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Cholera Vaccines to Bolster Nigeria’s Fight Against Outbreak – Gavi

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Cholera Vaccines to Bolster Nigeria's Fight Against Outbreak – Gavi

The Chief Executive Officer of Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, Dr. Sania Nishtar, has announced that cholera vaccines will soon arrive in Nigeria to help combat the ongoing outbreak. This positive development aims to curb the spread of the deadly disease.

Dr. Nishtar shared the news on her X handle on Thursday, emphasizing Gavi’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s response to the cholera outbreak. She highlighted that Gavi is ready to provide emergency vaccine doses as needed to help contain the situation.

Cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by the ingestion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium through contaminated water and food, has seen a rise in cases due to the rainy season, which often leads to flooding and compromised water sources. The need for vaccines has become critical as the outbreak continues to affect numerous regions.

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As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The outbreak has spread to 187 Local Government Areas, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8% since the beginning of the year.

Dr. Nishtar’s post on Thursday read, “Encouraged to learn that #Cholera vaccines from the #Gavi-funded global vaccine stockpile will soon arrive in Nigeria to help curb the country’s deadly and ongoing outbreak. We stand ready to work with our partners #UNICEF and #WHO to support Minister #muhammadpate, #Fmohnigeria, and #NCDCgov’s timely efforts to contain this outbreak and protect those at the highest risk.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, expressed gratitude towards Gavi’s CEO for facilitating the arrival of the vaccines. He also thanked President Tinubu for his leadership in establishing a multi-sector cabinet committee to support the Emergency Operations Centre led by the NCDC. Prof Pate mentioned, “We are seeing early signs of slowing down but we’ll not relent as the situation can reverse. So, the cholera vaccines strengthen our hands.”

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This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards controlling the cholera outbreak and protecting the health and well-being of those most at risk in Nigeria.

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Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome

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Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome

Google has reacted strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may propose forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser as part of antitrust remedies. The DOJ is expected to present its final recommendations to a judge this week in response to an August ruling that deemed Google a monopoly in online search.

Bloomberg reported the DOJ might also push for new restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), Android operating system, and data usage practices. In a statement, Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland criticized the proposal, saying, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”

Mulholland warned that such measures would harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership at a critical time for innovation.

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Chrome is the dominant web browser worldwide, commanding 64.61% of the global market as of October, according to Similarweb. Google’s search engine, with an estimated 90% global market share, benefits significantly from being the default search option in Chrome and other browsers, such as Safari on iPhones.

Judge Amit Mehta previously described default search engine agreements as “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, noting that competitors would need to spend billions to secure similar deals.

The DOJ has hinted at potentially breaking up Google to address concerns over its ability to leverage products like Chrome, the Play Store, and Android to maintain its search monopoly. Final proposals are expected to include remedies aimed at limiting Google’s dominance across multiple platforms.

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Google remains firm in its opposition, maintaining that the proposed measures would negatively impact users and innovation. The outcome of the DOJ’s recommendations will shape the future of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.

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Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries

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Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries

Switzerland and Italy have been compelled to redraw sections of their shared border in the Alps due to the ongoing effects of melting glaciers, driven by climate change. The revised boundary will affect areas near the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks, and regions close to well-known ski resorts such as Zermatt.

The Swiss-Italian border is traditionally defined by glacier ridgelines or perpetual snow areas. However, as glaciers shrink, these natural demarcations have shifted, prompting both nations to adjust the border accordingly. A draft agreement was reached in May 2023 by a joint commission, and Switzerland officially approved the changes last Friday, with Italy’s final approval still pending.

The new borders, which will impact locations like Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge, and Gobba di Rollin, aim to address the practical needs of both countries, particularly in terms of maintaining natural areas. The clarified boundaries will also help resolve responsibility for managing these regions as the landscape continues to evolve.

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Melting glaciers have revealed a number of surprising discoveries in recent years, including the remains of a German climber missing since 1986, found last July near the Matterhorn. Such discoveries highlight the rapid rate at which the glaciers are retreating and the broader impacts of climate change on the region.

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Martinez Banned for ‘Offensive Behaviour’ by FIFA

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Martinez Banned for 'Offensive Behaviour' by FIFA

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during recent World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

The suspension stems from two separate incidents. In the 3-0 win over Chile on September 6, Martinez controversially repeated his provocative celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch. This was Argentina’s first match since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.

Four days later, after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch.

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The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the suspension but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. The ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.

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