Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had successfully taken full control of the Russian town of Sudzha.
This marks a significant achievement for Ukraine, as Sudzha becomes the largest population center to fall under Ukrainian control since the commencement of the cross-border offensive earlier this month.
Despite having a prewar population of around 5,000 people, Sudzha holds considerable strategic value. Located in Russia’s Kursk region, Sudzha serves as the administrative hub for the area.
It is larger than any of the other small towns and settlements that Ukrainian forces have taken since the start of their cross-border incursion on August 6.
Sudzha plays a crucial role in the flow of Russian natural gas to Europe. The town houses a measuring station for Russian gas that travels through
Ukrainian pipelines, supplying about 3% of Europe’s total gas imports. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian officials have assured that there has been no disruption to gas flow through Sudzha, a factor vital to Europe’s energy stability.
In his statement, President Zelenskyy hinted at Ukraine’s long-term plans for Sudzha. A Ukrainian military command office is reportedly being established in the town, suggesting Ukraine may have a sustained presence in Russia’s Kursk region.
While Zelenskyy did not elaborate on the office’s specific functions, he emphasized that humanitarian aid would be provided to the residents of Sudzha, underscoring Ukraine’s intent to assist civilians in areas under their control.
The capture of Sudzha represents a significant milestone for Ukraine in its ongoing offensive. By securing control of the town, Ukrainian forces gain both a strategic foothold and a critical point of leverage over Russia, particularly with regards to its energy supplies to Europe. As Ukraine consolidates its gains, all eyes will be on the continued progress of this cross-border operation.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has significantly ramped up its surveillance and emergency response systems to swiftly detect any potential cases of Mpox, following a surge of the disease within the sub-region. This comes after the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a “public health emergency” of security concern earlier this week.
As Mpox becomes a growing concern, Myjoyonline.com explores critical facts that will help you stay safe and informed:
1. Origin of Mpox
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, was initially identified in animals at the State Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958. It was discovered during an investigation of a pox-like disease spreading among monkeys, which gave the virus its original name.
Human cases of Mpox were first identified in 1970 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in a 9-year-old boy. Notably, the outbreak occurred in a region where smallpox had been eradicated in 1968. This marked the virus’s initial crossover into the human population.
2. Mpox Spread to the U.S.
In 2003, Mpox made its first appearance outside of Africa, specifically in the Midwestern United States. This marked a historic point as it was the first time Mpox had been confirmed outside of the African continent. Most of the infected patients had come into contact with pet prairie dogs that had been exposed to the virus. This incident highlighted the zoonotic nature of the disease, showing its ability to cross species from animals to humans.
3. How Mpox is Transmitted
Transmission of Mpox occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented through close contact with infected animals, primarily during the handling of monkeys, rats, and squirrels. These animals serve as the main reservoirs of the virus. Zoonotic transmission is an area of significant concern, particularly in regions with frequent human-animal interaction.
4. Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox presents with symptoms that are often similar to but less severe than smallpox. The typical incubation period ranges from 6 to 13 days, though it can extend from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, intense headaches, lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes), back pain, muscle aches, and a notable lack of energy.
Within 1 to 3 days of the fever, patients often develop a rash, beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash tends to progress through various stages—from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised bumps), vesicles (fluid-filled bumps), pustules (pus-filled lesions), and scabs. Once the scabs fall off, individuals are considered no longer infectious.
5. The Severity of Mpox
Mpox is typically a self-limiting illness, meaning most cases resolve on their own with proper care. However, the severity can vary greatly, with more severe cases reported in young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. The fatality rate for Mpox has varied between outbreaks, but it typically ranges from 1% to 10%.
6. Prevention of Mpox
Preventing Mpox starts with minimizing contact with animals, particularly those in regions where the virus is prevalent. This includes avoiding the handling of dead animals, ensuring the safe preparation of meat, and maintaining good hygiene. For those working in high-risk environments, such as healthcare settings or animal control, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following sanitation protocols is essential.
7. Vaccine Availability
Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide cross-protection against Mpox, though widespread vaccination for Mpox is not typically available. However, countries with confirmed outbreaks may consider vaccination campaigns for high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers or individuals in contact with confirmed cases. Research continues into specific Mpox vaccines.
8. Mpox Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Mpox, though antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may be used in severe cases under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Treatment is generally supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms and managing complications like bacterial infections or dehydration.
9. Mpox in Africa and Beyond
Mpox remains endemic to several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Central African Republic. In recent years, cases have been increasingly reported outside of Africa, raising concerns over global health security. Surveillance efforts by organizations like the Africa CDC aim to track and contain the spread, with international cooperation essential to controlling outbreaks.
Mpox continues to be a public health concern, but with appropriate knowledge, vigilance, and health measures, its spread can be curtailed. Stay safe, stay informed, and follow guidelines issued by local and international health authorities.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Richard Selormey, has attributed the rising rate of emigration among health professionals in Ghana to severe economic hardship and the depreciation of the local currency, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within the country’s healthcare sector.
In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, Dr. Selormey emphasized that the low salaries and allowances received by Ghana’s healthcare professionals do not reflect the demanding nature of their work. This economic imbalance is forcing many professionals to seek opportunities abroad, further deepening the country’s brain drain in the medical sector.
“The economic situation in Ghana makes it almost impossible for an average doctor to afford basic needs like a car or a house,” Dr. Selormey noted. He stressed that financial constraints are pushing health professionals to question their future in Ghana, leading many to consider emigrating to countries where they can earn a more sustainable income.
The GMA Secretary expressed concern that, despite their dedication, many professionals feel their contributions are undervalued. “People are asking themselves, ‘After all my service to Ghana, what do I gain? How do I survive on a salary that can’t even afford me a home?’ This frustration is driving many doctors and nurses to relocate to countries where their work is appreciated and well-compensated.”
Dr. Selormey further highlighted the burden of healthcare costs, which has worsened as many healthcare workers are now forced to pay out of pocket for their own medical treatment, often within the same hospitals where they work. This situation underscores the need for better healthcare policies that support medical professionals financially and professionally.
To combat this growing issue, Dr. Selormey called on the government to introduce better incentives and non-financial benefits for health professionals in Ghana. He urged policymakers to implement solutions that include salary increases, subsidized housing, healthcare sponsorship programs, and opportunities for professional development.
Dr. Selormey also voiced his frustration over delayed government action on a rural healthcare initiative that could alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by health workers. He stressed that the Ghana Medical Association has had to step in to provide temporary relief for its members.
As Ghana’s healthcare system continues to grapple with these economic challenges, addressing the root causes of health professionals’ dissatisfaction will be crucial to retaining talent and ensuring the long-term stability of the country’s medical sector.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested two individuals for their involvement in the theft of the sign post belonging to the Bachirawa Police Station in the Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, shared the news on Wednesday via Facebook. Kiyawa reported that the suspects were apprehended with the help of local residents in the area.
In a statement originally written in Hausa and translated into English, Kiyawa said, “The person who stole the Bachirawa Police Station sign post and the individual who collected it are working together. We appreciate the local residents who assisted in bringing up a new sign post.”
“We are thankful to the people of Bachirawa,” he added, expressing gratitude for the community’s support.
In a shocking incident, four individuals have been arrested following a knife attack on the father of young Barcelona football star, Lamine Yamal, in the Catalan town of Mataro.
The attack occurred on Wednesday evening at around 1910 GMT in a car park located about 30 kilometers from Barcelona in the Rocafonda neighborhood, an area known to be the hometown of Lamine Yamal, according to a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan regional police force.
Mounir Nasraoui, the father of the promising Spanish footballer, was stabbed multiple times during the altercation. Nasraoui is currently receiving medical care at the Can Ruti hospital in Catalonia.
Reports indicate that he is now in stable condition but remains under observation. Family sources confirmed that Nasraoui is “out of danger” but did not provide any further details regarding his expected release date from the hospital.
The attack has left the local community in shock, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, the assault took place after Nasraoui was approached by a group of men while he was standing in the street. Following a brief exchange, the men allegedly assaulted Nasraoui with a knife, leading to his hospitalization.
Local police arrested three suspects on Wednesday night, and a fourth was taken into custody at around 0900 GMT on Thursday morning. The suspects were being questioned at Mataro police station to uncover the full details of the attack. Authorities are also seeking to interview Nasraoui as soon as possible to gain further insight into the events that led to the stabbing.
The Catalan police have not yet released any further information about the possible motive behind the attack, but investigations are ongoing to ensure the safety of the local community and bring those responsible to justice.
The Ogun State Government has confirmed that a French court has recently ordered the seizure of three Nigerian government presidential aircraft. The aircraft were grounded following a contract dispute between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan, a Chinese company that had previously entered into an agreement with the state government.
The dispute stems from a contract that was initially formed between the two parties but later hit a deadlock. The Ogun State Government eventually revoked the contract in 2016.
Following the revocation, Zhongshan took both the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to court, seeking compensation for what it claimed was an unfair termination of the agreement.
As a result of the legal proceedings, a French court took the extraordinary step of grounding three Nigerian presidential jets that were within its jurisdiction, in compliance with the lawsuit brought forward by the Chinese firm.
Earlier, an independent arbitral tribunal had awarded Zhongshan a compensation amount of approximately $74.5 million. However, the Ogun State Government has contested this award, claiming that the compensation amount is unfair and has not yet been honored.
The government’s refusal to comply with the tribunal’s decision has led to heightened legal tensions and resulted in the French court’s involvement.
In response to the court’s ruling, the Ogun State Government issued a statement on Thursday, expressing its strong condemnation of the seizure of the jets.
The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who argued that the action taken by the French court is merely a new tactic by the Chinese company to pressure the Nigerian government. He added that previous attempts to seize Nigerian assets in other foreign jurisdictions had failed.
The Ogun State Government described the judicial move as unjust and indicated that it plans to contest the ruling. The state government maintains that the aircraft are used for sovereign purposes and, therefore, should be immune from attachment under both international and French law.
They further accused Zhongshan of deliberately withholding crucial information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, and their legal teams during the court proceedings. The government also claimed that Zhongshan misled the Paris court regarding the ownership and use of the seized jets.
Akinmade, in his statement, pointed out that the state will continue to challenge the court order and explore every legal avenue available to reverse the seizure of the presidential aircraft, emphasizing the state’s dedication to protecting its sovereign assets.
KOLKATA, INDIA – Tens of thousands of women took to the streets of West Bengal on Wednesday night in a massive outcry against the shocking rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata.
The protests culminated in the “Redcliff the Night” march, a demonstration that has intensified following nearly a week of public outcry sparked by the tragic events at the RG Kar Medical College last Friday.
The 31-year-old doctor had reportedly been working a grueling 36-hour shift before falling asleep in a seminar room due to the lack of a designated rest area. She was found the next morning by her colleagues, half-naked and badly beaten, suffering from extensive injuries.
Her murder has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the public, leading to widespread protests across the region. Authorities have since arrested a hospital volunteer worker believed to be connected to the crime.
In response to the call for justice, women from all walks of life flooded the streets of Kolkata and various other parts of the state in a show of solidarity on Wednesday. Despite the late hour, the women marched resolutely, their placards demanding justice for the slain doctor.
These protests, though largely peaceful, were marred by sporadic clashes with police forces. A small group of unidentified men reportedly barged into the RG Kar Hospital, where the crime took place, ransacking the emergency department in a burst of anger.
The police responded by attempting to control the unruly crowd, leading to altercations in which several police vehicles were damaged. Tear gas was deployed as officers sought to disperse the protesters, but the unrest continued to ripple through the city.
The protests have now spread beyond Kolkata, with major Indian cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune witnessing solidarity marches demanding justice and systemic changes to ensure women’s safety in hospitals and other workplaces.
The anger and frustration were palpable among the crowds, many of whom held mobile phones and torches as symbols of defiance against the widespread violence that plagues women in India.
The streets of Kolkata resonated with chants and slogans, amplified by megaphones. Young and elderly alike joined hands in solidarity, their steps resolute as they moved past universities, hospitals, and busy marketplaces.
In one particularly striking moment, protesters gathered outside the RG Kar Medical College, chanting “Justice for our sister.” Their voices echoed in unison, with the humid night air only amplifying the anger and sadness felt by many. The rally continued into the early hours of the morning as women vowed not to stop until justice was served.
The tragedy has exposed the deep-rooted issues plaguing Indian hospitals, where safety measures for female doctors and staff remain dangerously inadequate. Women’s rights groups have called for immediate reforms, including the implementation of stricter security protocols in hospitals to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
The incident has further fueled the ongoing national conversation on gender violence in India, sparking renewed calls for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and judicial processes to protect women. The protests are expected to continue as the nation watches closely to see how the authorities respond to the demands for justice and change.
MOSCOW – A Russian court has sentenced Karolina Karelinia, a former ballerina and dual citizen of the United States and Russia, to 12 years in prison on charges of treason after making a small donation to a charity supporting Ukraine. Karelinia, who had been living in Los Angeles and became a US citizen in 2021, was arrested during a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg in January.
The court in Yekaterinburg, located approximately 1,600 km (1,000 miles) east of Moscow, handed down the sentence after finding Karelinia guilty of treason. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year prison term, but the court instead sentenced her to 12 years in a general regime penal colony.
According to court documents, Karelinia’s charges stemmed from a $51.03 donation made to a Ukrainian organization that provides humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian military. The transaction reportedly took place on 22 February 2022, the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian intelligence agency FSB was believed to have uncovered the transaction during an investigation of Karelinia’s communications.
Karelinia’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushelev, said his client admitted to making the donation but argued that she believed the funds would be used for humanitarian purposes, rather than for military support. Mushelev announced that Karelinia would appeal the sentence, stressing that she only intended to assist victims of the conflict.
The charity in question, Razom for Ukraine, is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on humanitarian aid and support for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Representatives of the charity emphasized that they have never raised funds for military purposes.
This case comes after several other recent high-profile trials in Russia, including the sentencing of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, on espionage charges. Human rights groups in Russia have raised concerns about the increasing number of treason and espionage cases tied to the Ukraine conflict and US-Russia relations.
The court’s decision has drawn international attention, with the US State Department closely monitoring the case. US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy has condemned the sentence and urged Russian authorities to release Karelinia immediately. Rights organizations are now calling for diplomatic efforts to ensure her release.
Karelinia’s sentencing is expected to increase tensions between the US and Russia, further complicating diplomatic relations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
More than 40,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli military actions in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry released on Thursday. The death toll—reported to be 40,095—represents roughly 1.7% of the 2.3 million people who live in the densely populated territory.
In addition to the staggering number of fatalities, satellite imagery analysis indicates that approximately 60% of the buildings in Gaza have either been damaged or completely destroyed since the beginning of the conflict.
The southern city of Rafah has been among the hardest hit by airstrikes and ground operations, suffering extensive damage, according to the imagery.
The Gaza Health Ministry’s report does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally of the deceased. However, Israeli officials told the BBC that over 15,000 terrorists affiliated with Hamas have been killed during the ongoing war.
The figures provided by both sides, particularly by the Gaza Health Ministry, have historically been widely reported during periods of conflict and are frequently referenced by international bodies such as the United Nations.
The breakdown of the Gaza Health Ministry’s data reveals that a significant proportion of the dead are women, children, and elderly civilians, though no specific figures have been released to distinguish among these groups.
Journalistic access to Gaza has been severely restricted. Israel has barred international journalists, including those from the BBC and other major outlets, from entering the region, meaning they are unable to independently verify claims from either side.
Furthermore, data from Gaza is often difficult to cross-check due to the destruction of infrastructure, including damage to hospitals and severe limitations on internet access and communications.
In recent weeks, the Gaza Health Ministry’s ability to function has been further compromised by ongoing airstrikes and blockades, preventing it from properly operating in areas like mortuary services and medical data gathering.
Reports indicate that the Ministry has resorted to using ad-hoc systems in hospitals for counting and identifying the dead, as communication systems and internet services have been largely incapacitated.
The Gaza Ministry of Health’s Central Media Office (CMO) has begun publishing numbers and casualty figures online as conditions allow, though these figures are increasingly relying on “reliable media” sources due to the collapse of traditional reporting methods. These numbers may also include those who remain unaccounted for and presumed dead under the rubble of bombed-out buildings.
As of this month, figures are believed to be incomplete, as many bodies remain unidentified due to infrastructure failures across Gaza, including a lack of mortuary facilities and limited access to forensic services.
This has led to a growing number of missing persons being included in the total death count. The full extent of the devastation is unlikely to be known for some time due to the sheer scale of destruction and the ongoing military operations throughout the region.
U.S. and Botswanan military personnel recently participated in a three-day workshop aimed at improving the integration of women into Botswana’s army. The event, part of the larger Southern Accord 2024 program concluding on Thursday, addressed key issues such as sexual harassment and the need for tailored equipment for female personnel.
Major Teisha Barnes, military operations officer of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), highlighted the challenges women face in military service. “One of the big challenges is not letting women broaden their horizons and putting them in a box,” Barnes stated, emphasizing that limited opportunities often prevent women from rising to higher ranks.
Barnes detailed recent changes in the U.S. military to accommodate women, including modifications to uniforms and equipment. “We have made several changes in the U.S. over the last 10 to 15 years to accommodate women based on body type and changes to uniform just to help women feel more comfortable within the military,” she explained. Specific issues addressed included ill-fitting protective vests that could cause injuries and boots that were difficult for some women to break in due to weight differences.
Botswana Defense Forces Major P. Sergio acknowledged ongoing challenges for women in Botswana’s military, citing cultural beliefs as a significant barrier. “In our culture, men believe that women cannot join the army because it is tough and we are soft, we are not masculine,” Sergio said, adding that changing such perceptions will take time.
U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken stressed the importance of equal opportunities for women in the military. “It is [a] kind of approach to problem solving that incorporates everyone’s strength and enables us to bring everyone into the equation on an equal basis,” he stated, emphasizing the need for diverse contributions in addressing 21st-century security challenges.
The workshop is part of Southern Accord 2024, a broader initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral military capabilities. Brigadier General John LeBlanc, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general, reported that this year’s exercise, involving 700 military personnel, has been successful.
This collaborative effort between the U.S. and Botswana militaries represents a significant step towards addressing gender equality and integration issues in armed forces.
By sharing experiences and best practices, both nations aim to create more inclusive and effective military environments that fully utilize the talents of all personnel, regardless of gender.
