Liberia Roundup: Drug abuse, AI's impact on academia, innovative fisheries initiative
Liberia’s innovative fisheries initiative
Liberia marks a significant advancement in its fisheries sector with the establishment of its first fibreglass fishing vessel production site on Bushrod Island, funded by the World Bank, reports the Daily Observer. Implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) in collaboration with an international firm, this project aims to modernise fishing practices, enhance sustainability, and preserve forests. NaFAA plans to manage the launch of 23 solar-powered vessels via selected local entrepreneurs, with hopes of expanding to other coastal regions as demand grows.
Liberia targets drug abuse with security training
In response to growing concerns over drug trafficking, the Government of Liberia has trained 470 joint security officers to enhance drug law enforcement and public health safety. Led by the Technical Working Group, the training equips officers with skills in border management and incident reporting, resulting in significant drug seizures and the destruction of illegal cannabis farms. The initiative promotes a comprehensive approach to drug intervention, balancing enforcement with preventive measures against substance misuse, especially among youth, The New Dawn reports.
Unchecked contraceptive use poses risks for Liberian women
Despite the accessibility of over-the-counter contraceptives in Liberia, many women, including Yamah Kollie, face risks from inadequate medical guidance and misinformation, according to SciDev Net. As health professionals call for better regulatory measures, they stress the need for proper consultation to prevent misuse, particularly of dangerous medications like Microgynon and misoprostol. Advocates urge the adoption of a Public Health Law to improve contraceptive access and education, as irresponsible use threatens women's health and well-being.
AI's impact on academia: A double-edged sword
Liberia's tertiary institutions are grappling with the transformative effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic integrity. Faculty members are challenged by the difficulty of detecting AI-generated content, which raises ethical concerns regarding degrees and skills in the workforce. To address this, institutions are encouraged to implement training for educators, revise assessment methods, and adopt ethical guidelines for responsible AI use in academia, as reported by the Daily Observer. The focus is not only on counteracting misuse but also on fostering an environment where AI enhances educational outcomes.
