeki önemli bir ismi daha bugün kamuoyuna duyurdu. Trump’ın ekibi tarafından yapılan yazılı açıklamaya göre Trump, 2020-2021 döneminde Ulusal İstihbarat Direktörlüğü görevini yürüten eski Kongre üyesi Ratcliffe’in yeni kabinesinde CIA Direktörü olarak görev yapacağını belirtti. Ratcliffe, Trump’ın ilk başkanlık döneminin son yılında ülkedeki istihbarat örgütlerinin çatı yapısı olan Ulusal İstihbarat Direktörlüğü görevini yürüten Trump’a çok yakın bir isim olarak biliniyor. Senatodan onay aldıktan sonra görevine başlayabilecek olan Ratcliffe, Texas’tan Kongre’ye gelen bir isim olarak Trump’ın kabinesine şu ana kadar aday gösterdiği diğer isimler gibi aşırı sağcı görüşleriyle tanınıyor. 2007-2008 arasında Texas Doğu Bölgesinde savcılık vekilliği görevini yürüten Ratcliffe, daha sonra 2012 yılına kadar aynı eyalette Heath kentinde belediye başkanlığı yaptı. 2015 yılında ABD Temsilciler Meclisi’ne giren Ratcliffe, bu görevini 2020 yılında Ulusal İstihbarat Direktörlüğü görevine getirilene kadar sürdürdü.

US bans flights to Haiti after planes hit by gunfire Read More »

US strikes Iranian-backed groups in Syria: CENTCOM

Africa /

 The US carried out airstrikes in Syria on Tuesday in response to recent attacks on American forces by Iranian-backed groups, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). “These strikes were in response to a rocket attack on US personnel at Patrol Base Shaddadi. There was no damage to US facilities and no injuries to US or partner forces during the attack,” CENTCOM said in a statement. It added that the strikes are meant to “degrade the Iranian-backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks.” CENTCOM did not specify which armed groups were targeted in the strikes or whether there were any casualties. The US has nearly 1,000 troops stationed in eastern Syria and 2,500 in neighboring Iraq as part of the mission to defeat Daesh/ISIS.

US strikes Iranian-backed groups in Syria: CENTCOM Read More »

Polls open in Somaliland presidential election

Africa /

Polling stations across Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland opened for a presidential election on Wednesday. The incumbent, President Muse Bihi Abdi, of the ruling Kulmiye party and candidates Abdirahman Irro of the main opposition party Wadan and Faysal Ali Warabe, the leader of the opposition UCID party, are vying for the presidency. Voters started arriving at the polling stations early in the morning to choose their president for the next five years. Polling started at 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and will continue until 6 p.m. The Somaliland National Electoral Commission said over 1 million registered voters are set to participate in the election. The vote comes as regional tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over Somaliland Red Sea access deal with Ethiopia still remain tense. Somaliland is a former British protectorate in northwestern Somalia that declared independence in 1991, but has received no international recognition.

Polls open in Somaliland presidential election Read More »

Scroll to Top