Tag: history

Situational analysis of malaria in Cabo Verde: From endemic control to elimination, history, cases data and challenges ahead – ​Adilson José DePina

by Adilson José DePina, Jonas António Lopes Gomes, António Lima Moreira, El Hadji Amadou Niang

On 12 January 2024, Cabo Verde was officially certified by the WHO as a malaria-free country after six consecutive years without local transmission. This study analysed the malaria history of Cabo Verde from 1953 to certification in 2024, highlighted the valuable lessons learned, and discussed challenges for prevention reintroduction. Malaria data from the last 35 years (1988–2022) were analysed using descriptive analyses, and cases were mapped using the USGS National Map Viewer. From 1988 to 2022, 3,089 malaria cases were reported, 2.381 (77.1%) locally and 708 (22.9%) imported. Imported cases were reported nationwide except on Brava Island. Six municipalities did not report any cases, while local cases were restricted to Santiago and Boavista, with 2.360 and 21 cases, respectively. Malaria history in the country revealed six remarkable steps and three periods of interruption in the transmission of local malaria cases. The last local cases were reported in Boavista in 2015 and Santiago in 2017. Since 2018, introduced cases have been recorded from time to time. Disease lethality was low, with ten malaria deaths from 2010 to 2023, and the highest value of 8.3% (3/36) recorded in 2011. With this certification, Cabo Verde became a reference in Africa for its health sector organisation, multisectoral, and partnership in malaria control. However, maintaining the certification presents several sustainability challenges for the country. Additionally, robust epidemiological and entomological surveillance, continued investigations, and ongoing research are crucial.

From Metternich to Bismarck: A Textbook of European History by Lionel Cecil Jane (1879 – 1932)

This short work opens in 1815, at the close of a period of twenty-five years of almost continuous war. The Congress of Vienna assembled to consider the restoration of the old order. Our author writes, “they rejected the ideal of ‘nationality’, the principle of the ‘rights of peoples’, opposing to it the principle of ‘stability’, founded upon recognition of the ‘rights of sovereigns’ and upon the establishment of a balance of power.” This was the Metternich system, which fell before the revolutions of 1848. Participation in the Crimean War earned nascent Italy a seat at the diplomatic table and Cavour began the campaign for Italian Unification. The Prussian junker Bismarck emerged and, through deft diplomacy and short wars, engineered the downfall of Austria and France, and created the modern German state. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

Fides News – EnglishASIA/CHINA – Chinese academics deepen their studies on the history of local Catholic dioceses​

Shanghai – The “Primum Concilium Sinense”, the fundamental assembly of the Catholic Church in China, held in Shanghai in 1924 under the leadership of the Pontifical Delegate Costantini , had already recognized the “Sinicization” of Catholicism in China as a historical priority and, in this perspective, had also considered the criteria for adjusting the boundaries of the ecclesiastical dioceses in Chinese territory. This is what Professor Liu Zhiqing underlines in his many lectures and studies, citing the words of Cardinal Costantini, according to whom the Church, with respect for the legitimate civil authorities, has the mission of “glorifying the Lord and saving souls”.
For Professor Liu Zhiqing, the words of Cardinal Celso Costantini and the guidelines for the path of the Catholic Church in China established by the Shanghai Council a hundred years ago are still relevant today, also with regard to the open questions regarding the division of ecclesiastical districts in Chinese territory.
As Professor Liu also points out in his lectures, one of the “Vota” that the Council of Shanghai submitted to the Holy See included the request for a new division of the ecclesiastical regions and districts of China, expanding from the existing five regions to 17 ecclesiastical districts, which in principle corresponded to the division of the civil provinces at the time. Recently, Professor Liu also participated in the conference “Historical development and characteristics of the sinicization of Catholic Dioceses in China”, organized at the end of October by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the Center for Religious and Cultural Studies. The insights shared in this study conference also touch on questions of interest for the present and future of Chinese Catholicism. The division of Catholic dioceses in China is one of the most important issues at the heart of current and future negotiations between the Holy See and the Chinese government. In his presentation at this conference, which was divided into six historical sections, Liu traced in detail the development of Catholic ecclesiastical dioceses in China, starting with the role of Portugal in establishing the first dioceses, according to the practices related to the so-called “Padroado” .
Professor Yan Kejia, Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Culture , stressed that Professor Liu’s historical analysis shows how “the attitude of growing, mutual trust between China and the Holy See offers mutual benefits” and “opens up new perspectives for research also in the historical field”. Professor Liu Zhiqing is Director of the Institute of History and Social Development and Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture at Anyang Normal University .
Liu Zhiqing has been studying and researching Chinese Catholicism for more than 30 years and has published articles and volumes of high scientific value during this time.
In 2017, Liu Zhiqing published a work entitled “History of the Evolution of Catholic Dioceses in China”, a comprehensive overview that covers the history of the ecclesiastical district from its foundation to 1946. The volume was republished in 2023 in a new, updated version enriched with new contributions and findings. The volume is also accompanied by a “Table on the history of the development of the Catholic dioceses of China”. The work is the result of years of research and in-depth studies, also based on the consultation of sources and documents kept in the archives of religious congregations, as well as on the direct testimonies of authoritative figures of the Chinese Catholic Church, such as Bishop Thomas Zhang Huaixin , who headed the diocese of Weihui in the province of Henan.
Shanghai – The “Primum Concilium Sinense”, the fundamental assembly of the Catholic Church in China, held in Shanghai in 1924 under the leadership of the Pontifical Delegate Costantini , had already recognized the “Sinicization” of Catholicism in China as a historical priority and, in this perspective, had also considered the criteria for adjusting the boundaries of the ecclesiastical dioceses in Chinese territory. This is what Professor Liu Zhiqing underlines in his many lectures and studies, citing the words of Cardinal Costantini, according to whom the Church, with respect for the legitimate civil authorities, has the mission of “glorifying the Lord and saving souls”. For Professor Liu Zhiqing, the words of Cardinal Celso Costantini and the guidelines for the path of the Catholic Church in China established by the Shanghai Council a hundred years ago are still relevant today, also with regard to the open questions regarding the division of ecclesiastical districts in Chinese territory. As Professor Liu also points out in his lectures, one of the “Vota” that the Council of Shanghai submitted to the Holy See included the request for a new division of the ecclesiastical regions and districts of China, expanding from the existing five regions to 17 ecclesiastical districts, which in principle corresponded to the division of the civil provinces at the time. Recently, Professor Liu also participated in the conference “Historical development and characteristics of the sinicization of Catholic Dioceses in China”, organized at the end of October by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the Center for Religious and Cultural Studies. The insights shared in this study conference also touch on questions of interest for the present and future of Chinese Catholicism. The division of Catholic dioceses in China is one of the most important issues at the heart of current and future negotiations between the Holy See and the Chinese government. In his presentation at this conference, which was divided into six historical sections, Liu traced in detail the development of Catholic ecclesiastical dioceses in China, starting with the role of Portugal in establishing the first dioceses, according to the practices related to the so-called “Padroado” . Professor Yan Kejia, Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Culture , stressed that Professor Liu’s historical analysis shows how “the attitude of growing, mutual trust between China and the Holy See offers mutual benefits” and “opens up new perspectives for research also in the historical field”. Professor Liu Zhiqing is Director of the Institute of History and Social Development and Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture at Anyang Normal University .Liu Zhiqing has been studying and researching Chinese Catholicism for more than 30 years and has published articles and volumes of high scientific value during this time. In 2017, Liu Zhiqing published a work entitled “History of the Evolution of Catholic Dioceses in China”, a comprehensive overview that covers the history of the ecclesiastical district from its foundation to 1946. The volume was republished in 2023 in a new, updated version enriched with new contributions and findings. The volume is also accompanied by a “Table on the history of the development of the Catholic dioceses of China”. The work is the result of years of research and in-depth studies, also based on the consultation of sources and documents kept in the archives of religious congregations, as well as on the direct testimonies of authoritative figures of the Chinese Catholic Church, such as Bishop Thomas Zhang Huaixin , who headed the diocese of Weihui in the province of Henan. 

On Line: Women in African History

Women in African History


  • Aoua Keita Comic Strip

    Aoua Keita (1912-1980) was a Malian midwife and anti-colonial activist.

    Aoua Keita Biography

    Aoua Keita Soundtrack


  • Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Comic Strip

    Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978) was a leading activist during Nigerian women’s anti-colonial struggles. She founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union, one of the most impressive women’s organizations of the twentieth century (with a membership estimated to have reached up to 20,000 women), which fought to protect and further the rights of women.

    Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Biography

    Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Soundtrack


  • Gisèle Rabesahala Comic Strip

    As a celebrated Malagasy woman politician of the twentieth century, Gisèle Rabesahala (1929-2011) devoted her life to her country’s independence, human rights and the freedom of peoples. The first Malagasy woman to be appointed minister (1977), she is regarded as a pioneer in Malagasy politics.

    Gisèle Rabesahala Biography

    Gisèle Rabesahala Soundtrack


  • Mariama Ba Comic Strip

    Mariama Ba was one of the pioneers of Senegalese literature.

    Mariama Ba Biography

    Mariama Ba Soundtrack


  • The Mulatto Solitude Comic Strip

    Sojourner Truth (c.1797-1883) was a leading activist, speaker and teacher at the forefront of the African-American struggle for civil rights. Resolutely non-sectarian, she acted as a bridge between issues such as women’s rights, abolition, and religious freedom.

    The Mulatto Solitude Biography

    The Mulatto Solitude Soundtrack


  • The Njinga Mbandi Comic Strip

    Njinga Mbandi (1581–1663), Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, defined much of the history of seventeenth-century Angola. A deft diplomat, skilful negotiator and formidable tactician, Njinga resisted Portugal’s colonial designs tenaciously until her death in 1663.

    Njinga Mbandi Biography

    Njinga Mbandi Soundtrack


  • Sojourner Truth Comic Strip

    Sojourner Truth (c.1797-1883) was a leading activist, speaker and teacher at the forefront of the African-American struggle for civil rights. Resolutely non-sectarian, she acted as a bridge between issues such as women’s rights, abolition, and religious freedom.

    Sojpurner Truth Biography

    Sojpurner Truth Soundtrack


  • Taytu Betul Comic Strip

    Taytu Betul (c.1851–1918) was a formidable queen and empress of Ethiopia. An astute diplomat, she proved to be a key figure in thwarting Italian imperialist designs on Ethiopia. Later, she and her husband Emperor Menelik II, led a huge army to battle at Adwa, where they won one of the most important victories of any African army against European colonialist aggression.

    Taytu Betul Biography

    Taytu Betul Soundtrack


  • Wangari Maathi Comic Strip

    Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) was a Kenyan scholar and environmental activist. She founded the pioneering Green Belt Movement in 1977, which encourages people, particularly women, to plant trees to combat environmental degradation.

    Wangari Maathi Biography

    Wangari Maathi Soundtrack


  • The Women Solddiers of Dahomey Comic Strip

    Elite troops of women soldiers contributed to the military power of the Kingdom of Dahomey in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The troops were dissolved following the fall of Behanzin (Gbêhanzin), during French colonial expansion at the end of the nineteenth century.

    The Women Soldiers of Dahomey Biography

    The Women Solddiers of Dahomey Soundtrack


  • Yennega Comic Strip

    Yennega, an emblematic figure in Burkina Faso, was the mother of Ouedraogo, the founder of the dynasties of the Moose chieftains. She is thought to have lived between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. A legendary figure in West Africa, Yennega is the epitome of the female warrior, a free and independently minded woman.

    Yennega Biography

    Yennega Soundtrack

Later Middle Ages: A History of Western Europe 1254-1494, The by Robert Balmain Mowat (1883 – 1941)

The Scottish historian, Robert Balmain Mowat writes, “When this period opens one of the finest epochs in German history had just closed, and a time of confusion begun.” With the death of the Emperor Frederick II, Germany’s many feudal territories became practically hereditary sovereignties, her Free Imperial Cities almost independent states. But within the walls of these city-states, as in their Italian counterparts, commercial life flourished. During this period the Great Schism divided Christendom and was with infinite difficulty resolved. This was the age of Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, of the Hundred Years’ War, of the rise of Spain, and of the Turkish conquest of Constantinople. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

History of deregulating Boeing

*For the past 15 years, the government has allowed Boeing to conduct its
own inspections related to many
manufacturing and safety issues.*

Government inspections generally exist for good reasons — reasons of safety.
Getting permission to inspect their own work is a favorite route to corrupting the
inspection system. It gives businesses a way to defeat the purpose of inspections.

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume VII, Kentucky Narratives by Various

These volumes of slave narratives are the product of the Federal Writers Project sponsored by the Library of Congress and the Work Project Administration. They consist of verbatim records of personal interviews with former slaves conducted during 1936-1938.

“These life histories, taken down as far as possible in the narrators’ words, constitute an invaluable body of unconscious evidence or indirect source material, . . . The narratives belong to folk history—history recovered from the memories and lips of participants or eye-witnesses,” This is for the state of Kentucky, Volume 7 in a series of 34 volumes. – Summary by Larry Wilson

History of the Papacy from the Great Schism to the Sack of Rome, Volume II, A by Mandell Creighton (1843 – 1901)

Mandell Creighton’s history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.
(Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

History of the Norwegian People, Volume 2 by Knut Gjerset (1865 – 1936)

A detailed and exhaustive history of the Norwegian People, written in two volumes. This second volume deals with Norwegian History from the 14th century to beyond Norwegian independence from Sweden in 1905, and covers topics such as: The Kalmar Union, early Democratic reforms, The Reformation in Norway, Norwegian Emigration, Separation of Norway and Denmark, war of 1814, Norway and the Union with Sweden, as well as Norwegians in the United States (Summary by Ærik Bjørnsson)