International
650,000 African children given malaria jab: WHO
AFP/Editor
wo years into a malaria vaccine pilot scheme, more than 650,000 children have been immunised across Kenya, Ghana and Malawi, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.
Global advisory bodies for immunisation and malaria are expected to convene in October to review data on the vaccine and consider whether to recommend using it more widely.
The RTS,S vaccine is the only existing jab shown to reduce malaria in children. It acts against plasmodium falciparum — the most deadly malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa.
Progress against malaria has been stalling for a number of years.
The WHO’s World Malaria Report 2020 said progress against the mosquito-borne disease was plateauing, particularly in African countries bearing the brunt of cases and deaths.
The annual report, published in November, said that after steadily tumbling from 736,000 in 2000, the disease claimed an estimated 411,000 lives in 2018 and 409,000 in 2019.
Meanwhile in 2019 the global tally of malaria cases was estimated at 229 million — a figure that has been at the same level for the past four years.
Over 90 percent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, the majority — more than 265,000 — in young children.
The WHO said clinical testing had demonstrated that the RTS,S vaccine, when given in four doses, prevented four in 10 cases of malaria, and three in 10 cases of life-threatening severe malaria, over a four-year period.
“Ghana, Kenya and Malawi show that existing childhood vaccination platforms can effectively deliver the malaria vaccine to children, some of whom have not been able to access an insecticide treated bed net or other malaria prevention measures,” said Kate O’Brien, the WHO’s immunisation chief.
“This vaccine may be key to making malaria prevention more equitable, and to saving more lives.”
International
Pope Francis celebrates mass in hospital amid ongoing treatment
The Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis on Sunday since his hospitalization 31 days ago due to respiratory issues. In the photo, the pontiff, who admitted he is going through “a moment of trial,” is seen partially from the side while participating in a Mass.
“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of the tenth floor apartment of the Gemelli Polyclinic,” where he has been hospitalized since February 14, the Holy See stated.
The image shows the Argentinian Jesuit seated, slightly bowed before the altar in his private chapel. Although the Vatican mentioned the presence of “other priests,” the 88-year-old pontiff appears alone and without the high-flow nasal cannula he uses during the day in the hospital to assist his breathing.
So far, Pope Francis has not made any public appearances, and his only direct message was a short audio recording released on March 6, in which he, with a tired voice and labored breathing, thanked the faithful for their prayers.
“I am going through a moment of trial,” the Pope acknowledged this Sunday in his traditional Angelus message, which, for the fifth consecutive week, was delivered in writing as he was unable to recite it publicly. “Our body is weak, but even so, nothing can stop us from loving and praying,” he added.
The latest medical update, released Saturday night by the Vatican, stated that his health remains stable, but he still requires ongoing treatment for bilateral pneumonia at the hospital despite his gradual improvement.
International
U.S. reinforces southern border with additional military personnel
The U.S. military has announced the deployment of more than 600 additional troops to the Mexico border, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s efforts against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
According to the U.S. Northern Command (Northcom), the new deployment includes 40 Air Force intelligence analysts and 590 Army engineers. This move will increase the total number of troops currently stationed or scheduled for deployment at the southern border to approximately 9,600.
The decision aligns with the administration’s broader border security strategy, emphasizing intelligence gathering, infrastructure development, and operational support for law enforcement agencies.
International
New ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ could save U.S. government $554 Billion, says investor Andrew Hohns
Andrew Hohns, renowned investor and founder of Newmarket Capital, recently introduced his ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ at the Bitcoin for America event. This innovative mechanism combines traditional U.S. Treasury bonds with investments in Bitcoin, aiming to lower federal debt costs while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the government.
Hohns’ plan proposes issuing $2 trillion in bonds, allocating 10% to Bitcoin purchases and 90% to other government expenditures. These bonds would offer a significantly lower interest rate of 1%, compared to the current 4.5% on 10-year bonds—potentially saving the federal government $554 billion over a decade.
A unique feature of these bonds is that investors would not only receive the standard 4.5% annual interest but also share profits from Bitcoin’s value appreciation with the government. Additionally, Hohns advocates for tax exemptions on capital gains and interest earnings from these bonds, making them an attractive option for American families looking to hedge against inflation.
“This plan doesn’t just cut debt costs—it provides American families with a new savings tool,” said Hohns.
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