You are watching Africa 54, your daily news and feature magazine-style program, from the Voice of America. Host Esther Githui-Ewart and a team of correspondents zero in on the big stories making news on the continent and around the world with context and analysis.
Top Stories:
The World Health Organization pushes the pause button on the use of hydroxychloroquine in its trials to find effective treatments for the coronavirus while experts review its safety. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cited a study published recently in the medical journal “lancet” in which the authors reported an estimated higher mortality rate among COVID-19 patients who received the drug as the reason for the stoppage. Tedros stresses the drug is acceptable and generally safe for use in patients with auto-immune diseases or malaria.
In southern Africa, Mozambique is confirming its first coronavirus death, according to the health ministry. It is a 13-year old with a pre-existing medical condition, according to Reuters.
Thousands of students and teachers have returned to school in Ivory Coast, becoming one of the first in west Africa to restart after a two-month coronavirus lock-down. Ivory Coast has nearly 2,400 COVID-19 infections. However, authorities are confident students can safely study together following the introduction of added hygiene measures.
Eastleigh residents in Nairobi, a predominantly Somali neighborhood, celebrated Eid the end of Ramadan in lockdown after the government extended the movement in and out of the area for another two weeks. Some families say they have never experienced an Islamic celebration like this one. Mohammed Yusuf reports.
Unemployed women in Nigeria often feel alone and isolated. But, in Lagos, Abiola Idowu, the owner and lead designer of Ojufin Fashion is using her skills to empower underprivileged women in her community. She trains young girls and women how to sew and create their small businesses. Africa 54’s Paul Ndiho spoke to Idowu about empowering women by using fashion.
A54 Health: Around the world, frontline workers such as doctors, medical specialists and other healthcare support providers, are the backbone of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with long hours and overwhelmed health systems, their resilience and dedication is critical in caring for the high number of patients infected with coronavirus. Dr. Linda Mobula is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and an emergency physician volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse in New York City. She shares her experiences of being on the front line with Africa 54 health correspondent Linord Moudou.
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