The Brazilian
Ambassador to Liberia has challenged Liberians to stop looking outside
for solutions to their country's problems, noting there is "Too much
faith in the solutions coming from outside; you can do better."
Ambassador Andre' Santos says Brazil has lots in common with Africa in
terms of the Slave Trade and "Because we face the same budget
constraints; social constraints."
In a breakfast chat
with reporters over the weekend at a local hotel in Monrovia, he says
Liberia could learn a lot from Brazil in the area of agriculture,
particularly food production. "I think there is lot Liberia can learn
from Brazil; I think Liberia has seen that outside solutions don't work
everywhere", he says.
Turning to the
current political crisis in his country and the pending Olympic Games in
August, Ambassador Santos says both the Zika virus and the ongoing
impeachment process against President Dilma Rousseff will not derail the
games to be hosted in the Brazilian capital, Rio de Janeiro.
He says the
Brazilian Ministry of Health has embarked on vigorous awareness about
the Zika Virus in areas that seem critical, coupled with huge campaigns
both on radio and television to educate the population ahead of the
games.
Zika Virus is
spread to people primarily thru the bite of an infected Aedes species
mosquito. The most common symptoms of the virus include fever, rash,
joint pain, and conjunctivitis or red eyes. It mainly attacks pregnant
women, leaving their unborn babies with small heads and brain deformity.
An alert issued by
the Brazilian authorities called on tourists and travelers bound for
regions affected by the Zika Virus to take basic precautions, saying the
Brazilian government is following all safety standards set by the
W.H.O. for controlling and preventing the virus, which main attacks
pregnant women.
According to the
W.H.O., there should be no general restrictions on travel or trade with
countries, areas and territories with Zika Virus transmission.
"Pregnant women
should be advised not to travel to areas of ongoing Zika Virus
outbreaks; pregnant women whose sexual partners live in or travel to
areas with Zika Virus outbreaks should ensure safe sexual practices or
abstain from sex for the duration of their pregnancy", the alert further
warns.
Meanwhile, the
International Olympic Committee has expressed confidence and support for
Brazilians to deliver successful Olympic Games in August.
A press release
issued by IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nawal El Moutawakei says the
Commission's confidence was reinforced by the fact that many of the
venues are finished, and with 98 percent overall completion, 33 test
events had been successfully completed with positive feedback from the
competing athletes; and that popular backing for the games remains
strong with over 70 percent support in Rio de Janeiro. "This final
figure underlines that the local citizens see the Games as a positive
element in the development of their city and country", the release read.
At the same time
the World Sailing has expressed satisfaction with progress being made by
Rio 2016 and the Brazilian authorities in preparation for the Rio 2016
Olympic & Paralympic Sailing Competition.
Medical Commission
representative Dr. Nebojsa Nikolic said: "I am satisfied with the
planning work that is being done ahead of the Games to ensure that the
welfare of sailors remains the top priority and that appropriate water
testing and protocols are in place to inform decision making at the
Games. We will continue to monitor water testing date closely and to
educate sailors and officials on what they can do themselves to reduce
health risks ahead of the Games."
The Olumpic flame
will be lit on 21 April in Ancient Olympic and the Olympic Torch relay
will begin in Brazil on 3 May.
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