Category: Ecology

### Mpox in North Kivu: An Epidemic Illuminating the Flaws of a Fragile Health System

The North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to suffer the devastating consequences of armed conflict, the repercussions of which are now manifested through an Mpox epidemic. As the war pushes thousands of people to flee their homes, the spread of this disease highlights the vulnerability of an already weakened health system.

With an alarming increase in cases and a response that is struggling to take root in the face of instability, the situation is becoming critical. Massive displacement resulting from violence, such as that orchestrated by the M23, not only aggravates limited access to care, but also creates areas prone to epidemics. In this context, an integrated and sustainable health strategy is imperative to prevent health crises from becoming inevitable in these conflict zones.

Faced with this reality, the international community and local actors must come together to build resilient health systems that can cope with the unpredictable while meeting the immediate needs of affected populations. The future of North Kivu depends on the ability to transform this crisis into an opportunity to rebuild its health system.

### Gaza: A Convoy of Hope at the Heart of the Humanitarian Crisis

In a context of acute humanitarian crisis, the recent dispatch of an aid convoy of 305 trucks to Gaza marks a historic and symbolic moment. With 4,200 tons of food and vital supplies, this mobilization represents more than just material aid: it is a glimmer of hope for more than two million people in distress.

Under the initiative of the Long Live Egypt Fund and in collaboration with the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent, this action illustrates the power of human solidarity in the face of indifference. At a time when protracted crises tend to generate aid fatigue, this convoy is a reminder of the urgency of a concerted global response. By offering support and opportunities, humanitarian aid cannot be limited to one-off gestures, but must also be integrated into sustainable strategies. A fundamental message emerges: every truck crossing the border carries not only resources, but also a call for collective compassion and hope.

### Health Resilience in North Kivu: Fighting Mpox in Times of Conflict

The situation in North Kivu, marked by persistent armed conflicts, is aggravated by a worrying resurgence of Mpox, a contagious disease that is spreading with increasing population displacement. The disorganization of local health systems, exacerbated by forced migration, complicates the management of the epidemic, which mainly affects overcrowded urban areas. To address this humanitarian crisis, a strengthened international response, combining humanitarian aid and local capacity development, is essential.

Experts stress the importance of a holistic approach, integrating the health and psychosocial dimensions of vulnerable populations. Investing in adapted awareness-raising programs and establishing innovative partnerships can transform the current crisis into an opportunity for progress for the Congolese health system. Ultimately, building lasting resilience against past and future health crises requires collective mobilization, where every voice counts to foster mutual aid and solidarity.

**Madagascar at War Against Radiata Turtle Trafficking: A Historic Seizure**

In Madagascar, the fight against wildlife trafficking is taking on a new dimension with the arrest of nineteen people, including three foreigners, as part of an international operation targeting the resale network of radiata turtles, an emblematic and critically endangered species. The Malagasy authorities, reinforced by the creation of a Task Force in May 2024, managed to seize 2,700 turtles ready for export, a real sign of determination in the face of a phenomenon that threatens not only biodiversity but also the local economy through an underground industry valued at billions of dollars. This raid underlines the importance of strong international cooperation to stem a traffic that fuels other forms of crime. However, Madagascar must not relax its efforts and must continue to raise awareness among local communities about the need to preserve this unique species, while seeking economic alternatives to counter this illegal exploitation.

**Title: Douala rethinks its kitchen with a waste oil stove: a strategy towards a sustainable future**

In Douala, a bold initiative is taking shape with Suzanne Noubissie, a stay-at-home mother who is abandoning coal in favor of an innovative stove powered by recycled engine oil and solar energy. Led by Eric Tankeu, a young committed engineer, this project goes far beyond simple cooking. It is anchored in a circular economy, reducing hazardous waste while generating jobs in recycling. Thanks to substantial savings and a significant reduction in health risks linked to the use of traditional fuels, this change in practice could transform cooking habits and improve the quality of life in Douala. This local commitment embodies an inspiring model of sustainability that could influence the whole of Cameroon and beyond, while addressing urgent environmental and social issues.

**A New Vision for Community Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo**

Faced with public health challenges such as malaria and diarrheal diseases, Rotary International, with its allies, is launching the ambitious “Rotary Challenge for Healthy Communities” program. By investing $8.5 million, this initiative is tackling child mortality by training more than 2,000 local health workers, thereby strengthening the health infrastructure of rural communities. This sustainable model is part of an inter-organizational collaboration aimed at pooling resources and knowledge.

The expected results go far beyond simple access to care. By educating families on prevention and health practices, the program transforms communities into active players in their own health. At a time when health inequalities are glaring, this challenge is part of a broader movement aimed at redressing health systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

By placing the well-being of children at its heart, Rotary offers a glimmer of hope for a healthier future in the Democratic Republic of Congo, proving that community engagement and local training can catalyze meaningful and lasting change.

### DRC: Between Forest Reserves and School Tragedies

The Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself at a delicate crossroads where ambitious plans for environmental preservation coexist with alarming social realities. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Félix Tshisekedi unveiled the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor project, aimed at creating a forest reserve while defending biodiversity. However, the DRC is struggling with rampant deforestation and endemic corruption that jeopardize the success of such initiatives.

Simultaneously, the auction of the assets of Corneille Nangaa, former president of the Electoral Commission, raises questions about justice and reconciliation in a country marked by conflict. Efforts to repair harm seem insufficient without a genuine approach to social reconciliation.

Finally, a school violence tragedy in Kinshasa, where several students poisoned a classmate out of jealousy, highlights the dysfunctions of the education system and the urgent need to reflect on the values ​​conveyed in schools.

Faced with these interconnected challenges, the DRC must reinvent its values, combining ecological ambitions with social resilience, to build a promising future where respect and altruism take precedence over violence and destruction.

**Storm Eowyn: A Climate Wake-Up Call for Ireland and the UK**

On 24 January 2025, Storm Eowyn rocked Ireland and the UK, defying storm expectations. With winds reaching 114 mph and more than 500,000 homes without power, the event brought us face to face with the worrying evolution of extreme weather events in the region. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the event as an “eye of the storm”, illustrating a severity that calls for vigilance and preparedness.

As the impact of the storm continues to be felt, particularly in Brittany, experts are concerned that the frequency and intensity of storms are increasing, revealing a growing vulnerability of our infrastructure. The need for a proactive and collaborative approach to anticipate future severe weather has never been more urgent. Eowyn is thus a symbol of a collective awareness, encouraging us to rethink our strategies in the face of tomorrow’s climate challenges. A resilient vision, based on solidarity and innovation, could well be the key to navigating future storms.

**A Silent Epidemic: HIV in the Philippines, a Disease of Connection and Inclusion**

The Philippines is facing an alarming health crisis, ranking as the fastest growing country in the world for HIV. In 2023, approximately 29,000 new infections were recorded, reflecting a culture of inadequate sexual education and rampant stigma, particularly among the LGBT+ community. As the government struggles to implement effective policies, NGOs like Love Yourself are stepping up to provide care and raise awareness. However, the road to collective healing is fraught with challenges, and the country risks becoming a symbol of failure in the face of a multifactorial challenge that goes beyond health. To change this dynamic, inclusive and multi-sectoral engagement is essential to eradicate not only the virus, but also the stigma and exclusion that accompany it.

### Cassava in the Central African Republic: Culture, Challenges and Future Prospects

In the heart of the Central African Republic, cassava, or “gozo”, is much more than a staple food: it is the cement of a rich culture and a crucial vector of food security for the majority of the population. Nine out of ten Central Africans make it an essential element of their daily lives. Despite its resistance to climatic hazards, cassava cultivation faces many challenges: lack of equipment, insufficient infrastructure and marketing difficulties.

However, a wind of change is blowing on tradition. Farmers, like Joseph and Fernande, are considering integrating modern methods and innovative technologies to improve yields and living conditions. Cooperative initiatives and better access to training could transform this survival crop into a promising economic lever.

The Central African Republic has the opportunity to learn from the successes of other African countries, and with a collective will to innovate, cassava could become a pillar of economic emancipation for millions of Central Africans. In this fight for resilience and identity, each tuber tells a story of the future.