FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Authorities in Sierra Leone on Thursday started a nationwide rollout of the single-dose Ebola vaccine, the first such campaign in West Africa where a deadly outbreak 10 years ago resulted in the death of thousands.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak – the deadliest in history – was primarily in West Africa but affected Sierra Leone the most, with nearly 4,000 deaths out of the more than 11,000 recorded globally. The country also lost 7% of its healthcare workforce to the outbreak.
The nationwide vaccine campaign, implemented by the government in partnership with the global vaccine alliance Gavi, the World Health Organization and the United Nations children’s agency, will target 20,000 frontline workers across the country, officials said.
“This is an investment in the safety of our people and a healthier Sierra Leone,” Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby said.
There had been no approved vaccine at the time of the 2014 outbreak that recorded up to 28,000 cases, starting in Guinea before spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia, the other two countries affected the most.
Three years have passed since the last case was recorded in Guinea, although officials have spoken of remaining threats in endemic regions.
Among those killed by the disease during the 2014 outbreak were nine relatives of Hassan Kamara, a resident of Freetown. Of the 11 people he was living with at the time, only he and his baby daughter survived.
“They died in front of me,” he said. “I feel bad sometimes speaking about this because of what I went through.”
Thursday’s campaign, which launched in the capital, Freetown, was welcomed by health workers.
Collins Thomas, a community health worker in Freetown, remembers losing many colleagues in 2014 as they managed patients during the outbreak in Freetown.
“It was scary, because we knew nothing about the disease and learned along the line. With this vaccine, we know we are protected,” Thomas said.
Gavi chief executive Dr. Sania Nishtar said the organization is “incredibly proud” of how its support for timely and equitable access to vaccines has helped save lives and protect communities.
“To have the first nationwide preventive vaccination campaign take place in the country most deeply impacted by the 2014 outbreak makes this historic milestone even more meaningful,” he said.
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India’s annual fish production has nearly doubled since 2014 to 17.5 million tons, with inland fishing now surpassing marine fishing, contributing 13.2 million tons, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said on Thursday.
In his address here to celebrate World Fisheries Day 2024, the minister said that India has now become the second-largest fish producer globally, with around 30 million people involved in fish production across the value chain. The country accounts for as much as 8 per cent of the world’s total fish production, he added.
He said that various initiatives by the fisheries department like the Blue Revolution, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSY) have resulted in boosting fish production in the country.
The Minister also congratulated the fishermen and fish farmers for their role in achieving the target.
Singh launched a series of landmark initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the fisheries sector and strengthening India’s blue economy. These included the launch of the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for data-driven policymaking, the National Plan of Action on Sharks for sustainable shark management and India’s endorsement of the Regional Plan of Action on IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) Fishing to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Bay of Bengal Region jointly in cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, the International Maritime Organisation-Food and Agricultural Organisation (IMO-FAO) GloLitter Partnership Project to combat marine plastic litter, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for retrofitted LPG kits to promote energy-efficient, low-cost marine fishing fuels.
Additionally, the New Single Window System (NSWS) by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority was launched to enable online registration of coastal aquaculture farms. A signed MoU was also exchanged to implement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), harnessing carbon-sequestering practices in the sector.
The Union Minister also highlighted issues like plastic pollution, carbon emissions from traditional fishing and water pollution, emphasising the government’s efforts to reduce plastics, improve water quality and promote eco-friendly practices.
Singh mentioned the unorganised nature of the sector and the infrastructural gaps, stressing the need for reforms and initiatives like the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). He outlined a vision for sustainable development and economically empowering the fisheries sector, focusing on modern techniques, policy integration and long-term goals to ensure India’s global leadership in fish production.
Speaking on the occasion, Manuel Barange, ADG and Director Fisheries Division FAO, Rome, emphasised the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to feed a growing population. FAO’s Blue Transformation Initiative was presented during the event, focusing on sustainable aquaculture development, effective fisheries management, and enhancing aquatic food value chains.
Progressive states, Union Territories (UTs), districts, and individuals were honoured for their remarkable contributions to the growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in India.
Kerala received the award for the Best Marine State, while Telangana was recognised as the Best Inland State. Uttarakhand earned the title of Best Himalayan and Northeastern State, and Jammu & Kashmir was awarded Best Union Territory. Among the districts, Kerala’s Kollam won the Best Marine District award, Chhattisgarh’s Kanker was named Best Inland District while Assam’s Darrang received the Best Himalayan and Northeastern District award and Kulgam in Jammu & Kashmir was honoured as the Best District in a Union Territory.
(Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
This is often a time when men are trying to safeguard a career, buy a property or keep on top of a mortgage, build a family and maintain relationships. Not only can stress negatively affect your sleep, sex life, immune system, gut health, heart rate and blood pressure, it can also increase your risk of depression. While other factors come into play — alcohol and substance abuse, loneliness, relationship breakdown — in the UK and New Zealand suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.
Last year, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) launched their Raise campaign to help identify depression in men. The acronym, which aims to point out the five signs of depression, stands for risk-taking, anger, isolation, substance abuse and exhaustion.
Anthony Davis, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist and contributor to the campaign, says: “There is often pressure on men in these age groups to have everything sorted, professionally and personally. But when they feel they are not living up to their potential, depression can take hold. And if fathers and grandfathers haven’t been open with their emotions, perhaps believing it’s not masculine to talk, this example often gets passed on to the next generation. When difficult feelings are not expressed, they can surface in anger, risky living or acute anxiety.”
According to the BACP, 56% of therapists agree that men are less likely to get support than women. It helps to talk. Speak to those close to you, or a charity such as the Samaritans, or a professional therapist. Anthony Davis says: “It’s important to express these difficult emotions and bring them to the surface in a trusted environment so they can become more manageable.”
Overeating, drinking and a sedentary lifestyle can also be a by-product of stress. Set up the right habits to support your needs. Thibo David, a performance coach, adds: “Studies show that exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety by 22-48%, bolstering resilience against stress.”
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in both the UK and New Zealand. Photo / 123rf
In your 50s and 60s
Look out for… prostate cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
No one knows your body like you do, so try to pick up on warning signs before it’s too late. If anything feels unusual, a follow-up with your GP will generally set your mind at rest and further concerns can be investigated. A simple blood test can detect high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anaemia, poor liver function and diabetes.
Prostate cancer occurs in more than 28% of men, so be aware of any changes, such as difficulty when peeing. Often this is caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, but you may need a PSA test, which measures the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein in the blood.
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, the lead medical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “Prostate cancer is usually found in the older age bracket, but certain groups are at risk of diagnosis at a younger age, mainly black men and men with a family history of earlier age cancer. Many men still think diagnosis is all about a rectal examination and this puts them off going to the doctor. Empowering men to talk about it with each other is another really important element.”
Dr Hayley Luxton, a senior research impact and intelligence manager at Prostate Cancer UK, adds: “Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its earlier, more treatable stages, so it’s crucial for a man to understand his own risk. You can do this right now, using Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second risk checker. The earlier you catch prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat it.”
Coronary heart disease is the biggest killer of men (one in eight male deaths). The warning signs are chest pains (angina) when blood flow to the heart is reduced. You might also experience pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, arm, or even your jaw. If in doubt, check it out.
The health plan
Cleaning up your act will quickly show benefits. Improve your diet consciously — men should not be eating more than 30g of saturated fat a day, preferably they should consume less. And while the salt guideline for adults is no more than 6g a day, men tend to consume 9.2g a day on average.
Bridget Benelam, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, says: “Only a third of men are meeting the five-a-day recommendation and only 12% meet fibre recommendations of having 30g a day. Men are more likely than women to be overweight or obese and the proportion of men who are overweight increases with age. With men over 45 years, about 80% are overweight or obese. In one recent study, people who followed the healthiest diets reduced [their] risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 21%.”
It is also worth moderating your alcohol intake — previous opinion claimed that a glass of red wine was a healthier choice (because of its antioxidants) but now the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Lung cancer causes the highest number of cancer-related deaths among men, with smoking being a major contributor. Photo / 123rf
In your 70s and 80s
Look out for… an accumulation of symptoms
When you hit your latter years, the GP’s surgery can become overly familiar, but that is no reason to ignore what is going on. Cases of prostate and lung cancer are high in UK males, with nine in 10 (prostate) and eight in 10 (lung) deaths in those aged 65 and over. Age is the main risk factor. Heart disease increases, too, so watch your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
Alex Denning, an NHS doctor and the co-founder of Progevity, a new protein drink for adults aged 50 and above, says: “Evidence shows consumption of whey protein lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin response, which has beneficial effects on cardiovascular and arterial health. It has also been shown to improve blood pressure, decrease arterial stiffness, reduce unhealthy lipids and increase healthy lipids in our blood. All of these changes in our body will allow us to stave off poor heart health, remain active and disease-free longer.”
Unfortunately, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related death among men, and almost two-thirds of cases are caused by smoking. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), a health charity, says that in 2022, 14.6% of men smoked (compared to 11.2% of women).
Sophia Lowes, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, says: “Stopping smoking completely is the best thing you can do for your cancer risk and overall health. Common symptoms of lung cancer include a new cough or a cough that doesn’t go away after a few weeks, getting out of breath more than usual, and coughing up blood in your phlegm. If you notice something that’s not right for you, talk to your GP. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early means that treatment is more likely to be successful.”
The health plan
Keep exercising. It’s never not too late to lift weights and strength training helps with cognitive ability, cardiovascular health and bone density. Thibo David adds: “Plus it supports your balance and mobility”.
“Stronger muscles keep us upright and prevent debilitating falls. I worked with an 83-year-old client who saw remarkable improvements through regular resistance training. His strength gains and mental clarity were clear indicators of the profound benefits of muscle engagement in later life.”
Also, while the passing of time isn’t for the faint-hearted, maintaining a positive mindset has been shown to improve overall health. Feeling lonely, especially after the loss of a partner, is not uncommon; while dealing with ageing, a long-term illness or the end of a career can push the most stoic of folk towards depression. Again, there is no age limit on seeking support.
Anthony Davis says: “While it might not be easy for men of this generation to speak openly about their feelings, shutting down emotionally can affect their physical health as well as their mental health. I have supported older male clients in my practice and seen the incredible benefit they get from sharing their emotions and experiences. It can bring great comfort and insight to have a safe space to be their authentic selves.”
Sunshine Place is marking its tenth year as a community hub for seniors in Makati. For the past decade, it has provided a welcoming space for creativity, wellness, and social engagement.
Founded under the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, the center has become a gathering spot for older adults seeking to stay active, learn new skills, and connect with others.
Members like 74-year-old Tess Castaneda call it their “happy place.” She credits Sunshine Place for helping her maintain an active mental and physical lifestyle through various classes such as dance, art, and fitness. It also offered her opportunities to socialize and form new friendships.
Sunshine Place member Tess Castaneda shares how the center serves as her ‘ikigai’
Others share similar stories. Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo, 70, discovered the center after retiring from a life in the diplomatic circle. She found creative fulfillment in painting classes, often joined by her young granddaughter.
Another member, Linda Atayde, a former SM Foundation and bank executive, developed a passion for Ikebana flower arrangement, which led her to explore writing and other creative pursuits. Atayde also highlights how the center’s online activities during the pandemic kept her engaged and healthy.
Writing workshops, led by Oscar Penaranda and Dr. Joem Antonio, have helped members discover new talents. Antonio, an eight-time Palanca winner, says the center has a way of attracting “interesting people.”
Penaranda notes that the workshops have guided seniors in self-discovery and clarity in their writing, resulting in a collaborative anthology, Reflections in Light and Shadow, An Anthology of Short Memoirs.
Chit Mijares Chua, who has taken writing workshops under Penaranda and Barbara Gonzales says she likes the quiet joy and lightness of Sunshine Place.
“Confidence, productive me-time, courage to step out of the box, peace, gaining a friend or two. Sunshine Place gives me those,” Chua states.
Music therapy has also played a significant role at Sunshine Place. Instructor Czarina Cruel says she has found a second home there. Harvey Chua, one of her students, says the center brought new joy into her life after losing her husband.
Artistic pursuits like Ikebana and porcelain painting have also flourished. Instructor Marc Tomas takes pride in seeing seniors develop new skills. His student, Cynthia Huessaff, enjoys a sense of community during classes. Tess Colayco, another student, calls it her “ikigai place,” where she finds joy in painting and meeting like-minded individuals.
Porcelain painting teacher Mee Lee Casey adds that the classes offer a supportive environment for participants to bond and share their experiences.
Artist Mee Lee Casey teaches porcelain painting at Sunshine Place
Sunshine Place also offers dance and fitness classes. The “Dekada Class” members, Bella Pilapil, 71, Marilou “Balot” Prudente, 57, Maria Corazon Mendoza, 71, Cecille Ventura, 50, and Rey Legarda, 57, appreciate the camaraderie and mental stimulation they gain from the center’s activities.
Sunshine Place also caters to those interested in physical activities. Dance instructor Danny Vinculado has been teaching at the center for a decade, with students like 95-year-old Erlinda Velasco and 53-year-old Cherry Co finding joy in tap dancing.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be able to do this, but as long as I can follow on my feet and they don’t throw me out, I’ll keep trying. It keeps me young at 95,” says Velasco.
Sunshine Place offers a class for learning the basics of tap dancing
Co often brings her mother, Enrica Babao, 84, to the senior hub three times a week. Although her mom’s age and health issues have been challenging for Co, her mom has been active in dance, salsa, chair dance, music classes, and brain enhancement classes.
“Mommy was enjoying,” she says. “Sunshine gave my mother continuity even if she is a senior. There is life and happiness in being part of the Sunshine Place family.”
Sunshine Place, located on Jupiter Street in Makati, continues to provide a welcoming space for seniors to explore their interests, stay active, and foster community.
