Latest Stories from Derrick
WHO approves new cholera vaccine
In a significant stride toward combating one of the world's most prevalent yet preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine. Cholera has plagued regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water for years. According to the World Health Organisation estimates, there are 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera annually, resulting in 21,000 to 143,000 deaths globally. The majority of these cases...
Devastating floods continue to devastate Tanzania
Tanzania is grappling with ongoing floods that have claimed lives and left thousands of people affected across the country. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the floods have wreaked havoc causing extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. In the last two weeks, the ongoing floods have been catastrophic, with official reports indicating a death toll of 58 people and affecting over 120,000 across the country. Heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and inadequate infrastructure have...
Sierra Leone declares national emergency over ‘Kush’ drug epidemic
The government of Sierra Leone announced a national emergency, recognizing the need to address the concerning rise of ‘Kush’ drug abuse among the country's young population. Kush, a potent synthetic drug mixed with marijuana, fentanyl or tramadol, has surged in popularity among Sierra Leone's young population, posing a significant threat to public health and security. The declaration of a national emergency signifies the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment...
Africa is witnessing a huge electronic waste problem
Africa is increasingly becoming a dumping ground for electronic waste from developed nations. Despite having the lowest annual e-waste production per capita, UN agencies project a growth rate of 3 to 5 percent annually - a trend likely to continue with further technology integration. The African continent has emerged as a significant destination for electronic waste, often originating from developed nations. According to the United Nations Institute for Training...
South Sudan schools continue to close amid heatwaves
In a bid to safeguard the health and well-being of students, educational authorities in South Sudan have taken the unprecedented decision to close schools across the nation in preparation for a 45C heatwave. South Sudan, already known for its scorching temperatures, has experienced an unprecedented rise in mercury levels over the past weeks. According to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry advisory, temperatures have been soaring well above 40C...
Nigeria contends with yet more school kidnappings
Nigeria has found itself once again thrust into a state of anguish and despair after 287 school children were abducted last week. The repercussions continue to reverberate across society, leaving scars that run deep amongst thousands of victims. Nigeria’s security situation continues to worsen after 287 children between the ages of seven and eighteen were abducted in north-western Kuriga Kaduna state. A further fifteen were abducted the same week by...
Haiti violence escalates following prisoner escapes
The Haitian government declared a 72-hour state of emergency after armed gangs stormed two major prisons in the country last Sunday. Close to 4,000 inmates have reportedly escaped. This past weekend, gang members made a daring move by breaking into the nation’s two biggest prisons, spiralling insecurity in the country. According to the UN, gang violence in Haiti has escalated since the assassination of president Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Close...
Senegal election delays threaten nation’s democracy
Senegal is in a political crisis as the eagerly awaited presidential election faces yet more unexpected delays, causing widespread protests and raising doubts about the nation's democratic strength. The presidential election, initially scheduled for this month February 25, was unexpectedly postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty. The decision made by President Macky Sall, has been met with skepticism and concern, as many believe...
Zimbabwe to block scholarship for LGBTQ+ people
In a controversial announcement, Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, declared the government would block scholarships for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those sponsored by GALZ, a membership organization advocating for the rights of such groups in Zimbabwe. The state university scholarship program, which caters to individuals aged 18 to 35, has been a crucial avenue for many aspiring students to pursue higher education in Zimbabwe. For LGBTQ+ individuals, however, that option is...
I attended the International Prevention of Violent Extremism summit in Nairobi
This week, the International Prevention of Violent Extremism commemoration brought together a diverse array of organisations, leaders, and communities across the globe for a collective sustainable response to violent extremism. I left feeling buoyed. In Nairobi, participants from various backgrounds showcased a collective effort to address the global challenge of violent extremism. Representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), interfaith leaders, youths, refugee groups, and government officials...
