#uganda news daily

[reasonsforhope]

"A large clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda has shown that a twice-yearly injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection.

The trial tested whether the six-month injection of lenacapavir would provide better protection against HIV infection than two other drugs, both daily pills. All three medications are pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) drugs.

Physician-scientist Linda-Gail Bekker, principal investigator for the South African part of the study, tells Nadine Dreyer what makes this breakthough so significant and what to expect next.

Tell us about the trial and what it set out to achieve

The Purpose 1 trial with 5,000 participants took place at three sites in Uganda and 25 sites in South Africa to test the efficacy of lenacapavir and two other drugs.

Lenacapavir (Len LA) is a fusion capside inhibitor. It interferes with the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects HIV’s genetic material and enzymes needed for replication. It is administered just under the skin, once every six months.

The randomised controlled trial, sponsored by the drug developers Gilead Sciences, tested several things.

The first was whether a six-monthly injection of lenacapavir was safe and would provide better protection against HIV infection as PrEP for women between the ages of 16 and 25 years than Truvada F/TDF, a daily PrEP pill in wide use that has been available for more than a decade.

Secondly, the trial also tested whether Descovy F/TAF, a newer daily pill, was as effective as F/TDF...

The trial had three arms. Young women were randomly assigned to one of the arms in a 2:2:1 ratio (Len LA: F/TAF oral: F/TDF oral) in a double blinded fashion. This means neither the participants nor the researchers knew which treatment participants were receiving until the clinical trial was over.

In eastern and southern Africa, young women are the population who bear the brunt of new HIV infections. They also find a daily PrEP regimen challenging to maintain, for a number of social and structural reasons.

During the randomised phase of the trial none of the 2,134 women who received lenacapavir contracted HIV. There was 100 percent efficiency.

By comparison, 16 of the 1,068 women (or 1.5%) who took Truvada (F/TDF) and 39 of 2,136 (1.8%) who received Descovy (F/TAF) contracted the HIV virus...

What is the significance of these trials?

This breakthrough gives great hope that we have a proven, highly effective prevention tool to protect people from HIV.

There were 1.3 million new HIV infections globally in the past year. Although that’s fewer than the 2 million infections seen in 2010, it is clear that at this rate we are not going to meet the HIV new infection target that UNAIDS set for 2025 (fewer than 500,000 globally) or potentially even the goal to end Aids by 2030...

For young people, the daily decision to take a pill or use a condom or take a pill at the time of sexual intercourse can be very challenging.

HIV scientists and activists hope that young people may find that having to make this “prevention decision” only twice a year may reduce unpredictability and barriers.

For a young woman who struggles to get to an appointment at a clinic in a town or who can’t keep pills without facing stigma or violence, an injection just twice a year is the option that could keep her free of HIV.

What happens now?

The plan is that the Purpose 1 trial will go on but now in an “open label” phase. This means that study participants will be “unblinded”: they will be told whether they have been in the “injectable” or oral TDF or oral TAF groups.

They will be offered the choice of PrEP they would prefer as the trial continues.

A sister trial is also under way: Purpose 2 is being conducted in a number of regions including some sites in Africa among cisgender men, and transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men.

It’s important to conduct trials among different groups because we have seen differences in effectiveness. Whether the sex is anal or vaginal is important and may have an impact on effectiveness.

How long until the drug is rolled out?

We have read in a Gilead Sciences press statement that within the next couple of months [from July 2024] the company will submit the dossier with all the results to a number of country regulators, particularly the Ugandan and South African regulators.

The World Health Organization will also review the data and may issue recommendations.

We hope then that this new drug will be adopted into WHO and country guidelines.

We also hope we may begin to see the drug being tested in more studies to understand better how to incorporate it into real world settings.

Price is a critical factor to ensure access and distribution in the public sector where it is badly needed.

Gilead Sciences has said it will offer licences to companies that make generic drugs, which is another critical way to get prices down.

In an ideal world, governments will be able to purchase this affordably and it will be offered to all who want it and need protection against HIV."

-via The Conversation, July 3, 2024

[simply-ivanka]

Blaming Israel for Rescuing Its People

Hamas hid four hostages in a crowded civilian area and fired on rescuers.

Wall Street Journal

By The Editorial Board

It’s rare good news in a grinding war. On Saturday Israeli commandos rescued four hostages from two civilian buildings near the heart of Gaza’s Nuseirat market. It was a high-risk but well-planned and -executed mission that is a morale boost for Israelis.

Arnon Zamora was killed while leading the rescue mission at the head of his force. He will go down in history with Yoni Netanyahu, the fallen leader of Israel’s 1976 raid to free hostages in Entebbe, Uganda.

Noa Argamani, age 26, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 40, were all abducted during the music-festival massacre. A video showed Ms. Argamani begging for her life. Eight months later she heard a knock on the door: “It’s the IDF, we’ve come to rescue you.” She can now visit her terminally ill mother. Mr. Jan was mobbed on his return by friends chanting, “He is one of us, and we will never give him up,” a refrain of sports teammates now given new meaning. Mr. Jan’s father died hours before his son’s return.

The non-surprise is that professional anti-Israel voices, United Nations officials and the European Union foreign-policy chief rushed to attack Israel. Egypt condemned the operation “in the strongest terms.” How dare Israel rescue its own citizens. Didn’t it know there would be casualties? The BBC asked whether Israel gave a warning that the rescue raid was coming. Seriously? A tip-off to terrorists? Perhaps read them Miranda rights too.

“BREAKING: Gaza’s Health Ministry says 274 Palestinians were killed during the Israeli operation,” reports the Associated Press, only 48 hours after it had exposed how the Hamas ministry’s daily death tolls are “at odds with underlying data.” When will the media stop taking the kidnappers at their word?

Haters of Israel will blame it and excuse Hamas every time, and the media are easily manipulated into playing along. The Hamas figure is likely inflated, and it includes the terrorists killed trying to stop the rescue as well as those who hid the hostages.

Hamas started the war with a massacre, took these hostages and hid them in a crowded civilian area. Then, when Israel came to free them, Hamas responded with heavy fire, including RPGs—yet people are condemning Israel. It makes us wonder if the West has lost the moral discernment and instinct for self-preservation needed to defend itself in a world of killers.

Hamas could not survive if not for its enablers around the world.

[celluloidrainbow]

CALL ME KUCHU (2012) dir. Malika Zouhali-Worrall & Katherine Fairfax Wright In Uganda, a new bill threatens to make homosexuality punishable by death. David Kato - Uganda's first openly gay man - and his fellow activists work against the clock to defeat the legislation while combating vicious persecution in their daily lives. But no one, not even the filmmakers, is prepared for the brutal murder that shakes the movement to its core and sends shock waves around the world. (link in title)

[tcba]

Fundraiser Share: Help build a home for the orphanage in Uganda

hey everyone! not tcba related but since this blog is popular i thought i'd use the oppurtunity to share something important!

"Hey everyone!! This is Jared Grant, David Gallo and Wanjala Fred, previously we raised money to help buy a property for the orphanage in Uganda, with all the love and support we have all made it happen. There has been so many kind and generous people and businesses. We raised enough to buy them a beautiful 10 acres of land, also lots of farm animals, food, clothes, school fees and supplies, medical bills, cooking supplies, seeds and much more. As they still are in need of daily use things, we want to run another fundraiser, a new one focusing on a home to be built on this land. There is a building that part of them have been living in, but it’s not sanitary, and falling apart quickly. The hole for the toilet has been dug, but still needs work to finish it. With everyone’s help and prayers we can make this happen. If you have any questions feel free to find me on Instagram, or email me through this. If possible please share this link to as many people as you can, we would to get the building started. Thank you so much, God bless you and your families. "

I did do some back-checking, and yes, this is real as far as im aware! Spare a buck or two, and if you cant please share!

[fishcowwrites]

Four Corners - Chapter Two

Newsies x The Maze Runner x The Outsiders x The Book of Mormon

911 words cross posted on ao3 under cut

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was like nothing they had ever seen. And judging from the noise earlier that morning, it was like nothing that any of the other groups had seen either. The lodging house, the homestead, the district 9 headquarters, and the Curtis family home had all fused together, creating a square abomination of architecture. The huge building was placed on a huge square of grass that seemed to spread infinitely outwards. A large lake sat at the southern corner, while grove of trees adorned the northern tip. The eastern point was crowned with mountains and the western point dipped down into a valley, all of this with no end in sight.

Introductions happened quickly, with each group designating a leader. Jack was used to leading the newsies and stepped up quickly, though not without exchanging a few glances with Davey and a taking punch from Spot.

Thomas was new to the whole “leader” thing, but Minho practically shoved him forward as Newt nodded in assurance, pursing his lips. He tried to claim that Newt would be better, or maybe Minho, but the rest of the Gladers wouldn’t hear any of it.

There wasn’t really any discussion amongst the greasers as Dally moved forward. He didn’t even say much, just muttered his name as he looked around the room at all the unfamiliar faces.

Conner had been the district leader back in Uganda, but now he wasn’t so sure of his position. Kevin had really taken charge after the whole “Book of Arnold” disaster, but with Poptarts beaming at him, he couldn’t really say no.

The four of them moved to a side room to discuss their current situation, where it became quickly apparent that none of them knew what to do. It wasn’t like this was something that happened on a daily basis. Running out of snacks in the mission kitchen or getting a D on a math quiz was nothing compared to teleportation, and apparently, time travel.

Connor could tell something was off in the way everyone spoke. It wasn’t just accents or something regional, no, this was a difference not from distance. Tentatively, he spoke up.

“I know this might sound really stupid, or really weird, but what year do you think it?” Instantly, three pairs of eyes locked onto him. Hesitantly, Jack scoffed.

���What kinda question is that? 1899.” Oh God. The whole situation had thrown Connor so off balance that he barely noticed his own use of the Lord’s name.

“That’s-no, that’s not right. It’s 2011.” Connor shook his head, starting to panic. He wished Kevin were here. Kevin always knew how to calm him down. He took deep breaths, trying to remember what Kevin had taught him.

“Are you both insane? It’s 1967. Thomas, back me up here.” Dally was looking at Connor and Jack like they had turned into bananas with three eyes. Thomas stayed silent, his brow furrowed as he looked back and forth between them all. Finally, he spoke.

“I don’t know, I guess. We barely have a concept of time in the maze. Any of you could be right.” Jack tilted his head, not quite following.

“But what about before you was in this-this maze thing? You wasn’t born there, right?” Dally and Connor both murmured their assent, looking at Thomas expectantly. He had fallen silent again, biting his lip as he frowned.

“No. There was a group of them, and they all woke up in the maze one day, no memories. The rest came up one by one. None of us know why, or how, or anything really. Just that we had to survive and escape.” He seemed so lost in thought that Connor felt he needed to say something just to break the tension. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he spoke up.

“Speaking of survival, how are we supposed to do that? What do we do about food?” Connor was no stranger to the creeping fear of hunger. When they were still in the church, there were times when pests got into the food, or a crisis came up long before their monthly shipments. And after they got excommunicated, their little amount of money got stretched tighter than they ever thought it could while they worked towards getting back to America. But they always had the villagers helping them. Here, wherever they were, they had nothing.

Connor must have zoned out, because the others were all staring at him as if expecting him to say something. “What? Sorry, I just-” His words died in his throat as he crumpled under the weight of Dally’s gaze.

“He-” Dally cocked his head at Thomas “Just asked how we should tell them our plan. Separate to our own guys, or all together. We wanted your input, but it seems you’ve been lost in that pretty little head of yours.”

“NO!” Connor spluttered. “I mean, no, I was listening, I just, that sounds good! Maybe all together, to, y’know, show unity, or, uh, like show we’re working together! And the plan? Oh, the plan is great. Great plan. Love it. I think it’s-” Jack held up his hand to stop Connor’s rambling.

“Ok. Ok. We should get back to the group before Spot starts a fight with someone. Ready?” Thomas nodded, and after a moment, Dally did too. All eyes were on Connor again, who was trying not to hyperventilate. He took a deep breath, his nails digging into the old scars on his hands.

“Ready.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

once again brought to you by Way Down We Go by KALEO and also Austin McKenzie and Sean Grandillo's cover of Thinkin Bout You cus its really good

[warningsine]

A large clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda has shown that a twice-yearly injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection.

The trial tested whether the six-month injection of lenacapavir would provide better protection against HIV infection than two other drugs, both daily pills. All three medications are pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) drugs.

Physician-scientist Linda-Gail Bekker, principal investigator for the South African part of the study, tells Nadine Dreyer what makes this breakthough so significant and what to expect next.

Tell us about the trial and what it set out to achieve

The Purpose 1 trial with 5,000 participants took place at three sites in Uganda and 25 sites in South Africa to test the efficacy of lenacapavir and two other drugs.

Lenacapavir (Len LA) is a fusion capside inhibitor. It interferes with the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects HIV’s genetic material and enzymes needed for replication. It is administered just under the skin, once every six months.

The randomised controlled trial, sponsored by the drug developers Gilead Sciences, tested several things.

The first was whether a six-monthly injection of lenacapavir was safe and would provide better protection against HIV infection as PrEP for women between the ages of 16 and 25 years than Truvada F/TDF, a daily PrEP pill in wide use that has been available for more than a decade.

Secondly, the trial also tested whether Descovy F/TAF, a newer daily pill, was as effective as F/TDF. The newer F/TAF has superior pharmacokinetic properties to F/TDF. Pharmacokinetic refers to the movement of a drug into, through, and out of the body. F/TAF is a smaller pill and is in use among men and transgender women in high-income countries.

The trial had three arms. Young women were randomly assigned to one of the arms in a 2:2:1 ratio (Len LA: F/TAF oral: F/TDF oral) in a double blinded fashion. This means neither the participants nor the researchers knew which treatment participants were receiving until the clinical trial was over.

In eastern and southern Africa, young women are the population who bear the brunt of new HIV infections. They also find a daily PrEP regimen challenging to maintain, for a number of social and structural reasons.

During the randomised phase of the trial none of the 2,134 women who received lenacapavir contracted HIV. There was 100 percent efficiency.

By comparison, 16 of the 1,068 women (or 1.5%) who took Truvada (F/TDF) and 39 of 2,136 (1.8%) who received Descovy (F/TAF) contracted the HIV virus.

The results at a recent independent data safety monitoring board review led to the recommendation that the trial’s “blinded” phase should be stopped and all participants should be offered a choice of PrEP.

This board is an independent committee of experts who are put in place at the start of a clinical trial. They see the unblinded data at stipulated times during the trial to monitor progress and safety. They ensure that a trial does not continue if there is harm or a clear benefit in one arm over others.

What is the significance of these trials?

This breakthrough gives great hope that we have a proven, highly effective prevention tool to protect people from HIV.

There were 1.3 million new HIV infections globally in the past year. Although that’s fewer than the 2 million infections seen in 2010, it is clear that at this rate we are not going to meet the HIV new infection target that UNAIDS set for 2025 (fewer than 500,000 globally) or potentially even the goal to end Aids by 2030.

PrEP is not the only prevention tool.

PrEP should be provided alongside HIV self-testing, access to condoms, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and access to contraception for women of childbearing potential.

In addition, young men should be offered medical male circumcision for health reasons.

But despite these options, we haven’t quite got to the point where we have been able to stop new infections, particularly among young people.

For young people, the daily decision to take a pill or use a condom or take a pill at the time of sexual intercourse can be very challenging.

HIV scientists and activists hope that young people may find that having to make this “prevention decision” only twice a year may reduce unpredictability and barriers.

For a young woman who struggles to get to an appointment at a clinic in a town or who can’t keep pills without facing stigma or violence, an injection just twice a year is the option that could keep her free of HIV.

What happens now?

The plan is that the Purpose 1 trial will go on but now in an “open label” phase. This means that study participants will be “unblinded”: they will be told whether they have been in the “injectable” or oral TDF or oral TAF groups.

They will be offered the choice of PrEP they would prefer as the trial continues.

A sister trial is also under way: Purpose 2 is being conducted in a number of regions including some sites in Africa among cisgender men, and transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men.

It’s important to conduct trials among different groups because we have seen differences in effectiveness. Whether the sex is anal or vaginal is important and may have an impact on effectiveness.

How long until the drug is rolled out?

We have read in a Gilead Sciences press statement that within the next couple of months the company will submit the dossier with all the results to a number of country regulators, particularly the Ugandan and South African regulators.

The World Health Organization will also review the data and may issue recommendations.

We hope then that this new drug will be adopted into WHO and country guidelines.

We also hope we may begin to see the drug being tested in more studies to understand better how to incorporate it into real world settings.

Price is a critical factor to ensure access and distribution in the public sector where it is badly needed.

Gilead Sciences has said it will offer licences to companies that make generic drugs, which is another critical way to get prices down.

In an ideal world, governments will be able to purchase this affordably and it will be offered to all who want it and need protection against HIV.

[shivshaktimachtech]

Flat Liquor Bottle Single Side Labeling Machine

Company Overview: Shiv Shakti Machtech is a Supplier, Exporter, and Manufacturer of Flat Liquor Bottle Single Side Labeling Machine. The Flat Bottle Single Side Labeling Machine can handle various container shapes, including flat, round, oval, hexagonal, and rectangular. It is designed to apply single stickers to bottles, controlled by PLC and a touch screen. This machine is ideal for labeling square, flat, oval, and round containers used in medicine, daily chemicals, food, cultural supplies, and electronics. Bottles are fed into the machine via a feeding belt. An electric eye sensor detects the bottle and sends a signal to the labeling control system. The label dispensing motor processes the signal and applies the label at the appropriate time. The label is reinforced as the product passes through the cover device, completing the labeling action. Specifications: Flat Liquor Bottle Single Side Labeling Machine Label Gap: Maintains a maximum gap of 3mm between two labels. Country of Origin: Made in India. Speed: Capable of labeling up to 90 bottles per minute. Brand: Shiv Shakti Machtech Material: Constructed from Stainless Steel 304. Conveyor Height: Set at 850mm. Weight: Approximately 200kg. Bottle Type: Suitable for all types of flat surface products. Automation Grade: Fully automatic. Usage/Application: Designed for sticker labeling. Shiv Shakti Machtech is a Flat Liquor Bottle Single Side Labeling Machine served worldwide, including, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. For further details or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us. View Product: Click Here Read the full article

[onetwistedmiracle]

Twice-a-year shot provides 100 percent HIV protection, study finds

None of the 5,000 women and girls in South Africa and Uganda who received the shots contracted the virus that causes AIDS, a study shows. A trial for men is underway.

By Rachel Pannett for The Washington Post

July 25, 2024 at 1:05 a.m. EDT

A twice-yearly injection could help prevent HIV infections, according to the results of a new study described by medical experts as a breakthrough.

In a randomized trial involving more than 5,000 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, none of those who received the prevention shots contracted HIV. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday.

“This appears to be a new breakthrough for HIV prevention. If these injections can be widely distributed at low cost, it would dramatically reduce the risk of new HIV infections worldwide,” said Sarah Palmer, co-director of the Center for Virus Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, who was not involved in the peer-reviewed study. “It is especially encouraging this research focused on young women in Africa who are so highly at-risk for HIV infection.”

Worldwide there are about 1.3 million new HIV infections every year, with women and girls accounting for 44 percent of them. In sub-Saharan Africa, that proportion is 62 percent.

The shots were produced by drugmaker Gilead Sciences, which funded the trial, and some of the researchers were Gilead employees. Lenacapavir, sold under the brand name Sunlenca, is approved as a treatment for HIV infections in the United States. The goal of the trial was to prove its safety and efficacy for the prevention of infection in adolescent girls and young women. A separate trial for men is underway.

When it became clear that the shots were more effective than daily pills — 1.5 percent to 1.8 percent of participants who received one of two daily pills as part of the trial contracted HIV from their partners — the trial was halted and all participants were offered the option of receiving the injections, the researchers said. The researchers also found the incidence of HIV was lower with the use of the shots than the usual rate of HIV in the community.

HIV can be prevented through the use of protective measures such as condoms and daily pills that are in wide use in high-income countries around the world. But health experts say it can be difficult to maintain a daily pill routine in places like Africa, where limited access to health care and a dearth of educational programs put girls at particular risk for HIV.

Doctors Without Borders and other groups are calling for global action to break Gilead’s monopoly on lenacapavir to allow mass production of the drug and reduce its cost. Gilead charges $42,250 per patient per year for lenacapavir in the United States.

“Lenacapavir could be life-changing for people at risk of getting HIV and could reverse the epidemic if it is made affordable in the countries with the highest rate of new infections,” said Helen Bygrave, a chronic disease adviser at Doctors Without Borders.

Gilead previously said it was committed to lowering the cost of its drugs in low-income countries.

By Rachel Pannett

Rachel Pannett joined the Post's foreign desk in 2021 after more than a decade with The Wall Street Journal, where she was deputy bureau chief for Australia and New Zealand. Twitter

[hasdrubal-gisco]

June 20, 2024 – Gilead Sciences, Inc. today announced topline results from an interim analysis of its pivotal, Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 trial indicating that the company’s twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, demonstrated 100% efficacy for the investigational use of HIV prevention in cisgender women. [...] PURPOSE 1, a Phase 3, double-blind, randomized study, is evaluating the safety and efficacy of twice-yearly, subcutaneous lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and once-daily oral Descovy® (emtricitabine 200mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25mg; F/TAF) in more than 5,300 cisgender women and adolescent girls aged 16-25 across 25 sites in South Africa and three sites in Uganda. The drugs are being tested in parallel, with one group receiving twice-yearly lenacapavir and one group taking once-daily oral Descovy. Additionally, a third group was assigned once-daily oral Truvada. Study participants were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to lenacapavir, Descovy and Truvada, respectively. Because effective PrEP options already exist, there is broad consensus in the PrEP field that a placebo group would be unethical; thus, the trial used bHIV as the primary comparator and Truvada as a secondary comparator. There were 0 incident cases of HIV infection among 2,134 women in the lenacapavir group (incidence 0.00 per 100 person-years). There were 16 incident cases among 1,068 women in the Truvada group (incidence 1.69 per 100 person-years). The results demonstrated superiority of twice-yearly lenacapavir over bHIV (primary endpoint, incidence 2.41 per 100 person-years) and superiority of twice-yearly lenacapavir over once-daily Truvada (secondary endpoint), with p<0.0001 for both endpoints. In the trial, lenacapavir was generally well-tolerated and no significant or new safety concerns were identified. HIV incidence in the Descovy group was numerically similar (39 incident cases among 2,136 women, incidence 2.02 per 100 person-years) to that in the Truvada group and was not statistically superior to bHIV. Previous clinical trials among cisgender women have commonly found challenges with adherence to daily oral pills for PrEP, and adherence analyses for Descovy and Truvada from PURPOSE 1 are ongoing. In the trial, both Descovy and Truvada were generally well-tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified. 

[foster-the-world]

Crazy shit

Watched Savior Complex - The documentary about the white missionary in Uganda. That is some crazy shit. Sad all around.

Covid shot symptoms are gone today. Waking up feeling good after being sick is so glorious.

Family photos went well considering my child is a wild man who won't stand still long enough to catch a picture. Baby boy threw up mucus on himself on our block as we were leaving for the pictures. The effects of cold air are so immediate. At my insistence we are trying a new daily maintenance drug. It will take a few weeks to see if it works. The girls are professionals photo takers by now. I still bribe them with a cake pop but mostly just appreciate their cooperation. The photographer said baby boy would be a perfect model "if he could calm down." HA! HA! He's very cute but not calming down anytime soon.

Both girls scored goals in their soccer games. Nice to be outside after weeks of rain cancelations.

[maraexpeditions1]

Embark on an Unforgettable Uganda Gorilla Safari Adventure

Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Among its many treasures lies the Mara Expeditions, an experience that promises to be truly unforgettable. Nestled within the verdant forests of Uganda lies the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. This pristine wilderness provides the backdrop for one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters on the planet.

The journey begins with anticipation and excitement as travelers make their way to the park, accompanied by experienced guides who are intimately familiar with the terrain and the habits of the elusive gorillas. As the trek through the dense forest begins, the sounds of the jungle come alive, with birdsong filling the air and the occasional rustle of leaves signaling the presence of other inhabitants.

Each step brings visitors closer to the ultimate goal – to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging at times, with steep terrain and dense vegetation, but the reward awaiting at the end makes every effort worthwhile.

And then, suddenly, there they are – a family of mountain gorillas, going about their daily lives with an air of tranquility and grace. It's a moment that takes your breath away, as you find yourself face to face with these gentle giants, their expressive eyes seeming to hold a wisdom far beyond our own.

Observing the gorillas in their natural habitat is a humbling experience, offering a rare glimpse into the complex social dynamics of these incredible creatures. From playful juveniles tumbling through the undergrowth to the serene presence of the silverback patriarch, each member of the gorilla family plays a vital role in the group's survival.

But the Uganda Gorilla Safari Adventure is about more than just gorilla trekking. It's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and diversity of Uganda's natural landscapes, from the mist-covered peaks of the Virunga Mountains to the lush valleys and cascading waterfalls that dot the countryside.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and over 350 species of birds. Guided nature walks offer the chance to explore this biodiversity up close, with knowledgeable guides pointing out hidden wonders along the way.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, overnight stays in the heart of the forest provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. As night falls, the sounds of the jungle take on a new intensity, with the calls of nocturnal creatures echoing through the trees.

But perhaps the most enduring memories of the Uganda Gorilla Safari Adventure are the connections forged with the local communities who call this region home. From sharing stories around the campfire to learning traditional crafts from village artisans, travelers have the chance to experience Ugandan culture in a way that few ever do.

In the end, it's these moments of connection – with the gorillas, with nature, and with the people of Uganda – that make the Uganda Gorilla Safari Adventure truly unforgettable. As travelers bid farewell to the forest and make their way back to civilization, they carry with them not just memories, but a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

[usafphantom2]

China releases new images of its next-generation aircraft carrier

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 04/01/2024 - 11:00 in Military

Chinese state media released new images of China's most advanced aircraft carrier to date, including next-generation launchpads that can catapult a wider range of aircraft from its deck.

First displayed to the public in June 2022, the Fujian was entirely designed and built in-house.

However, to carry out its first tests at sea, the aircraft carrier is larger and technologically more advanced than the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, and the Liaoning, which China bought second hand from Ukraine in 1998 and remodeled internally.

On state television on Tuesday night, the Fujian was seen being towed by a smaller vessel with all three rails of its electromagnetic catapult system visible on its deck.

“In the new year, we will take advantage of every minute, work with determination and strive to be ready for combat as soon as possible,” state television said, citing a Fujian official.

Fujian has been conducting tests, including mooring tests, before the tests at sea, which some observers expected to take place until 2023. The aircraft carrier began the launch tests of its electromagnetic catapult system in November, according to the state-controlled Chinese newspaper, Global Times.

In addition to the Ford Class aircraft carriers, a new class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that is being developed for the U.S. Navy, the Fujian will be the only aircraft carrier in the world equipped with the latest Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). The new images also show a model of the Shenyang J-15 fighter on the back of the flight deck.

The Chinese version of EMALS can launch more types of aircraft than Shandong or Liaoning, and will also be more reliable and energy efficient, a milestone in the modernization of the Chinese armed forces.

President Xi Jinping repeatedly called for greater combat readiness and technological advances before the 100º anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (ELP) in 2027. Some senior U.S. military officials previously said that China would launch a military takeover of Taiwan during that year.

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In the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections of January 13, Taiwan reported that China continued its daily military activities in the Taiwan Strait and around the democratically governed island.

Chinese fighters also occasionally crossed the midline of the strait, which previously served as an unofficial barrier, but which Beijing says it does not recognize.

Source: Reuters

Tags: Military AviationChinaFujianPLAN - People's Liberation Army Navy / People's Liberation Army Navyaircraft carrier

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[emmanuel-katto-uganda-blogs]

I Emmanuel Katto shares Uganda's Thriving Music and Dance Scene: From Traditional to Contemporary

Uganda, a country in the center of East Africa, is home to many different cultures and traditions. The music and dance scene there is one of the liveliest examples of this diversity. Uganda's music and dance culture is an enthralling voyage through time and tradition, as a Uganda’s native and journalist I, Emmanuel Katto always enjoyed the indigenous rhythms resonating through the hills and the throbbing beats of modern Afro-pop.

Celebrating Tradition: The Musical and Dance Traditions of Uganda

Uganda is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, all of whom have a strong cultural connection to the country's traditional music and dance. Many groups, such the Baganda, Bakiga, Banyankole, and others, have distinctive musical traditions that are frequently accompanied by dance displays that depict their culture's history, heritage, and daily life.

The rhythmic foundation of these performances is provided by traditional instruments like the adungu, engalabi, and ndingidi. Musicians and dancers dress colorfully to express their pride in their culture. As a result of the colorful energy of these performances, Uganda's cultural festivals attract tourists from all over the world.

The Development of Modern Ugandan Music

Uganda's current music sector is creating waves both locally and globally, in my opinion as a journalist, I Emmanuel Katto aka Emka Uganda would like to say that even if traditional music is still a treasured component of the nation's cultural heritage. Ugandan musicians have perfected the blending of traditional music with contemporary rhythms, resulting in a distinctive and contagious musical style that crosses national boundaries.

Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae are three genres that are hugely popular in Uganda's modern music industry. Not only in Uganda but also throughout Africa and beyond, musicians like Eddy Kenzo, Sheebah, and Bobi Wine have become household names. In a world that is changing quickly, their music frequently addresses societal concerns through narrating tales of tenacity, love, and hope.

The Dance Revolution

An essential component of Ugandan music culture, the Dance Revolution Dance has seen substantial development in the modern music scene. Ugandan dancers are pushing the limits of creativity and expression with everything from traditional dances like the Bakisimba and Ekitaguriro to contemporary dancehall and hip-hop routines.

Dance competitions and showcases have grown in popularity, giving budding dancers a place to present their talents. Traditional and modern dance styles have been combined to create a distinctive kind of dance that enthralls audiences with its vitality and inventiveness.

Conclusion!

The thriving music and dance industry in Uganda reflects the nation's cultural variety and creative development. Although Ugandan musicians have been propelled into the world stage by the modern music industry, traditional music and dance are still valued traditions. Uganda's music and dance culture is a dynamic force that keeps evolving and captivating audiences throughout the world because to the blend of old and new, tradition and creativity. Therefore, Uganda has something to offer any music and dance fan, whether you're tapping your feet to the beats of traditional drums or dancing to the beats of modern Afro-pop. It's a celebration of the traditional and modern, old and new—a harmonious symphony of civilizations.

[ewan-mo]

“The man with the key has not come”

27th February 2023

When you live in Africa, there are many aspects of daily life which you learn to manage without much extra thought. This morning we were amused as we trekked over to the dining room to discover that the chef and two waitresses were waiting to be let in – by the man with the key. So often we’ve heard that “the man with the key has gone”; you get used to waiting around for events to happen. In this case breakfast, for example, when the man with the key had not come! 

Even in these first few days we are reminded of the variability of day to day activities. You can’t take too much for granted. We woke early to thunderous crashes overhead, flashes of lightning, and the sound of torrential rain beating on the roof of our room. Consequences include muddy and wet walks to work, possibly getting soaked if you don't own an umbrella, streams alongside and down the paths and roads, power failure and challenging driving, especially on the dirt roads.

Our driver was concerned today when we arrived at our first meeting with a very muddy vehicle, and asked if he had time to go and get it washed while we went into our meeting. There’s a man with pride in his work. 

The impact of power failures illustrates how much of our lives today depend on having a power supply to charge all the devices which at home in UK we usually take for granted. It’s great so see that many of our partners are developing solar power sources. But for that, you do need sun! And in the rainy season which appears to have arrived, there’s a striking absence of sunshine. 

Our early start wasn’t quite as early as planned, because Craish, the driver, had been held up by heavy rain impairing visibility. Nevertheless he negotiated the roads successfully to enable our arrival at Nkozi Hospital, one of our Catholic partners. We had a very happy meeting with the Adminstrator and the Director of Nursing, Sister Harriet. Both nuns! 

Sr Harriet and Mo

Their psychiatric clinical officer (PCO) Beninga, joined us and we talked of progress made – excellent work on mhGAP training and community leaders’ sensitisation. They are very much  looking forward to the return of Bazirio who is a PCO in training, sponsored by Jamie’s Fund. The hospital has great plans for further improving mental health care when Bazirio returns as he will be full time, adding in to the work of Beninga, currently part time as she also works elsewhere.

The mhGAP training has brought about significant improvement in the recognition and management of mental illness and epilepsy amongst general patients on their wards. Their medical director has been impressed by the difference this has made to how care is delivered. 

Community sensitisation has also been very successful as more local leaders are referring new possible patients to the hospital. Jamie’s Fund is there to help improve mental health care throughout Uganda, so all of this demonstrates we are making a difference.

Near the end of our visit Sister Harriet expressed appreciation of the support from Jamie’s Fund and all the development work they have been able to do as a result. 

She also said how good it was to see us, adding “We feel loved”. We know that Jamie’s Fund support is valued for the financial resources, and for staff and service development.  But actually travelling to talk face to face with our partners is appreciated at a deeper level. When you feel loved, you can carry out your work with renewed inspiration and recognition of how much you matter.

Through this afternoon we came south in the rain for just over four hours to arrive eventually at Ibanda Uganda Martyrs Hospital for a meeting early tomorrow morning. We are staying in the church guest house where a number of older priests and nuns live and are lovingly cared for by the Good Samaritan sisters. We are now snug and dry,  while the rain is pouring down and the solar lighting is on – the mains has failed! 

Protection from malaria is part of everyday life here, as in much of Africa. Important to take your tablets, same time every day, and to sleep under a mosquito net. The latter vary in their design; I’m delighted with our net here with its lilac lace trim. One of the prettiest I’ve seen.

We asked what time supper was and Mo was taken aback to be told it was at 2 o’clock.  This was her first encounter with Swahili time which starts from 6 o’clock, so 2 o’clock is 8 pm.

We enjoyed the company of several priests and sisters at supper. We were specially pleased to meet Father Peter, who teaches constitutional law and ethics at university level, and Father Bonny. When I heard Bonny’s name I told him that beautiful babies in the UK might well be described as “a bonny baby”. The others thought this hilarious, and proposed to call him Bonny Baby from now on. His name’s actually Father Bonadventure. He has a great interest in mental health and would love to be involved in community sensitisation. That possibility could have great potential.

[mbijigohruthblog-blog]

Social Media’s Role in Youths Quest for Change.

The world evolves with time and many things witness a rapid or gradual swift. One of these areas that have undergone great change is that of communication. Being the vehicle of information for ages, it has undergone a lot of metamorphosis. Traditional means of communication have given birth to modern ways. In the past, communication though effective was not as smooth as it is today and this is because the world has embraced new, effective and efficient means of communication. We have examples like mails, emails, cell phones, computers, smart phones and online collaboration. All these cited means embody what is known today as the social media- the ways of interactions amongst people through the creation and sharing or exchange of information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. As examples of the social media here include Facebook, WhatsApp,  YouTube ,Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin , Tiktok, etc . It is the fastest and reliable and though an exigency for all is in the active hands of youths. Unlike in the past where youths were axed to silence through the unaccommodating means of exchange , today, the social media have come to give them the voice and they space they had been clamoring for.  It is believed that 75 percent of young people have one functional social media profile and 51 percent visit the social media daily which is partly because of their mastery of communication tool and the role the social media plays in modern day lives .This paper tries to x-ray the current place of the social media and its use as a weapon by the youths to have their voices heard and an attempt to change the narratives and perspectives. It is an opportunity to see how the social media has given to the youth, their voices to make their choices and be part of the national and international debates.

To begin with, the social media is a home for youths to share their worries which they do through advocacy and social media activism. Youths have been able to use these to raise awareness about their problems, stand as a common group to spur social change .They have succeeded to contribute their own quota to social change and a lot of issues in life. Youths have been able to be engaged in politics through the use of the social media and one can quote examples of Bobi Wine of Uganda, Kah Wallah of Cameroon and the Obedient movement in Nigeria that stood firmly behind presidential hopeful Peter Obi and are still deploring the poor conduct of the elections .Youths to denounce these ills use Hashtags  on social media handles like Instagram , Facebook ot Twitter  to express their anger and disappointment . Some examples used were that to raise awareness about the climate chahge, mental health, corruption, electoral malpractices,GBV ,  EndSARS in Nigeria etc.

In addition, the rise of the social media has given birth to new professions which are predominantly manned by youths and they have used it to jealously project their issues and even propose solutions. An example is the case of the recent FIFA world cup in Qatar where social media influencers were used to market and showcase the potentials of the host nations. This is the reason why some influencers like Cabrel Nanjip, Hoga le Pichchi, Tenor and Queen Eteme were selected from Cameroon to visit the host country, and sell the potentials of the country and of Cameroon. Their mission was to take the competition to their generation and talking about influencers, we can note that it is a newfound job handled by youths. It talks about current issues and brings general issues to the table for discussion.  like their names stipulates, they are a reference and models to youths and that explains why they can be able to rally youths and try to  brief them on the societal anomalies that they witness. Their ways of handling information are gradually replacing mainstream journalism , their closeness to the masses makes them their choice as they in most cases are agents of change . Examples of such influencers include Boitumelo Thulo,Khaby Lame,

When the Anglophone crises in Cameroon got the point that the government was arresting members of the Consortium that was manning the grievances of Anglophones, power was quickly transferred abroad. It was handled by two youths, Tapang Ivo and Mark Baretta who continued to share the aspirations of the people by directing the Anglophone crises popularly known as the struggle through the use of the social media especially Facebook and Twitter to expose the grievances of the people of the English part of Cameroon.  Given that they were far away from home, their power was only exercised through the social media. They directed and animated the struggle from a distance through daily updates on the issues on the ground and through circulars that they released online. We can conclude that they succeeded to mobilize their audience.

Still about the Anglophone crises, unlike in the past where some hideous crimes went unnoticed, the social media became the police of the people. A typical example is that killing of school children of the Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in Kumba by unidentified gun men . The drastic reaction from youths especially using  the #EndAnglopheCrisis- Cameroon hashtag  brought to the knowledge of many about the existence of the current crisis in that nation. The Norwegian Refugee Council saw it as the most ignored crisis in the world but the mobilization of the youths gave it the desired attention.

In 2020, protesters in the streets of Liberia forced their president – George Weah to succumb to their demands and put in place measures that can curb violence against women. This was triggered by a boy of 19 who is said to have mutilated the genitals of a three year old and was planning to rape her and the waves of rape cases recorded by the country since 2015.Given the power of the social media, the president can be held responsible if he fails to implement the promised measures and in that case, only an online hashtag can bring him to order.

Young women in South Africa protested in2019 against gender based violence by marching in the streets and later storming social media with a call for an end to their woes ad later marched in front of parliament urging the president to put in place a budget and a team to handle the crises, the same case occurred in Namibia when young women shared pictures  of  their October demonstration against  GBV and femicide .  Youths rose in joy when president Mugabe of Zimbabwe resigned and prayed for a new nation with the new president but three years later, were compelled to protest against the violation of human rights and the press censorship. Most of the protests were done on social media for fear of being tracked down by the regime. Thus, we can see that the social media being a tool for change is an escape road for the youths who may not use the streets but the tweets that can save many lives.

The church has not been left out of this situation because many youths now use the social media as a tool to share the gospel .The gospel through preaching is used online and messages shared through platforms by youths to other youths. The case in point is that of the passion of Christ that was celebrated last week where youths used videos from the theatric representation of the suffering of Christ to share on social media. We also have the case of young Pastor Korede Komaiya who makes a lot of money from YouTube and that is been done through preaching and evangelism. This is a clear indication that the youths use the social media for very divergent reasons and that it is an effective tool for exchanges and contact.

The social media appears to be a sharp blade in the hands of youths ready to fall any tree standing on their way. As it is now possible to use a phone to effect change, one is certain that as technology is evolving, youths being the core of it will be at the centre of any decision made to affect their destiny. The social media far from being a good tool has also been wrongly used by many youths. This has resulted in many negative acts like cyber criminality, sexual harassment and scamming. Therefore a better use of the social media by all youths can be the beginning of a new dawn especially in Africa .

[gwydionmisha]

Re: BBC and the Guardian, as well as other news sources.

We have reached final straw point on disinformation.  I can't go back and expunge them given the amount of posting I do, but I'm looking at vetting more UK sources, since I basically dropped from five to three go to’s depending on what I'm covering.  I'm also struggling just generally with sourcing for other commonwealth countries.

If you have good general news sources to suggest for your country just generally, UK, Commonwealth, or not, feel free to pipe up so I can take a squint.  There are so many countries around the world where I am having to take a best stab with minimal guidance.

This goes particularly if you spot me using a problematic source.  Do pipe up if you spot me accidentally using Japan's equivalent of the Daily Mail or Uganda's equivalent of the New York post, because odds are I don't know.

As always, I am grateful to know if I'm posting stealth Russian or TERF propaganda or the like.  I do my damnedest to screen out unreliable things, but I'm one person and I definitely don't know or see everything.  If I've been tricked by an off-brand Onion, for fuckssake tell me. I'd rather apologize than spread nonsense.