80 cases of monkeypox in 12 countries as WHO warns potential rise

May 21 2022

Around 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in at least 12 countries, with the World Health Organisation saying that another 50 possible cases are being investigated.

The WHO did not name any specific countries but warned that more outbreaks could be reported. Some of the cases are in nine European countries, with some in the US, Canada and Australia.

Despite the infection being most common in remote parts of Central and West Africa, it seems as though it is being spread in other non-endemic countries as well.

It is a rare viral infection which is usually mild, with people recovering from it within a few weeks. It is deadly in very rare cases, and it is not easily spread between people. As of yet, there is no specific monkeypox vaccine, but smallpox jabs are 85% effective against the disease.

The outbreaks are being described as atypical as they re occurring in non-endemic countries. Hans Kluge, the WHO’s Europe health official, also warned that mass gatherings could increase the spread.

Some of the symptoms include swollen lymph nodes and chicken-pox like rash on the hands and face. Fever, muscle aches and exhaustion are also some of the side effects.

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70% of elderly abuse cases happened at home in 2021 reveals Minister

70% of elderly abuse cases happened at home in 2021 says new study

May 21 2022

New figures have indicated that more than a third of elderly abuse cases in 2021 occurred at home. The data on criminal cases of abuse which involve elderly people indicate that 225 cases of 321 incidents were domestic abuse.

This is 70% of all such cases, with Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri tabling the figures in parliament this week in response to a question by PN MP Paula Mifsud Bonnici.

The MP had originally asked for the number of investigations into abuse of the elderly carried out in 2021. However, the Minister said that such information is not kept by police.

He instead provided a breakdown of cases of an abusive nature which were investigated, with the victims in question being older than 60. The data showed that there were 75 cases of elderly people being assaulted outside the home.

Five elderly people were in fact robbed at knife or gun point last year, while six were experienced mugging. Eight cases of snatch and grab thefts targeting the elderly were also investigated.

There were also 2 cases of rape being investigated last year in which the victims were also elderly. An overall increase in the number of such cases has been noted, rising from 315 cases in 2014 to 452 in 2018.

The latest data does not include financial crimes but these have also been known to impact the elderly. Around 100 cases of elderly people being defrauded are investigated every year in Malta.

Addressing a press conference, Minister Byron Camilleri, along with Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela announced a new agreement wherein the ‘Victim Support Agency’ will be giving more specified attention towards such abuse cases.

Camilleri said that through an agreement with the Active Ageing Agency, one of the most vulnerable groups in our society is given the protection it needs.

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Ukrainian orphans draw pictures of gratitude for Malta’s humanitarian aid

May 21 2022

Private fundraiser ‘Malta for Ukraine’ posted on their Facebook page the touching images of young Ukrainian refugees who drew pictures in thanks to Maltese hospitality.

The local organisation was set up by Anthony Caruana in collaboration with NGO Step-In, and are currently in the war torn country helping transport much needed supplies.

‘Seeing these photos of such young migrants who have experienced and faced the on- going war inside their country, happy with the little we did provide to them from local donations entrusted to us from the Citizens of Malta & Gozo.’

The 79 young migrants are currently seeking refuge at a hostel within Ukraine. After the Maltese handed them aid, the orphans came out with the wonderful gesture as a heartwarming thank you.

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‘Festa Hut’ returns to Zurrieq for 7th edition with new town motto

May 21 2022

‘Mil-Baħar Iżraq Ħadt Ismi’ (From the azure sea I received my name) is the new motto for Żurrieq as it welcomes the seventh edition of Festa Ħut on Sunday 29th of May.

The village of Żurrieq will be once again celebrating the feast centred around fish and marine food products after its massive success throughout the years. Fresh fish will be sold to those who attend in an atmosphere of traditional Maltese culture.

The feast will commemorate and celebrate the trade of fishing, given that it contributed to most of Żurrieq’s cultural, as well as economic, flourishing.

Those who attend will also be given the chance to dine on the freshly sourced fish at noon as various activities fill up the feast. Apart from fun projects for kids and an exhibition by Żurrieq Scout Group, attendees will also be given free entrance into the picturesque ‘Mitħna tax-Xarolla’ (Xarolla Windmill).

The festivities will mainly take place throughout Triq il-Kbira, Misraħ Repubblika and Triq Pietru Pawl Saydon on Sunday 29th May 2022. It will span from 8:00 am to 2:00pm.

Taking to Facebook, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici thanked Żurrieq mayor Rita Grima and all those involved in setting up this feast.

‘Thanks to the dedication of such people, we can keep Maltese culture alive’ said the Minister.

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