Category Archives: Health

WORLD MALARIA DAY MARKED AT OBAMBO

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Today was World Malaria Day, a day that recognises the global efforts to control one of the world’s most deadly diseases. I led the opening prayer at St Mark’s Obambo Primary School, Kismu County where the Government of Kenya chose to celebrate it.

According to Principal Secretary Ministry of Health, Prof. Fred Segor, who represented the Health Cabinet Secretary, Mr James Macharia, Nyanza was chosen because, even though malaria deaths have reduced by 50 per cent across the country Nyanza and Western regions still lead in high prevalence.

He said the prevalence rate in Nyanza is still high because of the unique environment which favors breeding of mosquitoes. As a government, he said they want to put all mechanisms in place in Nyanza and Western to ensure that the prevalence rate comes down.

Currently the prevalence stands at 38 per cent which he described as alarming and must be tackled. He said the government’s initiatives such as distribution of nets and purchasing of malaria drugs, the mortality rate of children under the age of five has decreased by 44 per cent. The theme for this years’ malaria day is: Invest in the future: Defeat malaria.

A drama staged by Kanya Wegi drama group from Osiri and Obambo, many people are ignorant of malaria awareness, that is why instead of taking children to be checked of malaria they attribute disease to ‘juok’ ( witchcraft).

They usually consult witchcrafts who try to convince them that the disease has been caused by either one of the relatives or family members. In this case if malaria persists they take the child, or even grown up to churches that claim that they can heal all types of diseases through prayers. Like witchcrafts they will also tell you that the disease has been caused by a relative or family member.

There are also some families that believe that the disease has been caused by ‘juok wang’ (eye evil). They will try all means to make sure the sick is treated despite the fact that eventually the sick will up to die.

The integrated Kisumu campaign comes against a background of the resurgence of measles, another deadly disease in Kenya. In the last eight months, 42 children have died of measles. In addition, polio has made a re-appearance for the first time in 22 years.

Children and pregnant women are the worst affected by malaria, and over 80 percent of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa among children under five. Around 40 percent of global malaria deaths occur in just two countries: Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Other countries that are badly affected include Zambia, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone where the government has identified malaria as an illness of high priority, and various organs of the government, including the Ministry of Health, are undertaking all efforts possible to reduce the incidence of malaria.

The good news is that the global efforts to control and eliminate malaria have saved an estimated 3.3 million lives since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 42 percent globally and 49 percent in Africa.

This is due to increased political good will and commitment to expand funding to help reduce malaria incidences. Yet still, malaria still kills an estimated 627 000 people every year, mainly children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa.

World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in which severe cases can progress to coma or death. The signs of the disease begin eight to 25 days after infection, although symptoms can occur later in those who have taken preventative antimalarial medication. Symptoms can be flu-like, and include joint pain, vomiting, jaundice, convulsions and retinal damage.

The disease is normally diagnosed by the examination of blood using blood films or with antigen-based diagnostic tests. Transmission of malaria can be prevented with the use of mosquito nets and insect repellents. Although no vaccine exists yet, severe malaria is treated with quinine or artesunate and mefloquine.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Kenya: Deploring Death of Teenage Kenyan FGM Victim, Clitoraid Urges Kenya’s Health Ministry to Open a Clitoral Restoration Hospital and Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation

Leave a reply

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

Deploring Death of Teenage Kenyan FGM Victim, Clitoraid Urges Kenya’s Health Ministry to Open a Clitoral Restoration Hospital and Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation

Clitoraid helps FGM victims obtain restorative surgery to reverse FGM effects

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 23, 2014/ — Following the tragic death of a 13-year old Kenyan girl who underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) last Monday, an organization that helps FGM victims obtain restorative surgery to reverse FGM effects, is urging Kenyan Health Secretary James Macharia to open Kenya’s first clitoral repair hospital.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/clitoraid-1.png

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/nadine-gary.jpg (Clitoraid Communications Director Nadine Gary)

“FGM reversal surgery, which restores clitoral functioning, is a powerful deterrent to the barbaric, cruel and dangerous practice of female genital mutilation,” said Clitoraid (http://www.clitoraid.org) Communications Director Nadine Gary. “Why do something so unpleasant and painful when the results can easily be undone?”

[See “before and after” pictures of clitoral reversal surgery, courtesy of Clitoraid’s volunteer head surgeon, Dr. Marci Bowers, at: http://marcibowers.com/our-services/fgm/ ]

Clitoraid, which is in the final stages of opening a state-of-the-art clitoral repair clinic in Burkina Faso, also organized a humanitarian mission in Bobo Dioulasso last month in which 38 FGM patients recovered clitoral function.

“Four American volunteer doctors traveled to Burkina Faso to do those surgeries, and thanks to them, those 38 patients will now enjoy their lives as complete women,” Gary said. “The same humanitarian mission must be organized in Kenya without delay. Countless FGM victims have written to us from Kenya, and they’re begging us to provide the service in Kenya. They need our help to regain their sense of dignity and their capacity for physical pleasure.”

Gary said her organization has written to James Macharia offering to come and train a Kenyan surgeon to do the clitoral repair procedure free of charge if he or she is willing to learn the technique.

Noting that a pan-African FGM conference organized by Burkina Faso’s First Lady, Chantal Compaore, will be held April 24-26 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Gary said Clitoraid is looking forward to the event.

“We’re looking forward to presenting our humanitarian project for Kenya at that gathering,” she said. “No time should be wasted, since we must act at once to save lives!”

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Clitoraid.

Media contact:
Abibata Sanon
avfe@clitoraid.org
+226-78886092

About Clitoraid:

Clitoraid (http://www.clitoraid.org) is an international non-profit organization offering clitoral repair surgery to FGM victims.

SOURCE
Clitoraid

KENYA: KISUMU MCA INFECTS COLLEAGUE WITH SYPHILIS DISEASE

Leave a reply

By Our Reporter

Some members of Kisumu County Assembly are calling upon the area Medical Director Dr.Ojwang’ Lusi to invoke the Public Health Act and arrest one of their colleagues who has a sexually transmitted disease which he infected a female colleague with during their recent retreat in Kwale within Coast Region.

The agitated MCAs are saying that if their colleague is not treated then he will paint the county red with his veneral disease as witnessed recently.

“The female MCA who comes from Nyakach Constituency no longer stays with the husband as she infected the husband with that “thunder” and she was sent away, I am really surprised that in this era some people still have sexual intercourse without protection “lamented one of his colleagues.

Another MCA added that if the said people’s representative is not forcefully taken for treatment then they will introduce a bill to compel the Medical Director to treat him or obtain a court order.

They wonder how many of the leaders’ female voters have faced what their female colleague underwent.

“Seems he has infected many with that STI as he has a very itchy loins and he is always randy” added another female MCA.

The always shabby haired, thick, squawky walking and illiterate MCA who is behind the damage was once the late Kisumu Town MP Job Omino’s house boy and later became a pimp for most luo leaders which has twice earned him nomination on Raila Odinga led party for two terms as he has never won any of the party’s primaries.

He is said to have had the STI disease since he entered the assembly and has been spreading it like bush fire.

Contacted for comment, the legislature said that its his closeness to Raila that is making his fellow MCAs to say those things against him.

“That my fellow MCA wanted to blackmail me with the said issue but I told her off regardless of anything which happened, we were all given allowances for the meeting why did she want my money” he added saying he was going to make an official report to the police about the incident

Innovation Prize for Africa 2014 Finalists Announced

Leave a reply

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

From the World’s First Injectable Skeleton Regeneration Protein to a Domestic Waste Biogas System, Ten Africans Are Innovating the Future of the Continent

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, April 10, 2014/ — The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org) announced the finalists of the prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014 (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org). Ten African innovators have created practical solutions to some of the continent’s most intractable problems, from a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment. Chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries, the finalists for the IPA 2014 represent Africans’ potential to address the challenges that are unique to the continent.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/ipa-1.png

The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 May in Abuja, Nigeria, where keynote speaker, the Honourable Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of finance, will highlight the importance of innovation to unlock Africa’s potential for sustainable development and economic growth. The winner will receive USD 100 000 for the best innovation based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear business potential. A runner up will receive USD 25 000 for the best commercial potential and another winner will receive USD 25 000 as a special prize for innovation with the highest social impact. Prior to the awards ceremony, a roundtable featuring innovation experts will take place, to address the theme “A Path to Building Industrial Nation Skillsets in Africa”.

“As global leaders gather for the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa to discuss approaches to inclusive growth and job creation, the IPA 2014 innovators demonstrate that the best way to achieve equitable economic growth for all Africans is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, founder of the African Innovation Foundation and the IPA.

From South Africa to Niger, the IPA 2014 finalists are:

• Ashley Uys (South Africa)

OculusID Impairment Screening

The OculusID Impairment Screening device is designed to measure pupil response to light emissions. The pupil response can then be measured against pre-determined benchmarks. These benchmarks are applied to measure substance abuse, physiological defects and even fatigue. The device is a far less invasive procedure than existing methods.

• Daniel Gitau Thairu (Kenya)

Domestic Waste Biogas System

The Domestic Waste Biogas System is a new type of biogas digester which utilizes any material capable of decomposing instead of relying on animal dung to generate gas. Materials that can be used include dirty water, leftover food, spoiled grain, and vegetable and fruit peelings. This makes biogas usable even by households that cannot afford animals.

• Elise Rasel Cloete (South Africa)

GMP Traceability Management Software CC

This software is programmed to capture, store and trace data about livestock and enables data to be captured in real-time. The data is then stored in an ear tag placed on livestock and backed up on a remote server.

• Joshua Okello (Kenya)

WinSenga

This innovation is a low-cost mobile phone based antenatal diagnosis kit that captures foetal heart beat sounds and provides diagnosis which is sent to the mother through SMS. The data can also be uploaded to cloud storage.

• Logou Minsob (Togo)

Foufoumix

This is a device designed to replace the mortar and pestles used in preparing the popular West African dish, foufou. The “FOUFOUMIX ” is a small electrical food processor that allows generates discreet, quick and hygienic foufou in 8 minutes, substantially reducing the amount of time needed to prepare the dish, while also enhancing the hygienic conditions during production.

• Dr. Nicolaas Duneas (South Africa)

Altis Osteogenic Bone Matrix (Altis OBM™)

Altis OBM is the world’s first injectable bone-graft product containing a complex mix of various bone growth compounds derived from porcine (pig). It is used to stimulate the host’s own tissue regeneration system in a way that leads to the healing of a fracture or bone void, much in the same way as occurs in a normal unassisted fracture healing processes.

• Maman Abdou Kane (Niger)

Horticultural tele irrigation

The “Horticultural Tele-Irrigation system is a technological process that allows growers to remotely control their market garden irrigation system through a mobile or landline regardless of geographic location.

• Melesse Temesgen (Ethiopia)

Aybar BBM

The Aybar BBM is a low-cost farming device that can be used by farmers to plough fields that are usually waterlogged and helps them easily drain the water. This turns soils or fields that were otherwise unavailable for farming into high yielding fields.

• Sulaiman Bolarinde Famro (Nigeria)

Farmking Mobile Multi-crop Processor

The innovation uses centrifugal forces to process cassava, sweet potatoes, soy, she-nuts, grains and cereals. It helps to separate the tubers from liquid, particles and impurities/toxic elements. The extractor is designed to replace the present crude fermentation and pressing technology which is extremely slow and wasteful and offers limited output and profitability. The extractor reduces a process that normally takes 3 – 4 days into a 5 minute process offering higher quality product outputs.

• Viness Pillay (South Africa)

WaferMatTM

WaferMatTM is a tasty paediatric formulation of ARV therapy in the form of a wafer that dissolves within 3 seconds of being placed in the mouth. The wafer makes the process of administering the drug to children easier and also makes absorption more efficient.

The AIF believes that the best solutions to the challenges Africans face on a daily basis can and will come from Africans themselves and innovation is the key. The IPA selection committee represents private equity investors, seed funders, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, innovation catalysts and development leaders who are looking for ideas that move Africa forward. The call for applications for IPA 2015 will be announced in July. For detailed information of competition categories, conditions of entry, and submission details, please visit: http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org. For highlights and more information, follow the IPA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/IPAprize) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/InnovationPrizeforAfrica).

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA).

Contacts

Mimi Kalinda, Weber Shandwick

Phone + 27 72 688 1250

Email mkalinda@webershandwick.com

Pauline Mujawamariya, AIF

Phone + 41 44 515 5466

Email p.mujawamariya@africaninnovation.org

About IPA

The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) is an award founded by the African Innovation Foundation (http://www.africaninnovation.org). It mobilizes African innovators and entrepreneurs by providing a total of USD 150 000 to winners who deliver market-oriented solutions for African-led development. The IPA honours and encourages innovative achievements that contribute toward developing new products, increasing efficiency or cost savings in Africa. The prize also encourages private equity investors, government and development leaders to invest across sectors and build a climate that fuels Africa’s economic growth. For more information visit http://www.InnovationPrizeforAfrica.org. For additional media background visit http://www.AfricanInnovationNews.org.

SOURCE

Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA)

IS CANCER CONTAGIOUS?

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

One of our News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste who does not want her name revealed writes: “Father Omolo Beste thank you for your recent articles on cancer. Yesterday I read in one of the newspapers that the act of kissing, especially deep kissing can give you cancer according to the study carried out in Mombasa.

I and my boyfriend we kiss a lot and now I am scared if you can get cancer from kissing. If that is true then many people can die from cancer because kissing is very common, not only romantic kiss but also I have seen in church people kiss each other”.

This is very important question. Although there is no evidence that close contact or things like sex, kissing, touching, sharing meals, or breathing the same air can spread cancer from one person to another, the study in Mombasa demonstrates high rates and quantities of the herpes virus residing in the throats of these women and more so those infected with HIV and with high CD4 counts.

The team according to the research had tested saliva samples in gay men in the US for the presence of the herpes virus. Led by Dr John Pauk they had compared the level of herpes virus in saliva of these men with what was found in other body fluids and concluded that saliva was the most possible rout of transmission to others.

Scientists who refute this research argue that you cannot get cancer through kissing because cancer cells from one person are generally unable to live in the body of another healthy person. A healthy person’s immune system recognizes foreign cells and destroys them, including cancer cells from another person.

It is quite true that kissing is very common. Among Christians is called the holy kiss or kiss of peace, a traditional part of most Christian liturgies, though often replaced with an embrace or handshake today in most churches.

The kiss is an important expression of love and erotic emotions. In his book The Kiss and its History, Kristoffer Nyrop describes the kiss of love as an “exultant message of the longing of love, love eternally young, the burning prayer of hot desire, which is born on the lovers’ lips.

Kissing he implies, can lead one to maturity: “It is through kisses that knowledge of life and happiness first comes to us. Runeberg says that the angels rejoice over the first kiss exchanged by lovers,” and can keep one feeling young: “It carries life with it; it even bestows the gift of eternal youth”.

In some societies kissing has been understood negatively. It can explain why Song of Songs (also called the Song of Solomon) has been neglected part of the Bible. It is a book that is rarely read and hardly known. Such neglect does not befit any of God’s word, because as it says elsewhere in the Bible: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.

Primarily the Song of Songs is a song of praise celebrating God’s creation and what is without a doubt the crowning glory of that creation; the gift of love between a man and a woman. The very presence of the poem in the Bible is a testimony to the fact that God does not divide the world into sacred and secular, and demonstrates the importance that God places on love and commitment.

It is also significant that God has chosen to deal with this most important topic, so central to human life and experience, through a poem, rather than through a long list of rules, regulations, and advice. The love between a man and a woman, the commitment of marriage, is a wonderful, incredible thing, and one that does not reduce easily to words on a page.

Both Jews and Christians have suggested that the Song of Songs is an allegory, a picture of either God’s love for his people Israel or of Christ’s love for the Church, which elsewhere in the Bible is described as his “bride”.

Some have suggested that the Song of Solomon was originally written as a series of songs, designed to be sung during a Jewish wedding feast, which in the time of King Solomon would have lasted for a whole week!

The primary message of the book is this: that human love, marriage and sexual love are a gift from God. Sexual love is commended and celebrated in the poem as a gift from God to be celebrated and to praise Him for.

Love between a man and a woman is fundamental to all human experience; and in the poem we have the most supreme blueprint of what love is to be like. We learn that love means giving one to another. The man is not to lord it over the woman, or vice versa, but there is to be a mutual giving, one to another.

Love means remaining loyal and faithful to one another, no matter what the circumstances. It would have been all too easy for the maiden to give in to the advances of Solomon, betraying her shepherd lover. She would have done no wrong in marrying the king, for she was a virgin. But true love is loyal and faithful, and she could not turn her back on her shepherd.

Love, relationships, marriage, and sex are all gifts from God. The Song of Songs demonstrates and celebrates this time and time again. In the light of this part of the Scriptures, we should give grateful thanks to God for the wonderful mystery of human sexuality, and pray that He guides us into using it responsibly and rightfully; within a one-to-one marriage relationship where there is mutual trust, giving, love, total commitment and respect.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

WHY NUNS ARE AT RISK OF CANCER

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

Rentia from Netherlands writes: “Fr. Joachim the same hope and despair we have in the Netherlands. There is treatment but not all cancer can be treated-Strange about “the main disease of nuns” their cancer of breast and uterus. As board member from a Franciscan Convent I am involved in sisters-convents in my country. Just the nuns become very old, more than 90-100 years and don’t die from cancer- why this difference?”

Maurice from Kenya writes: “Father this has really touched me, indeed you are very equipped with the findings, continue helping people, I have a concern on diabetic, and you can post something on the same. Last week I checked my sugar level and it was at 10.1, I was therefore told that it is on the rise and I should check on my diet. I need very elaborative just like you have done to cancers. Thank you and God bless you.”

Thank you for this important question Rentia. I think this is just an assumption that older women are too old to get cancer. Contrary to what they may assume, the fact remains that cases of breast cancer in women aged 70 and over are overwhelming.

The only thing as Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, points out, older women are less aware of cancer symptoms and research shows that doctors are less likely to offer older patients the most effective treatments, despite the fact they can benefit.

Older women therefore, need to be aware that developing breast cancer in later life is a real possibility.’ Surprisingly, one in three breast cancer patients is aged 70 or over. About 13,500 women aged 70 and over are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in England alone.

On why nuns are at risk of breast and ovarian cancer, according to recent report by the Daily Mail based on an article in a medical journal which, Catholic nuns are likely to be at greater risk of breast, ovarian and womb cancers because they do not bear children.

The authors say that the only way to save nuns from this danger is that they should be offered the oral contraceptive pill to suppress their ovulation in order to cut their cancer risk. Even so, this pill is not safe either. It has potential side effects, including headaches, weight changes and breast tenderness. It also carries a small increase in the risk of blood clots, cervical cancer and stroke.

This is despite the fact that the world’s estimated 94,790 nuns have a greatly increased risk of breast, ovarian and uterine (womb) cancers compared with women in the general population. This argument is based on various pieces of research that show that nuns and other women without children have an increased chance of dying from breast, ovarian and uterine cancers compared to women who have reproduced.

This is thought to be because women without children have a higher number of ovulatory menstrual cycles than women with children, due to not going through pregnancy and lactation. Similarly, the authors quoted research to show that women who have earlier puberty or late menopause have a higher risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers.

Maurice has raised very important concern as well. I am glad you checked your sugar level last week and you were told that the level at 10.1 is not good news. According to Kenyatta National Hospital Diabetes Nurse Educator Phylis Kiiru a healthy person’s blood sugar levels should stand at between 3.5 and 7mmols/l.

She notes that individuals with diabetes needed to take good care of themselves to ensure that their blood sugar levels remained between four and 10 millimoles per litre of blood (mmols/l) when they have fed and between 3.5 and five mmols/l when they had not eaten. Anything beyond this figure is not a good sign.

This is not the same for those with diabetes and they have to make sure that it does not go lower than 3.5 or higher than10 mmols/l. “If it goes lower than 3.5 an individual can go into a coma,” she notes.

Diabetes causes vary depending on your genetic makeup, family history, health and environmental factors. There are two types of causes. Cause type 1 includes genetics, viral infection and several other triggers.

Cause type 2 includes diet and obesity. While cause type 1 is caused by the immune system destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, cause type 2 are usually multifactorial – more than one diabetes cause is involved. Often, the most overwhelming factor is a family history of type 2 diabetes.

There are a variety of risk factors for type 2 diabetes, any or all of which increase the chances of developing the condition. These include: obesity, living a sedentary lifestyle, increasing age and bad diet.

Like cancer, in Kenya cases of diabetes is on the rise. Close to two million Kenyans are suffering from diabetes according to the head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division at the Health ministry, Patrick Waihenya. He warns that diabetes may reach epidemic levels if Kenyans continue with their unhealthy lifestyles. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, renal failure and lower limb amputation.

Young people are not safe either. At least 1.8 million young people are suffering from diabetes in Kenya. Parents should therefore, ensure early diagnosis is done so that they are guided on its proper management soonest possible.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Africa: Raid on the Makerere University Walter Reed Project by Ugandan Authorities

Leave a reply

From: U.S. Department of State
04/04/2014 06:26 PM EDT
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 4, 2014

We are deeply concerned that a U.S.-funded health clinic and medical research facility, the Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP), was raided by Ugandan authorities on April 3, leading to the arrest of one of the facility’s employees, allegedly for conducting “unethical research” and “recruiting homosexuals.” While that individual was subsequently released, this incident significantly heightens our concerns about respect for civil society and the rule of law in Uganda, and for the safety of LGBT individuals.

The MUWRP is engaged in efforts to improve public health and save lives. The Ugandan government is responsible for protecting all of its people, and attacks and intimidation of health care workers are unacceptable. The safety of health workers must be respected. We have temporarily suspended the operations of MUWRP to ensure the safety of staff and beneficiaries, and the integrity of the program.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Stay connected with the State Department:
http://www.state.gov/

HOPE AND DESPAIR AS PEOPLE BATTLE WITH CANCER IN KENYA

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014

Cancer is becoming a burden the country can hardly bear. Rev Fr Gradus Ochieng battled with it, finally he had to die. This year alone the number of Kenyans who have died of cancer is numerous. Veteran journalist Jerry Okungo died from it. Kenya-based BBC broadcast journalist Anne Waithera died of it at the age of 39 in a Nairobi hospital. She had been battling cancer for the past two years.

The next patient to die from cancer this year is Brenda Ochieng, beloved wife to Mr Michael Ochieng. Brenda was diagnosed with leukaemia in March last year. She was put on medication and has been in and out of hospital since.

Brenda’s ailment is the latest in a family that has been devastated by cancer since 1972, when her grandfather, William Wamunga, died of bone cancer at Kakamega General Hospital. In 1986, Mzee Wamunga’s second eldest son Hazron (Brenda’s uncle) was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Economically, footing chemotherapy bills has supped many of families’ finances and investments, yet chemotherapy is the only hope for those already suffering from cancer. In Kenya it is estimated that 2000 people die of cancer daily.

It demonstrates a situation which should by now be declared a national disaster. The rating is higher than deaths caused by road accidents or HIV and Aids. Between 2000 and 2006, the Nairobi Cancer Registry recorded 10,484 cases of cancer in both men and women.

The statistics also show that many catholic nuns are dying of the cancer of breast; uterus and endometrial problems which doctors say are the main diseases of the nuns. The doctors recommend that nuns like other women should go for frequent check ups.

Just as breast and cervical cancer are alarmingly prevalent among women, prostate is slowly becoming men’s main killer decease. Like nuns, doctors recommend that priests should also go for frequent check ups.

Many doctors are associating cancer to lifestyle. Some of the reasons as to why there is a high prevalence of cancer cases as; many sexual partners, early sex debuts, use of contraceptives and staying too long without having a child in the case of women.

Among the many types of cancers, the greatest killer of Kenyan women today, is cancer of the cervix according to doctors despite being vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that causes cancer of the cervix; one can still get it if they indulge in irresponsible sex.

Even though one qualifies to be vaccinated against HPV virus, there are many other factors that cause cancer of the cervix. HPV virus can be passed from mother to child during delivery. It can also be passed from one spouse to another since it is sexually transmitted.

That is why it is important that people are educated about HPV vaccine. Doctors say most cancers of the cervix can be prevented if women have Pap smear tests regularly. Today even children are suffering from the disease.

The reason why children are also dying of cancer is because lactating mothers are taking contraceptives that are passed on to children through breast milk. That is also why women are advised to avoid contraceptives as possible.

Doctors say that cancer is a disease of the cell. The cells grow out of control and change in the genetic make-up. They look and function differently from the normal ones and can spread to other parts of the body. Some cells in any organ can become abnormal.

Doctors cite some of the factors that can predispose one to cancer as smoking, alcohol and chewing harmful substances like miraa, (khat) industrial toxins, obesity, lack of regular exercises and pollution. Many nutritionists blame poor diet and lifestyle. Lifestyle is one of the major contributors to cancer.

Unlike in 1960s when cancer was a rare case, today because we live in a world where technology has taken over everything like refrigerators, microwaves and refined foods that have low nutritional value, is why cancers is spreading faster than ever been before.

For instance microwaving food stored in polythene bags produces so many carcinogens that lead to any form of cancer. The accumulations of additives, sugars and fats from preserved food stores toxins in our bodies that pile up and eventually lead to cancer.

Since nutrition contributes a lot to brain development, if a child is not given proper nutrition the brain development and learning is very low. Nutrition can never be treated totally if a child does not have good nutrition in the first five years of its life.

Even though clinical management of cancer requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical oncologists, surgeons and surgical oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, counselors, and palliative care specialists, among others, Kenya lacks enough oncologists due to high cost of training.

Yet, the few trained Kenyatta National Hospital medical physicians responsible for cancer treatment are overwhelmed by the workload due to the rising number of cancer patients in the country. Again, that all of the oncology specialists in Kenya are located in Nairobi, it is making it almost impossible for the largest number of the population to access their services.

Since cancer symptoms show at a snails pace, it is why many die without ever knowing they had the disease. That is why having routine medical screenings is one way to safeguard ones health and detect early symptoms of cancer development.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

CATHOLIC BISHOPS DEMAND EXPLANATION ON TETANUS VACCINATION

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
News Dispatch with Father Omolo Beste
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Maurice from Kisumu County would like to know whether allegations by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Kenya that a WHO/UNICEF sponsored tetanus vaccination campaign may conceal an agenda of forced contraception for over 2 million Kenyan women.

I am not sure whether such allegations are true. What I do know is that as reported on March 27th in the Standard Digital, http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/?articleID=2000107916&story_title=Catholic%20Church%20questions%20ongoing%20tetanus%20vaccination%20targeting%20women%20aged%20between%2014-49%20years/lifestyle/ John Cardinal Njue alleged that the WHO/UNICEF tetanus campaign has been uncharacteristically shrouded from public awareness relative to other national health initiatives that are preceded by a public launch where the public has an opportunity to ask questions.

A Citizennews.co.ke http://citizennews.co.ke/ news story filmed testimony of John Cardinal Njue voicing his concerns, which can be viewed here http://citizennews.co.ke/news/2012/local/item/18145-tetanus-vaccine-controversy According to the report, the Catholic Health Commission of Kenya sent a statement to newsrooms on March the 26th alleging that there has not been adequate stakeholder engagement both in the preparation and implementation of the campaign. The main questions the Church raised for discussion were:

1 – Is there a tetanus crisis on women of child-bearing age in Kenya? If this is so, why has it not been declared?

2- Why does the campaign target women of 14 – 49 years?

3- Why has the campaign left out young girls, boys and men even if they are all prone to tetanus?

4- In the midst of so many life-threatening diseases in Kenya, why has tetanus been prioritized?

Probably the bishops were basing their arguments on the development of a tetanus-based contraceptive vaccine which began in 1975 by Dr. Gursaran Talwar, Director of India’s National Institute of Immunology, which after $4.5 million of funding and 17 years later a working vaccine was created, whose mechanism of action has been described as follows:

“The vaccine works by “convincing” a woman’s body that a11 is unchanged when, in fact, an egg has been fertilized. After conception occurs, a woman produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) that helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

The prototype vaccine, made from hCG coupled to a biochemical carrier, neutralizes hCG by stimulating antibodies against the hormone. Without hCG the embryo can’t anchor in the uterus, making pregnancy impossible. The biochemical carrier makes the hCG immunologically visible to women’s immune system.”

However, according to Nyeri public health Officer Dr Samuel Muthenji the drug administered was a genuine tetanus vaccine. Dr Muthenji adds that it is common for Government critics to start rumours when new health initiatives are introduced. The vaccination campaign covers 60 districts in Kenya.

He says that the tetanus campaign was taking place in select counties, and said pregnant mothers will be vaccinated with the same drug administered to those hurt by metallic items. The initiative was announced last April, and sees free vaccinations given to women aged between 13 and 49 years old.

In April, Head of the Immunization Division Tatu Kamau told Kenya’s Star newspaper that the Government hopes the vaccine helps reduce tetanus infection during pregnancy. The vaccination campaign began in September of last year, is in the second of a planned three phases.

Tetanus usually occurs when a flesh wound becomes contaminated and without treatment, complications of tetanus are likely to develop, which can be fatal. Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani. The bacteria can live in many different substances including soil, house dust, animal and human waste, such as manure.

The tetanus bacteria usually enter the body through a wound in the skin or a serious burn. Once inside, they multiply and release a powerful type of poison, known as a neurotoxin. The neurotoxin disrupts the normal workings of the nerves, causing symptoms such as stiffness and muscle spasms. Click here to read more about the causes of tetanus and who is at risk.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

The State of the World’s Children 2014 In Numbers: Every Child Counts

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

The State of the World’s Children 2014 In Numbers: Every Child Counts highlights the critical role data and monitoring play in realizing children’s rights. Credible data, disseminated effectively and used correctly, make it possible to target interventions that help right the wrong of exclusion. Data do not, of themselves, change the world. They make change possible – by identifying needs, supporting advocacy, gauging progress and holding duty bearers to account. Making the possible real is up to decision makers.
Link
http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/SOWC2014_In_Numbers_28_Jan.pdf

Yona Fares Maro
Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

Father Omolo Beste’s Homily on Third Sunday of Lent

Leave a reply

From: joachim omolo ouko
Sunday, March 23, 2014

Last week we discussed challenges facing families in Kenya today. The theme for this week is ‘Unity for Peace and Development’. The author uses the story of Mawiano Primary School to demonstrate how the Kenyan society suffers from identity formation. The first reading is taken from Exodus 17:3-7, second reading from Romans 5:1-2.5-8 and the Gospel from John 4:5-42.

One of the key drivers of conflict in Kenya as the author describes is the dimension of community identities – which is in itself closely related to the issue of land, borders and associated historical grievances – plus a challenging regional security environment and political transition.

Although the primary and key player in solving this conflict is the family by teaching children as the author recommends, the fact that most conflicts occur in our families in front of our children it is difficult for parents to teach their children about peace and conflict management.

It is also a very difficult task for Schools, Churches and other social settings to be used as a platform of educating our children and all people the need to unite at all levels and live in peaceful environment.

It is very unfortunate that most of our families today, domestic violence has become the order of the day. Children who grow up in violence family or being abused usually grow up in poor health, low self-esteem, difficulty sleeping.

Some children may indulge in drug and alcohol abuse risk, isolation, suicidal thoughts, and extreme loneliness and fear. Children are mainly affected from verbal abuse. This is where the father use aggressive actions such as name-calling the mother, blaming her, ridiculing her, disrespect, and criticism.

Whichever way, whether the father or mother using the same actions towards the father, or both. That is towards children abuse as well. Some long term effects on a child who comes from an abusive household, or have been abused themselves are guilt, anger, depression/anxiety, shyness, nightmares, disruptiveness, irritability, and problems getting along with others.

This brings us to challenging questions:

1. As parents, community and the Church how do we help our children to acquire positive values and appreciate the different ethnic communities in Kenya?

2. What can we do as a family, Small Christian Community, the Church or a community to promote unity as a national value begging with our families?

3. What are some of the actions that can be done at Small Christian Community, Parish, Dioceses and National levels to promote unity, patriotism, and peace in Kenya and our families?

Answer these questions keeping in mind that some cases of domestic violence occur due to jealousy when one partner is either suspected of being unfaithful. It can also be seen in a situation where one partner is doing better than the other. For example: the woman being more successful than the husband.

Some violence occurs when one partner has control over the other partner’s access to economic resources, preventing a spouse from resource acquisition. Some because of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or her will, also known as marital rape.

Another type of violence is expected to occur now that men’s tyranny of numbers in parliament has proposed amendments on marriage bill 2013. The amendment requires that a man should not ask his wife if he decides to marry another wife.

Already in Kenya women sometimes only find out at their husband’s funeral that he had secretly married a second wife and had children with her, leading to inheritance disputes. The bill provides for a certificate to be issued when such marriages take place.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail obolobeste@gmail.com

Omolo_ouko@outlook.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

The Right to a Personal Identity

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

What role can biometrics play in aiding development? Alan Gelb, explains why new biometric identification technologies may be the key to radically expanding the social, political, and commercial opportunities for people in the developing world. Biometrics, he says, make it possible to fulfil for people everywhere the right to a unique, personal identity.

Alan explains that there are three principal ways in which people can identify themselves. The first can be something that you have, like a driver’s license or credit card. The second is something you know, like a PIN or a password; and the third is something that you are, like a finger print or iris scan. Biometric technology relies on this third method in order to uniquely authenticate individuals—and the costs are plummeting.

Although biometrics are often associated with law enforcement and security, especially in the post-9/11 world, two upcoming conferences, the Third Biometric Summit in Miami on March 3-6 and the Connect ID conference in Washington, D.C. later that month also will include discussions of a booming new market: providing individual identities to hundreds of millions of people in developing countries.

Biometrics “most rapid growth is in developing countries,” Alan tells me. “Increasingly the applications are moving from security and law enforcement to a variety of development programs.”
Link
http://cgdev.org/blog/right-personal-identity-alan-gelb

Yona Fares Maro
Institut d’études de sécurité – SA

Philips’ Fabric of Africa report highlights innovation in tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Leave a reply

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE

Philips’ Fabric of Africa report highlights innovation in tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

“Facing the Future : Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa” reviews current practical efforts to address NCDs in African countries

LONDON, United-Kingdom, February 20, 2014/ — Royal Philips (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) (http://www.philips.com) today released its latest Fabric of Africa Trends Report called “Facing the Future: Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa” (http://www.apo-mail.org/140219.pdf), showcasing recent successes made by countries in Africa to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases (NCD’s). The report was launched at the Africa Healthcare Summit (http://www.africahealthcaresummit.com) which is currently taking place in London.

Download the report: http://www.apo-mail.org/140219.pdf

Logo Philips : http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/image-1.jpg

The number of annual deaths from NCDs in Africa is predicted to rise by more than a quarter over the next 10 years, driven mainly by economic growth and connected lifestyle changes and behaviors, including unhealthy diet, urbanization, tobacco and alcohol use, and physical inactivity. Philips’ 16-page report, “Facing the Future: Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa”, provides an overview of the scale of the problem, and highlights how it is being addressed in different countries by healthcare professionals, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations.

Facing the Future discusses programs being conducted in a wide range of countries, including South Africa, Egypt and Uganda, and shows how the predicted rise in NCDs can potentially be detected earlier, halted, or even reversed through innovative solutions to overcome political, economic, clinical and technological barriers. These programs demonstrate how, with appropriate organization, public awareness campaigns, funding, and access to medical equipment and treatment, it is possible to provide effective care, even in remote areas, and make a real difference to people’s lives.

Highlights of the report, which incorporates the results of a range of recent studies, include:

• Recommendations to overcome the negative effects of observed nutrition transition in South Africa, namely the change in dietary patterns and nutrient intake during economic and social development

• Egypt is fighting diabetes in its country (the eighth highest prevalence of any country in the world) by promoting awareness through advocacy, providing workshops for health care professionals and assuming a crucial role to guide and inform other diabetes associations on the continent.

• Positive results for increasing role of community health workers in rural settings across the continent to slow down the rise in breast cancer mortality. A successful example in Ethiopia demonstrated that, by providing culturally sensitive support, it is possible to demystify cancer and break down the barriers of stigma that prevent many women from seeking help while their disease is still treatable.

• Exclusive insights from experts working in Egypt and South Africa who discuss conditions and treatments, and education initiatives, that are the continent’s unique cardiology challenges.

The report is commissioned as part of Philips’ ‘Fabric of Africa’ campaign (http://www.philips.com/FabricofAfrica), a collaborative campaign to drive public-private partnerships and to improve healthcare access across the African continent. The campaign reflects the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals (specifically goals 4 and 5), focusing on three key areas: maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases (specifically breast, cervical & cardiac health), infrastructure rehabilitation and clinical training.

Speaking about the report, Peter van de Ven, Vice President & General Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa, said: “In 2008, nearly three million African deaths were attributable to preventable or treatable NCDs. That figure will rise by more than 25 percent in the next decade. Addressing this alarming increase in NCDs doesn’t require huge investment; proven programs delivered locally and cost-effectively using relatively low-tech devices and techniques – are the keys to resolving this growing challenge. I am proud that Philips, with its extensive 100-year legacy in Africa is helping to lead the way by developing and supporting a wide range of programs that quickly make real differences in peoples’ lives”.

Commenting on the findings in the report, Dr. Eric Silfen, Chief Medical Officer at Philips Healthcare states “Let’s adopt this report as our manifesto to speed simple, community-supported solutions in the areas of greatest need. Let’s tackle NCDs with the same urgency as we would any other kind of epidemic. Let’s conclude our unfinished business and bring 21st century health and well-being to Africa right now”.

You can download Facing the Future: Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa here: http://www.apo-mail.org/140219.pdf

To find out more about the Philips Fabric of Africa campaign, please visit http://www.philips.com/FabricofAfrica.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For more information:

Radhika Choksey
Philips Corporate Communications – Africa
Tel: +31 62525 9000
E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) (http://www.philips.com) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE
Royal Philips

Healthcare in Africa: Philips and AMREF announce strategic partnership to improve healthcare in Africa

Leave a reply

From: News Release – African Press Organization (APO)
PRESS RELEASE
APO content is copyright free and can be republished at will.

Philips and AMREF announce strategic partnership to improve healthcare in Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 6, 2014/ — Royal Philips (http://www.philips.com) (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) and the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) (http://www.amref.org) announced that they will work closely together in an innovative shared-value partnership model designed to bring about a structural improvement in the healthcare infrastructure and healthcare provision on the African continent. This long-term strategic partnership aims to support AMREF in achieving its social goals and will help Philips in its ambition to improve the lives of people in Africa, while at the same time realizing growth across the fast-evolving African healthcare market.

Logo Philips: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Logo AMREF: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/amref.jpg

This partnership comes at a time when most countries in Africa continue to contend with existing and emerging healthcare challenges: a high incidence of infant and maternal mortality (from largely preventable causes), a sharp increase in the number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases (cancer, diabetes and heart disease); inadequately equipped medical facilities; and inadequately trained clinical staff. For example, a woman in sub-Saharan Africa is a hundred times more likely to die of a preventable complication related to pregnancy or childbirth than a woman in Western countries (1).

In order to compliment local government efforts in tackling these and other problems, AMREF and Philips will connect their networks and bring to market new education and training programs designed specifically for healthcare professionals in Africa. In close cooperation with local stakeholders, both parties will strive to develop and implement large-scale projects to improve healthcare infrastructure and make healthcare more accessible to the local population.

One of several African organizations with strong educational programs, AMREF has been active in Africa for over 55 years and is deeply rooted in rural areas and hospitals. Philips has been active in Africa for over 100 years and, as a leading company in the field of healthcare innovations, has extensive expertise in healthcare system revitalization projects, medical technology, healthcare services and the training of healthcare professionals.

Kenya: Of Polygamy & Healthy Talk

Leave a reply

To: jaluo jaluo
From: Joram Ragem

It’s early Sunday morning, and I am lying awake very satisfied next to my beautiful and flexible wife Cheruto Nyar Got. I mean she is flexible literally and metaphorically.

She has welcomed the idea of a second wife, not necessarily for purposes of satisfying my sexual needs, I mean that too, but primarily for our building a large family as God commanded us through Adam and Eve, to multiply and fill the earth. Remember never to bring forth a child you cannot care for though. May I also add that it’s for political reasons I say I need to have a large family.

Luos are being assassinated and cheated in elections and we need to change the scale in the Tyranny of Numbers equation choke! Now, let me speak to the men or women who think that the issue of a second wife is about sex. Indeed, as we age, the human male and female tend to relax a little and lose that spark that arouse the opposite sex. However, never get a second wife for that reason. She too could lose it, and you too have corrected nothing, then what? You get a 3rd, 4th….wife? The key to retaining the spark in your marriage is to be flexible literally and metaphorically.

Look, when I noticed I was not getting strong erections, I talked to Cheruto Ragem and my doctor too. The Dr thought I should try Viagra or Cialis which I did, but these medicine didn’t work for me cause my problem was psychological. Hawi Odingo helped a lot with tips on foods that work in that department. But in truth it was my brain, and you know contrary to popular opinion, the largest sex organ in the human male and female body ain’t your dick nor your breast, it’s the brain stupid! So it needs stimulation and I tell you, that’s where Cheruto for me or your partner can help a great deal.

Remember, our ancestors did not craft the word ‘Chiega’ or ‘Chuora’ for nothing. Men, there are a few things you can do though to avoid Erectile Dysfunction so you can meet Chiegi’s expectations as Chuore. Exercise your abdomen, back, pelvic and thigh muscles really good to increase blood flow to your groin and dick. Kata Otieno Aloka osewachonu maber ni ‘Kanumgo E Teko’ donge? Women, remember that God created you with a body which us guys love to see. So do all you need to do, let us see it and no sex in the dark please!

Remember the days women did not shave their armpits? Well nowadays it’s a normal thing to remove hair in the armpit for ladies. The progressive woman of today will also remove hair down there. There is really no need to spot and groom a ‘Karura Forrest’ down there anymore jowa. After all, the temperatures in Kenya stays too high for it! Well shave down there really good and see how your partner will love it. And don’t use a razor please. Otherwise you will breakout with what in Lundha my village we called ‘bundu bundu’ in South Nyanza they call ‘Okuodo’ in Nairobi they call pimples, and in Central they call ‘Boiros’! These actually are boils which in medical terms are inflammation of the hair follicles due to ingrown hair which was not removed correctly! Use hair remover lotions tho.

So as I lie here besides Cherry my wife, who is very flexible in body and mind, I let you know that I am very satisfied because of the flexibility in our relationship. We talk and do all we can to stay active. In addition to exercise and improving your looks to stimulate the brain through vision, eat the right kind of food to avoid obesity. In all, let me assure you my good people, I am up early cause I am happy, Cheruto is happy, Mr Victor is happy and so is Ms Victoria. Notice I never mentioned love anywhere, because love really has nothing to do with what I am talking about.

[Edited]
[The End]

KENYA: TWO NIGHT GUARDS BATTLED IT OUT WITH A HYENA OVER THE CARCASS OF A GAZELLE ANTELOPE THEY HAD HUNTED FOR THEIR MEAL

Leave a reply

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

Two night guards sustained grievous bodily harm during a tough fight with the hyena who sneaked into their makeshift house and snatched the carcass of a gazelle antelope which they had hunted and killed for their meal.

The incident took place in Narok North in the heart of Maasailand, not far away from the famous Maasai Mara Game reserve. The beast ventured in a makeshift house, where the guards lived, while they were asleep and snatched the carcass of an antelope.

The commotion then followed when the hyena was dragging the carcass out of the house. The guards were woken, but, it was too late because the hyena had already dragged meat into the thicket. They quickly armed themselves with bow and arrows, spears and machetes and gave chase.

Battle ensued and the guards manage to retrieve the carcass. ”We bravely followed it into the forest. The incident took place at a place called EOR-Kule in Narok district, Narok Count. The hyena did not gave up. It followed the guards and the carcass menacingly up to their s door steps, forcing them to light up a bonfire to keep the hyena at bay.. The beast then fled and disappeared in the nearby forest.

The two guards were treated of their injuries at the Narok district hospital and discharged. The senior game warded of the KENYA wildlife Service, KWS}Mr Benard Koruta, advised those who live next to the forest to be more cautious, adding that the current biting drought in the area was responsible for the rise in human-wildlife conflict.

In November last year a woman successfully fought off three hyenas which attempted to drag away her three year old son into the forest. Another Maasai woman braved a fight with a grown up male leopard which mauled her savagely last month.

And last week, two Maasai Morans were mailed by a lion they were trying to kill as part of their cultural initiation into manhood.. The two Maasai Morans are still being treated for their injuries at the Narok district hospital.

ENDS

Global Tuberculosis Report 2013

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. In 2012, an estimated 8.6 million people developed TB and 1.3 million died from the disease (including 320 000 deaths among HIV-positive people). The number of TB deaths is unacceptably large given that most are preventable.

Of the US$ 7?8 billion per year required in low and middle-income countries in 2014 and 2015, about two thirds is needed for the detection and treatment of drug-susceptible TB, 20% for treatment of MDR-TB, 10% for rapid diagnostic tests and associated laboratory strengthening, and 5% for collaborative TB/HIV activ¬ities.

Nearly 20 years after the WHO declaration of TB as a global public health emergency, major progress has been made towards 2015 global targets set within the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Two years ahead of the deadline, the Global Tuberculosis Report 2013 and accompanying supplement Countdown to 2015 assess progress towards the 2015 targets and the top priority actions needed to achieve and/or move beyond them.

The report is based primarily on data provided by WHO’s Member States. In 2013, data were reported by 178 Mem¬ber States and a total of 197 countries and territories that collectively have more than 99% of the world’s TB cases.
Link:

http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/91355/1/9789241564656_eng.pdf

Find Jobs in Africa Jobs in Africa
International Job Opportunities International Job Opportunities
Jobs in Kenya Jobs in Kenya

HIGH COST OF LIVING IS TO BLAME FOR SUICIDE IN KENYA, SAYS FR WASONGA

Leave a reply

From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013

The parish priest of Blessed Sacrament, Oriang Catholic Church in Homa Bay Diocese said on Sunday that the high cost of living in Kenya is to blame for rise of suicides cases. Delivering his homily based on the feast of holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Rev Fr Christopher Wasonga said urgent action is needed to address the situation.

Father Wasonga was referring to recent media reports where a husband went berserk in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha killing his wife before taking his life as his children watched. The man in his late 50s committed suicide by hanging himself in his bedroom, hours after strangling his wife.

The man was said to be a sand harvester had earlier quarreled with the mother of four resulting in a fight. In the bizarre incident, the man was rescued by his two children after he tried to hang himself only to later on lock himself and take his life.

The Father also referred to an incident in Homa Bay where a man killed his family members and then committed suicide in Rodi Kopany Township of Homa Bay County. John Otieno, 40, killed his wife Linda Ochieng, 25, and two children before hanging himself at their rental house.

Otieno, whose original home is in Lela village, Migori County, was living in Rodi Kopany, where he sold clothes for a living. According to the Otieno’s mother, Consolata Otieno, her son and daughter-in-law had not quarrelled and she could not tell what prompted the killings.

He also mentioned the case where a woman, 27, killed her three children, seriously injured a fourth one and then took her own life at Matulo village in Siritanyi on the outskirts of Bungoma town.

Also in Vihiga where a 38-year-old man hanged himself in his sitting room and his wife hospitalised at Mukumu Mission hospital with grave injuries.

The deceased, Kevin Bunali, had four children both orphaned now as their two mothers had passed on earlier. He worked as a carpenter.

The wife, 25-year-old Judith Deizo, who is hospitalised, was his third wife and has no child with him. Since they got married earlier last year (2012), there has been no peace in that house as they have been fighting each other often.

Father Wasonga also referred to a case in a village in Uasin Gishu County where a man went berserk and killed his two children before committing suicide over a domestic dispute.

Julius Yego, 36, killed his two sons Franklin Cheruyiot, and Eliud Kipkoech aged 4 and 2 years respectively after a fight with his wife Damaris Yego. Confirming the incident, Eldoret West OCPD Ndung’u wa Ikonya said man after the heinous act hanged himself while the wife managed to escape.

During the mass attended by all Oriang family members from all outstations, Father Wasona also introduced Rev Sr Janet Owuor of Camilian missionary sisters from Oriang, Nyasore center who was celebrating her thanks giving mass after her final vows which took place on December 7, 2013 in Karen, presided over by Homa Bay Diocese, Bishop Philip Anyolo.

Just as Father Wasonga was deeply concerned, majority of Kenyans are optimistic that 2014 will be a lot better than 2013. According to a new survey, 21 per cent of Kenyans say 2013 was a “generally bad year”, with 7 per cent describing it as a “terrible year”.

Overall, this year was most disappointing to residents of Nairobi County, with 17 per cent of those polled describing 2013 as “terrible”. This assessment is partly attributable to the high cost of living in the city, which residents list at the top of their issues of concern.

Economically, there were disappointments too, owing to strikes involving teachers and doctors. And the fire at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in August which destroyed investments and lives of many families as did the terror attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, a month later.

Meanwhile, the question of unemployment remains a source of headache more to residents of Coast and Western regions at 60 and 58 per cent, with their counterparts in Central (39 per cent) least concerned with the challenge.

Jubilee said it would create jobs for young generations, but to the surprise Present Uhuru Kenyatta shocked Kenyans by recycling old losers in politics by recent appointments. This is indeed a political suicide.

Jubilee is on the process of retrenching civil servants. When this happens many children will not be able to go to school because their retrenched parents will not be able to cater for their school fees and basic needs.

Unless the amendments to the Finance Act of 2012, which introduced a 10 per cent excise duty on transaction fees for financial as well money transfer services are not made, many Kenyans are going to suffer a great deal.

Most young people graduate from school and there is no immediate system to accommodate them, this result into hopelessness and at times misery resulting in suicides.

Yet suicide in Kenya is not openly discussed, one it is treated as a criminal offence. The survivors of a suicide attempt end up in jail instead of a correctional mental facility. Where the individual managed to kill him or others too, the people close to the victim may refuse to report the case to government agencies for fear of being victimised or charged.

Yet still, suicide has taken a new trend in Kenya where teenagers between 13-15 years have increasingly resorted to it following what they term as failure in the national exams. This leaves them feeling worthless, depressed and incompetent.

For example, when the 2011 KCPE results were announced, the media reported several incidences of candidates who resorted to suicide when they did not perform as anticipated.

Family dysfunction such as divorce and separation also affects young people’s response to issues in life. Most of the young people who commit suicide do it with the mindset that they are punishing their parents.

Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
E-mail omolo.ouko@gmail.com
Facebook-omolo beste
Twitter-@8000accomole

Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002

Going To Africa. Hope I Don’t Get AIDS….. I’m White” –

Leave a reply

From: Yona Maro

A US public relations executive has provoked a storm of online protest for writing a Twitter comment about Aids in Africa.

Justine Sacco, who works for the media company InterActiveCorp (IAC), wrote: “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get Aids. Just kidding. I’m white!”

Ms Sacco’s account has now been deleted. IAC responded by saying the “outrageous, offensive comment” did not reflect the company’s views and values. Unfortunately, the employee in question is unreachable on an international flight, but this is a very serious matter and we are taking appropriate action,” the IAC said in a statement to the media blog Valleywag.

IAC is the parent company of About.com, Ask.com, CollegeHumour, Match.com, OkCupid, The Daily Beast, Dictionary.com, Vimeo, and BlackPeopleMeet.com, a dating site for African-Americans.

Source: BBC

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25475862

—
Find Jobs in Africa Jobs in Africa
International Job Opportunities International Job Opportunities
Jobs in Kenya Jobs in Kenya