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Congo is set to launch its mpox vaccination campaign on October 2, 2024, following the arrival of 250,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The country faces a severe outbreak, with over 25,000 confirmed cases and 738 deaths reported this year, primarily affecting children under 15. International support is crucial for controlling the outbreak.
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The mpox outbreak, particularly the new clade 1b strain, is escalating globally, with significant cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now in India. The WHO has declared a public health emergency, prompting countries to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts to control the spread.
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Margaret Nyamumbo's coffee startup, Kahawa 1893, utilizes a virtual 'table banking' system to support female coffee farmers in Africa. Meanwhile, refugee farmers in New Hampshire cultivate crops for local markets, and Zimbabwean women forage baobab fruit for survival amid climate challenges. These stories highlight resilience and innovation in agriculture.
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As climate change intensifies, farmers worldwide are adapting to unpredictable weather patterns. In India, new climate-resilient rice seeds are being adopted, while U.S. pawpaw growers face early harvests and bitter fruit. In Zimbabwe, baobab fruit foraging is becoming vital for survival amid droughts, highlighting urgent food security needs.
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At the Labour Party conference on September 24, 2024, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the formation of a Women's Justice Board aimed at reducing the number of women in prison. Mahmood emphasized that current prison conditions are detrimental to women and families, advocating for community support as an alternative to incarceration.
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As of October 15, 2024, Rwanda's Marburg virus outbreak has resulted in 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths since its declaration on September 27. The majority of cases involve healthcare workers, prompting strict hygiene measures and contact tracing efforts. The WHO assesses the outbreak's risk as very high nationally.
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Donald Trump has faced backlash for suggesting that crime in the U.S. could be eradicated with 'one really violent day.' His comments, made during a rally in Pennsylvania, drew comparisons to the film 'The Purge' and were criticized by political figures, including Kamala Harris, for their dangerous implications.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed a lawsuit against Rwanda, alleging support for the M23 rebel group and human rights violations. This follows reports of increased violence and sexual assaults in eastern Congo, where over 6 million people have been displaced amid ongoing conflict. The situation remains dire as international scrutiny intensifies.
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Saudi Arabia's attempt to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council was unsuccessful, receiving only 117 votes. This setback comes as the kingdom seeks to improve its global image amid ongoing human rights concerns, including the treatment of migrants and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.