In a significant move to enhance dementia care, thousands in the UK will participate in a trial to test blood for dementia, led by University College London and Oxford University. This five-year study aims to facilitate early access to care, support, and emerging drug treatments. About 5,000 volunteers will be involved in researching blood tests for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Currently, diagnostic methods like PET brain scans or spinal lumbar punctures, which detect brain proteins linked to Alzheimer's, are costly and underutilised. This trial explores more accessible blood tests, potentially a more economical and straightforward approach. The aim of the study (which focuses on various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's) is to improve diagnosis rates, particularly in early stages or mild memory issues. This trial holds promise, especially with the development of new drugs like Lecanemab and Donanemab, which potentially slow the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s Research UK has highlighted the critical need for advances in dementia diagnosis, mirroring progress in other diseases.
Victims and campaigners are calling for faster and increased payouts from the Windrush compensation scheme, established five years ago by the Home Office. This was set up in response to the scandal where thousands of British residents were mistakenly identified as illegal immigrants, leading to wrongful deportations and denials of basic rights. As of January, over £80 million has been distributed across 2,233 claims, but delays raise concerns, particularly for the elderly. Jacqueline McKenzie, working with over 400 victims, has said the Home Office needs to expedite decisions, citing re-traumatisation among the victims, many of whom have already died. Anjali, whose late father Singh was a victim, received his compensation posthumously, a year after his death. Singh faced homelessness and deportation threats due to his unverified UK status. The Home Office says that the scheme will remain open indefinitely; over 82% of claims have been concluded, with ongoing efforts to maximise and expedite awards.
Toivo Saabas, a young Estonian conscript, has been undergoing rigorous military training in the country's icy forests. Conscription, mandatory for men over 18 and voluntary for women, remains vital in Estonia, conscious of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries in the region are reintroducing or expanding conscription in response to heightened security concerns. Despite the gruelling training, soldiers like Toivo recognise the importance of service to their country. His commanding officer is confident about the readiness of Estonian forces and the strategic backing of NATO in the face of any potential aggression from Russia - a possibility which the Kremlin dismisses. The war in Ukraine has also changed policies in Finland, which joined NATO a year ago: see
In December 2022, Slovakia’s former prime minister Robert Fico was facing numerous criminal charges which, if proven, would have seen the populist firebrand put behind bars. However, the charges were dropped, and in an election which observers say was fuelled by hate speech and pro-Kremlin conspiracy theories, he was returned to power last September. His government’s aggressive stance towards the LGBTQ+ community and other minorities has made many of those groups fearful of what the future holds. For this and other reasons, there is a considerable ‘brain drain’, especially of young people, to the Czech Republic. Also, over the border, Ukrainians are conscious of his promise to block EU sanctions against Russia and veto its package of military support for Kyiv.
Taiwan: aftermath of major earthquake
05 Apr 2024
Taiwan is grappling with the aftermath of its strongest earthquake in 25 years, leaving over 35 people missing and more than 660 trapped. The quake, measuring at least 7.2, struck near Hualien on 3 April, causing buildings to teeter and collapse. Rescuers have evacuated 77 people from tunnels, and the search for the missing continues. Many are seeking shelter in tents because of the ‘terrifying’ aftershocks. At least ten people have died, and over a thousand injuries have been reported. After some factory evacuations by major chipmaker TSMC, there have been fears of disruptions to the supply chain, but work is expected to resume after inspections have taken place. The earthquake's impact underscores Taiwan's vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity.
Gaza: Israel accused of targeting aid workers
05 Apr 2024
Humanitarian groups have accused Israeli forces of intentionally targeting them in Gaza, after the airstrike on 1 April on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy. Seven aid workers, including three Britons, were killed in the airstrike. WCK had coordinated with the IDF through deconfliction, a process where agencies inform military parties of their locations and movements to avoid being targeted. Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident unintentional, and the IDF claimed it was due to misidentification. However, 203 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began, which creates a lot of mistrust in the deconfliction system. WCK founder José Andrés has claimed that the IDF is targeting them ‘systematically, car by car’, and said that workers from other groups such as UNRWA and the Red Cross had also been affected. The recurring strikes raise doubts about the effectiveness and integrity of coordination efforts, exacerbating tensions in the conflict zone. See also the UK article entitled ‘Legal experts call for halt in British arms exports to Israel’. Breaking news: Israel has announced that it will open two new aid routes.
In the town of Musina, Portie Murevesi, heavily pregnant, has found refuge after a brutal assault. She is one of many migrants undertaking perilous journeys to reach South Africa. Tales of violence, including rape and murder, are commonplace, but many people, driven by desperation, are risking their lives to seek better opportunities in South Africa. Officially, there are more than 2.4 million foreigners - nearly half of them Zimbabwean - living in the country, accounting for just over 3% of the population. But that figure does not include those who have entered illegally, and with a general election scheduled for the end of May, this has become a highly charged political issue. Although the authorities say they are tightening security, it is an enormous task. John epitomises the struggle for survival as he resorts to smuggling watermelons across the porous border because they fetch a far higher price than in Zimbabwe.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised Colombia and Panama for failing to protect migrants and asylum seekers crossing the perilous Darien Gap jungle route between the two countries. The report highlighted inadequate protection and investigation of abuses, including sexual violence. The Darien Gap, fraught with natural hazards and criminal activity, is a favoured route for those fleeing violence and hardships; over 520,000 people used it in 2023. HRW urged Colombia to investigate a criminal gang's exploitation of migrants and allocate more resources for protection, and criticised Panama’s ‘controlled flow’ strategy, which it said needed to be modified. It also called for the appointment of a senior official to coordinate responses with the UN and humanitarian groups.