International
Kenya postpones school resumption after major floods kill over 70 people

The decision to postpone the reopening of schools in Kenya for the second term due to flooding is a necessary step to ensure the safety of students and staff. The heavy rains and flooding have caused widespread devastation, leading to the loss of many lives and displacing thousands of people across the country.
By delaying the reopening by one week, until May 6, the Ministry of Education is acknowledging the severity of the situation and prioritizing the well-being of learners and educators. It’s essential to assess the readiness of schools and implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains before students return to classes.
The assurance from the Ministry that steps will be taken to address the impact of the rains and provide updates on developments in the education sector is crucial for maintaining transparency and keeping stakeholders informed.
The heavy rainfall, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and schools. It’s heartening to see the government’s acknowledgment of the challenges faced by affected communities and its commitment to providing assistance and support.
The postponement of school reopening is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response in safeguarding the education sector and ensuring the safety of students and staff during natural disasters.
Health
US Pauses Chikungunya Vaccine Over Severe Side Effects

US health authorities have suspended the license for the Ixchiq vaccine against the chikungunya virus following reports of “serious adverse events”, the drug’s French maker said Monday.
Ixchiq is one of just two vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the mosquito-spread virus, which mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions but has recently been discovered to countries worldwide.
French company Valneva obtained US approval for the vaccine in 2023, but reports of side effects have prompted reviews in particular over its use in older patients, including by the European Medicines Agency this year.
“The suspension of the license is effective immediately,” Valneva said of the FDA order issued Friday, citing four additional cases of serious side effects, three of which involved people aged 70 to 82.
“As we determine potential next steps, and as the clear threat of chikungunya continues to escalate globally, Valneva remains fully committed to maintaining access to our vaccine as a global health tool,” chief executive Thomas Lingelbach said in a statement.
Public health experts say chikungunya could be a potential future pandemic threat as climate change pushes the mosquitoes that spread it into new regions.
The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus, with high fever and severe joint pain that is often debilitating and varies in duration.
Chikungunya is rarely fatal, though there is an increased risk of death for babies and the elderly.
In July, the World Health Organization warned of the risks of a major chikungunya epidemic, calling for urgent action.
The agency said it was picking up the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago, which swept across the Indian Ocean before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people.
So far this year, Europe has seen 27 chikungunya outbreaks, a new record for the continent, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said this month.
AFP
International
Indonesia and US Begin Joint Drills with 11 Allies

Indonesia and the United States kicked off the annual “Super Garuda Shield” military exercises on Monday, involving more than 4,100 Indonesian and 1,300 US troops alongside forces from nine other allied nations. The drills, running until September 4, are taking place across Jakarta, the western island of Sumatra, and the Riau archipelago.
This year’s exercises, described by US Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo as the largest to date, aim to strengthen regional stability and collective deterrence in the Asia-Pacific. While some allies, including the US and Australia, have voiced concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region, officials emphasize the drills are not targeted at any specific country.
Paparo highlighted the importance of deep trust and cooperation among partners, stating the exercises prepare participants to deter any attempts to alter the status quo by force.
The programme includes staff exercises, cyber defense drills, and live-fire events, with observers from India, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor attending. Indonesia, maintaining a neutral foreign policy, balances its relationships with both Washington and Beijing amid rising superpower tensions.
Health
US Reports First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm

The United States has confirmed its first human case of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living flesh, in a Maryland resident recently returned from El Salvador, where an outbreak is ongoing.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patient began showing symptoms shortly after returning and was diagnosed on August 4, 2025.
“Screwworm larvae literally eat living tissue, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections if not treated promptly,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. She urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear after visiting affected areas.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the case on August 24, 2025, emphasizing close monitoring of travel-related risks and coordination with Central American health agencies. “We are taking this very seriously and working to prevent any further spread,” said HHS spokesperson Dr. Anthony Fauci.
While screwworm infections are more common in livestock, causing severe damage and economic losses, human cases are rare but dangerous. Dr. Jose Ortega, senior USDA veterinary official, explained the larvae burrow into live tissue, creating deep wounds difficult to treat.
In response, the USDA is building a sterile fly facility in Texas and has temporarily halted cattle imports from Mexico to control the pest’s spread. Mexico is also expanding its sterile fly operations, as Panama’s current facility is insufficient for the ongoing outbreak moving north from Central America.
No animal cases have been confirmed in the US this year, but experts stress that even a single human infection highlights the need for vigilance. “Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent serious consequences, both for public health and agriculture,” Walensky added.
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