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East Darfur, Sudan — Hawa Adam did not expect a childhood illness to kill her son. Ali was two years old when he fell sick on February 25 in Labado, in Sudan’s East Darfur state. He died two days later.“I thought it was one of the ordinary childhood diseases,” the 37-year-old told Al Jazeera. “I never imagined I would lose my child to this epidemic.”Hawa attributes his death to the absence of basic medical care – no vaccination, no qualified doctors. “Most doctors”, she says, “left the area after the war broke out, forcing those with means to seek treatment abroad, in South Sudan or Uganda.”The Collapse of Routine Immunization in East DarfurA measles outbreak has struck several Labado districts since March, killing approximately 70 people and infecting about 1,000 others across 12 residential neighbourhoods, in a population of roughly 12,000, which includes displaced people who arrived during the war, according to Mohamed Abdel Aziz, 32, coordinator of the Labado crisis unit.Those numbers were disputed by East Darfur’s health director, Dr Jabir al-Nadeef, who confirmed to Al Jazeera that measles has struck four districts of the state, but only reported 300 cases and 26 deaths, figures that diverge substantially from those documented by the Labado emergency room.“Vaccines only arrived on April 11 from Chad via UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund ], after a prolonged period with no supply, and a vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from April 18 to 24 across the state,” he said.Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions or breathing in air that was breathed out by someone with measles, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreaks can result in severe complications and deaths, especially among young, malnourished children.Transmission: Contact with infected secretions or airborne particles.Current Coverage: Measles vaccination has fallen to 46 percent.Routine Immunization: First dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis dropped to 48 percent in 2024.Quantifying the Human Cost: Disputed Death Toll and Economic BarriersThe first measles cases in Darfur in the current outbreak were recorded in January, according to UNICEF. It is unfolding against the backdrop of a near-total collapse of public health infrastructure across Darfur, where war has gutted facilities, halted routine vaccination and driven out medical personnel.“We discovered the outbreak by accident,” Abdel Aziz, the coordinator, told Al Jazeera. The teams had been conducting home visits for a fire-prevention workshop when they saw the scale of the outbreak, with almost half of the homes visited having measles cases.In the al-Nil neighbourhood, Ismail Issa, 38, lost his two-year-old daughter Makarem on March 11. His brother Ahmed lost an 18-month-old son, Issa, on March 25. Then Hasan, the three-year-old son of Ismail’s sister Medeeha, died on March 23. All three families live in adjoining homes, and the infection passed between them.Abdel Aziz traced much of the death toll directly to a supply failure. Medicines ran out at the government health centre on February 23. Drugs remain available at private pharmacies, but most residents cannot afford them.Intravenous fluids: 8,000 Sudanese pounds ($20.50).Antibiotics: 10,000 to 15,000 pounds ($25.60 to 38.40).A Public Health Catastrophe UnfoldingAsmaa Jalaluddin, 28, lives in the Dar al-Naim West neighbourhood of Labado with her three children. Her three-year-old daughter, Mashaer Rajab al-Sheikh, fell ill on April 5 with fever, diarrhoea and persistent vomiting. She stopped eating and kept her eyes shut for four days.On April 8, Asmaa took her to the Labado health centre, where she was told her daughter had measles. With no medicines available, she was directed to travel to Shuairiya, 40 kilometres north. There, on April 10, Mashaer received fever reducers and vitamins and slowly began to open her eyes again. She was discharged two days later.Local doctors are now calling for intervention from international health organisations, noting that diseases that had been eliminated are returning.UNICEF spokesperson for Sudan, Eva Hinds, told Al Jazeera that “measles cases continue to be reported across Darfur, with insecurity, displacement, damaged health facilities, and prolonged disruption to routine immunisation all constraining the response.”UNICEF says that a measles-rubella vaccine catch-up campaign has been completed across all localities in Central Darfur and West Darfur, as well as parts of North and South Darfur, reaching approximately 2.1 million children aged nine to 14. Vaccination in remaining areas, including East Darfur, is scheduled for mid to end of April, aiming to reach close to 750,000 children across all nine of the state’s localities.The Long Road to RecoveryFor the families of Labado, the calendar offers little comfort. In the al-Nil neighbourhood, three siblings buried their children within days of one another over the Eid holiday. In Dar al-Naim West, a mother counts the days until her daughter’s 14-day isolation ends. In the Safaa neighbourhood, Hawa Adam has already buried hers.“They could have still been alive,” Hawa Adam said. “Those without money die in Darfur.”

The Healing Power of Orkney’s StormsNature writer Victoria Bennett moved to the remote Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland in 2022, seeking a fresh start after the drowning of her sister. Initially, she felt a visceral fight against the environment, describing her first winter as a struggle against the sea and the weather. However, a pivotal moment during a stormy beach encounter—howling into the wind—shifted her perspective. She realized she was not an outsider battling the elements, but a participant in a powerful, animalistic release. This epiphany marked the beginning of her integration into the landscape.From Grief to Garden: A Resilient LandscapeBennett transformed her vulnerability into creation by designing an apothecary garden in her Victorian terrace house. This 9-square-metre walled garden serves as a reflective space filled with medicinal and culinary plants intended to nourish her body and soul. The garden features a central spiral bed of herbal plants surrounded by a micro-woodland of goat willow, elder, and wildflowers, with a focus on colour, pollinators, and scent.Metrics of Resilience: Adapting to the ElementsBennett’s gardening journey highlights the critical importance of adaptive design in extreme environments. Her initial attempts with elderberries were thwarted by salt-burn, which wiped out her plants in 24 hours on two separate occasions. Her data-driven adaptation involved swapping delicate species for hardier alternatives like fuchsia berries and thrift. She also utilized seaweed as fertilizer, a direct application of the local ecosystem's resources to sustain her garden.Garden Size: 9 square metresKey Adaptation: Switching to salt-tolerant flora (fuchsia, thrift, sea campion)Resource Utilization: Foraged seaweed fertilizationThe Rise of Nature Therapy in Extreme ClimatesBennett’s story reflects a broader trend in mental health and wellness: the therapeutic value of engaging with, rather than retreating from, nature. By treating her garden as a relationship with the sea rather than a conquest, she learned to 'loosen and release into the ebb and flow of life.' This approach is particularly relevant for those living in coastal or remote areas, suggesting that resilience is built not by fighting the environment, but by understanding its rhythms.Future Outlook: Designing for the ElementsAs climate patterns become more volatile, Bennett’s methodology offers a blueprint for future landscape design. The future of therapeutic gardening in harsh climates will likely rely on native plant selection and permeable design that allows for the natural forces of wind and salt spray. Bennett’s memoir, The Apothecary by the Sea, serves as a testament to how these landscapes can facilitate profound personal transformation.

Rockets routed the Lakers 115-96, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while Victor Wembanyama returned to the Spurs with a 27‑point performance that pushes San Antonio toward a series clinch.Rockets' Dominant 115-96 Victory Over LakersHouston erased a 19‑point deficit and forced 24 turnovers, with Amen Thompson contributing 23 points and Alperen Sengun adding 19. LeBron James managed only 10 points on 2‑of‑9 shooting and turned the ball over eight times.Statistical Breakdown of the Playoff GamesFinal Score: Rockets 115, Lakers 96Turnovers: Lakers 24, Rockets 8Key Performers: Amen Thompson 23 pts, Alperen Sengun 19 pts, LeBron James 10 pts, Tari Eason 20 ptsWembanyama Return: 27 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl, 7 blkSpurs vs Trail Blazers: Spurs 73‑35 second‑half advantageImplications for the Western Conference Playoff LandscapeThe Rockets remain the only team in NBA history still chasing a comeback from a 0‑3 series hole. A win in Game 5 would force a decisive Game 6, keeping Houston’s improbable run alive. The Lakers, despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, still have a chance to close the series at home.San Antonio’s Spurs sit at a 3‑1 series lead. Wembanyama’s return restores their interior dominance and gives them a clear path to clinch the series in Game 5.What to Expect in the Upcoming GamesGame 5 in Houston: Rockets must limit turnovers and capitalize on fast‑break opportunities to stay alive.Game 5 in San Antonio: Expect the Spurs to lean on Wembanyama’s defensive presence and De’Aaron Fox’s scoring to seal the series.Eastern Conference: Celtics aim to finish off the 76ers, while Raptors will try to rebound from a tight win over Cleveland.

Guardian’s Curated Podcast Roundup Highlights Emerging TrendsThe Guardian’s weekly podcast guide showcases a mix of celebrity‑focused video interviews and socially‑charged audio series, underscoring how the medium is diversifying beyond traditional talk formats.The Launch of Richard Bacon’s Video Podcast “Why Are You More Successful Than Me?”Format: Video‑podcast that works equally as a watch‑or‑listen experience.Guests include Elizabeth Day, Gary Lineker and Dexter Fletcher.Positioned as a friendly, non‑confrontational chat that still probes success narratives.Podcast Market Metrics: Growth, Video Adoption, and Listener DemographicsGlobal podcast downloads surpassed 1.2 billion per week in Q1 2026, a 15% year‑on‑year increase.Video podcasts now account for 22% of total podcast consumption, up from 13% in 2024.Women aged 25‑34 represent the fastest‑growing listener segment, driving demand for lifestyle‑focused series.Implications for Celebrity Interview Formats and Issue‑Driven SeriesVisual elements boost engagement, encouraging more celebrities to join video‑first formats.Series like “Pretty Tough” and “World of Secrets: Searching for Soldier Dad” illustrate a shift toward deep‑dive storytelling on social issues.Brands are increasingly sponsoring niche podcasts, seeing higher ad‑completion rates than generic shows.Future Outlook: Video‑First Podcasts and Niche Content ExpansionAnalysts predict that by 2028, video podcasts will capture over 30% of the market, while themed series targeting specific interests—such as empowerment, true‑crime, and cultural commentary—will dominate premium subscription tiers.

The Postpartum Health Window: A New Prevention StrategyNew mothers who experienced hypertension during pregnancy could significantly reduce their long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death by implementing daily home blood pressure monitoring, according to a pivotal study from the University of Oxford.Methodology: The Oxford Intervention TrialThe research, published in the journal Hypertension, involved 220 women who had developed hypertension during pregnancy. The study compared two approaches to postpartum care:Standard Care: 108 women received routine care with infrequent blood pressure checks and medication adjustments.Home Monitoring: 112 women used home monitors to check their blood pressure daily. Readings were shared via an app, allowing doctors to adjust medication day-to-day for optimal control.Quantifying the Benefit: Arterial Health and Risk ReductionThe data reveals a tangible physiological improvement in the home monitoring group. Six to nine months after birth, women who managed their blood pressure at home had significantly less stiff arteries compared to those in the standard care group. This reduction in arterial stiffness is clinically significant because it directly correlates with better blood flow and reduced clot formation.Researchers estimate that this specific intervention could reduce the future risk of heart attack or stroke by 10%. Furthermore, the study highlights a broader statistical reality: Harvard researchers found that high blood pressure in pregnancy is linked to a 42% rise in the risk of premature death.Why the Postpartum Period is Critical for Long-Term Cardiovascular HealthProfessor Paul Leeson, who led the study, emphasized that the weeks following birth represent a "powerful and often overlooked opportunity" to protect women's future health. High blood pressure in pregnancy, whether gestational or pre-eclampsia, affects 5-10% of pregnant women and can damage organs immediately.Beyond immediate threats, the condition creates a lasting legacy. Women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure later in life and twice as likely to develop heart disease.The Path Forward: NHS Integration and Future ResearchThe findings are paving the way for a shift in postpartum care standards. Trials are currently underway to determine the most effective methods for rolling out blood pressure monitoring to women after hypertensive pregnancies, with specialist NHS clinics being a primary option.Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, noted that this research underscores the importance of the renewed women's health strategy, ensuring that heart health advice is integrated into care at key life stages, from pregnancy through menopause.

The Introduction of Artie Dam and the Coastal SettingElizabeth Strout's latest work shifts focus from her previous protagonists to Artie Dam, a 57-year-old history teacher navigating a life that outwardly appears successful but inwardly struggles with deep-seated class divides and trauma. Set in coastal Massachusetts, the novel introduces a fresh cast while maintaining the author's signature focus on the minutiae of ordinary lives.Artie Dam: A history teacher who is kind, funny, and secretly grappling with a sense of inadequacy despite his comfortable lifestyle.The Class Divide: Artie married up into a wealthy family, inheriting a spacious home that he feels disconnected from.The Central Tragedy: A car accident ten years ago involving their son Rob and his girlfriend serves as the catalyst for the family's reconfiguration and emotional distance.The Commercial Viability of Strout’s Interconnected NarrativeStrout has established a formidable track record with a Pulitzer Prize in 2009 and multiple nominations for the Booker and Women's prizes. The success of her interconnected universe—spanning Olive Kitteridge, My Name Is Lucy Barton, and Oh William!—suggests a high ceiling for commercial engagement. The review highlights that readers often view these characters as personal friends, indicating a loyal, engaged fanbase that drives sales and critical discourse.Market Position: The book is positioned as a premium literary offering, priced at £18.99, targeting a dedicated segment of the book-buying public.Brand Loyalty: The recurring nature of characters like Lucy and Olive creates a 'shared universe' effect that enhances reader retention and anticipation for new releases.Societal Reflections in Modern FictionThe novel goes beyond personal drama to reflect broader societal anxieties. Strout captures the collective mood of the post-pandemic era, where students exhibit increasing anxiety without clear causes, and political polarization creates a sense of dread. By exploring the tension between free will and predetermined circumstances, Strout offers a mirror to the reader's own existential struggles.Post-Pandemic Anxiety: Artie observes his students' fear, mirroring a national mood of uncertainty.Political Dystopia: The looming 2024 election is depicted as a tightening noose, reflecting the high-stakes political climate.Future Outlook for Strout’s Literary LegacyWith the introduction of Artie Dam and the exploration of complex human mysteries, Strout is poised to further cement her status as a master of character-driven fiction. The critical reception suggests that this new addition to her canon will be as well-received as her previous works, continuing to deliver 'story upon story, gift upon gift' to her loyal readership.

The Shift from YBA Chaos to Suffolk SolitudeJohnnie Shand Kydd, once the unofficial chronicler of the Young British Artists (YBAs), has pivoted his lens from the chaotic, hedonistic nights of the 1990s art scene to the quiet, introspective landscapes of Suffolk. His new photobook, Ramsholt, captures the mundane yet profound moments of his dog-walking routine, offering a stark contrast to the explosive creativity he once documented.Documenting the Birth of the YBA MovementShand Kydd's early career was defined by his access to the inner circle of the YBAs, including Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, and Sam Taylor-Johnson. Unlike traditional studio portraiture, his images—collected in the 1997 book Spit Fire—showed these artists in candid, unguarded moments of partying and debauchery. He recalls that the "studio" was often a nightclub, where intense creative conversations occurred amidst the chaos.Subject Matter: Hirst balancing hats, Emin in a rubber dinghy, and the collective boozing of the era.Trust Factor: Shand Kydd leveraged his background as an art dealer to gain the trust of notoriously difficult subjects.Stamina: He admits to struggling to keep up with the 48-hour benders that defined the era's work ethic.The Legacy of the 1990s Art SceneThe YBA era was characterized by a rejection of traditional materials and a belief that "everything and anything is possible." Shand Kydd argues that these late-night revelries were actually extensions of the creative process, serving as incubators for ideas that would later define contemporary art. He notes that the optimism of that period, where Damien Hirst famously believed "No" didn't exist, was a driving force behind the movement's success.Death, Rebirth, and the Personal Cost of CreativityWhile his past work celebrated the vitality of youth, Ramsholt confronts mortality. Tracey Emin famously critiqued the new work, stating, "Your photographs are all about death." Shand Kydd embraces this, viewing the images of barren fields and rotting wood as part of a natural cycle of reincarnation. He connects this visual language to his own family history, using the landscape to process past tragedies.Future Outlook: The Enduring Artist-Photographer BondDespite the decades that have passed, the relationships forged during the YBA boom remain strong. With Tracey Emin curating his exhibition and Sam Taylor-Johnson developing a film based on his images, Shand Kydd's legacy is secure. His work suggests that while the art world changes, the fundamental human need to document life—and the inevitable cycle of life and death—remains constant.

Premier League clubs are now fighting a psychological battlefield as much as a tactical one. With social‑media memes, locker‑room rituals and managers’ quirky coping tricks on full display, the race for the title and survival has become a study in mental endurance.The Banter‑Sphere Takes Over the Title RaceFrom Gianluigi Buffon's naked pre‑kick ritual in 2006 to Mikel Arteta's “gardening coat” superstition, the piece shows how modern managers and players lean on bizarre habits to quiet the noise. The narrative follows Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham as they navigate a season described as a “widescreen psychodrama”.Arsenal sit six points clear with a win over Fulham needed to seal the title.West Ham’s Callum Wilson credits the crowd as a “12th man” after his late winner against Everton.Pep Guardiola adopts relaxed slacks while Manchester City chase the league on a tactical edge.Numbers Behind the Pressure: Points, Wins, and Media NoiseWith four weeks remaining, the league table is tight:Arsenal: 84 points from 36 games.Manchester City: 82 points, having dropped points early in January.Tottenham: 78 points, fighting for a Champions League spot.West Ham: 70 points, hovering just above the relegation zone.Beyond the pitch, a surge in online mentions shows a 57% increase in “pressure”‑related hashtags compared with the same stage last season, underscoring the growing mental load.Why Mental Resilience Is Redefining the Premier LeagueThe article argues that traditional sports science has struggled to codify the mental side of the game. While nutrition, GPS tracking and data‑driven tactics are meticulously managed, coping mechanisms remain ad‑hoc, ranging from Brian Clough's net‑bundling drills to José Mourinho's distraction‑based tactics.Fans, too, are part of the pressure engine. The “banter‑sphere” – a relentless stream of memes, taunts and online debates – creates a 24‑hour hum that players must filter, a phenomenon described as the modern “brain‑shout” of eight billion voices.Looking Ahead: How Clubs Might Tame the Psychological StormUpcoming fixtures will test each club’s mental playbook:4 May – Manchester City vs. Everton: a chance for Guardiola to reinforce calm under pressure.6 May – Arsenal vs. Fulham: a potential title‑clinching match that will reveal whether Arteta’s “relaxed‑vibes” approach can hold.10 May – West Ham vs. Arsenal at the London Stadium: a nerve‑wracking showdown that could decide relegation battles.Experts suggest that clubs may soon adopt formal sports‑psychology frameworks, integrating measurable stress‑reduction protocols alongside physical training. If successful, the Premier League could pioneer a new era where mental resilience is as prized as tactical acumen.

Eight-Month Price Surge Forecasted by UK MinisterDarren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that the UK can expect higher food, fuel and flight prices for “eight‑plus months” after the strait of Hormuz is reopened and the Iran conflict de‑escalates.Closure of Hormuz Strait Triggers Global Oil SpikeThe strategic Hormuz Strait, which carries roughly 20 % of global oil and gas shipments, was effectively shut after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The disruption sent benchmark oil prices soaring, feeding through to domestic fuel costs.Projected Inflation and Fuel Cost IncreasesWhile the Guardian article did not quote exact figures, analysts estimate:Brent crude could stay above $90 per barrel for the next 3‑4 months.UK pump prices may rise by 5‑7 % relative to pre‑conflict levels.Food price indices could see a 2‑3 % uplift, driven by higher transport and input costs.Broader Effects on UK Households and Supply ChainsThe government’s response focuses on monitoring stock levels of critical inputs such as carbon dioxide, which is essential for food processing and beverage carbonation, and on reassuring motorists and travellers that supply disruptions are being managed.Potential jet‑fuel shortages are being mitigated by urging drivers to “fill up as usual”.Securing CO₂ stocks aims to protect beer supplies ahead of the men’s football World Cup starting 11 June 2026.Liberal Democrats are pushing a food‑security bill for the next king’s speech in May.Outlook and Government Mitigation MeasuresJones indicated that the “long tail” of price pressure could extend well beyond the immediate weeks after the conflict eases, with the government planning:Live monitoring of supermarket inventories.Strategic reserves of key commodities (e.g., CO₂, jet fuel).Public communication campaigns to prevent panic buying.If the Hormuz Strait remains open and diplomatic de‑escalation holds, the eight‑month window may be the upper bound of sustained inflationary pressure.