Monkeypox Declared Global Health Emergency By WHO

Aug 16 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) spread to neighbouring countries.

This marks the second time in two years that mpox has been classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO’s highest alert level. The status aims to enhance global cooperation, research, and funding to contain the disease.

The current outbreak in the DRC began with an endemic strain known as clade I, but a new variant, clade Ib, which spreads more easily through close contact, including sexual contact, has led to rapid transmission.

The virus has now spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, raising concerns of further spread across Africa and beyond.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to prevent further infections and fatalities.

The WHO has released $1.5 million in contingency funds, with plans to raise $15 million more.

With more than 17,000 suspected cases and over 500 deaths this year, primarily in children, Africa’s top public health body also declared an mpox emergency. Vaccines are not yet available, but efforts are underway to address this.

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5 Persons Charged In Connection With Matthew Perry’s Death

Aug 16 2024

U.S. prosecutors announced Thursday that five individuals, including two doctors, have been charged in connection with the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023 at his Los Angeles home after a long battle with addiction.

Among the accused are Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who could face up to 120 years in federal prison, and Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who has already pleaded guilty to charges related to Perry’s death.

Other defendants include Dr. Mark Chavez, who has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry.

Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom “Friends,” was found unresponsive in his swimming pool at the age of 54. His death was attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” a controlled substance he had been using as part of his therapy.

Prosecutors allege that Plasencia sold ketamine to Perry’s assistant, who administered the drug to Perry despite the risks. In the days leading up to Perry’s death, the assistant reportedly gave Perry multiple ketamine injections, ultimately leading to his death on October 28, 2023.

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Rockfall at Fomm ir-Riħ Beach Prompts Immediate Closure for Public Safety

Aug 15 2024

In recent hours, a significant rockfall occurred at Fomm ir-Riħ beach, situated within the limits of Imġarr. This incident has raised immediate concerns about the safety of the area, prompting swift action from the relevant authorities.

The Public Works Department was quickly alerted and has been tasked with addressing the situation to ensure that public health and safety are not compromised.

Following the rockfall, a thorough inspection was conducted at the site to assess the extent of the damage and the potential risks moving forward.

This potential for further collapse has led officials to classify the beach as a hazardous area, posing a serious danger to anyone attempting to access it.

Given the gravity of the situation, the decision has been made to close off Fomm ir-Riħ beach entirely.

The area will remain sealed off and inaccessible to the public until further notice, ensuring that no one is put at risk by the unstable conditions.

Authorities are urging the public to respect the closure and avoid the area entirely, as any unauthorized access could result in serious harm. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as soon as it is safe for the public to return to the beach.

In the meantime, the Public Works Department will continue to work on securing the site and mitigating any further risks posed by the unstable cliffs.

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New €3 Million Investment In New Arterial Road Equipment

Aug 15 2024

Labour Member of Parliament Glenn Bedingfield has announced a substantial €3 million investment aimed at enhancing public infrastructure across Malta, specifically targeting the maintenance and cleanliness of the country’s arterial roads.

This significant investment will be directed towards acquiring new state-of-the-art equipment designed to improve the upkeep of Malta’s key roadways, ensuring they are well-maintained and safe for all users.

Bedingfield emphasized that this initiative is not just about upgrading machinery but also about bolstering the workforce responsible for public cleanliness and road maintenance. T

he new equipment will empower these workers to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.

Bedingfield also highlighted that this investment reflects the government’s renewed commitment to addressing the growing needs of Malta’s diverse communities.

As the country continues to develop, the demand for well-maintained public spaces increases, and this investment is a proactive step in ensuring that Malta’s infrastructure keeps pace with these evolving requirements.

By strengthening both the tools and the human resources involved, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors, demonstrating its dedication to the long-term sustainability and cleanliness of the nation’s public spaces.

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