by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, funding, government, healthcare and medicine, news
Letters canceling funding, which abruptly halts millions of rand worth of HIV and TB research grants funded by the U.S. government at South African universities, began circulating over the weekend. One impacted researcher predicts that more than 300 such grants could be terminated by the end of Sunday, potentially leading to significant consequences for higher education and research institutions, including substantial job cuts.
Certain specialists approximate that as high as 70% of South Africa’s medical research, equivalent to between $400 million (approximately R7.2 billion) including both primary and subsidiary grants from the previous fiscal year, receives funding via the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH comprises various components.
27 institutes and centres
Each one concentrates on a particular field of study. The NIH funds roughly seventy-five percent of global biomedical research.
On Friday night, the University of the Witwatersrand’s
Wits Health Consortium
The unit responsible for managing the institution’s clinical trials and donor-funded initiatives has received termination notices for all aspects of a $2.5 million (approximately R460 million) grant, which concludes in November 2027. This particular grant was provided via the NIH.
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
.
Letters of cancellation, issued on behalf of the chief grants management officer at USAID, Emily Linde, appear to follow a standardized format informing researchers that their projects “fail to contribute to our understanding of living systems, yield minimal returns on investment, and do not improve health outcomes, longevity, or disease reduction.” The letters also allege that these research efforts negatively impact “the well-being of Americans.”
The Wits project was conducted.
by lead researchers Helen Rees, who heads the
Wits Reproductive Health Institute
, with Ian Sanne, leading the Clinical HIV Research Unit, who is now also involved with an international development organization,
Palladium
as its
chief medical officer
.
Paradoxically, our grant concluded on Human Rights Day, a time dedicated to assisting and protecting those in need. Yet now, the U.S. government is compelling us to act contrary to these principles,” Sanne explained to Bhekisisa. “Abruptly halting study volunteer participation could place them in danger. Does this align with global ethical standards for humans?
The study, ongoing since 2007, came under the
The Wits Research Group Clinical Trials Unit,
and carried out research on HIV and TB prevention and treatment, along with clinical trials for hepatitis and HIV-associated cancers.
Letters of termination were received on Human Rights Day
Other grants that have apparently been terminated up until now encompass research initiatives at the
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
By Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim.
Several South African universities, which received sub-grants for health research from American institutions like Columbia University in New York, received cease operations directives on Friday following the loss of funding by the U.S.-based grantors. At present, these South African entities wish to remain unnamed.
Science magazine
reports
The ex-leader of the South African Medical Research Council, Glenda Gray was informed that her $3.1 million (approximately R56.5 million) grant for a clinical trials unit in Soweto [operating via Wits] has shifted from an approved to a pending status.
The
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
By Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, who receive substantial funding from the NIH, is currently on high alert. “So far, we haven’t gotten any notifications of terminated NIH grants. However, we anticipate receiving them soon,” Salim Abdool Karim informed Bhekisisa on Sunday morning.
TB funding ends as the US confronts TB outbreaks.
Throughout the years, certain HIV prevention research conducted within Sanne’s and Rees’s initiative has focused on populations more susceptible to HIV infection, including adolescent girls and young women in Africa, transgender individuals, and female sex workers.
The cancellation email mentioned that their “award no longer aligns with agency goals” and noted that “research programs focused mainly on arbitrary and nonscientific criteria, such as vague equity aims, go against genuine scientific exploration, fail to broaden our understanding of living systems, yield minimal benefits from investments, and ultimately do not improve health outcomes, extend lifespan, or decrease illnesses.”
Worst of all, the note said, “so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) studies are often used to support unlawful discrimination on the basis of race and other protected characteristics, which harms the health of Americans. Therefore, it is the policy of NIH not to prioritise such research programmes.
The mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the letter probably pertain to the work conducted at Wits regarding transgender individuals and women involved in sex work—topics that the Trump administration disapproves of.
On the evening of his inauguration, which took place on January 20, the president
signed an executive order
banning people’s right to identify as transgender or non-binary individuals. There are only two genders, the executive order declared: male and female.
However, Sanne argues that the mentions of DEI in their letter are not relevant because even though some of their studies have centered around marginalized communities like transgender individuals and sex workers, much of their efforts are directed towards developing efficient treatments for pediatricTB and improving medications for those suffering from multi-drug resistant TB, along with focusing on preventative measures against TB.
Indeed, our efforts align perfectly with President Trump’s vision of ‘making America great.’ We enhance national safety, fortify economic strength, and boost prosperity by safeguarding Americans from tuberculosis. Furthermore, much of the patent rights and intellectual property for the novel medications we evaluate belong to U.S.-based firms.
Experts weigh in
Linda-Gail Bekner, who leads the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation at the University of Cape Town and also receives support from the NIH, cautions that this further setback to our clinical research sector occurs when new tuberculosis infections are ”
have reached their peak levels in many years within the USA
“.
Kansas is presently experiencing the biggest tuberculosis outbreak that the United States has witnessed in this period.
past 30-40 years
(TB is a condition that has been well-managed in the U.S. for many years.) More than
60TB of data related to disease cases, along with two fatalities, have been reported.
.
By Saturday, Bekker hadn’t gotten a cancellation letter for her grant, yet she states: “Reducing the impact of HIV and TB so they no longer pose a major public health risk is crucial globally. South Africa has taken considerable steps and made important contributions toward achieving this objective.”
Yogan Pillay, who leads HIV and TB initiatives at the Gates Foundation—a organization that also supports HIV andTB research—expresses concern over potential U.S. government funding reductions. He states, “These budget cuts could halt progress in developing new prevention methods and treatments for HIV. As a result, eradicating AIDS may remain an unattainable vision, with HIV continuing to proliferate.”
“It’s absolutely tragic.”
Trump: “No corrective action is possible here”
The Wits initiative conducted significant TB research. One
study
Published in February and featured on the NIH website, this study examined the effectiveness of double doses of the antiretroviral medication dolutegravir in treating tuberculosis patients.
Previous trials looked at
How secure was it for expectant mothers with HIV to use preventative tuberculosis medication?
, regarding the effectiveness of long-acting, injectable formulations of antiretroviral therapy
worked for teens
And how effective the bi-monthly HIV injection is
worked
.
Sanne says “it is inconceivable that [Elon Musk’s so-called] department of government efficiency [which is leading cuts on US government spending], does not understand that there is more than just DEI activities happening through HIV and other research”.
The email stated: “While NIH typically opts for suspension rather than immediate termination of a grant, providing the recipient a chance to implement necessary corrections prior to a potential termination decision, such corrective actions cannot be undertaken in this case.”
This award’s objective is not aligned with our agency’s priorities, and no changes to the project can bring it in line with these priorities.
Terminations not unexpected
However, the termination of the grants was not unforeseen — or at least not since last week.
On March 12,
Science magazine reported
Matthew Memoli, who was serving as the acting director of the NIH, requested officials at the institute to gather lists of grants related to South Africa. The content of this email mirrored the phrasing used in previous NIH inquiries that resulted in the cancellation of numerous grants focusing on areas such as transgender health, vaccine hesitance, and other subjects not endorsed by the administration.
At least
300 US university projects
have also had their grants revoked by the Trump administration, with many being US universities.
resulting in demonstrations throughout the United States
.
These terminations are part of the measures that the Trump administration views as cost-saving efforts or research that doesn’t align with their beliefs, and such actions are expected to keep occurring globally.
SA researchers have initiated discussions with charitable organizations and the government to provide financial support, according to Sanne, who adds that “there haven’t been definite results yet.”
Projects in South Africa that received cancellation notices were informed that they had the option to “contest and submit evidence refuting” their termination decisions.
However, they must initially go through a “first-level grant appeal process” which needs to be completed before they can proceed to “submit an appeal to the departmental appeals board.”
If projects decide to contest, they must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving their termination notices.
Sanne mentions his intention to utilize the appeals process, and if that proves unfruitful, at minimum, seek negotiations for an ethical and responsible termination of the trials. He elaborates: “Our research is crucial for saving lives, and the NIH has supported us in this endeavor. What we must now strive to achieve is convincing them of our work’s significance instead of ending decades of investment which could lead to lost lives.”
The Gates Foundation is referenced in this piece. Although Bhekisisa receives financial support from the Foundation, it maintains its independence in editorial matters.
This narrative was created by the
Bhekisisa Center for Health Journalism
. Register for the
newsletter
.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | conservation, environmentalism, forests, politics and government, sustainability
Forestry officer Gitonga Mugambi and Charlene Ruto, the founder of Smachs Foundation, presented certificates to students who took part in environmental conservation efforts / ALICE WAITHERA
As stated by Environment CS Aden Duale, approximately 0.7 billion trees have been planted across the country as part of the initiative to reach a total of 15 billion trees by 2032.
This announcement was made on Friday during the observance of the International Day of Forests at Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Forest Permanent Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, Duale described it as significant advancement in environmental preservation and the battle against climate change.
“The CS mentioned that we are presently enclosing public forests to prevent unauthorized entry.”
Additionally, the government has launched the Green Zones Development Program aimed at boosting community resilience.
The initiative is also promoting the 15 Billion Tree Planting Program to boost forest coverage, tackle climate change, and enhance food security.
The CS stated that forests serve as crucial sources of sustenance, pharmaceuticals, water, and income for millions throughout the nation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for collaborative initiatives aimed at both restoring and safeguarding these ecosystems.
He voiced worry over critical ecosystems being under serious threat from issues like deforestation, land deterioration, and global warming.
These compromises affect both food production and community welfare, and the government is proactively enforcing several measures to protect these areas.
The conservation society urged farmers, local residents, governmental organizations, and businesses to take an active role in planting trees and implementing sustainable land practices.
“We require collaborative efforts across different sectors, specifically in agriculture, forestry, and environmental preservation, to advocate for nature-inspired solutions that boost food production while also combating climate change,” stated Duale.
As the prolonged rainy season begins, Duale encouraged all Kenyans and development allies to adopt tree planting and conservation initiatives to ensure a more verdant and food-stable tomorrow for future generations.
The governor of Bomet County, Hillary Barchok, stated that funds have been set aside in their financial plan to aid initiatives focused on restoring forests, demonstrating their dedication to protecting the environment.
He advocated for a joint effort encompassing educational institutions, nearby neighborhoods, and international businesses in the restoration of Chepalungu forest.
“During the post-election violence of 2007-2008, Chepalungu Forest experienced significant damage; however, steps have been taken to rehabilitate the area. This includes erecting fences around deteriorated sections to stop additional intrusion,” he stated.
He stated that these endeavors won’t succeed without engaging the local populace. To make sure residents gain from preservation activities, socioeconomic programs like apiculture and the establishment of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) have been initiated.
The local administration is in talks with the Kenya Wildlife Service to bring in eco-friendly wildlife species into the forest area.
This program seeks to boost biodiversity and develop ecotourism ventures that can provide financial benefits to people residing close to these ecosystems,” he stated. “We aim to ensure sustainability in preservation efforts by incorporating economic practices that benefit both local economies and ecological safeguarding.
Charlene Ruto, the founder of Smarchs Foundation, emphasized capacity building in educational institutions as an essential approach for ensuring long-term preservation of forests.
She mentioned that they have begun involving students to foster the appropriate attitude towards environmental preservation by motivating them to grow and nurture trees.
The organization has set up tree nurseries close to woodlands to supply saplings and encourage forest growth.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | international relations, military, news, russia ukraine conflict, ukraine
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the idea of China taking part in a possible peacekeeping force in Ukraine once the hostilities have ceased.
“I want to emphasize that these media reports are inaccurate. China’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis remains consistent and clear,” Guo stated at a press briefing.
In late February, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia had not considered the potential participation of Chinese peacekeeping forces in relation to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
On Saturday, a German daily newspaper stated that China was in talks with several European nations regarding the potential involvement of Chinese troops in a peacekeeping operation in Ukraine.
On March 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia does not see any potential for reaching an agreement regarding the possible placement of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.
Earlier this month in March, media reports indicated that French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are attempting to persuade 37 nations to become part of a coalition willing to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine and offer security assurances to Kyiv.
Last year, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Western countries might send approximately 100,000 soldiers to Ukraine under the pretense of a peacekeeping mission aimed at reviving Kyiv’s military strength.
Peskov has maintained that during any conflict, the involvement of international peacekeeping forces can occur solely with the agreement of all conflicting parties.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | cricket players, indian cricket, indian cricket players, international cricket, sports
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Ex-spinner Harbhajan Singh turned into a “fan” of Ishan Kishan following an impressive batting performance against the Rajasthan Royals during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s match in the current IPL 2025 season.
In the opening match of their campaign, Sunrisers Hyderabd maintained their aggressive form and thoroughly outplayed Rajasthan Royals at Hyderabad’s batting-friendly venue.
After Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set the tempo with a belligerent start, Kishan came in to enchant the spectators with his all-out attacking approach. He got off the mark with a boundary off an outside edge but found the middle of the bat on the next ball and never looked back.
He pulled out a wide array of shots laced with raw power and raced to fifty in 25 balls. Then, he peeled off his maiden IPL ton just 20 deliveries later.
He momentarily deactivated his turbo mode and shifted into a sprint to mark the occasion. Kishan stayed undefeated at 106 as Sunrisers surged to an enormous total of 286/6, which stands as the second highest score in the tournament’s history.
Harbhajan believed that Mumbai Indians, after losing their opening match against Chennai Super Kings later that day, had made a mistake by allowing the 26-year-old left-handed batsman to leave.
“I sensed MI missing out twice today. First, they lost their match, and then the player they let go, Ishan, delivered an extraordinary performance for SRH,” Harbhajan stated on his YouTube channel.
Harbhajan thinks that Sunrisers’ aggressive batting style, consistent with their performance in the earlier season, makes them the most “threatening” squad in the current 18th installment of the lucrative tournament.
“Their squad poses the greatest threat. Ishan returned and demonstrated his genuine prowess to all spectators. This has turned him into my favorite player,” he remarked.
Responding to Hyderabad’s score of 286/6, Sanju Samson (66) and Dhruv Jurel (70) attempted a brave chase for RR. Nonetheless, the run-rate became unachievable. Even after putting up a fight until the final ball, Rajasthan Royals ended up losing by 44 runs. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | earth, earthquakes, geology, news, seismology
On Monday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Tibet, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS), according to ANI news on March 24th.
As per the NCS, the quake happened at a relatively shallow depth of 5 kilometers, which makes the area prone to aftershocks.
Following a posting on X, NCS stated, “Magnitude EQ: 4.5, Time: March 24, 2025 at 10:08:35 IST, Latitude: 28.94 N, Longitude: 93.82 E, Depth: 5 km, Area: Tibet.”
On March 15, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 shook Tibet earlier that day.
As per the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake happened at a depth of 10 kilometers, which makes it prone to aftershocks.
The NCS stated in an X post that “On March 15, 2025 at 00:49:17 IST, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 was recorded. The epicenter had coordinates latitude 28.39N and longitude 86.89E, with a depth of 10 kilometers, located in Tibet.”
On March 13, the National Center for Seismology reported that three earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.5 and 4.3 hit Tibet.
Shallow earthquakes pose a higher risk than deep ones because they unleash their considerable energy nearer to the Earth’s crust. Consequently, this leads to intensified ground vibrations and heightened destruction of buildings along with more significant loss of life when contrasted with deep quakes, which tend to dissipate force before reaching the surface.
The Tibetan Plateau experiences significant seismic activity because of colliding tectonic plates.
Tibet and Nepal sit along a significant geological fracture zone where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, leading to frequent seismic activity. This ongoing collision causes substantial uplifting forces capable of altering the elevations of the Himalayan summits, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
Marianne Karplus, a seismologist and geophysicist, stated to Al Jazeera that educating individuals about earthquakes and constructing quake-resistant buildings, along with providing funds for renovations and robust infrastructure, could safeguard people and properties during powerful seismic events.
“The Earth’s system is highly intricate, and forecasting earthquakes remains beyond our capabilities. Nonetheless, we can carry out scientific research to gain deeper insights into the factors triggering earthquakes in regions like Tibet and enhance our understanding of the tremors and their effects,” stated Karplus, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, during an interview with Al Jazeera. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | china taiwan relations, coast guards, police reports, taiwan, u.s. coast guard
Taipei [
Taiwan
], March 24 (ANI):
Taiwan
‘s Coast Guard seized an unmarked vessel suspected to be a Chinese in the restricted waters off northwest
Taiwan
, reported by
Taiwan
News.
At 8 am (local time) on Sunday, a Coast Guard patrol boat probed a suspicious vessel in restricted waters about 37 kilometres northwest of
Yongan Fishing Port
in Taoyuan’s Xinwu District,
Taiwan
According to reports from CNA, when the coast guard patrol boat approached the vessel, officials observed that it lacked identification markings. Consequently, they issued a radio command demanding that it halt for examination purposes.
The ship failed to comply with the instruction and avoided being inspected by maneuvering in a serpentine fashion. Ultimately, the situation developed further.
Taiwan
The Coast Guard stopped the vessel. The unnamed fuel tanker does not have a registered name, home port, or official documentation.
Taiwan
The Coast Guard believes it may have been an effort to refuel something else.
Chinese vessel
is operating illegally in the region.
The ship held approximately 500,000 liters of fuel, and all six individuals aboard were believed to be Chinese nationals. However, none of these persons possessed any form of identification. The boat was subsequently guided back to the Port of Taipei.
Taiwan
News reported.
Taiwan
The Coast Guard mentioned that unidentified Chinese vessels often attempt to enter the northern area.
Taiwan
‘illegal activities were conducted using his waters.
Under the Cross-Strait Act, these violations are addressed via measures including deportation, detainment, inquiry, seizure of the ship, and imposition of administrative penalties. As stated
Taiwan
The coast guard has indicated that as all six crew members are believed to be Chinese nationals, the local patrol team must reach out to their relatives or friends via messaging applications to obtain identification documents and photographs for confirmation purposes.
Taiwan
News reported.
Meanwhile, the crew members will remain at the nearby Coast Guard detention center. Once their identities have been verified, the
Taiwan
The court guard stated that the six individuals would receive administrative punishments according to applicable rules. Upon paying the imposed fines, they will be expelled from the country.
To combat these actions, the
Taiwan
The Coast Guard mentioned they have increased their patrol efforts and plan to carry out enforcement measures.
Taiwan
The Coast Guard mentioned that their patrols specifically focus on fuel supply vessels to diminish the logistical backing for unlawful Chinese activities. The local populace is taking notice.
Taiwan
is required to report any unlawful or dubious maritime actions by contacting the Coast Guard’s “118” hotline. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, government, news, politics and government, society
Shimla (
Himachal Pradesh
), [India], March 24 (ANI): Recently,
circular
issued by a private
school
in the state capital, Shimla, has sparked controversy, with allegations that it was intended to create communal discord. However,
Education Minister
Rohit Thakur
has refuted these claims, emphasizing that the issue is being unnecessarily escalated to disturb social harmony.
Speaking to ANI, Minister Thakur said, “This issue is being exaggerated only to provoke communal sentiments. The matter will be investigated. However, the message from the
school
administration was issued solely with the intent of maintaining communal harmony.”
He further stressed the need to verify the facts before jumping to conclusions, noting that the
school
The issue at hand enjoys a well-established reputation. “Just today, I learned about this from media reports. We will verify the specifics, as the
school
being named is a well-established, reputed convent institution here.
Himachal Pradesh
“Communal harmony and goodwill are paramount here, and we will work tirelessly to maintain this atmosphere,” Thakur asserted.
Thakur highlighted the impact of social media in exacerbating these problems and warned about individuals who intentionally foster division within society.
“Some people in our community try to instigate divisions without cause. Such issues need to be resolved promptly. I have collected details regarding the whole situation since, in this age of social media, these problems can quickly spiral out of control. We support enhancing solidarity among communities. It’s crucial that our societal structure remains cohesive and inclusive of all faiths. This is what we aim to preserve,” he stated.
In reaction to the accusations, the
school
at the heart of the dispute,
Auckland House School
has issued a strong statement refuting the claims and calling for responsible digital conduct. The
school
highlighted its enduring custom of commemorating cultural and religious festivities, noting the
circular
It was meant for the junior class to celebrate.
Eid
On March 2nd, please ensure you wear a small cap and Kurta Pajama as per the dress code for the event.
We have observed that some people have shared untrue, deceptive, and socially provocative statements about our organization on various social media channels.
Auckland House School
has consistently marked cultural and religious events like Holi,
Eid
, Diwali, Gurpurab, and Christmas, not as a religious mandate but as a tribute to the pluralistic spirit of India. Our aim is to foster empathy, understanding, and respect among children from all backgrounds. Participation is always voluntary, and there is no religious ritual or instruction involved.”
Critiquing the misrepresentation of information, the
school
A subsequent media release declared, “We firmly denounce efforts to portray these festivities as religious indoctrination. These maneuvers solely contribute to disrupting communal peace and misleading society. We are especially troubled that some postings have exposed data intended exclusively for private distribution, thus infringing upon confidentiality, posing risks to people’s safety, and contravening ethical standards of online behavior. This activity represents an abuse of confidential details.”
The
school
administration called for the removal of misleading content from social media and urged the public to act responsibly.
We kindly ask everyone and various platforms to promptly take down these postings and cease actions that jeopardize both organizational and personal security.
Auckland House School
is steadfastly dedicated to the principles outlined in the Constitution and the vision of unity in diversity. It also urged all conscientious individuals within society to oppose such divisive and immoral acts, and to endorse an educational system founded on mutual respect, dignity, and honesty,” the statement continued.
This dispute underscores the increasing worry about misinformation spreading through social media platforms and its ability to disturb societal peace. As the state government investigates this issue, authorities aim to safeguard the principles of inclusion and communal cohesion. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | disasters, emergencies, emergency management, fire, wildfires
At least two regions in western Japan have been impacted by wildfires, resulting in damages to numerous houses and compelling many inhabitants to leave their homes.
Wildfires in Okayama and Ehime prefectures have scorched an area of 370 hectares, with fire crews continuing to battle the flames as of Monday.
In Iwahari City, towering trees on a slope caught fire, with helicopters observed releasing water onto the blaze. Simultaneously, in Okayama, a fire initiated on Sunday afternoon has resulted in damage to five residences, leading to mandatory evacuations for hundreds of inhabitants within the impacted area, as reported by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
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Misunderstandings are proliferating on the internet due to strange rumors regarding an alleged prohibition of mammography exams in Switzerland.
For several months, social media users have maintained that the nation has banned the procedure out of worries about its safety. One common assertion is that mammograms lead to breast cancer because patients are exposed to radiation during the examination.
Furthermore, numerous social media posts claim that 50% to 60% of mammography results yield false positives, causing undue stress and unwarranted medical intervention.
All of these statements are untrue.
EuroVerify contacted the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, which verified that there isn’t a ban on mammography exams in Switzerland.
“A representative from the office stated via email, ‘The screening programs are organized by the cantons,’ adding that mammogram recommendations start at age 50,” the communication read.
Various fact-checkers from different news organizations have also refuted these claims when they surfaced on social media in earlier months.
What do you make of the assertions that mammograms can be harmful?
A major misrepresentation circulating on social media is the claim that the radiation involved in mammograms substantially raises the risk of cancer among women.
According to the experts EuroVerify consulted, this assertion does not hold true.
Dr. Evandro de Azambuja, who leads the Medical Support Team at the Jules Bordet Institute in Anderlecht, clarified that mammograms actually expose patients to very little radiation.
“If they adhere to the stringent guidelines suggested by [… ] agencies, the dosage will be minimal,” he stated. “Therefore, there’s no danger of developing cancer due to the radiation from the mammogram.”
Although certain research indicates that excessively frequent testing might marginally raise the risk of cancer, regular screenings typically do not present an issue.
To provide some context, Julia Schwarz, an expert in early detection at the Swiss Cancer League in Bern, pointed out that there are cases where “a flight attendant might be exposed to more radiation over the course of a single year than what you would receive from a mammogram.”
Are the screening tests known for producing a lot of false positive results?
A frequently shared assertion on the internet suggests that as much as 60% of mammography outcomes result in false alarms, prompting additional examinations and medical interventions unnecessarily. However, this figure is deceptive.
As stated by Dr. Partha Basu, who leads the Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, encountering false positives during screenings is common, but receiving one does not equate to a definitive diagnosis.
“He explained that we must recognize the distinction between a screening test and a diagnostic test. A diagnostic test, such as obtaining a biopsy, requires an extremely high degree of precision,” he stated.
“A screening test is merely intended to pinpoint individuals with a heightened likelihood of having a disease from those with a lower probability,” he explained. “This is precisely why it’s crucial for women who receive a positive result on their mammogram to undergo further investigation at the earliest opportunity.”
According to Schwarz, women should be informed about the possible risk of receiving a false positive result prior to having a mammogram.
She mentioned, ‘They should be aware that there’s a possibility.’ It may not be a high probability, but it could occur […]. One positive aspect of early detection is that the likelihood of recovery is quite significant.’
Why are mammograms important?
Certainly, it’s the early detection provided by mammograms that makes them so effective, as stated by the experts interviewed by EuroVerify.
Despite the incorrect assertions, mammograms remain among the most effective methods for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, as stated by Basu, who also pointed out that all medical procedures, though minor, come with a slight inherent risk.
Taking a paracetamol tablet still carries some risks,” he stated. “Thus, we always assess the risk against the benefits. The advantages of mammograms are significant: they decrease breast cancer deaths by 40%.
Azambuja reiterated this view, pointing out that mammography decreases the overall mortality rate since “early detection of cancer significantly improves the patient’s outlook.”
They similarly suggested performing self-examinations as an effective method for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, despite it being less dependable than a professional breast cancer screening.
“Combining mammography with breast self-examinations ensures that women receive an early diagnosis for breast cancer,” according to Basu.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, journalism, news, news media, politics
The dismantling of Voice of America signals a concerning trend regarding press freedom. However, pro-democracy media initiatives throughout Africa initially experienced these challenges when the White House reduced USAID financing, causing numerous media organizations to struggle.
When the White House enacted an executive order aimed at dismantling pro-democracy media organizations such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, it sent shockwaves through regions ranging from Prague to Addis Ababa instead of broadcasting radio signals.
“Over the last four decades, VOA has served as a primary source of information regarding Ethiopia’s critical political and societal matters. Should the radio station cease operations, significant backlash is inevitable,” remarks Endalekachew Haile Michael, a U.S.-based media analyst, further stating that
Trump administration’s
A stance against media institutions erodes the United States’ “exemplary standing in terms of press freedom globally.”
For audiences such as Alemayehu Geberheywet, VOA served not only as a source for daily news but also as a platform broadcasting numerous educational programs. Ever since the start of the socialist regime in Ethiopia, VOA has been considered the voice of the people.
The Voice of America started broadcasting in 1942 primarily to combat Nazi propaganda. Later, during the Cold War, it shifted focus to oppose communist ideologies. It extended its reach into Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the period following the Cold War, VOA gained recognition for providing credible information in nations where media freedoms were limited.
In reaction to the reductions implemented by the US,
Broadcasters such as LIFEHACK from Europe and France Médias Monde (FMM)
There have been calls for initiatives to address the gap created by the diminishing U.S.-funded global radio and television communications.
U.S. cuts have already jolted Africa’s media scene.
But for African media, the gutting of the VOA, which operated across 13 African nations, came as just the latest blow to pro-democracy media.
Earlier, reductions in funding to USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and other international aid initiatives—which operated across most African countries and extended their support beyond just humanitarian efforts—had indirect effects on various aspects of the media sector, including training programs, fact-checking units, and publishing activities. In total, in 2024, out of $41 billion allocated to Sub-Saharan Africa, the U.S. contributed $12.7 billion. Additionally, African countries received benefits from globally funded American programs aimed at combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Nancy Booker, a journalism and media communications professor at the Nairobi campus of Aga Khan University, shared with LIFEHACK: “For an extended period, numerous community-driven or emerging African media outlets have depended significantly on financial support from donors. Currently, we are witnessing considerable instability.”
Simon Allison, from the South African independent outlet The Continent—which wasn’t impacted by the reduction in U.S. assistance—characterized the scenario as an “extinction-level event for numerous media organizations.”
“Even those that do not depend on U.S. assistance are finding it tough, particularly in South Africa. In my view, no media outlet is flourishing or generating substantial profits,” he stated to LIFEHACK.
Several media sector insiders talked to LIFEHACK anonymously due to the ongoing evaluation of their program financing. Nancy Booker highlighted that the funding reductions have had repercussions extending to initiatives outside the purview of the US government.
“Not just the national agencies, but also our bilateral cooperation efforts face increasing pressure to cease their activities,” she stated to LIFEHACK.
Not long ago, The Namibian, a local newspaper, received communication from the U.S. Embassy located in Windhoek concerning their ongoing advertisements within the paper. According to reports, the embassy reportedly reached out to inquire whether The Namibian has ties with organizations such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, and Reuters—publications that were once frequently condemned by former President Donald Trump.
The leader of a Tanzanian media outlet, requesting confidentiality, mentioned that financial support for media operations is merely part of a broader system supported by donors that has suddenly collapsed.
As it turns out, this isn’t an isolated incident,” they shared with LIFEHACK.
When the largest global financier announces that they are no longer concerned with issues related to climate or the environment, as well as topics like inclusivity, diversity, and equality, it establishes the priorities for other groups.
A significant concern has also been the loss of jobs for journalists, their families, and enterprises associated with NGOs funded by donors.
“Across many African nations, individuals who achieve prosperity within their communities often discover that they must support between 50 to 100 people. This can happen because organizations shut down and employees lose jobs thought to be stable,” they explained to LIFEHACK.
A strategic mistake?
The disbandment of the Voice of America along with reductions in funding for aid programs that backed independent media outlets has faced severe criticism both within the United States and across the continent. Regarding Ethiopian journalism, Endalekachew Haile Michael pointed out that the initial impact would be “the loss of fact-driven reporting.” He also highlighted another issue: the U.S. has willingly surrendered its soft power influence. As a result, nations like China, Russia, and those from the Middle East are now advancing their own media platforms.
Although the White House defended the action by stating that taxpayers were no longer footing the bill for extreme ideologies, internal opponents criticized the reductions as being perilous.
press freedom
, and a tactical error.
Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi stated, “The only individuals celebrating this are opponents and autocrats globally, particularly those with non-existent press freedoms.”
The state-owned newspaper Global Times published in an opinion piece, “the exclusive control over information by certain conventional Western media outlets is crumbling.”
Trump frequently criticizes media reports about himself and has expressed doubt over financing the Voice of America due to its “firewall,” which guarantees its editorial autonomy. Nancy Booker from Nairobi warns that dismissing critical press outlets within the U.S. could set an example for authorities elsewhere who might disregard unfavorable news coverage in their own countries.
She stated to LIFEHACK, ‘The United States has served as an example for numerous aspects, including governance.’
A few of our leaders might believe that this is how we address the media and journalism.
The way forward
For many years, the availability of funds from donors contributed significantly to enhancing journalism capabilities in areas such as training, verification, and human rights coverage.
Allison from South Africa stated to LIFEHACK: “While it’s generally a positive notion for everyone to reduce dependency on donor funding, the abrupt nature of the U.S. decision surprised numerous media outlets.”
There isn’t much room for alternative solutions due to the urgent requirement for rapid adaptations, compounded by local and national governments lacking sufficient funds.
Allison stated that they are focusing on expanding local philanthropy efforts, putting more effort into persuading advertisers of the importance of maintaining their business relationships with independent media outlets and presenting them with ethical reasons for doing so.
Certain observers like Allison and Nancy Booker think that even though there might be present shocks, these reductions have the potential to ignite an initiative for African media financing that doesn’t depend on external donations.
“Allison suggests that if we can convince viewers we deserve financial support, we might achieve a far more stable future,” he states.
Author: Cai Nebe
