- There’s nothing like a little drink of millet, maize or palm oil alcohol to
get the day off to a bad start. In Africa, homemade alcoholic drinks occupy
pride of place among the various types of alcohol on sale. They are sold on
the streets – often by women – and at competition-beating prices. But
beware! These drinks are dangerous on two counts!
As well as the normal dangers associated with excess alcohol consumption –
and which can never be repeated too often – these particular products can
cause disastrous physical and psychological damage. Their danger stems from
the fact that they contain methanol, an alcohol that is highly toxic to the
human body and which is produced during distillation.
It is absolutely essential that methanol is removed, completely, or very
substantially, from all these distilled beverages. Unfortunately the
equipment used in the homemade manufacture of these types of alcoholic
drink is too rudimentary for this to be possible. So the methanol ends up in
the glass.
When absorbed by humans, it is transformed into an acid – formic acid –
which the body is unable to eliminate. This acid ends up blocking the
nervous system and can lead to blindness, coma and eventually death. Those
who consume these drinks should watch out for tell-tale signs such as
nausea, vomiting, stiffening of the joints and headaches. These are the
early symptoms of methanol absorption and require immediate consultation
with a doctor.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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