Tuesday 6 January 2015
Thursday 16 October 2014
US dedicates $1.7 million to support Ghana with Ebola Preparedness & Response Planning
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The US Ambassador to Ghana Gene A. Cretz says United States has committed more than $350 million toward fighting the outbreak in West Africa, an effort according to him involves variety of agencies, including the Department of Defense, the CDC, and USAID.
He said President Obama has made it clear that fighting Ebola is a top national security concern and in Ghana, the United States has dedicated $1.7 million to support the Government of Ghana with its Ebola Preparedness and Response Planning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency continue to provide personnel and technical assistance here in Ghana and in support of ongoing efforts in the region.
Ambassador Gene A. Cretz made these remarks when he briefed the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham) in Accra.
A statement issued by the Press Attaché, of US Embassy Ghana and copied to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation,(GBC) said the meeting between the US Ambassador and the AmCham is to discuss ongoing efforts to prepare & plan for any possible outbreak of Ebola in Ghana.
Ambassador Cretz in the statement said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency continue to provide personnel and technical assistance in Ghana and in support of ongoing efforts in the region.
Adding that “members of our mission selflessly volunteering to rotate into affected areas in order to provide much needed to relief to those working day in and day out to find solutions to this unprecedented epidemic.”
“Many of you have undoubtedly heard that before. If ever there was a time to demonstrate the best that American companies can achieve, the challenge of Ebola is a clarion call. I’d like to thank the American Chamber of Commerce for convening this gathering. I know your companies are eager to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against Ebola. American companies have always been quick to respond in times of crisis, and I know this is no exception. Many of you are already involved in the response, in some remarkable and inspiring ways. I’m eager to hear more about your efforts, later in the program. While the Ebola outbreak represents a clear human tragedy, it also presents a new opportunity for the people of the world to work together, to form new partnerships, and to expand our ability to respond to crisis. I am optimistic that our cooperation in these efforts will make a substantial impact, reducing the spread of Ebola and saving countless lives.” He concluded
Full Statement Below:
Press Release
Press Attaché, US Embassy Ghana
Email: pressaccra@state.gov
Follow us on: @USEmbassyGhana
October 15, 2014
US Support to Ghana for Ebola Preparedness
As President Obama makes clear, Ebola is a top national security priority. “And so it is very important for us to make sure that we are treating this the same way that we would treat any other significant national security threat.
And that’s why we’ve got an all-hands-on-deck approach -- from DOD to public health to our development assistance, our science teams -- everybody is putting in time and effort to make sure that we are addressing this as aggressively as possible.”
In line with this directive, USAID is in the process of re-programming an estimated $1.7 million to support the Government of Ghana with Ebola Preparedness and Response Planning.
This funding will be provided in coordination with other Development Partners, but will largely focus on:
• Training of health personnel in Infection Prevention and Control at national and regional levels;
• Development of job aids for health staff;
• Revision and reproduction of standard operating procedures for various aspects of the Ebola response;
• Support to undertaking simulation exercises at health facilities in targeted regions to test skills and level of preparedness;
• Procurement of supplies for Infection Control and Prevention at health facility level including gloves, chlorine, soap, hand sanitizers, aquatabs, etc.
• Support for the development of Ebola Prevention materials in coordination with the Ministry of Health to be distributed through the Ghana Education Service's School Health and Education Program.
In addition USAID and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were pleased to facilitate a workshop "Strengthening Detection and Response Capacity to Significant Public Health Events, including Ebola,” from October 7 – 9.
National, regional, district and facility level representatives from all over Ghana, representatives from The Gambia, several USG specialists and a delegation from Nigeria participated in this workshop. The delegation of experts from Nigeria was specifically brought in to share their recent successful experience in containing Ebola.
The CDC and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency continue to provide additional personnel and technical assistance here in Ghana and in support of ongoing efforts in the region.
The US government remains committed to supporting Ghana's preparedness plan and commends Ghana for their proactive leadership and partnership in the fight against Ebola.
Ghana beat Guinea to extend lead
Substitute Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu scored the third goal to settle the tie and ease tension at the fully-packed Tamale Stadium and ensure the Black Stars move two points clear in group E.
Captain Asamoah Gyan opened the scoring for the Black Stars after he tip-toed the ball into the net from Jordan Ayew’s cross.
DR Congo-based speedster Solomon Asante should take the credit for bursting through the defense of the visitors after which he delivered a pin-point pass to Jordan who unselfishly laid the pass to Gyan to set the home venue agog.
The opener set the tone for a free attacking style from the Black Stars but they failed to double the lead.
Guinea came into the picture and created some decent chances of their own but it was the 34th minute strike from Mohammed Yattara which provided the magic to turn the scales in their favour.
Rabiu Mohammed’s clumsy challenge earned the visitors the free kick from 20- yards with Mohammed Yattara tapping home from Ibrahima Traore poor kick to tie the score in the first half.
Ghana began the second half in blistering fashion dominating possession with Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan coming close.
Gyan, who plays for Al Ain, found himself in a scoring position but his deflected shot was adjudged to have hit the hands of Abdoulaye Cisse and referee Bernard Camille pointed to the penalty spot.
Andre Ayew stepped up and put the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore their lead.
Guinea pressed for the equalizer with Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams expected to dominate the headlines with his delayed-tactics antics.
The visitors were caught on the break in the closing stages of the match to allow the home side to steal the show.
German-based Abdul Baba Rahman sped up and after losing clumsy on the ball, he set up substitute Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu who scored by placing the ball into the net. .
Ghana will face Uganda next away before hosting Togo at home to confirm their qualification to Morocco 2015.
Friday 10 October 2014
8 celebrities who have played the fame card - after Jay Z's stunned reaction to not being recognised
The rapper was left stunned when a tourist asked who he was and he's not the only star to hit back when they're not recognised
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Thursday 9 October 2014
US Warns Ebola Could Become Next AIDS Amid Fears for Infected Spanish Nurse
Teresa Romero, 44, is "very ill and her life is at serious risk as a consequence of the virus," Madrid's regional president Ignacio Gonzalez told parliament.
She is the first person known to have been infected with Ebola outside Africa.
The United Nations chief meanwhile called for a 20-fold increase in the world's response to the spread of Ebola, which has killed nearly 3,900 people in West Africa since the beginning of the year.
Ebola's spillover into the United States and Europe has raised fears of a wider outbreak, and led the United States, Canada and Britain to start tougher airport screening of passengers arriving from West Africa.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the number of cases could mount to 1.4 million by January unless strong measures are taken to contain the disease, which is spread though close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
"We have to work now so that it is not the world's next AIDS," CDC Director Tom Frieden told the heads of the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund gathered in Washington.
"I would say that in the 30 years I've been working in public health, the only thing like this has been AIDS," he added, warning of a "long fight" ahead.
Fate of Spanish nurse
Nurse Romero had treated two elderly missionaries with Ebola.
Health officials said they would monitor about 50 other people -- mostly health staff -- who had been in contact with her for the duration of the 21-day Ebola incubation period.
Thirteen other people are in quarantine at the hospital as a precaution, including Romero's husband and several health workers, according to the latest tally from the hospital.
Among those admitted on Thursday were two hairdressers who had contact with Romero.
One of Ebola's latest victims is Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient cared for in the United States to die of the disease.
Mr Duncan was the first person diagnosed of Ebola in the United States and the first to die in a US hospital of the hemorrhagic fever that has killed 3,900 in West Africa this year.
Just after his death was announced Wednesday, US officials ordered increased screening at five major airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Washington.
French Health Minister Marisol Touraine said she was working with the authorities in countries badly affected by Ebola "to see in which conditions we can reinforce departure controls".
Britain said it would start "enhanced screening" of people coming from Ebola-hit parts of West Africa at Heathrow and Gatwick airports and on Eurostar trains from Belgium and France.
The European Commission was expected to meet on October 17 to discuss possible new ways to monitor passengers arriving from affected countries.
'Just take action'
Doses of a prototype Ebola vaccine developed by Canada remain in the country even though they were offered to the World Health Organization nearly two months ago, the health minister said Thursday.
"The WHO has not decided when and if it will distribute it," Health Minister Rona Ambrose said. "We hope they are able to use it."
The vaccine has not been tested on humans but has shown promise in animal research, Ambrose said in August.
It is one of two vaccines considered promising by the WHO for clinical trials ahead of commercialization.
The continuing outbreak in West Africa forced officials in Liberia -- the nation worst hit by the Ebola outbreak -- to postpone nationwide elections.
Almost three million voters had been due to go to polling stations on Tuesday, but organisers said there was no way a "mass movement, deployment and gathering of people" could go ahead without endangering lives.
In Guinea, global aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres said a surge of Ebola cases had pushed its treatment unit in the capital Conakry to its "physical limits".
Speaking to the UN, World Bank and IMF chiefs in Washington, Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma assailed the global response to the epidemic thus far, saying it was moving more slowly than the spread of the disease.
"This slower-than-the-virus response needs to change," he said.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said resources to support the fight must be increased 20-fold, and urged nations to act without delay.
"Cases are growing exponentially," Mr Ban said. "Do not wait for consultation. Just take action."
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim admitted that the world was "behind the curve" in the fight against Ebola.
Eleven people in Australia have been tested for Ebola in recent weeks, but so far no cases have been detected, officials there said on Friday.
Tuesday 7 October 2014
Vodafone to release iPhone 6 in Ghana
Tweet
Vodafone Ghana has revealed its plans to launch the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in Ghana. The move comes two weeks after the devices global launch, which saw the masses line up in order to pick up the devices.According to Vodafone Ghana, the network will offer 15GB of data, which will be valid for 90 days after purchase for free. Vodafone CMO, Agnes Emefa Essah, stated that: The new smartphones are full of features. Customers can get the iPhone 6 offer in Vodafone shops and Atlantic Phones at Osu. Customers should dial star 179 hash to activate the data.”
Ghana as well as other African countries have seen an influx of device launches. Recently, Nigeria was named as one of the first markets where the Gionee ELife S5.1 smartphone will launch this month. To add to the list, the Nokia Lumia 530 has made its way to Kenya. Uganda also recently received the Asus Fonepad 7 Tablet, which is essentially a smartphone/tablet hybrid device.
Will you get one? Let us know in the comment box
Thursday 2 October 2014
Ebola man’s family confined
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| A young man retrieves food supplies left by the North Texas Food Bank and the Red Cross on the front stoop of an apartment at The Ivy Apartments complex yesterday in Dallas, where Thomas Eric Duncan, left, the Ebola patient who traveled from Liberia to Dallas last week, was staying. |
Four members of a family the U.S. Ebola patient was staying with were confined to their Texas home under armed guard yesterday as the circle of people possibly exposed to the virus widened, while Liberian authorities said they would prosecute the man for allegedly lying on an airport questionnaire.
Meanwhile, NBC News reported on its website last night that an American freelance cameraman working for them in Liberia had tested positive for Ebola and would be flown back to the United States for treatment.
The unusual confinement order was imposed after the family failed to comply with a request not to leave their apartment, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
“We didn’t have the confidence we would have been able to monitor them the way that we needed to,” Texas State Health Commissioner David Lakey said.
Elsewhere, Texas health officials expanded their efforts to contain the virus, reaching out to as many as 100 people who may have had direct contact with Thomas Eric Duncan or someone close to him.
The at-risk group includes 12 to 18 who came in direct contact with the infected man, including an ambulance crew and a handful of schoolchildren, plus others known to have had contact with them, said Erikka Neroes, a spokeswoman for the Dallas County Health and Human Services agency.
“This is a big spider web” of people involved, Neroes said.
In Liberia, authorities announced plans to prosecute Duncan, alleging that he lied on a form about not having any contact with an infected person. Duncan filled out a series of questions about his health and activities before leaving on his journey to Dallas. On a Sept. 19 form he answered no to all of them.
Among other questions, the form asked whether Duncan had cared for an Ebola patient or touched the body of anyone who had died in an area affected by Ebola.
Neighbors in the Liberian capital believe Duncan become infected when he helped bundle a sick pregnant neighbor into a taxi a few weeks ago and set off with her to find treatment. It was not clear whether he had learned of the woman’s diagnosis before traveling.
Duncan remained in a hospital isolation ward yesterday. According to health officials, he became sick and went to a Dallas hospital Sept. 25, but was released, only to return by ambulance three days later and test positive for Ebola.
Wednesday 1 October 2014
Nicki Minaj Hosting 2014 EMAs
Nicki Minaj,
Hostess. The rapper is hosting the 2014 EMAs, which move to Scotland
for their 20th anniv! Woot woot. We can't think of a better hostess for
the festivities.
Her Minajesty shared a regal image of herself and captioned it: "So excited to announce that I will not only perform, but I have the honorable task of HOSTING this year's MTV European Music Awards!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! The show will shoot in GLASGOW, SCOTLAND for its 20th Anniversary ON NOVEMBER 9th!!!! Find us @mtvema and vote at mtvema.com."
That's all you need to know. The photo is below. Gawk at Minaj in all of her glory.
Her Minajesty shared a regal image of herself and captioned it: "So excited to announce that I will not only perform, but I have the honorable task of HOSTING this year's MTV European Music Awards!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! The show will shoot in GLASGOW, SCOTLAND for its 20th Anniversary ON NOVEMBER 9th!!!! Find us @mtvema and vote at mtvema.com."
That's all you need to know. The photo is below. Gawk at Minaj in all of her glory.
MTN Ghana, To Reward Innovative Apps Developers
MTN Ghana the leading Mobile Telecommunications Company has taking a
judicious step by launching MTN Ghana Applications Challenge Version 2.0
basically to create chance for local Apps developers who could develop
locally relevant mobile applications.
According to the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Mr. Rahul De, who was speaking at MTN Apps launching ceremony in Accra, noted that mobile application development is creating employment and is generating income for estimated number of 2.3 million people across the globe. This is according to a report released by Vision Mobile in London.
“It is however sad to note that 92% of the Apps developer communities can be found in Asia, Europe and North America. The rest of the world records only 8% percent. Apps generate around €10 billion per year in revenue for the EU economy which has more than 1 million apps available”.
He said as the leading telecoms service provider, their intention of introducing the MTN Apps Challenge in Ghana was to broaden the agenda of the MTN growing Apps developer community in Africa and also to increase local content across its footprints.
He said MTN will continue to invest in the relevant telecom technologies that enrich their mobile telephony experience.
According to him, the MTN Apps Challenge which was launched a year ago saw a young Software Engineer, Setriakor K. Nyomi , as the overall winner with his Oware 3D Application.
The Mobile application has since been uploaded on the MTNPlay platform as well as the devices of their device partner , Tecno.
He said as the Smart phone market is growing rapidly in Ghana and on the MTN network, it is imperative that they have apps developed locally and tailored to their market.
“MTN Apps Challenge Version 2 .0 has one goal and that is to reward the most innovative and locally- relevant mobile apps developer.
Entries of apps Will be accepted in the following categories: Education, Lifestyle, Games and Entertainment. Entries are opened to developers till November 28th 2014.
The applications received will be judged based on their uniqueness, relevance and user-friendliness to the Ghanaian market” he explained.
This he said each category will have winner who will receive a cash prize of 15, 00 cedis .
The overall winner for the MTN Apps Challenge who will be selected from the category winners will receive a total cash prize of GHC 20, 000.
The will also be consolation prizes for runners up. This years’ Challenge is under the theme: ” Promoting Innovative Apps Development”.
According to the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Mr. Rahul De, who was speaking at MTN Apps launching ceremony in Accra, noted that mobile application development is creating employment and is generating income for estimated number of 2.3 million people across the globe. This is according to a report released by Vision Mobile in London.
“It is however sad to note that 92% of the Apps developer communities can be found in Asia, Europe and North America. The rest of the world records only 8% percent. Apps generate around €10 billion per year in revenue for the EU economy which has more than 1 million apps available”.
He said as the leading telecoms service provider, their intention of introducing the MTN Apps Challenge in Ghana was to broaden the agenda of the MTN growing Apps developer community in Africa and also to increase local content across its footprints.
He said MTN will continue to invest in the relevant telecom technologies that enrich their mobile telephony experience.
According to him, the MTN Apps Challenge which was launched a year ago saw a young Software Engineer, Setriakor K. Nyomi , as the overall winner with his Oware 3D Application.
The Mobile application has since been uploaded on the MTNPlay platform as well as the devices of their device partner , Tecno.
He said as the Smart phone market is growing rapidly in Ghana and on the MTN network, it is imperative that they have apps developed locally and tailored to their market.
“MTN Apps Challenge Version 2 .0 has one goal and that is to reward the most innovative and locally- relevant mobile apps developer.
Entries of apps Will be accepted in the following categories: Education, Lifestyle, Games and Entertainment. Entries are opened to developers till November 28th 2014.
The applications received will be judged based on their uniqueness, relevance and user-friendliness to the Ghanaian market” he explained.
This he said each category will have winner who will receive a cash prize of 15, 00 cedis .
The overall winner for the MTN Apps Challenge who will be selected from the category winners will receive a total cash prize of GHC 20, 000.
The will also be consolation prizes for runners up. This years’ Challenge is under the theme: ” Promoting Innovative Apps Development”.
School bombing kills 30 children in Syria
At least 30 Syrian children were killed Wednesday in a double bombing by
a lone assailant at a school in the government-controlled city of Homs,
a monitor said.
They were among 39 people who died in the attack in the Akrameh neighbourhood, according to a new toll from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “At least 30 children were among 39 people killed in the double bombing at the Akrameh al-Makhzumi school in Homs today,” said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.
One suicide attacker carried out both of the bombings. “He planted a bomb at one location at the school, and then blew himself up at another spot nearby,” Abdel Rahman told AFP.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. But Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, Al-Nusra Front, said it was behind a similar twin bombing in the central city that killed at least 12 people in May. Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Homs governor Talal al-Barazi had also reported the deadly attacks, giving a toll of 31 killed and 74 wounded. The children were between six and nine years old, he added.
The toll is among the highest for children in suicide attacks across Syria since the conflict erupted in the country three years ago. Meanwhile, US-led forces carried out at least five air strikes on Wednesday against Islamic State group fighters attacking the Syrian Kurdish town of Ain al-Arab, a monitoring group said.
The strikes hit IS positions south and southeast of the town, known as Kobane by the Kurds, which the militants have been battling to take for more than two weeks, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
At least eight militants were killed in a strike on an IS tank east of the town, said the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria for its reports. “Kurdish fighters on the front lines saw the bodies literally being thrown into the air” by the force of the blast, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. Despite the air strikes, the militants continued to shell the town on the Turkish border from positions as little as three kilometres (two miles) away. Fierce fighting overnight killed nine Kurdish fighters and one IS militant, the Observatory said.
The group also reported that at least 10 people had been executed by the group on Tuesday, including a civilian and three Kurdish female fighters, who were beheaded.
A Kurdish male fighter was beheaded along with the women, and another five fighters were also executed in a separate incident in the area, the Observatory said. Abdel Rahman said the Kurdish fighters were vastly outnumbered and outgunned in the fight for Ain al-Arab.
“Though they are fewer in number and are militarily worse equipped, the Kurdish fighters refuse to withdraw and are fiercely defending their town,” he said. “For them, it is a matter of life or death.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey would fight against Islamic State and other “terrorist” groups in the region but will stick to its aim of seeing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad removed from power, .
“We will fight effectively against both (Islamic State) and all other terrorist organisations within the region; this will always be our priority,” Erdogan said in a speech at the opening of parliament.
Australian military jets are to join in the US-led air war against the Islamic State group in Iraq, conducting refuelling and support missions, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Wednesday. Australia deployed some 600 troops and several aircraft to the United Arab Emirates in mid-September as it geared up to join the US-led international coalition.
“We have not yet made a final decision to commit our forces to combat but Australian aircraft from today will start flying over Iraq in support of allied operations,” Abbott told parliament.
They were among 39 people who died in the attack in the Akrameh neighbourhood, according to a new toll from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “At least 30 children were among 39 people killed in the double bombing at the Akrameh al-Makhzumi school in Homs today,” said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.
One suicide attacker carried out both of the bombings. “He planted a bomb at one location at the school, and then blew himself up at another spot nearby,” Abdel Rahman told AFP.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. But Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, Al-Nusra Front, said it was behind a similar twin bombing in the central city that killed at least 12 people in May. Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Homs governor Talal al-Barazi had also reported the deadly attacks, giving a toll of 31 killed and 74 wounded. The children were between six and nine years old, he added.
The toll is among the highest for children in suicide attacks across Syria since the conflict erupted in the country three years ago. Meanwhile, US-led forces carried out at least five air strikes on Wednesday against Islamic State group fighters attacking the Syrian Kurdish town of Ain al-Arab, a monitoring group said.
The strikes hit IS positions south and southeast of the town, known as Kobane by the Kurds, which the militants have been battling to take for more than two weeks, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
At least eight militants were killed in a strike on an IS tank east of the town, said the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria for its reports. “Kurdish fighters on the front lines saw the bodies literally being thrown into the air” by the force of the blast, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. Despite the air strikes, the militants continued to shell the town on the Turkish border from positions as little as three kilometres (two miles) away. Fierce fighting overnight killed nine Kurdish fighters and one IS militant, the Observatory said.
The group also reported that at least 10 people had been executed by the group on Tuesday, including a civilian and three Kurdish female fighters, who were beheaded.
A Kurdish male fighter was beheaded along with the women, and another five fighters were also executed in a separate incident in the area, the Observatory said. Abdel Rahman said the Kurdish fighters were vastly outnumbered and outgunned in the fight for Ain al-Arab.
“Though they are fewer in number and are militarily worse equipped, the Kurdish fighters refuse to withdraw and are fiercely defending their town,” he said. “For them, it is a matter of life or death.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey would fight against Islamic State and other “terrorist” groups in the region but will stick to its aim of seeing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad removed from power, .
“We will fight effectively against both (Islamic State) and all other terrorist organisations within the region; this will always be our priority,” Erdogan said in a speech at the opening of parliament.
Australian military jets are to join in the US-led air war against the Islamic State group in Iraq, conducting refuelling and support missions, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Wednesday. Australia deployed some 600 troops and several aircraft to the United Arab Emirates in mid-September as it geared up to join the US-led international coalition.
“We have not yet made a final decision to commit our forces to combat but Australian aircraft from today will start flying over Iraq in support of allied operations,” Abbott told parliament.
Tyrese Gibson Surprises His Nanny With A New Audi
Yes a new car! Luckily for us Ty recorded the entire thing and posted
it on facebook. Her reaction is so sweet and absolutely priceless.
(well except the actual price of the car)
Now she can drive her kids to school, drive to the grocery store, drive to the cleaners, drive to soccer practice, the list goes on and on!
Now she can drive her kids to school, drive to the grocery store, drive to the cleaners, drive to soccer practice, the list goes on and on!
Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s Made In Ghana Kantanka Cars Ready For Business
r
Kantanka has already brought out samples for show-off and testing. He even has some for the Ghana Police.
Tuesday 30 September 2014
First EBOLA Case Recorded In The USA — Still None In Ghana
Medical officials in the United States announced on Tuesday the first case of Ebola to be diagnosed outside Africa in the latest outbreak, which has killed more than 3,000 people this year.
The patient, who has not yet been identified, is being treated in Dallas, Texas.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said the patient left Liberia in west Africa on 19 September, but did not develop symptoms until after arriving in the US. He was admitted to the Texas Health Presbyterian hospital in Dallas on Sunday.
Thomas Frieden, the director of the CDC, said the patient was being treated in isolation. All measures would be taken to ensure that the disease would not spread in the US, he said.
“I have no doubt that we will control this case of Ebola so that it does not spread widely in this country,” he told a news conference. The disease has spread rapidly in west Africa, killing more than 3,000 people since the outbreak began in March.
Frieden said the CDC believed it was the first case of the latest variant to be diagnosed outside Africa. “This is the first patient diagnosed outside of Africa to our knowledge with this particular strain of Ebola,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Dallas County health and human services department told the Guardian that it will be “conducting a public health follow-up” on the patient which will include investigating his travel history and recent activity.
Friedman said there was “zero risk” that the patient could have transmitted the disease on the flight from Liberia to the US, because he was not infectious at the time.
Doctors were discussing with the patient’s family the possibility of treating the patient with experimental therapies, Frieden said.
Health officials in Texas attempted to reassure residents. “Dallas county residents should not have any fears at this point, there is not an Ebola outbreak in Dallas county,” Zachary S Thompson, the Dallas county director of health and human services, told the Dallas Morning News earlier on Tuesday, before the case was confirmed.
“There are great mechanisms put in place in terms of our public health infrastructure to look at these particular situations and look at the proper response.”
The Texas patient is the fifth to receive treatment for Ebola in the US, and the sixth American to contract the disease: a civil servant with dual American-Liberian citizenship died in Monrovia last month. Dr Kent Brantly of Texas and Nancy Writebol, a missionary from North Carolina, were the first Ebola patients to be treated in the US.
Brantly and Writebol were treated in a bio-containment unit at Emory University hospital in Atlanta. Both patients received doses of an experimental drug which has since been depleted.
Dr Rick Sacra, the third US aid worker to contract Ebola while working at a hospital in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, was released from Nebraska Medical Center last week. Sacra went back to Monrovia after his colleagues Brantly and Writebol were diagnosed. There he treated obstetrics patients.
A fourth unidentified patient is being treated at Emory. The patient’s identity is not being revealed for confidentiality reasons, but he is believed to be a World Health Organization doctor who was working in an Ebola treatment center in Sierra Leone.
Will Ello succeed as 'anti-Facebook'?
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| Ello is a new social network |
You may have seen mentions of the mysterious new social network Ello pop up in feeds on the social networks you actually belong to such as Facebook and Twitter -- usually followed by a casual but plaintive request to join it.
Well, I've been to Ello
and back, and if you haven't managed to snag an invite, you'll be
relieved to know you're not missing much. At least not yet.
The site, founded by hipster toy designer and entrepreneur Paul Budnitz,
has been dubbed the "anti-Facebook" by technology pundits, both for its
stark, aggressively monochromatic aesthetic and for its policies. Ello
promises no ads, no selling of data, no requirement that users register
under their real names and no restrictions against obscene or
pornographic content.
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| Jeff Yang |
Unfortunately for Ello, the list of Facebook contrasts doesn't end
there. Facebook is a bustling scrum, its virtual boulevards crowded with
content and conversation. Ello is more like a gallery, austere and
empty and a little bit chilly. There are things to look at, but if there
are discussions taking place they're happening in hushed tones in
remote corners.
Facebook can be personalized with a plethora of features and apps. Too
many, actually. The carnival-style come-ons to install this or that game
or social widget your friends happen to be addicted to are one of the
annoying things about the service. But Ello's customization options are
basically nil. You can change your pictures, sort of (there's no way to
resize images on the site itself, so unless you have access to image
manipulation software or your camera naturally snaps photos at 340 x
340, your page will look like mine — with a banner focused on my
forehead and an avatar that's the random upper-left corner of a picture
in which my face isn't even visible).
Habiba Sinare and Davido in a relationship?
When pictures of Davido and Ghana’s Miss Supranational, 2014, Habiba
Sinare, emerged online, a few days ago, many wondered if they were a
couple.
The beauty queen has come out to clarify matters, insisting there’s nothing between them.
She had posted the denial above, along with one of the pictures on her instagram but has now deleted it.
“Why are you all doing this to me!!!…I never came on air to tell anyone I was going out with him, There are so many things am thinking about connecting to my life, NOT Davido.’…”, she wrote on twitter.
