Business

South America is a ‘new epicenter’ of the coronavirus pandemic, WHO says

Published

4 years ago

May 22, 2020

Gravediggers carry the coffin of Avelino Fernandes Filho, 74, during his funeral who passed away from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 18, 2021.

Ricardo Moraes | Reuters

The epicenter of the global Covid-19 pandemic has shifted to South America as cases in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo explode six months after the new coronavirus emerged on the other side of the world in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization declared Friday.

“We’ve seen many South American countries with increasing numbers of cases and clearly there’s a concern across many of those countries, but certainly the most affected is Brazil at this point,” Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s emergencies program, said at a news briefing from the agency’s Geneva headquarters.

“In a sense, South America has become a new epicenter for the disease,” he said.

Brazil has more cases than any other country in South America, according to the WHO’s most recent daily situation report. Ryan said confirmed cases in the country are now approaching 300,000 and Covid-19 has now killed nearly 19,000 people in Brazil.

Ryan noted that the government of Brazil has approved the “broader” use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is currently taking to defend against infection from Covid-19. Several studies have cast doubt on the efficacy of the drug as a treatment for Covid-19. A study published earlier Friday showed that patients who were treated with the drug had a higher risk of death than those who didn’t take it.

“The current clinical evidence does not support the widespread use of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of Covid-19, not until the trials are completed and we have clearer results,” Ryan said.

The majority of cases in Brazil are in the Sao Paulo region, Ryan said, adding that the states of Rio de Janeiro, Ceara, Amazonas and Pernambuco have been affected as well. He said the WHO is actively providing assistance to the government of Brazil.

“In terms of attack rates, the highest attack rates are actually in Amazonas,” Ryan said. “About 490 persons infected per 100,000 population, which is quite a high attack rate.”

The state of Amozonas, which is among Brazil’s most rural states, warned last month that its health system was overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, emphasized the importance for all countries to protect vulnerable populations.

“All countries have vulnerable populations and we are seeing a greater impact in terms of disease, disease severity, poor outcomes in groups that are vulnerable,” she said. “It highlights the inequalities that we see in vulnerable groups.”

In March, the WHO declared that the epicenter of the virus had left China, where it first emerged, and arrived in Europe. The virus has now infected more 5.1 million people around the world and killed at least 335,063 people.

(Note: This is a Article Automatically Generated Through Syndication, Here is The Original Source

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Net Worth

Pavel Durov Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Russian-born Emirati Entrepreneur Worth?

Published

19 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Vishnu Chaudhary

Pavel Durov Net Worth 2024: How Much is the Russian-born Emirati Entrepreneur Worth?

Who is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Valeryevich Durov, born on October 10, 1984, is a Russian entrepreneur renowned for founding the social networking site VK and the Telegram Messenger. He is the younger sibling of Nikolai Durov. After stepping down as CEO of VK in 2014, Pavel, along with his brother, led a nomadic lifestyle in self-imposed exile, holding citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis. He is recognized for his contributions to the tech industry and his advocacy for user privacy.

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Pavel Durov Career?

Durov’s journey in the tech industry began in 2006 when he co-founded VKontakte (VK), inspired by Facebook’s success. Under his leadership, VK flourished, reaching a valuation of $3 billion. However, conflicts with Russian authorities over user data led to his departure from VK in 2014. Subsequently, he focused on Telegram, emphasizing privacy and security, earning him acclaim as a tech visionary.

Pavel Durov’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Pavel Durov’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $17 billion. His wealth stems from his pioneering work with Telegram and VK, propelling him into the upper echelons of the tech industry. Durov’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Pavel Durov Age?

Pavel Durov, born on October 10, 1984, is currently 39 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has achieved remarkable success in the tech world, demonstrating his entrepreneurial prowess and innovative thinking.

Pavel Durov Family: Parents

Pavel Durov’s father, Valery Semenovich Durov, is a distinguished academic with a Doctorate in Philological Sciences. His grandfather, Semyon Petrovich Tulyakov, was a decorated World War II veteran. Durov’s family background reflects a tradition of intellectual and academic excellence.

Pavel Durov Height and Weight

As of 2024, Pavel Durov stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 163 pounds (74 kg). His physique, along with his intellect and entrepreneurial acumen, contributes to his charismatic presence and success in the business world.

Also Read: Nasser Al-Khelaifi Net Worth 2024: How Much is the President of Paris Saint-Germain Worth?

Business

Wow! Momo secures Rs 70 crore funding from Z3 Partners for expansion

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

IANS

Food chain Wow! Momo raises Rs 70 crore from Z3Partners

Quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo has secured Rs 70 crores from Z3Partners in an extension to their latest funding round following Rs 350 crores from Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia. Wow! Momo operates three brands – Wow! Momo, Wow! China, and Wow! Chicken.

CEO Sagar Daryani expressed gratitude stating, “We have been consistent and resilient…this round of investors have shown in us fortifies our faith and further motivates us to be change-makers.” Launched in 2008, Wow! Momo has 600 outlets in 38 cities and ventured into the FMCG sector along with their QSR vertical.

Managing Partner at Z3Partners, Rishi Maheshwari, praised Wow! Momo saying, “Wow! Momo is a reflection of the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in the country…building a high-quality food business at scale, fuelled by superior execution expertise.” This funding round totals over Rs 480 crores, with Rs 270 crores via primary infusion and Rs 210 crores through a secondary purchase from early-stage investors.

Wow! Momo’s growth trajectory has been impressive with a strong presence in multiple cities. This latest funding will further solidify its position in the market and support its expansion plans. Sagar Daryani and the team at Wow! Momo are optimistic about the future and grateful for the support shown by investors.

Business

UP now boasts the largest number of Geographical Indication-tagged items in the country.

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

IANS

UP now has the most GI-tagged items in the country

Varanasi, April 17 (IANS) – Six more products from Uttar Pradesh have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, including the famous ‘Tirangi Barfi’ of Kashi, a tricoloured sweet symbolic of the Quit India Movement. The GI Registry awarded the certification on Tuesday, bringing the total number of GI-tagged products in Uttar Pradesh to 75, making it the state with the most GI products in India.

The newly certified products in Uttar Pradesh also include Banaras Metal Casting Craft, Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery, Bareilly Cane and Bamboo Craft, Bareilly Zardozi Craft, and Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile. According to GI expert Padma Shri Rajnikant, “Two renowned products from Varanasi, the Tirangi Barfi and Metal Casting Craft, were granted GI certification on Tuesday.” Rajnikant, the general secretary of the Human Welfare Association, has been instrumental in securing GI tags for 148 producers across 14 states and Union Territories.

Rajnikant highlighted the crucial role played by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow office in supporting these six GI tags. He emphasized that this achievement strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s position as the leading state in GI products. In 2008-09, the state had only one GI product, the ‘Allahabad Surkha Amrood.’ With 75 GI products now, Uttar Pradesh continues to lead in this area.

The GI tags not only recognize the unique identity and qualities of these products but also provide protection against imitation and unauthorized use. These certifications also help in promoting traditional craftsmanship and skills, thereby boosting the local economy and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Tamil Nadu follows Uttar Pradesh with 58 GI products, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and heritage of various states in India.