Genetic Diversity of Sub-Saharan Africa Revealed

     The African Genome Variation Project is studying the DNA of 1800 people in Africa to examine genetic risk factors for disease. Scientists are trying to understand the genetic susceptibility of diseases. A team of African, UK and US researches set out to collect genetic material from 1800 people across Sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers found that people from South Africa are "less likely to carry a genetic mutation that offers protection against malaria than those from other parts of Africa." Africans are also more likely to have a greater risk of high blood pressure.
     To their surprise, researchers discovered there are more genetic similarities in Africa than they thought. According to Dr. Sandhu, "The diversity among populations is not as diverse as we expected it to be. That's good because it means we can now design large scale trials to understand diseases susceptibility." It was also stated that this data can help researchers discover why some Africans are more susceptible to viruses than others.
      I believe that by understanding and researching the genetic material of those in Africa, they will be more likely to find more information about malaria and Ebola and how it is more susceptible in different people. It was also stated that this data could help with therapeutic or medical approach on how to control and manage diseases. Not only do I agree, I think this would be of great help to the continent. I find it very interesting how much you can find out via DNA and what sort of information it leads to.

     To read more on this article, click here.

South Africa: Economic Growth Key to Reducing Unemployment- Deputy President

     Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared that South Africa needs to improve its rate of economical growth to reduce unemployment. He stated that in order to promote faster growth, South Africa needs to create jobs and expand the capacity of the economy by investing in logistics, telecommunications, power generation and distribution and social infrastructure. It was also mentioned that the cost of doing business needs to be reduced, making it easier for people to start new businesses. Ramasphosa believes the nuts and bolts of nation building includes removing obstacles to small business development and help emerge new business owners to finance, support and markets for the products.

     Another approach to decrease unemployment is to promote education. However, Africa is performing below students in other countries that have similar development levels. Due to lacking education, it provides a struggle to have a growing and thriving economy. One problem of the education system includes the fact that there are different learning types. Examples include suburbs, townships, villages and farms. The different types of environments can affecting the learning experience.

     Although we have high unemployment rates in the U.S., we have access to great education. We are at a developmental level far higher than Africa, which helps with finding jobs and education opportunities. I feel that unemployment rates will always be an issue due to lack of education, laziness, or lack of jobs. However, it is important to address the situation and try to promote decreasing unemployment rates. I believe that the Deputy President had some good ideas to improve and work on decreasing unemployment rates and promoting education. If Africa comes together as a nation and truly work to improve themselves, they will succeed economically.

     To read more from this article, click here. 

     

Trial Shows Need to Combat Female Genital Mutilation

     Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practicing act in Africa today. The Humans Rights Watch group stated that Egyptian authorities need to make a clear action to end FGM following the first death of a thirteen year old girl. The girl died in 2013 due to an allergic reaction to penicillin, used in the genital mutilation procedure and shock or circulatory failure. The case was then taken to trial to raise awareness of the harms of FGM and to highlight the need for implementing the law in a more serious matter.
     Although FGM is banned in Egypt, it is still practiced "due to lack of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions," stated Rothna Begum, a researcher for women's rights in the Middle East and North Africa. FGM includes removing part or all of the external female genitalia. This procedure has no medical purpose or health benefits and interferes with natural function of the body. The procedure can lead to long-term consequences, including severe pain, shock, infection, complications during childbirth and long-term gynecological problems.
     This incident has raised awareness to promote effective implementation of the law by ensuring adequate investigation and prosecution to those who practice the FGM procedure. It has also raised awareness on the mental and physical harm. FGM was first banned in 2008 after an eleven year old girl died after a procedure. A health survey in 2008 found that 91% of girls and women (age 15-49) had undergone FGM. The survey also found that the women believed it was a religious requirement.
     As a young woman myself, I can not imagine going through a procedure like this, let alone willingly doing so. It also astonishes me how little precautions they take regarding allergic reactions and shock that can lead to death. As a nurse, I can say that allergies are something that are really stressed in our practice to check for. I can't imagine how they think that FGM is part of a religious requirement and how they think it benefits them. I can only think that it would cause more problems. This article was definitely eye-opening to me. I knew this practice existed, however, I didn't know how popular it was.

     To read and learn more about this article, click here.

Top 3 Most Liveable Cities in Africa

     Although poverty is what often comes to mind when one thinks of Africa, there is extraordinary beauty that goes unnoticed.  I would like to share with you the top three most liveable cities in Africa. This will include attractions, what the towns are known for, and why they are considered the top five. The cities include Cape Town, South Africa, Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya.
     Cape Town is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in South Africa, this gorgeous city is set between the ocean and mountains, creating a relaxed environment. Sometimes known as the "Windy City," due to rainy, foggy, and windy winters, Cape Town offers beautiful summer weather October-April. Cape Town is also known as the "Mother City" due to the amount of business held there. Mostly known for insurance and digital sectors, other businesses include advertising, retailers and fashion designers. Housing consists of Tuscan-styled homes, downtown lofts and gated urban estates. Although public transportation is offered, it is best to get around in your own vehicle.

     The second most liveable city in Africa is Accra, Ghana. Hosting nearly twenty percent of Ghana's population, Accra is a fun-filled leisure destination. Being the capital city of Ghana, Accra is full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping malls. Downtown are wonderful high rise apartments, which is rapidly expanding with new development. The tropical climate attracts many, bringing many citizens who went West back home. In the years to come, Accra is expected to become more liveable and developed.

 
     Lastly, Nairobi, Kenya is the third most liveable city in Africa. Quickly expanding in development and business, Nairobi is becoming the city of choice for multinational companies. Due to rapid development, apartment compounds have become popular and usually host swimming pools and fitness centers. Suburban style homes are also popular and are known for the much more affordable price compared to other African cities. Technology is also a main industry in Nairobi, offering what is known as the best internet connectivity in the continent. Although buying a vehicle is expensive due to import taxes, owning your own vehicle is the best way to get around town. However, there is public transportation such as mini-buses and motorcycle taxis that the locals use to get around.

To learn more about the most liveable cities in Africa, click here.

Zambia President Michael Sata: State funeral held

     The Zambian president, Michael Sata, died last month due to treatment for an undisclosed illness in a UK hospital. He was 77 years old. A Catholic Mass was held days ago at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the capital, where thousands attended. Sata, also known as "King Cobra," was elected into office in 2011. New elections will take place in January, but for now, the country is being run by an acting president.
     The proceeding was delayed due to the thousands of people. Following was a "moving and emotional ceremony", where one of Sata's sons sang 'Dance with my Father.' The song was written by a US soul singer, known as Luther Vandross. Sata died days after Zambia celebrated their 50th anniversary of independence from the UK. He was the second president of Zambia to die in office.

     Below are some pictures from the article.

 Funeral proceeding.

 Regional leaders pay respect.

 Catholic Mass.

Sata's widow, Christine Sata, comforted by Zimbabwe's first lady, Grace Mugabe.

     To view the article, click here.

Boko Haram: Schoolgirls? We married them off

     Five days ago, Boko Haram dismissed Nigeria's announcement that stated he would release the school girls by stating "there is no such deal and the schoolgirls abducted in April have been converted to Islam and married off." Two weeks ago, Nigerian officials announced they made a deal with Islamist terror group that they would release the (more than) 200 girls who had been kidnapped at a Northern boarding school. In the video, Abubakar Shekau, the Islamist group leader, stated they had converted to Islam, memorizing two chapters of  the Quaran and were then married off. He also denied any type of negotiation with the government.

     Mike Omeri, the coordinator of Nigeria's National Information Centre, informed CNN they are aware of the video and that "we can say the road to peace is bumpy. Nigeria has been fighting a war and wars don't end overnight." Nigerian officials met with Boko Haram in Chad on October 17th to discuss release of the girls. After the deal was made, it was stated that final negotiations would be made at a meeting a week later. However, that week passed and there was no sign of the girls. 

     In the video, Shekau spoke of "war, striking and killing with gun." Apparently, Boko Haram fighters have been performing deadly attacks on the villages in Nigeria, despite "government claims of ceasefire." The latest attack left eight dead. The Islamist terror group also abducted 60 young women and girls days later from Christian villages in Northeast Nigeria. It was stated they left 1,500 naira ($9) and kola nuts as a bride price for each girl abducted. Nigerian military has stepped up in campaigning against militants and criminals in the West African nation. They are continuing to ground operations to prevent attacks are are studying the latest video about the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

     To read more, click here.

Ghana Housing/Living

     As I stated in my previous blog, my roommate was able to spend this past summer in Ghana. In this post, I will be sharing with you what she informed me on about housing and living situations.
     Wealth can say a lot about you in Ghana. In this case, if you have a cement house, you are wealthy. Cement houses typically have plumbing ( meaning a bathroom) and electricity. You are extremely wealthy if you own a washer and dryer. It is common to handwash your clothing in a bucket, as most can't afford a washer and dryer. Although some housing may have a kitchen, it is most common to cook outside over a grill or fire using an iron bowl.
     Lower income families have houses built from bamboo or mud. These huts consist of dirt floor and typically no plumbing or electricity. They do, however, typically have a sink or tub that you would fill with water from the well to bathe in. There are public bathrooms that are accessible. If you have to urinate, there are square rooms with a drain in the corner. There is no toilet, you have to squat. If you have to "go number two," you have to go dig a hole.
     Below are some pictures I found that illustrate the cement and bamboo or mud huts.

Ebola

     I'm sure you have all heard about the Ebola outbreak in Africa and the case that was discovered in Dallas, Texas. Like me, you're probably annoyed with all the publicity Ebola is receiving, when it doesn't effect us. However, how much do we know about Ebola? Trying to find an article with valid information regarding Ebola, I came across an article from National Geographic. I will try to get the point across by summarizing this article, but to learn more, you can click on the link above.
     First of all, let's discuss the symptoms associated with Ebola and how it is transmitted. Signs and symptoms of Ebola include fevers, GI pain, and unusual bleeding, often leading to fluid loss and organ shut-down. The first case was discovered in the 1970s in central Africa. It is believe that the virus evolved in bats, thus spreading to monkeys and humans. This virus is spread through the contact of bodily fluids with an infected individual. Examples of bodily fluids include saliva, urine, feces, blood, semen and other bodily secretions. However, this virus is not contagious until symptoms begin to show, i.e. fever.
     It is unlikely the virus will mutate to airborne transmission due to found evidence. This outbreak is worse than those of the past because the cases were unknown, thus means they were not confined and spread throughout, making this outbreak more serious. It is also unlikely Ebola will have an outbreak in the U.S. due to our advanced medical technology and equipment. In Africa, the villages may have hospitals, but do not always have access to clean water, electricity or medical equipment, such as isolation gear or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
     Although there is no treatment or vaccine for Ebola, the U.S. has been able to help treat it by providing IV fluids and electrolytes, maintaining oxygen levels and blood pressure, and treating other infections. October 1st, WHO calculated that 7,470 cases were diagnosed in West Africa, leading to 3,341 of those cases ending in death. However, they expected that some cases were unknown, causing numbers to rise by a factor of two or three. This means that there are closer to 10,000 cases in Africa.
     The U.S. is contributing more than $1 billion and 3,000 troops to help contain Ebola and treat the cases. It is expected to last six months to one year until the outbreak is controlled. If the outbreak is not controlled, it could lead to a bigger outbreak and more cases spreading around the world.

This is what the Ebola cell/ structure looks like.

Above is the incubation period of Ebola and the symptoms associated with it.

Kenyan Nurse Gets Death Penalty for Abortion

Kenyan Nurse Gets Death Penalty for Abortion

Abortion is illegal in Kenya. Although illegal, a doctor can perform one if the mother’s life is in danger. Compiled from a survey, it was found that nearly 120,000 women in 2012 in Kenya were treated for complications after unsafe abortions performed. Due to an incident that recently occurred, a nurse is being sentenced to death for assisting with an abortion. Jackson Namunya Tali assisted Christine Atieno, who wanted to abort her early pregnancy. Atieno later died in Tali’s as he was transporting her to another hospital for further medical treatment. It was stated that Atieno had been bleeding for eight days preceding the abortion.

The court later ruled Tali the cause of the death and convicted him of murder, sentencing him to death. Kenya hasn’t had a death sentence since 1987. Kenya has tried to get abortion legalized, but has not yet succeeded. In 2010, a new constitution began and the religious leaders denied approving legalization of abortion. However, now only one doctor is required to certify an abortion, whereas before, three doctors were needed for approval.

It’s scary to think that you could be sentenced to death for assisting with an abortion, especially since Kenya hasn’t had a death sentence for almost 30 years. It’s interesting that abortion is a hot topic in the U.S. while Kenya doesn’t believe in abortion but is pushing to legalize it. Although I don’t believe in abortion, I do think it is okay to make an exception when the mother is in danger. Although, I think it should be her decision to terminate. I’m curious if the U.S. were to make abortion illegal, if medical staff would try to assist with abortion anyway and what would happen if the mother died. I’m also curious if it would later be fought to legalize abortion. It’s interesting to see how much the countries have in common for political issues and how they handle them. To read more, click here.

Ghana: Education and Occupation

     Over the summer, my roommate had the privilege to spend two months in Ghana for an internship working with a group called Global Mamas. Brenna, my roommate, is a fashion major at the University of Northern Iowa. Global Mamas is a fair trade company that gives business that gives other businesses business. For example, if you were a pattern maker, you would use a pattern from Global Mamas, providing you with business. To learn more, you can check out Global Mamas here www.globalmamas.org.
     School in Ghana is free, however, the family must provide their children with their own uniform. It is not uncommon for children to go to school, but it is not common either. Due to having to provide uniforms, some families are unable to send their children to school.
If you are able to go to school, you can start as young as the age of four. Schooling lasts twelve years and then students are presented a big test, almost like a final of what you've learned in your years of schooling.
     Although some go to college right away, most students wait and work before attending college. In the city that Brenna lived in, El Mina, there were two colleges available. The most common "majors" that students went for were business and accounting. If you wanted to become a pattern maker, seamstress or something along those lines, you worked under an apprentice and earned a certificate. These people were normally referred to as traders.
     Unlike Iowa, if you are a farmer in Ghana, you are considered low-income and looked down upon. Most people in Ghana are business owners, work at banks or business buildings, or traders. Bankers and business men are considered middle to upper class.
     Although most bankers and business workers are men, there are some women. However, men are considered superior to women and viewed as dominant. Although women work outside the home, they are still expected to come home and cook, clean and take care of the children. Women are typically involved with street stands that have clothing, food or jewelry.

I have included some pictures below of different types of street vendors.