This week, the world witnessed powerful moments of progress and compassion. From Cuba’s recovery aid and Nigeria’s polio progress to Brazil’s forest initiative, Jamaican relief efforts and Ghana’s economic gains — here are five uplifting stories from across the diaspora reminding us that hope and humanity still lead the way.
Cuba to receive $74 million in aid following Hurricane Melissa.
According to the U.N., they are appealing for $74 million in funds to address the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The aid will reportedly address issues in health, water and sanitation, education and shelter, as well as rebuilding plans. Their Plan of Action focuses specifically on helping vulnerable groups such as women and children. The UN has already sent $4 million in aid to help citizens recover from Hurricane Melissa.
Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to getting rid of polio in the country.
In a press release, the government announced that it will be working alongside the World Health Organization and other partners to eradicate the illness by 2030. To do so, the country will offer timely vaccination. So far, in Taraba State, more than 2.3 million children have received a dose of the polio vaccine. The vaccination efforts will now extend to hard-to-reach places in the country. Although wild poliovirus is no longer around in Nigeria, cVPV2 cases are still being recorded. The latest announcement comes as the country marks a 41% decrease in cVPV2 cases overall.
Brazil announced a new forest fund to address deforestation.
The initiative is known as the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. The fund is aimed at preserving forests through providing $4 per hectare per year to 74 nations. Forests that are part of the initiative include the Amazon, the Mekong region, Borneo in Southeast Asia, the Atlantic Forest and the Congo Basin. If the Tropical Forests Forever Facility is successful, up to $4 billion could be devoted to saving forests. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva announced the first investment of $1 billion. Norway has already announced they would contribute $3 billion while France said that they would contribute 500 million euros. The fund is expected to hit the $10 billion target quicker than initially expected.
Orlando-based residents and businesses have successfully provided Jamaicans with supplies.
According to Spectrum News, freight company Lara Shipping has sent multiple containers of relief supplies, including diapers, canned food, clothes, generators, toiletries and water. The relief supplies have been obtained through donations from residents and businesses intent on helping Jamaicans recover from the Category 5 hurricane. Caribbean Sunshine Bakery is one of the businesses that donated. The bakery has been preparing shipments since the storm hit, using their back room to store the donations before sending them to Lara Shipping. Shipments have already been made to Montego Bay and Kingston.
Ghana’s inflation drops. According to the Ghana News Agency, the inflation rate has fallen to 8% this month. The rate has dropped by 1.4% from 9.4% in just a month. It marks the lowest rate the country has had in the past four years, indicating a more stable economy in Ghana. The downward trajectory is reportedly being supported by a better food supply, driven by good harvests and stable exchange rates. Housing costs, clothing costs and transport are also on the decline.
