The Challenges of Practicing Medicine In Africa

(Submission by Dr. Nicolas Cominellis, visiting doctor to CEML Hospital) "This morning I arrived to the CEML Hospital find this man, who arrived with a history of weight loss (check out the cheek bones), abdominal pain, and cough for three months.  One of the greatest challenges of 'practicing medicine' in this setting is the lack of testing available.  In North America, he would immediately have a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, chemistry 100, and a host of bacterial cultures. But out here, where most people earn in the range of $50-$100 per month, such special exams are unaffordable and non-existent except for the rich who live in the cities.  So we virtually rely on history and physical exams, which are quite limited, but just the way medicine was practiced before the 1960s.  One of the greatest challenges for healthcare professionals who come out to such low-resources communities is learning to work with very little!"

The CEML Hospital is aiming to expand its medical services and equipment to meet these medical needs: planned additional medical services would include a state-of-art ICU unit, pathology lab and examination equipment.

Bunaken Marine Park Tourism Underwater Paradise

Bunaken Marine Park

If you want to enjoy an earthly paradise, you do not need all the way to go to different parts of the world. In Indonesia you can find it, namely in tourism park Bunaken.

An area with several small islands in Manado, North Sulawesi, lay a variety of beauty is very remarkable. From the beauty of the islands, the beach is gorgeous, and the beauty beneath the sea is very fascinating.

Tourist Park
The total area attractions that are under the Bunaken National Park Bunaken is quite broad. It lies about 75 miles from Manado Beach is geographically divided into northern and southern parts. In the northern part there are 5 islands and on coastal Wolas-Wori. 5 island is the island of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Nian and Mantehage. From the islands, Bunaken is the most crowded island that is because it has a natural beauty that is more complete.

While in the southern coastal area of Arakan cover-Wawontulap. On the southern coast covers around 22 villages with a population of 35 thousand souls. Not a few residents in the region that helped earn a living by working in the field of tourism and open a business park Bunaken enliven this.

Celebrating Angola's Mother Tongue

The Portuguese language is the national language of Angola.  Spoken by more than 200 million people around the world and often described as the 'fatherland' or 'motherland' in the Portugese-speaking world, commemorations of the language were celebrated recently on February 21, International Mother Language Day.

Portuguese is the official language of eight countries - Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor - in four continents - Africa, America, Asia and Europe. Thus, the language covers a vast area of the Earth's surface (7.2% of the planet), encompassing an extraordinary diversity of lives which is reflected in the variety of dialects. It is also the fifth most spoken language on the Internet, according to Internet World Stats, with around 82.5 million internet users.

Deceased in June 2010, José Saramago, the only Portuguese-speaking winner of the Nobel prize for Literature, said that “there is no Portuguese language, but rather languages in Portuguese ”

"The Portuguese language is a combination of all the people who speak Portuguese and it is this which makes it such an interesting language, with such great elegance, elasticity and plasticity."  (Global Voices, 2011)

Nusa Lembongan Island the other side of the beauty of bali

Nusa Lembongan Island

Bali Island is known as one of the best tourist island in the world. Various awards obtained by the island of Bali as the island the best and most favorite place to travel around the world. The island became "The Best Exotic Destination". Therefore, many beautiful places in Bali developed into tourist attractions. One of the new tourist area which is now widely known is the charm of the beauty of the island of Nusa Lembongan. What are the enchanting beauty of Nusa Lembongan?

Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is one of the small island of a row of three islands located in the southeast of Bali, the Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Lembongan Island is the best of the other two islands. This island belonged Klungkung regency and its location is separated by Badung Strait from the island of Bali. Although only a small island, Nusa Lembongan can deliver a variety of recreational facilities. On the island is almost squashed with Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan that we will be greeted by a white sandy beach with crystal clear sea and various kinds of colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs and colorful.

'Giving' to 'Grow' the Angolan Economy

In this age of integrating micro-financing into third-world countriesto help bolster struggling economies, Angola has its own system named, KixiCrédito.  KixiCrédito was the first microcredit system to offer small low-cost loans to people in Angola and has since grown from a charity to a self-funding microfinance business operating in six provinces with a loan portfolio of over $9 million. The finance system has been quite successful to date, helping many people change their lives for the better. It is not considered aid, but about giving people access to services so they can make their own way.

In the Kimbundu language, one of two Bantu languages, kixi means “giving”. In the old tradition of kixiquila, people would lend each other money or labour, knowing the favour would be repaid to them.

This principle still runs at the heart of KixiCrédito, with two-thirds of loans given out through solidarity groups of up to 15 people from a local area. “Lending to groups works well because there is trust and honour in communities,” said Joaquim Catinda, executive director of KixiCrédito, which has a default rate of only 6 per cent, much lower than the banks.

“If one person can’t make their repayment, the others have to step in. Each week every member pays a fee of, say, 200 kwanzas [about $2] on top of their repayment and this money is kept and used in case someone defaults. We have rules that people from the same family can’t be in the same loan group because if there is a death or difficulty in that family, it means two people might default and that impacts heavily on the group.”

KixiCrédito borrows money from commercial banks and then offers its clients loans ranging from $100 to $10,000, with typical monthly interest at around 3 per cent. The average loan is $900, and most people use this money to fund retail stalls at markets or service businesses such as clothes repairers or small restaurants.

“We see many people who used to sell things in their homes getting credit and being able to open small shops and restaurants,” said Catinda. “There is a real entrepreneurial spirit in Angola because people have needed to make their own way and earn a living.”

As with many other microfinance schemes, business plans are at the heart of the loan to make sure people are not overstretching themselves or without a clear plan for the money. Catinda explained: “We have to be careful about how the money is used. For instance, selling pirate CDs or electrical items on the street is illegal, so we don’t give loans for people to do that. Also, people always ask for more money than they can afford, so we go through their accounts each time and work out what is a suitable amount.”

KixiCrédito credit is currently utilizing over the counter bank loans, but Catinda said the plan was to make direct transfers into clients’ bank accounts. “We need people to learn to use banks in order to manage their money. Because people aren’t used to banks, they go there and withdraw all the credit at once. The same happens with their salaries each month, but we are trying to change this attitude.” (Sonangol Universo Magazine,  Sept 2010)

Day Trips to the Crater at Mount Tangkuban Perahu

Tangkuban Perahu

Mount Tangkuban Perahu, or also commonly referred Tangkuban Parahu is one of the largest mountain plateau Parahyangan. Nature Park Mount Tangkuban Perahu in the northern city of Lembang, north of the city of Bandung. Cool weather, the spread of tea gardens, valleys and tall pine trees to accompany your journey toward the gate area Tangkuban Perahu.

Tangkuban Perahu have two road craters that exist on this mountain. The first street or road longer by road conditions more difficult to pass and will normally be closed after the rain or when deemed dangerous to pass. The guard booth will give clues to past the new road which lies further to the top if the road was closed. Before the ticket payment in the first street, there are cottages for rent for a place to stay.

Cultural Traditions: The Bride Price

In Angola, there is a still a strong cultural tradition of the asking of the hand in marriage, the alambamento or bride price.  Considered by some as more important than the civil or religious marriage, the alambamento consists of a series of rituals, like the delivery of a letter with the request for the hand of the bride, which often comes with a money offering.

When the young couple decides to marry, it is necessary to have the approval of the bride's family and this is only possible if, during the request, everybody is in agreement that the marriage should happen. The young couple sets the date of the request. This date is agreed upon by the aunt and uncle of the bride, as it is necessary to bring together the whole family and a list is delivered to the groom of all the things he must get before the day of the request.

The day of the request is set and the groom goes out in search of all the materials so that nothing is lacking on the day.  And what is on the list? First is an envelope with money, potentially 300-500 dollars depending on what the uncle stipulates.  It could also be the height of the bride in cases of beer, the height of the bride in cases of Coca-Cola or juice, a goat, a suit for the uncle or some shoes for the mother.

The purchase of these items is also seen as a compensation for all that has been spent on the bride since her birth through her wedding day.  Basically, it is a dowry that represents a valuable asset because the greater the payment, the higher the prestige of the bride. Traditionally, the woman is the one that farms to provide for the family and most importantly she's the one only that can ensure the clan prosperity and continuance through child bearing. Thus a woman leaving her parents home to get married is seen as a great loss of manpower and therefore they are entitled to compensation.

This value can even be greater, in the case that the groom has “jumped through the window.” Jumping through the window means that the bride is pregnant before the wedding and sure, it is just that the request be made stronger.

When the day comes, the family of the groom (father, mother, uncle, aunt, brothers and sisters) goes to the house of the bride, and her uncle, as if he were a judge, introduces all of the people and informs that they are going to begin the request for marriage. The parents of the bride invite the parents of the groom to enter and the uncle begins the reading of the request presented by the groom. If the father of the bride agrees with this request, the groom will need to go look for the alambamento, in other words, that list of things that he got together. The alambamento is presented and if everything is completed a meeting is held to pick the date of the marriage and other logistical details. This resolved, there is singing and dancing (it is not coincidental that beer and coca-cola appear on the list.)

From this day on, if everything goes well, the couple becomes man and wife. Arriving at the wedding, some couples tie the knot wearing traditional clothes and some prefer to use the famous suit and tie with brides wearing the traditional white dress. Before it begins, the bride appears below a piece of cloth, to test if the husband really recognizes her.

After the union is duly official it is time for a party, or else Angolans would not be by nature such party people. Ample food and drink delight the guests, always accompanied by good Angolan music.

The tradition is no longer what it was; in spite of the alambamento still being a strong characteristic of Angolan culture, the truth is that it is becoming less practiced. In the course of modernity, some families give up this tradition while the more conservative make a point to keep it up. At the same time, Angolan society recognizes the ritual importance of alambamento and even uses it in TV advertising. (Global Voices, August 2010)

Beautiful Sunset on the Beach Bandengan Jepara

Bandengan Jepara Beach

Bandengan Beach is located in the northern district of Jepara, Central Java. The beach is located on the north coast (coast) Java is a pretty interesting sights to visit. Every holiday season, the beach is always crowded with visitors both local and foreign tourists. This beach is also known as Ocean Beach Tirta who is leading attractions in Jepara, the hometown of National Hero RA Kartini.

History Bandengan Beach
According to stories handed down, the name first given Bandengan beach by the son of Amir Hasan Sunan Muria will now travel to develop the science of religion to Karimun Islands. When we reached the beach, they found many fish Milkfish so called Village Bandengan region. The beach in the village was finally named Beach Bandengan.

On the beach is also a favorite place of National Hero who began the emancipation of women is RA Kartini who is the daughter of the regent of Jepara at the time. R.A. Kartini frequent trips to the beach along the Dutch nobility in those days.

Tours in the Enchanting Island of Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat

The colors that appear because of the influence of coral reefs in the shallow sea bottom or inside. They were enjoying lunch at the Papua Diving Resort, West Irian Jaya f waters.

Hot sun and brisk air makes exasperated guests to dive and dive again. Sunlight often penetrate the crevices of sea waves up to the reef. Beauty scenery and marine life does make a lasting impression for tourists. For lovers of coastal tourism and underwater fanatic, Raja Ampat are very well known even considered the best in the world for the quality of coral reefs.

Many international underwater photographers capture the charm of the sea Raja Ampat. Some even come over and over again and make a special book about the beauty of coral reefs and marine life of this region. Mid-2006, a special team of the world's leading scientific adventure magazine, National Geographic, create coverage in Raja Ampat which will become the main report in 2007.

Sikuai the Beauty of Spectacular Island

Sikuai Island

Located on the Gulf Bungus, 23 km towards the south of Padang. Bungus Bay can be reached by taxi or public transportation stops at Pier majors Bungus sackcloth Bay then followed by motor boat across the sea for 20 minutes to the island Sikuai. Also traveling to the Island Sikuai can also start from the pier at Marine Tourism Harau Trunk Road

Sikuai Island offers the comfort and beauty of the marine world because this island has established a resort that has a complete facility with a satisfactory service.

Sikuai Island Resort is surrounded by green tropical trees and white sand blend with the blue sea. From the island can also be enjoyed by a few small green islands as well as views of the underwater world is very beautiful.exotis and services offered by Sikuai Island Resort, making the tourists seemed to be a private island so that the slogan 'the dream changed from reality' is perfect destined for this resort.

Angolan's Love of the Strategic Game: Chess

Angolans love their game of chess and perhaps it should be no surprise that they are so good at the game.With five International Masters and a host of players on the brink of qualifying for this prestigious title, Angola is one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s strongest chess nations.

Some say Angola’s love of chess was inspired by the Cuban troops in Africa during the conflict years. Che Guevara was known to be a keen player and members of the Angolan national team had a Cuban coach for a number of years, which some say laid the foundations for their strong performances.

Among this hall of fame is Adérito Pedro, an International Master, the 2007 Vice African Champion, and currently Angola’s best chess player. He started playing at 15 with a homemade board and plasticine pieces.  What began as a hobby, however, fast became a serious talent and within two years he had won the African Junior chess Championship. In his 20s Pedro won a scholarship to the Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess in Switzerland. Since then he has toured the globe, playing some of the world’s best players.

Raising the profile of the game is part of Angola's Deputy Prime Minister Aguinaldo Jaime’s plan; Jaime is also a chess fanatic and former head of Angola's Chess Federation. “Sponsorship tends to go to the most popular sports like football, basketball and handball and I think some companies might overlook chess because it seems elitist,” he says.

 

Why does he think Angola is so good at chess?

 

 

“I don’t know if you can really say it was a Cuban or any other country’s influence. I think chess is a very natural talent and maybe, for whatever reason, Angolans are born with this talent. “I also think Angolans enjoy strategic thinking: they are very disciplined and they have a strong resolve and these are all the qualities you need to be able to play chess, and that’s why the Angolans are so good. It has a lot to do with concentration."

“It also has nothing to do with academic background. There are a lot of people who for various reasons, financial or social, did not finish their schooling but are very good chess players because they have the qualities and the mind for chess.”

“It doesn’t take a lot of academic thought but instead you need strategy. Chess develops the mind and we say the best player wins, so you have to be the smartest. Chess is a scientist’s sport, so I hope they increase the programmes to teach Angolan children because they need it. It will develop their maths. If they can play chess they can learn maths.” (Sonangol Universo Magazine)

Kiluan Tour With Dolphins Charm

Bay Kiluan in District Kelumbayan, Tanggamus District, Lampung, is a haven for dolphins. Ocean nan wide is each time a pool dance performances. There is or there is no audience.

The wind is blowing through the blue sea, creating small waves of successive waves. Breezy sweep of it seems to be a matter of "one-two-three" for dozens of dolphins that mingle beneath.

Like get on cue, pretty sea creatures that bubbled up into the air until his whole body naked by every eye that looked. Then, curved in the air, and head fall again into the water. Like the queue, dolphins alternated air attractions. Thus, within a few minutes, without any manipulation of natural scenery was presented without interruption.

It takes three to four hours drive from Bandar Lampung to arrive in the Gulf Kiluan charming. Uphill and winding road and unspoiled nature is what we will find.

Magnificent scenery already seen all the way across the bay. Group of islands and rocks that hit the surf, white sand that surrounds the island's lips, the flying seagulls, and the breezes are cool to make the spirit of re-surge after tired in the car.

Stretch of white sand that surrounds almost the entire island into a strong attraction Kiluan Island. Enchantment of the natural emitted Kiluan make anyone who hopes to visit there again.

Not far from the island Kiluan, there is another beach that love to not be visited if you are in Kiluan. From pekon Kiluan Affairs took ten minutes away by riding a motorcycle to get to the White Sand beach. White Sand Beach has waves larger than those in the Gulf Kiluan, ideal for the hobby of diving. On the beach right there is a row of towering rocks as a breakwater.

Development
In the master plan development ecotourism Kiluan Bay, described the Gulf tourist sites are located in pekon Kiluan Kiluan State, District Kelumbayan, Tanggamus District.

The first area is the entrance area and parking area. The second area is the area of trade, where it will be stalls selling souvenirs to the works of local residents. The third area is a children's play area consisting of the park, some kids games arena, and arena outbound.

The fourth area is the pier of the crossing to the Island Affairs pekon Kiluan Kiluan and the bay where the dolphin population is located. The fifth region, the area inn to be built on the shoreline or coastal State pekon Kiluan which will also be equipped with a restaurant. In this area also will set the stage show to entertain the tourists.

To support this tourism, the local District Government has been doing repair roads and bridges that will facilitate access to enter the Gulf region Kiluan. This development provides an opportunity for investors to enter.

'Surfing' in Cape Exotic Faithful
TANJUNG Faithful is a beach located 60 km from Liwa (capital of West Lampung district). This beach is known as the height of waves and become one of the beaches with the highest waves in the world. With waves as high as 5 meters and a wavelength of 200 meters, would not be surprised if no less than 100 thousand tourists from Australia, Portugal, Netherlands, and Japan is always a visit to this beach every year, mainly July to October to make surfing (surfing).

If your hobby surf, Cape Coast Faithful would be one good choice, especially at this beach surf camp also has been available for more convenience for tourists who want to surf.

In addition to the challenging waves, a view was natural and the air is cool. Waves are dealing with the Indian Ocean really adorable. Besides surfing, you can also shore fishing because fish is rich, ranging up to blue marlin tuna. Also, as a place to camp. Moreover, there is a cottage which is representative, even because the building blends naturally with nature.

For highway facilities, has built the road that has been coated coral making it easier for tourists traveling to the beach that was in pekon Bumiagung, Biha District, about 22 km from the city this Krui.

Nature Tourism Putu Stone
Putu stone has distinctive advantages compared to other regions in Indonesia such as the view from the tourist area which could see the atmosphere of the Gulf coast of Lampung, Bandar Lampung, the stretch of green agricultural area of the people, and the surrounding green hills.

The atmosphere is cool and peaceful settlement could be an alternative relieving fatigue at the weekend.

Located not far from the center of Bandar Lampung. Travel through asphalt road winding across the region like a top, but quiet. Along the way, banana trees, mangosteen, and durian lined into a comfortable scene. Enjoying this region is also more fun when dusk falls. In fact, the night is the right choice for visitors who want to enjoy a beautiful evening at the top of Stone Putu.

Bay of Lampung has its own beauty when viewed from the top of Stone Putu. The twinkling lights of fishing boats and their activities into an exciting thing to be enjoyed. Expanse of green hills are not less interesting to be enjoyed. Together with a piece of cassava fuel and a cup of coffee, feel good mingle with the chill of night.

Putu stone area was suitable for outbound to be a place for students and students who want to vacation. Here too there is a zoo, playground / water tours, and hilly land contours are soothing.

Hill and Rice Passing
Kiluan city located in the south of Bandar Lampung, precisely in the District Tenggamus, District Kelumbayan. Travel from town to town Kiluan Lampung takes about 1 hour. During the journey, our eyes will be spoiled with a beautiful view. On both sides of the road, lay the green hills and rice fields.

Field trips will be more severe when entering the area Kiluan deeper. Vehicles must pass a fairly steep hills. On the left of the road, there is a gap plus the conditions that have not been paved road (still underground).

Towards Gulf Kiluan
To go to the Gulf Kiluan, you must enter the village Kiluan. In this village, quite a lot of people who adhere to Hinduism. Building the house was equipped with a mock large and small.

In this village, there is the White Sand Beach, which is access to the Gulf Kiluan. White Sand Beach is fairly challenging to be a surfing arena. Whisper of the waves which would be a challenging high for surfers.

From the White Sand Beach, you can cross with a boat and a small flat headed Kiluan Bay. The time needed to cross about 10 minutes.

Here, there is one guest house which are usually owned by a Gulf tour guide Kiluan. This medium sized guest house with three small rooms and one bathroom is simple.

Snorkeling in the Gulf luster
Beaches in Kiluan offers beautiful scenery like heaven. The water was very clear so as to make anyone not bear wanted to snorkel. The underwater scenery is quite beautiful.

Although there is not much colorful reefs, various fish and sea animals became a very beautiful scenery. You must be passionate pursuit of the fish milling about here and there.

Has been waiting for when the beach is at sunset. Beach Kiluan provide magnificent scenery at sunset. Red violet spread widely in the universe, sprinkled on the golden color of the ocean.

At night, you can spend time with fishing or barbecue joint on the beach.

Hunting Dolphins
To be able to watch dolphins dance, you have to take a boat to the middle of the ocean. There, many of the boats who want to see dolphins. The dolphins there are many in number and dance more than in Lovina, Bali.

Unfortunately, you may be unable to capture the dance of the dolphins using a camera or video as each boat approached them, the dolphins will go back into the ocean.

This may be because the dolphins are animals that are quite shy. However, dolphins dance quite entertaining and adds features tour to the Gulf Kiluan.

Angola Humor 3

See another example of a daily comic page from Journal de Angola, a daily Angolan newspaper.  This comic strip highlights the humorous trend of blending of modern technology with traditional dance amongst the many traditional Angolan dance groups.

Translation:  "This is tradition and modernism together."

Visitor Attractions On the Umang Island Resort

Looking down the pier to the island, we'll see the white sand and blue sea. Beautiful coastal scenery, so this place can also be used in wedding photos. When we reached the lobby, you will be immediately greeted with a welcome drink in the form of juice and wet towels are fresh. Managers also provide transportation from Jakarta when we are reluctant to use their own vehicle.

In this island there are resorts or villas. Suite is very comfortable place to sleep. Each villa is divided into 2 equal to the door as a liaison. The living room has a sofa which allows us to better enjoy the time together in this room. Rustic bathroom, with ornaments of clay a memorable experience. On the floor above, there is a bed that is very romantic with the top of the glass, so that we can look at stars at night.

This island is not large, only 5 hectares, but the facilities are complete enough For those who love water play and sports, you can play jet ski, banana boat, or snorkel. There is also a swimming pool adjacent to the beach, so while swimming, we also can enjoy the beautiful beach. Finished swimming, available Jacuzzi to massage the aching body. When you're happy to laze around, there is also a spa package, where we can enjoy a massage with aromatherapy accompanied by sound waves.

The waters in this island there are still lots of fish. Near the pier, we can see a collection of fish in groups. This can be a place for you who have a hobby of fishing. For children, there are also various games for children like swings, trombolin, etc..
Pulau Umang Resort

We can also relax in the gazebo located in front of each place we stay suites and located right on the beach. The ideal place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. At dinner a romantic atmosphere you can get if you want to eat on the beach, listening to sound waves. Or it could be in the cafe while listening to the strains of the song that was sung singer.

Close to the island of Umang, there Oar Island. The island is not very manageable and still very natural. Various types of shellfish are still many in this place. To go to this place, we can use a fishing boat from Pulau Umang provided.

As a souvenir or memento, there are also shops selling various souvenirs in the form of a logo shirt or hat Umang Island. There is also a display of shells and keychains. The price offered is not too expensive, so it will not drain our pockets.

Umang Island is the perfect place to honeymoon, vacation or family outing. It's just the way to this island that it is still less convenient. In addition to the distance, the road that must pass the winding and up and down. The streets are still deserted and only for 2 vehicles. So you must be careful in traveling.

Conquering Leprosy in Angola

January 31st marked the 57th World Leprosy Day as observed by the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP).  Statistics have tallied more than 250,000 cases of leprosy in 2010 in 118 countries. ILEP's Enhanced Global Strategy has a new global target for leprosy to reduce the rate of new cases with grade two disabilities per 100,000 population by at least 35 % by the end of 2015.

Leprosy remains a major public health concern to Angolan authorities as the country is among the countries which continue recording over a thousand cases, despite having reached the elimination goal recommended by the World Health Organisation (less than 1 case / 10.000 citizens). Angola recorded 1,048 leprosy cases at the 2010 year end.

Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) is a chronic, infectious disease involving the skin and nerves of infected individuals. Pale patches on the skin are usually the first sign of the disease – they are painless and do not itch, so are often ignored by the patient.

In the past, nerve damage and other complications occurred as the disease progressed. The numbness and lack of feeling in the limbs often led to festering wounds on the hands and feet, and then to the characteristic deformities of the face and limbs. In many communities this led to stigma towards those affected and their families, causing them to be shunned and even excluded from everyday life.
 
Fortunately, antibiotics can now quickly kill the bacteria (germs) that cause leprosy, so the disease can be completely cured with a few months of treatment. If this is started at an early stage, most patients need never suffer the terrible complications which used to be common.
 
During the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries when leprosy spread through Africa downwards from the East, Christian missionaries opened Angola’s first leprosy colonies towards the end of Portuguese colonial rule. For example Dondi leprosarium in Huambo province was started in 1940 and in 1946 a leprosarium was established in Jamba in Benguela province.

The Serviço de Combate à Lepra (Leprosy Combat Service) was started in 1958 by the Government of Angola, comprised of leprosaria and leprosy settlements where people affected by leprosy were living. Some of these were being cared for by the Evangelical and Catholic Missions, but their technical supervision passed to the government program. In the same year the Angolan Government opened its first Government leprosarium in Cazombo in the province of Moxico.

15,280 cases of leprosy were recorded in 1973 in a total of 20 leprosy villages. Dapsone monotherapy was the only treatment.

The Portuguese left Angola in 1974 and the civil war soon broke out, the resulting conflict caused wide scale destruction of the health network, the deterioration of socio-economic structures and huge movements of the population which undermined capacities to detect and treat diseases such as leprosy. Churches continued to play a vital role in the provision of leprosy services during the civil war – ILEP Members AIFO and ALM were providing leprosy care through their health institutions and programmes in ten church-related projects.

Up until 1975 people affected by leprosy were seen in fixed Health Units and visited by Mobile Brigades. Migration to larger cities such as Huila, Luanda and Benguela from 1997 meant that they became the focus for leprosy control activities and contained 40% of known leprosy cases in the country.

In April 2002 a peace agreement was signed ending the civil war. In that year India, Brazil, Nepal, Mozambique, Madagascar and Angola accounted for 90% of leprosy cases around the globe. Rebuilding and reconstruction began.

Angola reached less than one case of leprosy per 10,000 inhabitants by the end of 2005, although pockets of high endemicity remained such as in Bengo, Kuando, Kubango, Kuanza Sul, Lunda Sul, Moxico and Uíge. The technical knowledge of health workers remains low and negative stigma of leprosy persists in some communities. (ILEP,  Africa World News)

The beauty of the Java Sea on the Karimunjawa

Karimun Java language that is derived from the meaning kremun vague or equivocal. Given the name because these islands faintly visible from the island of Java caused situated far enough from the island of Java. To achieve Karimunjawa takes about 4 to 6 hours from the mainland island of Java using Motor Ship Fast from Semarang or Jepara. It feels, fits with his name, because it takes a long time to arrive on the island.

Swimming with sharks in Karimunjawa Kepulauan Karimunjawa a haven from the divers (diver). You can perform various activities in the crystal clear water. Swimming, diving (diving), or snorkeling will be fun.

The beauty of coral reefs and colorful fish in the sea will be an attraction to playing in the water. Sea water in Karimunjawa very clear and transparent, so you can see the sea bottom clearly. For those of you who like fishing, you can also do it on some island in the Karimun.

To visit the islands in Karimun, you can use a fishing boat. The time required is not too old to visit several islands at once because it was not far away. There is also a boat that is equipped with a glass at the bottom of the boat (glass bottom boat) are suitable for you who do not want to dive but want to still be able to see the coral reefs or fish in the sea water.

Karimun Islands
Publications since 2001 has the official name of the National Park Karimunjawa. Karimun National Park consists of a small group of 27 islands with 5 pieces that have been populated island in this archipelago.

The island has a population of Pulau Genting, Kemujan Island, Karimun Island, Mosquito Island, and Island Parang. Most of the island there has a beach with white sand.

The islands are a favorite to be visited by tourists because of its natural beauty including Menjangan Besar Island, Menjangan Small, Pine Small, and Tanjung Gelam. Let's visit the islands one by one!

Menjangan Besar Island On the island there are large captive sharks. You can test your courage by going to their breeding pond and swim with these sharks. No need to fear, because the sharks are here quite tame and friendly with humans.

Small Menjangan Island Small Menjangan worth a visit for the waters around this island there are many small fish are pretty colorful. The island has a beach and a beautiful sea floor with clear water. The island is suitable for you who want to try snorkeling.

Pine Island Pine Island Small and Large On both islands there are many pine trees that may become the basis of the names of the island. Another unique thing is the existence of mainland beaches with white sand that juts into the sea.

Pulau Tanjung Gelam Gelam Cape Island is a beautiful island with white sand and sea water is bluish green.

Accommodation in Karimunjawa
Besides enjoying the beauty of the sea and beaches, you can visit a traditional market or visit the servants who managed to get fish in the fish market.

For accommodations, there are several options you can specify. You can stay at some luxury resort in the small islands or even hotels with cheaper rates. Some locals also rent out his house with a cheaper fare anymore. Or you can try different atmosphere by staying in the House of pumice, which is the inn that is in the water not far from the beach.
 
Transportation to Publications
To go to Publications, you can use some alternative options below:

Fast Ship from Semarang From Hyderabad, you can go to the Publications through the Port of Tanjung Emas using speedboats. Travel from Hyderabad to Publications about 4 hours to 6 hours if the weather is bad.

Ships from Jepara If you choose to go to the Publications of Jepara, you can through the Port of Kartini. You can choose to use speed boats, or also use a slow and cheap ship from Jepara. Travel from Jepara to Publications about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Plane In addition, for those who have enough funds, there is a small plane at Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang can be hired to Dewa Daru Airport on the island of Kemujan (one of the islands in Karimunjawa). By plane, you can see the beauty of Publications from the top before landing at the airport which is on Karimunjawa. Travel by plane take about 30 minutes.

Enjoy the beauty and feel the serenity of this island will be a pleasant experience. It is advisable to visit this island in March to October, at the time the weather was friendly so you can freely explore and enjoy the islands of Karimun. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of nature in Karimunjawa.

What's for Breakfast? Cassava Porridge!

In rural Angola, the cassava plant is one of the most important foods because of its availability and adaptability to the Angolan environment.  This root vegetable can be transformed into flour, tapioca or even alcohol. Cassava porridge is a common Angolan breakfast.

Cassava is a potato plant that grows to a height of 5-8 feet. It is grown in most of Africa’s countries and other tropic countries in the world. The root is very starchy and that is the portion of the cassava plant used for human consumption. The Cassava root varies from 50-70 cm long. It grows in clusters of 2-6 and is covered with a brownish bark fibrous that is removed by peeling.

The cassava roots are peeled, washed and cooked, boiled or grated and squeezed dry, fermented and then toasted, made into cassava bread or processed into foofoo, a moist foodstuff. Foofoo is prepared by boiling the starchy cassava flour to a thick paste or porridge in water and mixing until the desired consistence is reached. The roots are also used for animal feed and the starch for laundry starch and glue.

Cassava can also be sourced in North America and in Europe . Following, I have added a common North American Cassava Porridge Recipe from TriniGourmet.com

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup cubed cassava
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tin condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

METHOD:

1. Blend cassava with 2 cups of the water.
2. Boil the other two cups of water with the salt.
3. Slowly pour in the cassava liquid and lower heat.
4. Simmer until creamy (whisk rapidly until the texture thickens and the liquid appears glossy. Don’t be surprised if translucent ‘bits’ appear to settle at the bottom, they are tasteless and can easily be reintegrated through extra whisking or putting the mixture in a blender before continuing to the next step) recipe.