African Elephant: Most Endangered animals in Africa

The African Elephant is one of the most endangered animals in Africa. Research done at the University of Washington showed that the elephant death rate from poaching was at 8%. The African Elephant is the largest living land animal. According to this article and research done, these elephants could be extinct by 2020. This elephant can eat 225 kilograms of fruit, grass and leaves in one day. African Elephants are divided into two groups, the bush elephant, and the forest elephant. The only difference is that the forest elephant has a more round shape to its ears as well as a small body size compared to the bush elephant.

Other than poaching, these elephants tend to die when they are calves either from drought or from being killed by lions and crocodiles. In the 1980s, there were nearly one million African Elephants, and around 70,000 were being killed each year. The total population now is less than 470,000. These elephants can be seen while on an African Bush Safari.

Not only would I love to go on a safari in Africa, but I would also love to see animals such as the African Elephant that are so rare and beautiful. I wish there were places like this closer to home. Africa has some really great species of animals and definately some fun ones to look at! According to other internet sites, I found that these elephants are poached just for their tusks! It is sad that these animals become endangered for such reasons. There are many websites out there trying to gain support for endangered animals. Hopefully the fight to save beautifal animals such as the elephant are successful.


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Cholera Epidemic Infects Thousands in Kenya

In an article written by Jeffrey Gettleman on December 4, 2009, explains that an epidemic is taking over Kenya, with 4,700 cases of cholera reported in the past month along with 119 deaths. Kenyan officials are claiming that this is one of the worst outbreaks Kenya has seen in over a decade. In certain areas of Kenya, rain has been scant, leaving very little clean water. Kenyans in these areas are living off of dirty and contaminated water, which is how cholera spreads. The drought has left many weak and malnourished, which leads to decreased immune system function, only making the epidemic worse. A member of the aid group, World Vision, explained that people are coming down from hills very very sick and nobody is really sure of how bad it is up there yet. Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by bacterial infection. Those who become infected by cholera could die within a day if not treated. The disease is easily spreadable, for example, by taking a drink out of an infected persons cup.

The best treatment for cholera is rehydration salts to restore fluids. In order to prevent the greater spread of cholera, hand washing is the most important protection. The only problem with hand washing, is that most of the water is contaminated, making it difficult to find water that is suitable for cleansing. A cholera alert was issued and $7.5 million dollars would be needed for medicine and testing kits.

Although we mostly hear of HIV and AIDS in Africa, cholera seems to be another major disease that should not be overlooked. I chose to focus on this topic because it is related to health care and also because I do not know much about cholera. It is very sad to know that without treatment, those infected could die within days. Not only is it sad, but the fact that they do not have treatment materials yet means that many will die before the government can provide the money for those materials. It is hard to slow an epidemic such as this, because clean water is scarce.

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Mobile Phone Use Soars in Africa

On Friday, October 23, 2009, an article was published about the use of cell phones in Africa. The United States reported that cell phone use is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else in the world. From 2003 to present, cell phone subscriptions in Africa have grown by 500%. Members of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development believe that this is both socially and economically important. It has a strong impact on the way that people and companies do business. In countries including Gabon, South Africa, and Seychelles, there are 100 supscriptions for cellular phones for every 100 people. Not all areas are at this level, but the numbers remain to rise.
The article also explains that while cell phone use is still on the rise, internet use and access remain slow and costly. A member of the UN conference explained that not only are African countries lagging behind developed countries, but also developing countries that are using internet access. The belief is that until recently, Africa did not have the international cables needed to carry telecommunications between Africa and the rest of the world. Because cables like these are becoming more available, internet will be the next big thing in Africa.
This article caught my attention because cellular phone and internet use are two things that I have grown up with. It surprised me to hear that Africa gets the most cell phone subscriptions compared to everyone in the world because I feel like when we discuss Africa, it seems to be about how economically behind they are and how difficult things are for them. I am glad that cell phone use is dominant over there because it is increasing their communication with the rest of the world. I was surprised to hear that internet use was so slim, after hearing about the popularity of cell phones, especially because most cell phones now have internet built in. Africa seems to be growing both socially and economically, though!
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Beckham visits South African HIV clinic as Unicef ambassador

On December 7, 2009, an article was written about David Beckham traveling to South Africa to visit an HIV/AIDS clinic. Beckham is a Unicef ambassador for the United States! The clinic was located in Khayelitsha. He spoke to mothers and expecting mothers with HIV on behalf of the Unicef Mothers to Mothers (M2M) education and support program. He got to tour the clinic and also interact with mothers whom have benefited from the Mothers to Mothers program! The programs explains risks of passing HIV onto their children. Beckham stated that "it is a cheap and easy way to help save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year." The article explained that, according to Unicef, 73% of South African mothers with HIV recieve treatment and support for themselves and their child, up from 15% in 2004.

I think that Unicef is a great program and it is amazing to see that stars are going to make a difference and are involved in such programs. I think that because HIV/AIDS is so prevalent, it is important to teach how to keep from spreading it to others. I have also learned that education is the main way in which we can cure HIV/AIDS. I think that it is great that programs such as Unicef are working with these mothers in order to protect children. This is a more effective way of preventing HIV.

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