EDITORIAL: LET’S DO MORE TO STAMP OUT MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

Today Tanzania joins the rest of the world in marking International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is an annual occasion meant to remind the world of the tragedy and unspeakable horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.

It is worth noting that over two centuries have passed since the transatlantic slave trade, the most abominable and cruel from of slavery, was abolished back in 1807. However, we cannot run away from the fact that modern-day slavery has swiftly taken its place.

Every year, between 600,000 and 800,000 people are tricked and trafficked across international borders, and end up living in bondage far away from their homelands. It is generally agreed that this is a conservative estimate, and the actual numbers are much higher.

In contrast to the transatlantic slave trade, modern-day slavery is a global phenomenon. It is estimated that there are around 30 million humans in slavery today, which is a greater number than at any other point in the world’s history.

Slavery exists in the forms of sex trafficking, domestic servitude, factory and farm slavery, and child soldier slavery, but is not limited to these forms.

Modern-day slavery takes advantage of vulnerable people. Foreign national victims are often lured to affluent Western nations with false promises of a good education and a good life, but end up being forced to cook, clean and care for their masters’ children. They are invariable forbidden from leaving and are often beaten and sexually abused.

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There are well documented cases of Tanzanians living in bondage abroad after being deceived that they were being taken to lands of milk and honey where streets are paved with gold.

We should not forget such victims as we mark the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

CANCER: CHECK FOR EARLY SIGNS

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide (12 percent) after breast cancer. The majority of cervical cancer-related deaths occur in developing countries.

The World Health Organisation reports that cervical cancer incidence rate in East Africa is 25.7 per 100,000 women compared to 16 for the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, most women with early cervical cancer and pre-cancer usually have no symptoms. Any indication of symptoms does not begin until a pre-cancer becomes a true invasive cancer and grows into nearby tissue.

In other words, by the time a woman is feeling pain or discomfort as a result of a cancer, it could mean the disease is at an advanced stage. Many women are not aware of early signs of breast and cervical cancer. A majority of those who experience them tend to ignore or live with the suffering.

Regular check-ups by qualified medical personnel helps greatly in managing cancer effectively and in reducing deaths linked to it. Male partners play an important role in encouraging their loved ones to screen for both cervical and breast cancer. Early detection makes a huge difference between life and a long painful death.

Women should wait for the symptoms, and should be screened regularly.