This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Mpox surge in Burundi, Thai monsoon floods, Cuba blackouts
Here's a recap of the stories that made headlines this week within the Global South. They are stories that span politics, entertainment, health and innovation.
Africa
Burn survivor at 6, robotics engineer at 19: Ghanaian teen helping the visually impaired with tech
Ghanaian inventor Henry Senyegbe Agbemabiese's is making history with his assistive devices for the visually impaired. At age 6, he suffered burns in a fire accident but overcame the trauma and started exploring technologies aimed at helping others like himself. He told GSW his story in an interview. Read more here.
Health facilities in Burundi under pressure over mpox surge
Burundi is struggling with a significant surge in mpox cases, with the health ministry confirming 171 cases as of this week. The virus has spread in Burundi from border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to almost all parts of the country. Despite the surge, there have been no reported deaths in Burundi, thanks to early detection and treatment efforts. Read more here.
Nigeria's capital turns to waterways to combat traffic congestion
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city with upwards of 20 million inhabitants is now looking at boats as a viable solution to the hours-long traffic jams that commuters face daily. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LSWA) is spearheading efforts to enhance water transport in the city. According to Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of the authority, there is a plan underway to massively and the waterway transport system and triple the number of boat passengers. Read more here.
Asia
Metro services resume in Bangladesh after weeks-long closure
After a months-long suspension due to intense protests, metro services in Dhaka have finally resumed. Read more here.
Deadly monsoon floods set Thailand on edge
Nineteen people were injured, and over 30,000 households in 13 provinces in Thailand have been affected by floods in the past 10 days. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flash floods from heavy monsoon rains have also killed 22 people recently, with disaster officials warning of more sudden flooding this week. Read more here.
This Singaporean company is making real coffee from bread, soy, and barley
Prefer CEO and Founder Jake Berber and his Co-founder, the "Fermentation Prince" Ding Jie Tan are making huge changes in the coffee industry by creating bean-free coffee in the face of rising prices and climate change. Read more here.
Latin America
Maduro marks 'triumph' as opposition protests one month into Venezuela's elections
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has marked the one-month anniversary since the National Electoral Council declared him the winner of his controversial re-election. Read more here.
Why a small Colombian city celebrates laziness with a festival every year
In Itagüi, a city in Colombia, residents came together in a unique celebration of rest and relaxation during the "World Day of Laziness." This quirky festival, held every year since 1985, forms part of the city’s annual Festival of Industry, Trade, and Culture. Read more here.
Massive blackouts roil Cuba
Power outages totaling 14 hours or more per day were reported on August 29, across much of crisis-racked Cuba, leaving millions of residents defenseless in the summer heat and humidity. The state-run power company said breakdowns had forced six plants off-line on the outdated and poorly maintained grid. Read more here.
