Alice L. Walton: Free Medical University

The costs of medical education remain high for many young people, and this is the perspective that we are trying to change, in a world where talent often succumbs to a lack of resources.

The new institution seeks to integrate the human dimensions of medical practice. Photo: AWSOM

The world's richest woman, American Alice Walton, has channeled part of her fortune into creating a completely tuition-free medical school in the United States, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM), in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Its purpose is to broaden access to higher education in the health field for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is not an isolated gesture of symbolic philanthropy, but a structured intervention in one of the most critical sectors of contemporary societies: the training of healthcare professionals.

The costs of medical education remain high for many young people, and this is the perspective that is being challenged, in a world where talent often succumbs to a lack of resources.

Heiress to the Walmart empire, Alice Walton built her career far from the direct management of the family business, investing in projects related to art, education, and community development. Thus, the creation of a medical school represents an investment in knowledge infrastructure with a lasting impact.

The new institution seeks to integrate the human dimensions of medical practice, reinforcing the idea that care is not just a technical exercise, but also an ethical and social one.

(By Rafael Langa)

Mpox: a health threat

Also known as Monkeypox, Mpox has spread to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, among others.

Photo: Metropoles

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the world once again faced a new health threat: Mpox. Although more subdued, the disease has been appearing in various parts of the world since 2022, no longer being exclusive to the African continent.

Also known as Monkeypox, Mpox has spread to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, among others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 100 countries have reported cases of the disease since 2022, including many that had never previously recorded infections. The severity and rapid spread of the disease led the WHO to declare Mpox a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022, a status that was later lifted in May 2023.

Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Mozambique, the first positive case was confirmed in 2022, in Maputo province. Currently, the country is facing a localized outbreak in Niassa province, Lago district, where 17 positive cases have been confirmed to date. Of these, seven are female and the remainder are male, with ages ranging from 17 to 38.

All patients are in home isolation, with stable clinical progress. The recommended isolation period is 21 days.

Symptoms of MPOX:

The disease initially manifests with nonspecific symptoms such as: fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes (in the jaw, neck, armpits, or groin), back pain, and general weakness. Subsequently, a characteristic rash (pimples) develops, which can appear on the face, trunk, hands, feet, and, in more recent cases, in the genital and perianal areas.

Recommended Preventive Measures

Health authorities recommend:

  • Strengthening individual and collective hygiene;
  • Avoiding physical contact with infected people and infected animals;
  • Do not share clothing, sheets, or towels of infected people without using protective equipment;
  • Cleaning and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces;
  • Vaccination of at-risk groups (direct contacts of positive cases, healthcare workers, and frontline workers).
  • Mass vaccination is not currently recommended due to limited access to the vaccine, whose global distribution is being coordinated by the WHO and the Africa CDC.

(Joana Mawai)

Mozambique at the Dance Africa Festival in New York

Photo: CNCD

The National Song and Dance Company (CNCD) will represent Mozambique at the 48th edition of the Dance Africa Festival, which will take place from 14 to 27 May in Brooklyn, United States.

The invitation, issued by the United States Government through the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), reflects the growing cultural cooperation between the two countries and represents a golden opportunity for the CNCD to showcase the richness and depth of Mozambican cultural heritage on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to bring the soul of our people to the world. The CNCD will be an ambassador for 33 million Mozambicans and will carry with it our identity, our strength and our art,” highlighted the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, Matilde Muocha, underlining the symbolic nature of the participation, which takes place in the year in which Mozambique celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its independence.

The company will present performances that celebrate the country's cultural diversity, highlighting traditional expressions such as mapiko, nyau, xigubo and tufo, valuing regional representation and the authenticity of the manifestations.

Composed of 20 members – including dancers, musicians and technicians – the Mozambican delegation will bring much more than dance and song to the festival: they will bring stories, rhythms and emotions that reflect the essence of a vibrant and resilient nation. The event will also be a space for artistic exchange with other companies from the African continent and the diaspora.

(By MozaVibe)

MIT maintains the best university in the world

Photo: MIT

The 21st edition of the QS World University Rankings classifies the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as the best university in the world, a North American institution that leads the ranking for the 13th consecutive year.

The ranking places Imperial College London in second place, after moving up from 6th to 2nd place, and the University of Oxford occupies third place. Harvard remains in fourth, with Cambridge rounding out the top five.

The QS World University Rankings evaluates more than 1,500 universities based on indicators such as academic reputation, employability, citation of scientific publications, among others. This year, the ranking includes a more comprehensive assessment, considering data from millions of articles and expert opinions.

In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, mainland China appears with 71 universities in the ranking, with highlights including Peking University and Tsinghua University, which are among the top 20. Singapore also stands out, with the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University occupying prominent positions on the global stage.

(By MozaVibe)

Jónia Presado achieves international recognition

Photo: Jonia Presado

Mozambican Jónia Ismael Chilusse Presado was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in the field of Leadership and Business Management during a graduation ceremony held in Atlanta, United States, by Veridian Christian University.

This remarkable achievement not only raises the flag of Mozambique but also marks a historic moment, as Jónia becomes the first to represent a country from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in this prestigious program.

The event celebrated 20 laureates, highlighting excellence and significant contributions from professionals impacting the business environment and society.

The nomination was made in July 2024, upon the recommendation and proposal of the Board of Regents and the Faculty Council of Veridian Christian University, granting her all rights, privileges, and benefits that accompany this honor.

Jónia Presado is a renowned professional in the field of marketing, standing out among the 100 most influential Black personalities in Lusophone countries.

She currently serves as the Director of Marketing, Communication, and Public Relations at MultiChoice Mozambique, where she leads strategic initiatives for the DStv and GOtv brands. Her ability to develop and implement impactful communication strategies has not gone unnoticed, as she was recently honored with the “Best Communication Professional” award for 2024 at the COMARP Awards, which celebrate excellence in Marketing and Public Relations in Mozambique. Additionally, Jónia Presado is recognized among the top 30 female leaders by Pivoting in Heels 2024, further solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential voice.

After receiving the distinction, she expressed her enthusiasm: “Communication is a powerful tool that can transform societies, and I am committed to continuing to contribute to strengthening the field in Mozambique.”

Her passion for communication and the development of business practices is reflected in her innovative and results-oriented approach.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jónia is the founder of BancABC Talk Hour Live, a virtual event that explores the impact of the pandemic from various perspectives. Her altruism and dedication to philanthropy demonstrate that she is a leader not only in her field but also a champion of social well-being.

(By Renaldo Manhice)