Health
Irish Grandmother Loses Both Legs After Mosquito Bite Turned Deadly
In a shocking and heartbreaking turn of events, Josie Rowley, a 69-yearold grandmother of thirteen from Bantry Bay, Cork, Ireland, has had both her legs amputated after what seemed like an innocuous insect bite in her garden spiraled into a life-altering medical emergency.
Last September, Josie was tending to her beloved plants when she felt a small sting on her left leg. Later that evening, she noticed two tiny red marks but dismissed them as minor, possibly from a mosquito. However, within days, these marks grew into gruesome ulcers that refused to heal despite two courses of antibiotics.
As the condition of her leg worsened, Josie was referred to the hospital, where doctors attempted various treatments, including compression bandages and leech therapy, in a desperate bid to save her legs. Unfortunately, the compression bands, intended to manage the ulcers, significantly slowed her circulation. The situation became dire as her toes turned black, leading to the devastating decision to amputate both legs above the knee.
“I couldn’t believe that something so small could lead to this,” Josie recounted, still in shock over how quickly the situation escalated. “I’ve been gardening for years, been bitten by insects countless times, even lived in countries with far worse bugs, but I never imagined something like this could happen in my own garden.”
Josie’s ordeal didn’t end with the first amputation. Ten days later, she was back in surgery to have her other leg removed. The emotional and physical toll was immense. “Losing one leg was devastating, but when they took the other, it was a completely different story. I have had to adjust to a whole new way of life,” she shared.
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Complicating her recovery was her underlying arthritis, which had already affected her hands and ankles. Despite the challenges, Josie remains remarkably resilient. Currently living with her 41-year-old daughter, Jen, while necessary modifications are made to her council house, she has been adapting to her new circumstances with the help of an electric wheelchair.
“A wheelchair-accessible vehicle would make all the difference,” Josie explained, noting the difficulties of getting to appointments and staying connected with her family, including her new granddaughter. “Jen has been incredible, clearing out her sitting room so I could fit in my hospital bed. It’s not easy, but I’m getting there, slowly adjusting to this new life.”
Josie’s story is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of vigilance, even in the seemingly safest of places. Her courage and determination in the face of such overwhelming adversity are truly inspiring, as she continues to navigate her new reality with grace and strength.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.
The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.
The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.
“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.
In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.
A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.
The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.
However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.
“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean!
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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