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Miracle Twins: 70-Year-Old Ugandan Woman Gives Birth
In a remarkable medical feat, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman has defied the odds and given birth to twins. Safina Namukwaya’s journey to motherhood is nothing short of a miracle, made possible through the wonders of in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Safina Namukwaya, who had long yearned for motherhood, underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Against all expectations, she successfully conceived and carried twins to term.
On Wednesday, Ms. Namukwaya delivered a healthy boy and girl via cesarean section, becoming one of the oldest women in the world to give birth.
“Mother and babies are all well,” WHI&FC announced in a Facebook post, celebrating the extraordinary achievement. “We’ve achieved the extraordinary – delivering twins to Africa’s oldest mother aged 70!”
Ms. Namukwaya’s journey to motherhood was not without its challenges. In a heartbreaking turn, her partner abandoned her upon learning of her twin pregnancy.
Undeterred, she faced her circumstances with unwavering strength and determination. “I looked after people’s children and saw them grow up and leave me alone. I wondered who would take care of me when I grow old,” she told Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper.
Her unwavering desire for motherhood fueled her perseverance. “Men don’t like to be told that you are carrying more than one child. Ever since I was admitted here, my man has never showed up,” she added.
COP28 Begins in Dubai with Call for Bold Action
The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, formally known as COP28, officially commenced on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. COP27 President Sameh Shoukry ceremonially handed over the mantle to COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, marking the start of a crucial chapter in the global climate action journey.
In his inaugural address, Al-Jaber, who will spearhead the 2023 climate change negotiations, implored stakeholders to make bold decisions on the Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.
He emphasized the urgent need to bridge the global adaptation finance gap and urged parties to fulfill their commitment to establishing a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate change impacts.
“Let’s place nature, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of our national plans,” Al-Jaber asserted. “Let’s finally confront the critical issues for adaptation, such as water, food, agriculture, and health.” He also announced that COP28 will be the first to host a climate health ministerial dialogue.
Addressing concerns about his ties to the fossil fuel industry, Al-Jaber highlighted his efforts to engage fossil fuel companies in becoming climate change champions. He acknowledged the importance of decarbonizing the existing energy system while advocating for a consensus-based framework for the future energy landscape.
“Let history remember this as the Presidency that boldly chose to engage proactively with oil and gas companies,” Al-Jaber declared. “Many of these companies are pledging to eliminate methane emissions by 2030 for the first time. And many national oil companies have adopted net zero 2050 targets for the first time.”
Recognizing the diversity of viewpoints on the inclusion of fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text, Al-Jaber urged delegates to collaborate. “We have the power to achieve something unprecedented. I implore you to work together,” he pleaded.
He also emphasized the need for flexibility among climate stakeholders to find common ground, reach consensus, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of the 1.5°C warming limit.
The global conference has attracted around 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. COP28 will officially run from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
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