[UgaBYTES] WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP-AFRICA (WEEK 51)

[Mwathi Francis]

*Scientists Use Cell Phone Records to Predict Spread of Malaria*

16th December 2009

University of Florida researchers at work on a malaria elimination study in
Africa have become the first to predict the spread of the disease using cell
phone records. The scientists analyzed more than 21 million calls to
determine how often residents of Zanzibar travel and where they go. A
semi-autonomous region composed of two islands off the coast of Tanzania in
East Africa, Zanzibar has drastically reduced malaria in recent years. Its
government commissioned the study as part of deliberations on whether to
launch a total elimination campaign.

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/41124.php?s=h



*Regional experts on ICT meet in Kigali*

18th December 2009

Experts from Regional Economic Community (REC’s), the African Union
Commission (AU), NEPAD secretariat and the UN agencies are meeting in Kigali
to undertake a comprehensive review on the status of Information
Communication Technology (ICT) programmes in Eastern Africa. The two days
workshop which started yesterday focuses mainly on analysing the impact of
New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) ICT programme in terms of
the adopted objectives, goals and targets.

It will also embark on identifying the gaps and lessons learned from ICT
NEPAD programs.

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14113&article=23833



*ICT: Tunisia to develop cooperation with Linux Institute*

17th December 2009

The Minister of Communication Technologies, Mr. El Hadj Gley, received on
Tuesday Mr. Jim Lacey, President of the “Linux Professional Institute”
(LPI).

During the meeting, Mr. Gley highlighted Tunisia’s efforts aiming at
building the knowledge society, by attracting leading companies, boosting
investment and partnership as well as by launching qualifying training
programs.

http://www.tunisiaonlinenews.com/?p=31141



*Could Emails and Mobiles Be A Threat To Public Servants and Security
Personnel?*

16th December 2009

The new information technology which has revolutionised communication is
both an asset and a threat. It developed during the cold war and has now
developed into civilian use. Emails and Mobile Phones have given rise to
speedy Communication. It is also bringing people into contact that under
normal circumstances may not be able to meet or communicate. In the Gambia
there have been many cases which have led to arrests, detention and
prosecution which have links to Communication through Emails and Mobile
phones. Those who are close the Government are more vulnerable since their
loyalty is constantly being monitored.

http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4153



*Ict centre could be the boost Warr girls school needs*

15th December 2009

It was the pride of West Nile. It was every girl’s wish to pursue her
secondary education in this dream school. But today, Warr Girls’ school in
Nebbi district is a shadow of its past glory. Taking Nebbi Woman MP,
Catherine Mavenjina, around the school recently, Opar said the school needs
total up-grading of almost all the infrastructure, starting from classrooms,
teachers houses, dormitories, water systems, laboratories, the library,
power especially the solar system and transport for both staff and students.
Mavenjina, who was commissioning a computer laboratory housed in a
dilapidated structure with weak doors and windows, was accompanied by the
chairperson board of governors and Nebbi diocese bishop, Martin Luluga and
the resident district commissioner Betty Adima and other community members.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/9/35/704368?highlight&q=West%20Nile