( MENAFN - Jordan Times) LONDON - During the Irish famine in the 1840s, as more than one million Irish citizens died, vast quantities of food were exported from Ireland to Britain. For the Whig government in London, the defence of commercial interests, the dictates of laissez-faire economics and Political indifference to Irish suffering trumped any obligation to prevent mass starvation by intervening in markets. The international response to the COVID-19 pandemic bears a discomfiting resemblance to the British response to the Irish famine. Although science and industry have given us the means to immunise the world, nine months after the first arm was jabbed with a COVID-19 vaccine, rich countries are using their market power to direct doses away from poor countries, placing millions of lives at risk. Consider some recent actions by the European Union. Under a contract with Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the bloc has imported millions of vaccine doses from a company in South Africa, a country where a mere 11 per cent of the population is vaccinated and the Delta variant is fuelling a surge in cases. Yet efforts to divert vaccine exports from Europe to South Africa and its neighbours were met with a display of vaccine gunboat diplomacy, with the EU threatening to take action under a clause in the J&J contract prohibiting export restrictions. The message to the world was clear. While EU commissioners and political leaders may arrive at UN meetings waxing lyrical about the importance of international cooperation and global vaccine equity, the iron fist of vaccine nationalism is driving real-world policy. When it comes to weighing African lives against marginal gains in the health of already-protected EU citizens, Africans come in a distant second. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently highlighted the South Africa example as a“shocking symbol” of global vaccine injustice. He was right, but the injustice is global. In a world that has delivered more than five billion doses, over 70 per cent of people in rich countries have now received at least one jab, compared to only 1.8 per cent in the poorest countries. This is an equity gap that kills. We know that vaccinations provide effective protection against COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisation. As US President Joe Biden has reminded Americans, this is a“pandemic of the unvaccinated”. The same is true globally. Nevertheless, the United States and other rich countries are now preparing to deliver vaccine booster shots to already-protected populations facing marginal health risks, effectively diverting supplies from countries where access to vaccines is, quite literally, a matter of life and death. The current distribution of vaccines is not just ethically indefensible. It is also epidemiologically short-sighted and economically ruinous. Leaving large swaths of the world unvaccinated increases the risk that vaccine-resistant viral mutations will emerge, effectively prolonging the pandemic and endangering people everywhere. Meanwhile, expanding vaccinations would boost economic recovery, adding $9 trillion to global output by 2025, according to an estimate by the International Monetary Fund, and help prevent major reversals in poverty, health and education. Basic arithmetic shows that we can vaccinate the world. Estimates by the data analytics firm Airfinity suggest that around 12 billion vaccine doseswill be produced in 2021, with output doubling in 2022. That's more than enough to achieve the international target of 40 per cent coverage by the end of this year and 60-70 per cent by mid-2022. Unfortunately, it is not enough to achieve the targets while satisfying rich countries' desire to hoard surplus stocks. With their current contracts, rich countries could achieve full vaccination coverage rates for over 80 per cent of their populations, including boosters for vulnerable people, and have a surplus of 3.5 billion doses, according to the Airfinity data, enough to cover the deficit in poor countries and still leave rich countries with a healthy contingency reserve. Instead, rich countries are actively undermining international cooperation efforts. Aid donors have invested $10 billion in the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility, the international program designed to provide vaccines to the world's poorest countries. That financing has secured contracts for around two billion doses. Additionally, the World Bank has provided $4 billion for COVAX and an African Union vaccine-purchase initiative. But COVAX and poor countries are constantly pushed to the back of the line for supplies from vaccine manufacturers for whom rich countries come first, not least because of their governments' threats to take legal action and impose penalties. The pandemic has demonstrated that the world needs a more efficient and equitable distribution of vaccine-production capabilities. Developing these capabilities will require knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, intellectual-property waivers, and long-term investment. But without immediate and decisive action to replace the trickle-down approach to vaccine provision with market redistribution, John Maynard Keynes's dictum that“in the long run we are all dead” will have a tragic resonance. There are three priorities. First, vaccine delivery must be aligned with the target of 40 per cent coverage in all countries by the end of this year. Rich countries must agree to adjust their own schedules so that vaccine manufacturers can make deliveries for COVAX and developing countries. Building surplus stocks in rich countries while allowing people to die for want of vaccines in poor countries is indefensible. Aid donors should also provide the additional $3.8 billion in grant financing needed to trigger COVAX options on an additional 760 million doses by the end of 2021. Second, to meet the international targets, we need to move beyond intermittent vaccine donations to large-scale, coordinated dose-sharing. The EU, the United Kingdom, and the US should immediately share an additional 250 million doses, less than one-quarter of their collective surplus, through COVAX by the end of September, with a clear schedule for providing an additional one billion doses by early 2022. Third, beyond vaccine equity, there is an urgent need to strengthen health systems, not just through the provision of medical oxygen, which is in critically short supply, therapeutics, and diagnostic equipment, but also by investing in the health workers and infrastructure needed to get vaccines into arms. The current gap between funds pledged and funds allocated for this purpose is around $16.6 billion. Our ability to save lives, restore hope, and rebuild economies shattered by the pandemic is constrained not by a shortage of vaccines or financing, but also by a deficit of justice and international cooperation. The governments of rich countries often recite the mantra that“no one is safe until everyone is safe”. Their leaders must now act like they believe it. Kevin Watkins, a former CEO of Save the Children UK, is a visiting professor at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the London School of Economics. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2021. MENAFN02122024000028011005ID1108949054 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East division title on Sunday, handing the Dallas Cowboys a humiliating 41-7 defeat while the Buffalo Bills secured the second seed in the AFC with a 40-14 crushing of the New York Jets. The Cowboys were already eliminated from playoff contention and without top receiver CeeDee Lamb with a shoulder injury, but it was their defense that struggled. Eagles starting quarter-back Jalen Hurts missed the game due to concussion. Kenny Pickett got the start but had to leave the game in the third quarter with a rib injury with Philadelphia 24-7 up. That meant third-choice Tanner McKee took over under the center and two of his four passes were for touchdowns. The real damage to the Cowboys, who gave up four turnovers, was done by the Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley who put up 167 yards on 31 carries to pass the 2,000 yard mark for the season. Barkley, who has 2,005 yards needs to put up 101 yards next week to break Eric Dickerson's record for the most rushing yards in a season, set for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The win means the Eagles are guaranteed at least the number two seed in the NFC. The Bills take the second seed in the AFC, behind the Kansas City Chiefs, after taking care of business against the New York Jets. The Bills led 12-0 at the half before their quarterback Josh Allen took total control of the game with touchdown passes to Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman either side of a rushing score from James Cook. Allen, who threw for 182 yards, had opened the scoring with a one-yard rush. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. The Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from playoff contention after falling 45-33 to the 3-13 New York Giants. While the Giants had nothing to play for, quarterback Drew Lock enjoyed himself -- he matched his career high of four touchdown passes and rushed for another score as the Giants ended their 10-game losing streak. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept their post-season hopes alive as Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-14 rout of the Carolina Panthers. Later on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings, searching for the top seed in the NFC, take on NFC North divisional rivals the Green Bay Packers. The Washington Commanders would book a playoff berth if they can beat the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday night's game. sev/bbZach Kittley finalizing agreement to take over as Florida Atlantic coach, AP source says
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A mum-of-two who was taken to hospital with sepsis after a botched Brazilian butt lift has backed the Mirror's campaign to clean up the beauty industry . Jodie Nicholson, from Leeds, decided to have a non-surgical BBL in July 2022, which she was told was completely safe by the clinic. But the experience turned into a nightmare. She said: "It was sold to me as extremely safe, nothing like the surgical BBL, and I was told if I didn’t like it, it was only filler and could be dissolved, no downtime or aftercare needed." But the next morning she woke at 4am to feed her baby son and realised something was very wrong. Jodie, now 30, said: "I've never felt ill like it. It happened so fast. I felt sick, dizzy and my vision was blurred, my thighs were red hot and rock hard. When I looked in the mirror, purple rings were around the injection area. By 10am the next morning my buttocks were oozing with pus. It happened extremely fast." Jodie went to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics but she struggled to keep them down. Five days after the procedure, she was taken to A&E as she was drifting in and out of consciousness. "They said I was days away from dying in my sleep, as I was so poorly when I first went in," she said. "Thank God, in A&E they took my bloods and within about three hours of being there, they did the first operation on both sides to cut away the filler and infected tissue. "They cut through muscle and tissue to remove what they could and put drains in to get any excess fluid. They drained 2.5 litres of pus from the areas. My blood infection was really bad and I was in another few weeks as they then had to do another operation a few days after as one side was burning and felt like nettles on the inside. The Mirror's three cosmetic demands 1. Cosmetic operations such as liposuction, surgical face lifts and surgical eye lifts, should only be carried out by properly trained surgeons on the General Medical Council specialist register. These surgeons should have UK Board Certification in Cosmetic Surgery for their area of practice. 2. All operations and high risk procedures must be surgically safeand carried out in clinics and hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 3. Make it a legal requirement for beauty clinics who offer non-surgical interventions to have malpractice insurance. "They then cut away more tissue. I’m three years in and it’s not just the scars, it’s the disfigurement as one side is completely cut away." Doctors told her afterwards that this sort of procedure can go wrong even years down the line. Jodie, who is a carer for an elderly family member and has two sons, aged 9 and 3, said: “It’s awful. I don’t like that the people who do it aren’t held accountable unless you’ve actually died. You can't believe they haven't got a conscience and keep practicing on other people." Pointing to the case of Alice Webb, who died after complications from a non-surgical BBL procedure, she said: "I hope we can try to make people aware and get a change, especially for that young lady Alice who lost her life. That was awful."None
STRICTLY star Nadiya Bychkova celebrated her 'belated birthday' - with past dance partner Dan Walker secretly in attendance. The Ukrainian pro dancer, 35, and broadcaster Dan, 47, teamed up on the BBC show in 2021. Although Nadiya celebrated her actual birthday in August, she has just marked the occasion in style. Joined by pal Jemma Bolt, she indulged in caviar tasting at The Ritz in London . Taking to Instagram , the owner of the caviar tasting business revealed how Channel 5 star Dan had been in attendance. Neither of the former Strictly co-stars have shared anything on social media about their reunion. Read more on Strictly In fact, Nadiya's post about her "belated birthday" instead focused on her joint celebration as a whole. She penned, in part: "The most magical evening. "Celebrating our belated birthdays with my dear @jemmabolt, celebrating friendship, celebrating life. "Last night couldn't be more perfect. It was like a fairytale." Most read in News TV The pro dancer continued: "The most iconic place @theritzlondon. With the most incredible people." During their stint, Dan and Nadiya reached the Strictly quarter finals before ultimately being eliminated . Following his exit, the newsreader said at the time: "I'm not a dancer, but she showed me that I can dance. "And that for me, this has been an absolutely incredible experience." He added: "There are some people that walk into your life and turn some lights on and that's what she has done to me. "You're an amazing person, and if you'll have me, I'll be your friend for life Nadiya Bychkova , OK?" North West Tonight - Dan began working at this regional news programme for the BBC in 2004. One year later he was nominated for the Nations and Regions Sports Presenter or Commentator prize at the Royal Television Society Sports Awards. Football Focus - He took over as the presenter of the BBC show in 2009. He headed up the show for the next 12 years before Alex Scott took over in 2021. BBC Breakfast - Dan Walker started hosting the popular morning news show in 2016. Strictly Come Dancing - He took to the ballroom floor alongside professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova in 2021. Dan made it to the final five, but was eliminated before he could claim a spot in the semi-finals. Channel 5 - The presenter made the switch from the Beeb to Channel 5 in 2022, where he continued to cover UK news. The Weakest Link - He participated in an episode of the quiz show in 2022 alongside other former Strictly stars. Dan won the special and managed to bank £10,000 for charity. Classic FM - Dan started hosting the weekday breakfast show on the radio programme in 2024, and within months racked up over 2 million listeners. Nadiya's latest Strictly partner was triple Olympic Gold medallist Tom Dean . Unfortunately, their time dancing together on the BBC show was swiftly cut short. READ MORE SUN STORIES In week two, they became the first couple to exit the competition. Strictly continues on BBC One and iPlayer.Programming cells: Revolutionizing genetic circuits with cutting-edge RNA toolsHeavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
New Delhi: The Congress-led MVA 's massive defeat in the strategically key state of Maharashtra is not only another jolt to Congress ' electoral record against the BJP after the Haryana loss, and thus its effort to be the pivot of anti-BJP national politics by building on from its sliver of hope in the general election, the setback also adds to the already volatile equations within the INDIA bloc , making it a task to ensure its future unity. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results Although the JMM-led front's second consecutive victory in comparatively smaller Jharkhand makes it theoretically a '1-1' NDA-INDIA score, yet, the enormity of the Maharashtra defeat makes the JMM-led victory just a consolation prize for the Opposition, a fact advertised by the gloom at the Congress headquarters throughout the day even when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her anticipated first election victory from the safe seat of Wayanad by bettering her brother's 2024 majority mark. The JMM-led front's impressive victory also shows, once again, how the Congress excels these days mostly in piggybacking on regional biggies rather than the other way around. In the Congress leadership structure, guarded by nominated party office bearers, the Gandhi family will continue to enjoy the 'indoor comfort', but in the competitive electoral politics, the Maharashtra defeat once again raises questions about the effectiveness of the 'Gandhi-Vadra mystic' to electorally conquer and deliver (their much-touted 99 tally in the last Lok Sabha poll is still the third-lowest Congress tally in history, scored mostly against non-BJP parties). Priyanka, after Rahul, too opting for the safety of Wayand is seen even in the Congress circles as self-admission of this limitation. 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View Program Finance Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program The campaign tone set by Rahul Gandhi both in Maharashtra and Jharkhand was, to even the local Congress functionaries, a typical case of a 'stuck record-player', now on the theme of "save Constitution" and "caste census", even though these state polls were fought mainly on incumbency issues, social re-engineering and strategic improvisations post-LS polls. While the BJP and RSS reworked their campaign coordination, guarded against caste divisions through "batenge toh katenge" like slogans, wooed back OBCs by tapping their anger against Maratha quota agitation and played up social welfarist schemes like "Laadki Bahin", Rahul Gandhi, like la Rafale campaign in the past, struck to the 'Constitution" and "caste-census" themes. In contrast, the Hemant Soren-led campaign in Jharkhand positioned the front's campaign on welfarist schemes, especially for women, and by cementing unity of tribals and whipping up sympathy for his arrest to beat back the BJP's "infiltrators" plank. Rahul Gandhi campaigned for just five days in Maharashtra and four days in Jharkhand, but spared three days for Wayanad. The 'united Congress' of Maharashtra now stands as battered as the already broken Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SCP). AICC spokespersons indulged in their difficult occupational hazard by defending Gandhi's campaign approach and questioned the credibility of Maharashtra result while hailing victories in Jharkhand and Wayanad. The Maharashtra poll also marked Gandhi and Udhav Thackeray's failure in marketing 'Adani' as an electoral plank by first coining "Adani & Modi ek hai toh safe hai" counter-slogan and then promising to evict the Adani project from Dharavi redevelopment plan besides attempting a Maharashtra-Gujarat divide. While the Congress-led Opposition will raise in Parliament the indictment of Adani in the US, whether the Maharashtra defeat will sap their energy and unity to sustain that agitation is being watched. Bypoll Woes The Congress show in the cluster of Assembly by-elections, too, showed it faring poorly against the BJP, and in comparison to INDIA bloc allies such as TMC and AAP. Barring winning all three seats in Karnataka and retaining a seat in MP, Congress' show in Rajasthan, Assam, Punjab and Gujarat was below par as Congress closes yet another electoral calendar year with little to cheer. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Van Lith scores 17 to help No. 11 TCU women beat Brown 79-47
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