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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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Recent incidents of political violence in Tanzania and Uganda highlight growing tensions ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition leader Ali Kibao was found dead in Tanzania, while Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine was shot in the leg during a confrontation with security forces. These events raise concerns about political repression and the safety of opposition figures in the region.
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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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Rwanda is currently experiencing an outbreak of the Marburg virus, with 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported as of October 11, 2024. The outbreak, declared on September 27, primarily affects healthcare workers. Authorities are implementing strict hygiene protocols and contact tracing, while the WHO assesses the outbreak's risk as very high nationally.
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A recent study reveals that myopia, or short-sightedness, has tripled globally since 1990, with a notable increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. The condition now affects over one-third of children and adolescents worldwide, particularly in East Asia. Researchers emphasize the need for public health initiatives to address this growing concern.
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A human trafficking network exploited vulnerable Czech men in the UK, forcing them to work under modern slavery conditions. The gang's activities, which included stealing wages and providing inadequate living conditions, went undetected for years. Recent convictions highlight systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable workers in the fast-food and food supply industries.
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The European Commission has proposed a one-year delay to its deforestation regulation, which aims to ban the sale of commodities linked to deforestation. Critics argue this undermines the EU's climate credibility, while supporters claim it allows for better implementation. The delay follows lobbying from various stakeholders, including governments and businesses.