The tensions between the two great powers, the United States and China, characterised by a vicious trade war, are deepening at a time when the world economy is reeling because of the COVID-19 crisis. The net effect has been that countries face their worst ever economic crisis. When it comes to African countries, Mzukisi Qobo and Mjumo Mzyece caution against choosing between the US and China. They argue African leaders need to engage with both powers based on pragmatic – rather than ideological – choices.
Across the world, countries have encouraged people to adopt a number of simple measures to try and curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include physical distancing, washing and sanitising hands and wearing masks. As lockdown restrictions begin to be eased, and more and more people leave their homes, another measure is being put in place: fever screening. This has become the norm at the entrance to establishments ranging from hospitals to shops, airports, workplaces and schools. But do they serve any purpose? Andrea Fuller and Duncan Mitchell explain why fever screening isn’t a particularly useful tool against COVID-19.
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Mzukisi Qobo, University of the Witwatersrand; Mjumo Mzyece, University of the Witwatersrand
African policymakers should strenuously safeguard their right to choose from the widest possible range of technology options that suit their countries’ development needs.
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A security guard checks the body temperature of a motorcyclist as a preventive measure.
Risa Krisadhi/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Andrea Fuller, University of the Witwatersrand; Duncan Mitchell, University of the Witwatersrand
Detecting fever requires measuring core body temperature. Screening measures the body's surface temperature.
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Politics + Society
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Katie Pickles, University of Canterbury
Toppling colonial statues and changing place names might confront racism and historical injustice, but it doesn't fix it.
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Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann, Wilfrid Laurier University
Reparations to African Canadians for enslavement and historical injustices need not be financial payments to every individual African Canadian. Instead funds for specific groups are a viable option.
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Health + Medicine
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Ian Hamilton, University of York; Harry Sumnall, Liverpool John Moores University
Methamphetamine use has increased dramatically in Asia in the past five years, overtaking even the US. Now cartels spy an opportunities in Europe.
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Rebecca Ward, University of South Wales; Bev John, University of South Wales; Gareth Roderique-Davies, University of South Wales
Lockdown #quarantinis might seem like a way of getting through, but few realise how much drinking can affect the brain.
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En Français
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Gaëlle Balineau, Agence française de développement (AFD); Nicole Madariaga, Agence française de développement (AFD)
Au-delà de la pauvreté, le continent souffre de la mauvaise circulation des denrées due aux défaillances des circuits commerciaux nationaux et intra-africains.
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André Guichaoua, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
La mort soudaine de l’ex-président burundais Pierre Nkurunziza met définitivement fin à un long règne marqué par de violentes crises politiques.
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