Ditch Disposables - Avoiding single-use items. Sustainable lifestyle challenge by Sofonie Dala - Angola. Day 6

 Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sixth day of our environmental challenge!

It’s time to #DitchDisposables and refuse everyday products which cannot be reused! 

Swap single use items for reusable alternatives. If the current trend continues there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050!

Shifting consumer behavior away from disposable products to reusable ones

We mean, instead of using disposable pads and tampons that are discarded after just one use, consider using reusable products instead.

Femenine pads and tampons can harm the environment. What’s the alternative?

Over 50% of the world’s population menstruates, and yet conversations about feminine hygiene and the ecological impact of product choices woman make in the space, wasn’t spoken about. Menstruation can be an unpleasant, emotional and painful experience. That time of the month can also be costly — and wasteful.

Menstrual pads are made up of up to 90 per cent plastic and nearly all tampons contain some plastic. “Single-use plastic has a big footprint, both when it’s made and when you throw it away”.

“There’s a huge carbon footprint that goes into making these products, and then they get thrown on the ground, washed into rivers, eaten by fish.” Furthermore, when they become litter, they do immense harm. They take a long time to break down and in the meantime, they’re ugly, they choke fish, they block waterways.

Over 100 billion sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators are dumped into landfills every year. When wrapped in plastic bags, feminine hygiene waste can take centuries to biodegrade. The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons over her lifetime, leaving behind residue far beyond her lifespan. 

What are the Alternative Options for everybody?

Not flushing tampons and pads down the toilet is one thing that everyone can do immediately to help enact change. Educating parents about more sustainable period products is important, as it encourages both parent and child to seek reusable options.

Here are some other steps you could take to make your period more sustainable (and potentially healthier):

1) Choose reusable menstrual hygiene products like menstrual cups, period underwear and reusable sanitary napkins.

2) choose organic cotton if you can ― and support transparent brands.

3) Demand that corporations make plastic-free sanitary products.

4) Help make menstruation a bigger public policy priority.

The menstrual cup is one product that’s been gaining in popularity. Usually made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina, where they collect blood during menstruation.

Interesting that menstrual cups, reusable pads and sponges are readily available but haven’t gained much traction so far.

“The reality is the products that are more environmentally friendly … are going to be more expensive.” It’s also possible that some people with physical disability are unable to “reach their cervix to insert a menstrual cup.”

There is an urgent need to innovate and find sustainable and yet practical solutions to feminine hygiene challenges. 

The problem with stigma is that it often denies women a vocabulary to deal with the issues around menstrual health and hygiene. Open dialogue is the first step in changing the way women deal with menstruation and can create awareness around the need make a switch.

Moreover, the manufacturing of disposable menstrual hygiene products (an almost $6 billion industry) generates a total carbon footprint of about 15 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. That’s the equivalent of burning about 35 million barrels of oil.

#AnatomyOfAction

#ActNow

#GlobalGoals

#ProteinSwaps

By reshaping our needs and wants, we can collectively make the difference in reaching Sustainable Development Goal 12, to ensure responsible consumption and production. 

Libya detains 4,000 people in major anti-migrant crackdown

 Hundreds of women and children among those detained during raids in Gargaresh town.

A major crackdown in western Libya has resulted in the detention of 4,000 migrants, including hundreds of women and children, according to officials.

The raids took place on Friday in the western town of Gargaresh as part of what authorities described as a security campaign against undocumented migration and drug trafficking. The interior ministry, which led the crackdown, made no mention of any traffickers or smugglers being arrested.

Officials said on Friday that 500 undocumented migrants had been detained but on Saturday reported that number had reached 4,000.

Gargaresh, a known hub for migrants and refugees, is about 12km (7.5 miles) west of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The town has seen several waves of raids on migrants over the years, but the latest one was described by activists as the fiercest so far.

“We are hearing that more than 500 migrants including women and children have been rounded up, arbitrarily detained and are at risk of abuse and ill-treatment,” said Dax Roque, Libya’s director of the Norwegian Refugee Council, in a statement on Friday.

“Migrants and refugees in Libya, particularly those without legal residency in the country, are often at risk of arbitrary detention. Torture, sexual violence, and extortion [are] rampant in Libyan detention centres,” the statement added.

Pictures posted by the interior ministry showed dozens of migrants sitting with hands cuffed behind them or being taken away in vehicles.

The prisoners were gathered in a facility in Tripoli called the Collection and Return Center, said police Colonel Nouri al-Grettli, head of the facility. He said the migrants have been distributed to detention centres in Tripoli and surrounding towns.

A government official said authorities would “deport as many as possible” of the migrants to their home countries. He said many of those detained had lived without documents in Libya for years. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media.

Chaos in the oil-rich nation

Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that removed and killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has emerged as the dominant transit point for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, hoping for a better life in Europe.

Human traffickers have benefitted from the chaos in the oil-rich nation and smuggled people through the country’s lengthy border with six nations, before packing them into ill-equipped rubber boats in risky voyages through the perilous Central Mediterranean Sea route.

Tarik Lamloum,  a Libyan activist working with the Belaady Organization for Human Rights, said the raids involved human rights violations against the migrants, especially in the way some women and children were detained. He did not elaborate.

He said many of those detained have been registered with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) as refugees or asylum seekers. There was no immediate comment by UNHCR.

Some thousands of refugees and migrants are held in official detention facilities, some controlled by armed groups, as well as an unknown number in squalid centres run by traffickers.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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Russians flock to antibody tests; West notes tool’s limit

 MOSCOW (AP) — When Russians talk about the coronavirus over dinner or in hair salons, the conversation often turns to “antitela,” the Russian word for antibodies — the proteins produced by the body to fight infection.

Even President Vladimir Putin referred to them this week in a conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, bragging about why he avoided infection even though dozens of people around him caught the coronavirus, including someone who spent a whole day with the Kremlin leader.

“I have high titers,” Putin said, referring to the measurement used to describe the concentration of antibodies in the blood. When Erdogan challenged him that the number Putin gave was low, the Russian insisted, “No, it’s a high level. There are different counting methods.”

But Western health experts say the antibody tests so popular in Russia are unreliable either for diagnosing COVID-19 or assessing immunity to it. The antibodies that these tests look for can only serve as evidence of a past infection, and scientists say it’s still unclear what level of antibodies indicates protection from the virus and for how long.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention says such tests should not be used to establish an active COVID-19 infection because it can take one to three weeks for the body to make antibodies. Health experts say tests that look for the virus’s genetic material, called PCR tests, or ones that look for virus proteins, called antigen tests, should be used to determine if someone is infected.

In Russia, it’s common to get an antibody test and share the results. The tests are cheap, widely available and actively marketed by private clinics nationwide, and their use appears to be a factor in the country’s low vaccination rate even as daily deaths and infections are rising again.

In Moscow and the surrounding region, millions of antibody tests have been done at state-run clinics that offered them for free. Across the country, dozens of chains of private labs and clinics also offer a wide variety of antibody tests for COVID-19, as well as tests for other medical conditions.

“In some cities I went to, I needed to take a PCR test and it wasn’t possible, but I could take an antibody test — it was much easier,” said Dr. Anton Barchuk, head of the epidemiology group at the European University in St. Petersburg and an associate professor at the Petrov National Cancer Center there.

Antibody tests for COVID-19 were first widely publicized in Moscow in May 2020, shortly after Russia lifted its only nationwide lockdown, although many restrictions remained in place. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced an ambitious program to test tens of thousands of residents for antibodies.

Many Muscovites greeted this enthusiastically. Contrary to Western experts, some believed antibodies represented immunity from the virus and saw a positive test as a way out of restrictions.

The test looked at two different types of antibodies: ones that appear in one’s system soon after infection, and ones that take weeks to develop. To their surprise, some of those who tested positive for the former were handed a COVID-19 diagnosis and ordered to quarantine.

Irina Umarova, 56, spent 22 days confined to her studio apartment, without experiencing any symptoms. Visiting doctors took six PCR tests that came back negative. But they also took more antibody tests, which continued to show a certain level of antibodies.

“They kept telling me I was infected and needed to stay home,” she said.

More interest in antibody testing came this summer when Russia had a surge of infections. The demand for tests spiked so sharply that labs were overwhelmed and some ran out of supplies.

That’s when dozens of regions made vaccinations mandatory for certain groups of people and restricted access to various public spaces, allowing in only those who were vaccinated, had had the virus, or had tested negative for it recently.

Daria Goryakina, deputy director at the Helix Laboratory Service, a large chain of testing facilities, said she believed the increased interest in antibody testing was connected to the vaccination mandates.

In the second half of June, Helix performed 230% more antibody tests than in the first half, and the high demand continued into the first week of July. “People want to check their antibody levels and whether they need to get vaccinated,” Goryakina told The Associated Press.

Both the World Health Organization and the CDC recommend vaccination regardless of previous infection.

Guidance in Russia has varied, with authorities initially saying that those testing positive for the antibodies weren’t eligible for the shot, but then urging everyone to get vaccinated regardless of their antibody levels. Still, some Russians believed a positive antibody test was a reason to put off vaccination.

Maria Bloquert recovered from the coronavirus in May, and a test she took shortly after revealed a high antibody count. She has put off her vaccination but wants to get it eventually, once her antibody levels start to wane. “As long as my antibody titers are high, I have protection from the virus, and there is no point in getting injected with more protection on top of it,” the 37-year-old Muscovite told AP.

High-profile officials, like Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the upper house of parliament, both have been quoted as saying they didn’t need to get vaccinated due to having high levels of antibodies, but they eventually decided to get their shots.

Contradicting guidelines may have contributed to Russia’s low vaccination rate, said Dr. Anastasia Vasilyeva, leader of the Alliance of Doctors union.

“People don’t understand (what to do), because they’re constantly given different versions” of recommendations, she said.

Even though Russia boasted of creating the world’s first vaccine, Sputnik V, only 32.5% of its 146 million people have gotten at least one shot, and only 28% are fully vaccinated. Critics have principally blamed a botched vaccine rollout and mixed messages the authorities have been sending about the outbreak.

Dr. Simon Clarke, an associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading in England, said antibody tests shouldn’t influence any health-related decisions.

Getting an antibody test “is for your own personal satisfaction and curiosity,” he added.

Barchuk, the St. Petersburg epidemiologist, echoed his sentiment, saying there are too many gaps in understanding how antibodies work, and the tests offer little information beyond past infection.

But some Russian regions disregarded that advice, using positive antibody tests to allow people access to restaurants, bars and other public places on par with a vaccination certificate or a negative coronavirus test. Some people get an antibody test before or after vaccination to make sure the shot worked or see if they need a booster.

Dr. Vasily Vlassov, an epidemiologist and a public health expert with the Higher School of Economics, says this attitude reflects Russians’ distrust of the state-run health care system and their struggle to navigate the confusion amid the pandemic.

“People’s attempt to find a rational way of acting, to base their decision on something, for example the antibodies, is understandable — the situation is difficult and bewildering,” Vlassov said. “And they opt for a method that’s available for them rather than for a good one. Because there is no good method to make sure that you have immunity.”

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Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage:

https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

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Top U.S. official apologizes in Haiti for migrant treatment: ‘It was wrong’

 A Biden administration national security advisor made the remarks during a two-day trip after images of Haitian migrants went viral.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A top U.S. official on Friday apologized for how Haitian migrants were treated along the U.S.-Mexico border, saying it’s not how border officials or the Department of Homeland Security behave.

The comments from Juan Gonzalez, the U.S. National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere, came during a two-day official visit to Haiti to talk with local leaders about migration and other issues.

“I want to say that it was an injustice, that it was wrong,” he said. “The proud people of Haiti and any migrant deserve to be treated with dignity.”

The U.S. government recently came under fire for its treatment of Haitian migrants, with images showing men on horseback, corralling Haitian asylum seekers.

Gonzalez was visiting with Brian Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs, amid ongoing expulsions of Haitians from the U.S. to their homeland. Since Sept. 19, the U.S. has expelled some 4,600 Haitian migrants from Del Rio, Texas on 43 flights, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Gonzalez said the gathering of migrants along the border is a public health emergency and warned those who are thinking of leaving not to risk their lives.

“The danger is too great,” he said.

Gonzalez and Nichols previously met with Haitian Americans and Cuban Americans in Miami on Wednesday and with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, members of the civil society and political leaders in Haiti on Thursday to talk about migration, public safety, the pandemic and efforts to help those affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s southern region in mid-August.

Nichols said that during their visit, they heard many people talk about the challenges that Haiti faces, noting that there’s a “surprising” amount of agreement on potential solutions.

“There is no solution that will work for Haiti and its people that will be imposed from the outside,” he said, referring to recent criticism about the involvement of the U.S. and other countries in Haitian affairs as it tries to recover from the earthquake and from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse at his private home. “However, we in the United States are committed to providing the Haitian people the support they need to succeed and implement their own vision.”

VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection mounted officers attempt to contain migrants as they cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, into Del Rio, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. Thousands of Haitian migrants have been arriving to Del Rio, Texas, as authorities attempt to close the border to stop the flow of migrants. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Nichols said the conversation with the prime minister was constructive, adding that the U.S. is encouraging consensus and a holistic vision.

“The future of Haiti depends on its own people,” he said. “The United States is committed to working with the people of Haiti to support as they work to bring prosperity and security back to their country.”

Nichols said a technical team from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement will visit next week as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence, with the bureau’s assistant secretary visiting in upcoming weeks. He said later this month, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights will visit with other senior officials to talk about police and security issues.

Associated Press writer Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed to this report.

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COVID-19: ANGOLA REPORTS 829 NEW INFECTIONS AND 19 DEATHS

 Luanda – Angolan health authorities announced, in the last 24 hours, 829 new cases, 19 deaths and the recoveries of 129 patients.

According to the daily bulletin, 648 new cases were diagnosed in Luanda, 59 in Cuanza Sul, 29 in Cabinda, 24 in Benguela, 24 in Huambo, 11 in Uíge, 9 in Cuanza Norte, 6 in Malanje, 6 in Namibe, 5 in Huíla, 4 in Zaire, 4 in Cuando Cubango and 1 in Bié.

Among the new cases, whose ages range from 3 months to 90 years, are 447 males and 382 females. 

According to the report, 12 deaths were registered in Luanda, 2 in Benguela, 2 in Malanje, 1 in Bengo, 1 in Huambo and 1 in Namibe. 

Among those recovered, 57 reside in Luanda, 27 in Benguela, 15 in Huila, 14 in Cabinda, 10 in Namibe, 7 in Cuando Cubango, 2 in Cuanza Norte and 2 in Huambo. 

In the last 24 hours, the laboratories processed 5,219 blood samples, with a daily positivity rate of 15.9 percent.

In the treatment centres there are 314 patients hospitalized, in institutional quarantine there are 118 citizens and 4,167 contacts of positive cases are under epidemiological surveillance.

Angola has now a total of 58,076 cases recorded, of which 1,567 deaths, 48,079 have recovered and 8,430 active. Of the active cases, 28 are critical, 41 serious, 190 moderate, 55 mild and 8116 asymptomatic. 

VICE PRESIDENT ATTENDS INAUGURATION OF SÃO TOME’S PRESIDENT-ELECT

 Luanda - Angola’s Vice President Bornito de Sousa witnessed Saturday, on behalf of the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, the inauguration of the President-elect of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, whose event took place at the Parliament.

 

"I must say that we have just attended the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of São Tomé and Principe", Bornito de Sousa told the press at the end of the ceremony.

 

Bornito de Sousa also delivered a message from President João Lourenço to his São Tomé and Principe counterpart.

 

Inauguration of Carlos Vila Nova

The new President of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, started Saturday a five-year term with pledge of "fulfilling and enforcing the Constitution and laws, defend national independence, promote economic, social and cultural progress of his people".

 

.Held at the headquarters of the National Assembly, the inauguration ceremony gathered, among other figures, Heads of State of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Nigeria was represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while the Equatorial Guinea by the President of the Chamber of MPs, Gaudêncio Mesu, with Gabon having been represented by National Assembly Speaker Faustin Boukoubi, and Cabo Verde by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Integration Regional, Rui Figueiredo Soares.

 

Delivering his first speech as President of all São Toméans, Carlos Vila Nova asked for unity to avoid "the waste of division".

The 65-year-old successor to Evaristo Carvalho wants the archipelago to "open up to the world", with drastic changes in international cooperation.

 

In his speech, the Statesman stated that the "people made their choice", and highlighted the "peaceful" democratic alternation in the country.

 

"Never has a presidential election been so disputed in our country and with such an uncertain outcome. The world looked at our country with apprehension. Nobody doubts in these circumstances that all the credit belongs to the people," he stressed.