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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn response to a severe plague outbreak. The Kitui County Government has collaborated with Veterinaires Sans Frontiers (VSF) from Germany to administer vaccinations to goats and sheep. The plague affecting goats and sheep is a highly contagious viral disease observed in small ruminants. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, pneumonia, diarrhea, and inflammation of the respiratory and digestive tracts. On Sunday, Stephen Mbaya Kimwele. The Agriculture and livestock executive reported that the plague had already resulted in the deaths of lambs and kids in various areas. In a phone statement, Kimwele mentioned that the primary hotspots for the outbreak are concentrated in the peripheral sub-counties of Mwingi North, Mwingi Central, and Kitui East. “Although vaccination will take place in all wards in Mwingi North and Mwingi Central sub-counties. In Kitui east sub-county only Mutitu-Kaliku, Nzombe-Mwitika, and Voo-Kyamatu wards will be covered in the drive”, he said. Kimwele announced that, through the collaboration with VSF Germany. They aim to administer vaccination to 600,000 goats and sheep. “The program is for one year. Vaccinations are scheduled to start in February 2024 subject to the ability to confirm the outbreak. The carrying out of the pre-vaccination survey, vaccines availability, and facilitation,” he said. The CEC further stated that the Kitui County government will offer technical assistance. As well as provide vehicles, motorcycles, and cool boxes. They will also be responsible for compiling reports to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign. The VSF Germany will oversee the procurement of vaccines and other necessary equipment, facilitate training sessions, conduct analyses of livestock movement, carry out surveillance activities, administer livestock vaccinations, and handle the payment of staff involved in the vaccination campaign. The CEC mentioned that on January 19, he spearheaded a consultative meeting with officers from his department. Including Chief Livestock Officer Jonathan Kyambi, and the team from VSF Germany led by Dr. Sylvester Wakhu. Read Also: A Comprehensive Review of the OnePlus Open Foldable Smartphone During the meeting, the participants deliberated on optimal strategies for managing the goat and sheep plague outbreak. Kimwele highlighted that the discussions also addressed the implementation of comprehensive surveillance to understand livestock movement patterns within and around the outbreak hotspots, aiming to facilitate effective containment measures. ” It was agreed that sheep and goat vaccination exercise will start in a fortnight preceded by a score-surveillance of the hot spots areas slated for Monday next week,” Kimwele said.

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast have expressed their reservation regarding the potential blessing of “Same-Sex couples” and couples in “irregular situations.” This concern is articulated in response to Fiducia Supplicans, the December 18 Declaration from the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith (DDF). In a statement shared with ACI Africa on December 29. Members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast emphasized the perceived risk of confusion and scandal that could arise within the local church. If same-sex couples were to be blessed. The apprehension is rooted in the assertion that “acts of homosexuality are intrinsically disordered,” as stated in the DDF’s December 29, 1975. Declaration on certain questions concerning sexual ethics known as Persona Humana. The CECCI members argue that homosexuality goes against natural law and contend that such as “close the sexual act to the gift of life.” While lacking true affective and sexual complementarity. According to the Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast, these acts are based on their intrinsic nature, and “cannot be approved under any circumstances.” They reference the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Sacred Scriptures to support their stance against the approval of homosexual acts. Furthermore, the members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast emphasize their awareness of the cultural attachment of their people to values derived from Natural Law concerning marriage and family matters. They express their concerns that the potential blessing of same-sex couples as allowed by the Declaration of Fiducia Supplicans poses challenges within their ecclesial context. According to CECCI, the cultural importance of Natural Law is deeply ingrained in the ethos of their society. CECCI members argue that homosexuality not only contradicts their ancestral and cultural values but also implies. Through Fiducia Supplicans and endorsement by the Church of a reality that they perceive as inherently evil, unnatural, and contrary to their customs and traditions. As a response, the Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast acting as spiritual guides, reasserts their commitment to family values and the sacrament of marriage between a man and woman, as ordained by God. They explicitly direct ordained ministers to refrain from blessing same-sex couples and couples in irregular situations. READ ALSO: Pope Francis On LGBTQ: The Church Is Inclusive But With Guidelines In solidarity with their counterparts in various African countries including Malawi, Zambia, Cameroon, and Kenya. The Ivory Coast Bishops join a global division within the Catholic Church concerning the implementation of Fiducia Supplicans. The Prefect of the DDF, Carfinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, acknowledges the reluctance of certain Catholic Bishops to implement the declaration. He encourages Local Ordinaries to exercise discernment. Understanding that objections stem from concerns about the perceived endorsement of irregular unions. Cardinal Fernandez, particularly citing the context in Africa where legislation penalizes the declaration of being gay. Suggests that local bishops should individually assess the applicability of Fiducia Supplicans in their respective dioceses.