Nigeria versus Pfizer

In 1996 an out break of measles, meningitis and cholera in Nigerian state of Kano; resulted in the deaths of 15,000 people. Pfizer an American company scrambled its International Team under the umbrella of global Assistance to help the Nigerian Health Service in treating and curbing the spread of the disease.

Nigerian Authorities claim that the Pfizer team without authorisation and consent from the (NAFDAC) National Agency For Drug Administration & (NMA) Nigerian Medical Authorities; tested a new a new drug Trovan; resulting in 200 children suffering blindness, deafness, cancer and death.

The State of Kano is currently seeking a colossal 7 Billion US Dollars from Pfizer for violating Nigerian law, unauthorised use of an untested drug, breach of (UN) United Nations Right of a Child and for flagrant disregard of medical ethics as stipulated by the (WHO) World Health Organisation.

The Nigerian government keen to set an example for the rest of Africa to follow have issued International Warrant for the arrest of Pfizer directors in the United States and further arrests warrants for the heads of partnering organisation in Nigeria. Despite differences in Legal systems and technicalities in Law between Nigeria and United States; that has resulted thus far in a long and protracted case through the courts.

Many countries in Africa have poor health facilities, weak structures and are desperate for assistance from international organisations that can support and assist in diagnoses and treatment of disease. Drug trials in Africa are common but supporting organisations are not justified in testing new drugs when there is an epidemic. The sole purpose should be about saving lives and not taking them. Trying to save cost and time during the development phase of a new drug is unacceptable.

Clearly regulations in Nigeria are weak and have no enforcement mechanism. There were no ethic review committees at the hospital where the drug Trovan was administered to children, despite the sole purpose of testing a new drug.

Dishonest and greedy Nigerians officials have to take some blame for this disaster. It is a fact that Nigerians collaborated and supported the trial; helping to facilitate the experiment on their own people. The Nigerian government has to bear some burden of responsibility for its negligent and easy Border and Immigration controls that allowed such research to be carried out.

This experimental Drug Trovan has since been licensed; but not for kids. Questions still remain as to why Pfizer had not used an alternative drug during the midst of this epidemic. Pfizer corporate social responsibility is questionable; especially as parents of the victims whom were mostly children, were never told that their kids were taking part in an experiment. There are unsubstantiated claims that Pfizer left Nigeria whilst the epidemic was still raging; negating their view that they were there to help the Nigerian People.

Ghana Elections

Ghana is the blue eye boy of the African continent. One of Africa’s brightest know democracies; from the famous Kwame Nkrumah for his revolutionary and progressive views and aspiration for a united Africa. To a chequered past was with that of infamous Jerry Rawlings – (NDC); who came to power repeatedly via the barrel of a gun. Rawlings finally adopted self-governing values with elections that eventually saw him crowned as president.

Election today in Ghana is a stark reminder of how far the nation have come since it’s independence 51 years ago. Ghana is a mature democracy having grown as a nation with decent economic growth forecasts that have cemented their position globally as a major producer of cocoa, gold and now new found wealth of high grade oil.

No wonder the John Atta-Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling party New Patriotic Party (NPP) are prepared to fight tooth and nail to the bitter end; to get what must be a lucrative opportunity for high office in Ghana.

A win for John Atta-Mills of (NDC) will be dogged by counter claims and further appeals by (NPP) to the electoral commission of vote rigging and election irregularities. Both parties must use the judiciary in line with the constitution and take their grievance to the courts.

Both the (NDC) and (NPP) must respect the courts decision as final, failure to adhere could lead to increased tensions that could lead to chaos and anarchy.

The court and the electoral commission must follow International good practice as was shown in Sierra Leone elections of 2007 and release information in a timely fashion preventing and avoiding chaos of Kenya elections of 2008.

What is clear is that the 7th of January 2008 will see the end of President John Kufuor reign and see the crowning of a new president in Ghana.

Zimbabwe a nation starving

The United nations say that 5.5 million Zimbabweans need urgent food aid. Zimbabwe now has the highest inflation rate in the world with a staggering 230 million percent. Zimbabwe is a country full of millionaires but uncomfortably every one seems to be starving.

Lacks of investment over the past decade have resulted in the health system now at breaking point. The recent cholera out break has affected 1100 people resulting in the deaths of scores more. These are the signs of; and a symptomatic of Zimbabwe’s crumbling health system.

Sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have contributed to the economic imbalance now at pressure cooking point that face that once prosperous country. Mugabe has been a constant thorn in the side of the West; his controversial land reform policy has not won him many friends and this has affected his standing internationally.

Zimbabwe would be better off; if not burdened by sanctions. Mugabe has applied for aid and trade. The country and has been granted some aid, but the IMF and World Bank have refused Mugabe loans. Sanctions imposed on his regime have hurt him and the economy has suffered significantly as a result.

Life in Zimbabwe is hard and challenging for ordinary citizens. Life expectancy is at an all time low. There is no food in the shops and for those who can find food they have no money to spend. Zimbabwe for all intensive purpose is in trouble. Be it because of sanctions, corruption, incompetence or unwillingness for the government to act in the interest of the poor.

Zimbabwe has many problems, recent pressure from the International community targeted at Mugabe, to convince Zimbabweans that Mugabe in not the right person to rule them is a mistake.

Mugabe has been the leader of his Zanu-PF party for a long time, this has lead to calls from the international community; demanding that someone else take over the reigns of power.

Such calls can only resonate a strong-minded Mugabe; who somehow seems to thrive on all the attention and chaos surrounding his spectacle. It is not right for external elements to interfere in political and internal affairs of Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans are mature enough to choose their own leaders. Zimbabweans have the exclusive right to say who should go and who should stay.

Current power sharing talks between Mugabe and Tsvangarai brokered by former South African president Thambo Mbeki must succeed – preventing Zimbabwe from plunging further into the abyss.

Rwanda Genocide -- United Nations Court finds those responsible guilty

The United Nations war court for Rwanda has sentenced the brother in law of the forma Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana to 20 years in prison.

The court also sentenced to life imprisonment a former army colonel Theoneste Bagosora and two other ex-army officers to life imprisonment on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, acquitting a fourth officer, Gratien Kabiligi.

The Rwandan genocide of 1994 was one of the most atrocious, Africa had ever seen. Gruesome Crime was perpetrated by one tribe turning against another, resulting in the deaths of thousands.
The majority Hutus tribe deliberately set out to exterminate Tutsis, resulting in the deaths of nearly a million people over a 100 day period.

A sluggish United Nations Court has taken nearly 12 years to come to this just verdict. Rather late than never, the International Criminal court must be applauded for indicting the perpetrators of this maraca.

AYO JOHNSON

AYO JOHNSON

MSC Masters degree from South Bank University in International Development http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/

 Ran a radio show called "Africa speak" on Voice of Africa RADIO http://www.voiceofafricaradio.com/ …. Listen to Ayo on his show http://www.myspace.com/africaspeakstoyou/music/songs/How-I-lost-my-Degree-10171405

 Had a show “Night Flow” on South London RADIO – Time Fm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_London_Radio ….. Listen to Ayo on his show http://www.chirbit.com/ayojohnson

 Had a show “View Point Africa” on United Nations RADIO http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34305&Cr=sierra+leone&Cr1=………….Listen to Ayo on his show http://ayojohnson.blogspot.com/2009/12/ayo-johnson-weekly-look-at-development.html

 Reviewed the British Newspapers for the BBC RADIO ……Listen to Ayo Newspapers review http://www.chirbit.com/ayojohnsonbbc

 Reviewed the International Newspapers for Press TV……Listen to Ayo newspaper review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWUbX02INME&feature=player_embedded

 Regular writer for PBS (World Focus) http://worldfocus.org/blog/tag/ayo-johnson/ and various other internet publication … Articles also featured at Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2010/01/07/west-african-leaders-pled_ws_415208.html

 Editor at Viewpoint Africa http://www.viewpointafrica.com/

 Featured on AIB: (Association of International Broadcasting) http://www.aib.org.uk/Resources/Ayo_Johnson_Africa_2_2010.pdf...

 Recently won an award for his contribution to Africa: http://www.fashionsfinest.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=325:merit-awards-2010&Itemid=109

 A regular public speaker on Africa all over the world including at the Oxford University 2010 Africa Conference: http://sbs-isafricanext.weebly.com/speakers.html

 Registered with some of the world's leading speaking agencies focusing on Africa: http://www.londonspeakerbureau.co.za/Johnson.aspx

 As a Goodwill Ambassador for Every Human has Rights Ayo represents this charity on BBC the BIG Question http://www.everyhumanhasrights.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58:steven-and-tiwonge-sentenced-for-being-gay&catid=9:human-rights-news&Itemid=1

 Spoke recently to Lawyers and City Bankers in London about Africa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcPriQtRfcA

 Spoke on CCTV on issues relating to Sudan Referendum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id5F7IHn7M0

 He is a regular contributors on CRI – Ayo speaks about China in Africa http://english.cri.cn/7146/2009/11/04/481s526798.htm

 Spoke about China’s impact on Africa on Aljazeera TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU5yVBi1jcU&feature=related

 Frequently gives Expert “Breaking News” Analysis to media outlets across the world http://www.youtube.com/ayojohnsontv#g/u

TV CREDITS: BBC World News, Aljazeera, Voice of America, France 24, Press TV, CCTV and many more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOKlfoRbEY

Newspaper CREDITS: Huffington Post, PBS World News "World focus", Indian Times, American chronicle, (Herald de Paris) French national, (RP.PL) Polish national, (Politik Information) Danish national, (La Vanguarda) Spanish national, (Corriero Braziliense) Brazil National and many more. http://www.yudu.com/library/58808/Ayo-Johnson-one-2-one-s-Library

Ayo Johnson -- visit his website http://www.ayojohnson.me

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

AYO IS AVAILABLE FOR:

Articulate and Intelligent	TV & Radio Presenting
Well informed	Panel / Chat shows
Comfortable on 'Live' TV	Talk shows
Talkative, up-front and open-minded	Public Speaking & Personal Appearances

Contact:

+44 (0) 791 356 9143

ayo@radio.am

Aids -- 40 years on ……Is Africa coping ??

In the 1970’s the world perception of the virus was that it was common among Gay men and drug users. Through out the 1980’s and the 1990’s it became a disease typical among sex workers in the third world. In the year 2000 dawn of the new millennium, it became evident that infection rates were high among people living in Sub- Saharan Africa especially women. http://www.aegis.com/topics/timeline/
http://www.avert.org/africa-aids-timeline.htm

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) estimate that there are currently 33 million people in the world living with HIV, there is an estimated 24 million people living with the disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, 61% of those infected are women. In South Africa and Zimbabwe 75% of young people infected are girls between the ages 15-24.
http://data.unaids.org/pub/EPISlides/2007/071118_epi_regional%20factsheet_en.pdf

Factors that have contributed to HIV increase are cultural taboos and unequal power of relationship; it is difficult for women to choose their sexual partners and how often they have to be intimate. Women are unable to make decision in the use of condoms, which are instead made by men.

Women are more vulnerable than men due to gender inequality, lack of legal rights, education and understanding of the issues, coupled with the dilemma of under age sex, early marriage, polygamous relationship and female circumcisions. Women are at risk to the infection through lack of knowledge about the contamination process, further alienating them from actively taking part in farming activities and eventually leading to a devastating effect on their children.

UNAIDS urges governments to get the right laws and policies in place ensuring that women are educated and empowered through economic power by keeping the land, homes and assets when their husband dies. In South Africa violence against women especially rape and drug dependency makes women liable to sexual exploitation and vulnerable to infection.

The issue of Debt payment is a major problem in the fight against the disease, according to Aid Charities and NGO’s there are one million people living with HIV in Zambia, the government currently spend 2 US Dollars a day per person on health care compared to 24 US Dollars on servicing external dept payments.

In Sierra Leone it is common practice for Sugar Daddies to offer school girls material goods and cash in return for sexual favours often exposing them to the disease, usually with the consent of older family members who are powerless to act due to poverty and ignorance.

WHO policy statement states that screening options should focus; firstly on people who are showing symptom of the disease e.g. tuberculoses patients. Secondly, antenatal screening focuses on the impact of women’s decision to be tested during pregnancy. Thirdly, compulsory screening is mandatory for providing safe blood. Fourthly, voluntary screening, involves a rapid test facilities and timely result confirmation coupled with wide spread assurances of counselling support and protection from discrimination for those found to be positive.
।who.int/rpc/research_ethics/hivtestingpolicy_en_pdf.pdf">http://www।who.int/rpc/research_ethics/hivtestingpolicy_en_pdf.pdf

Screening is very important as it will allow governments to support agencies by planning effectively and apportion budget to the appropriate sector of need e.g. Health Care. By screening for HIV, governments will be able to address the cumulative impact of the disease by providing care facilities for orphans; governments can keep people with the disease productive members of the community by providing free antiretroviral treatment and nutritional food. Governments can reduce the annual toll of new infection by enabling people in their communities to protect themselves, through the use of condoms and bring health care support directly to patients. With screening governments will be able to seek synergy and build on economies of scale through early screening. Screening is vital to HIV positive women, who can protect their babies from the disease by offering formula milk; the impact of this is financially and requires constant supply of clean water and fire wood to ensure sterile feeding.

The downside to screening is that it can lead to political instability, brain drain, low saving rate and an increase in social support caused by vast numbers of people unable to work due to ill health. Governments may be unable to collect taxes from these groups of the population leading to social disintegration, poverty, starvation and famine. The resulting effect is a reduction in population size, breakdown in family composition, decline in life expectancy and an increase in child and infant mortality. Finally there could be an increase in the cost per head per man hour due to a reduction in man power.

Providing screening and cheap ant viral treatment will not address the current spread, but rather, governments will have to reverse policies on gender inequality, forge closer relationship with NGO’s and private entities, encourage community based support groups, eliminate poverty by provide good education, clean drinking water and good nutritional food. Failure to provide these basic human requirement risk women becoming an endangered species and the fate of human race will remain uncertain.

Modern day pirates -- Big Business on the open seas

Gone are the days when a Pirates quest was to follow an old shrivelled map that pointed to some unforgotten island were silver and gold trinkets could be found stashed in a pit.

The modern day pirate is more than likely an African surrounded by all the latest sophisticated devices, that can pinpoint a ship many miles out at sea, listen to it’s communication to learn of who was on board, advance intelligence that can confirm type of cargo, ship’s origin and it’s final destination.

Piracy is big business especially of the African coast line. Modern day pirates are very well armed with a clear strategy in place. Snatch and grab followed by a ransom has been the plan of choice. The success of pirates in recent months have resulted in millions of dollars changing hands as vessel owners negotiate franticly to get their hostages and the precious cargo back.

Acute Poverty, desperation, greed and lack of an effective naval force to police the African coastline is to blame. But who should pay for such a police force? Most African governments are struck for cash and there has been very little investment in naval activity since their Independence.

The African Union will have to recognise this growing problem and try in the Medium term, to offer help to those nations who are unable and in some cases unwilling to police their coastline. In the Long term lobbying efforts from developed countries in the South could see the United Nations take a pivotal role in guaranteeing an effective Naval force. In the short term vessel owners big or small will have to choose other shipping routes that could prolong their journey or utilise expensive security forces that may deter would-be pirates. The cost of any of these choices will impact on the end user who would have to bear the brunt of cost levied on their product of choice.

Some have said the pirates are freedom fighters and not terrorist -- if that is the case who’s freedom are they fighting for?? What is clear is that many of the towns and villages along the African coast line have seen new building sprout up with increasing activities in the market place.

The level of sophistication and intelligence used by the pirates thus far – leads me to ask - Could there be an unknown Pirate sponsor out there??