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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

16DaysOfActivism, Gender Based Violence, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE – A THREAT TO WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Gender-Based Violence is any act of violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering directed towards persons on the basis of their gender. This includes threats of violence, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private. World Health Organisation (WHO) defines reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.

Globally, it is estimated that one in three women experience either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. These figures are mirrored in Nigeria, with 30 percent of girls and women aged between 15 and 49 reported to have experienced sexual abuse. It is a great concern because sexual abuse poses great threat to the general health of its victims, most especially on their reproductive health. Examples include inability to control their own reproductive health and plan their families, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Aside sexual abuse, there are other forms of GBV that puts women at risk like female genital mutilation, child marriage, emotional violence, work place violence, among others. In Nigeria, harmful practices such as child marriage are prevalent with 43 percent of girls married before the age of 18, of which the highest number is found in the North Eastern part of the country according to WHO. Also, the report states that once girls in Nigeria are married, only 1.2 percent of those aged 15 to 19 have their contraception needs met, leading to high levels of early and teenage pregnancy.

It is important for everyone to scale up prevention efforts that address unequal gender power relations as a root cause of gender-based violence in order to mitigate GBV cases in the society. GBV is not a family affair, hence, all perpetrators should be made to face the law rather than having family members intervene. This is because GBV is never a one off case. Social media is also an important platform that can be used to connect to others outside the normal social circles. Just like the #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV, everyone including government and civil societies should work together to amplify the need to stop GBV.

Monday Health Burst is a platform created by Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address basic health issues. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more health related articles.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Nation Building, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

According to Wikipedia, Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and political life of society and the state without discrimination or repression which includes among others freedom from discrimination and the right to privacy, the right to peaceful assembly, free expression, the right to vote, and freedom of religion.

Historically, women have been excluded from political life and decision making processes. Women’s campaigns for participation in the public and political arena date back as far as the 19^th centuries and continues today. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators. From discrimination and violence to a lack of support and resources, women face innumerable challenges to participation in the civic and political life of their countries.

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. The Nigerian society is patriarchal in nature, this is due to the influence of the various religions and customs in many parts of Nigeria. Women are seen as the ‘weaker sex’ , hence, all forms of discriminatory practices by the state and society (especially by men) are condoned. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics.

Although Women’s political participation has improved, but much still needs to be done. On the 15th day of March 2016, for instance, members of the Nigerian Senate at its plenary session, voted against and consequently, dumped the “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women Bill” that aimed to give women equal rights in marriage, education and employment. Under the law, a widow in Nigeria would have automatically become the custodian of her children and husband’s property upon her husband’s death. While a few lawmakers supported the bill, others believed that it violated the African spirit. In the African custom, women are considered the weaker gender, often repressed, seen as a baby making machine and as property. If there was better representation of women in the Senate, there is no doubt that the bill would have passed.

According to certain provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa and the National Gender Policy, Women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and their societies. Countries with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil society and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) PREVENTION AND CARE

PREVENTION

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places abstinence as the first practice to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. This includes abstinence from oral, anal or vaginal sex, and avoiding sharing of sharps (needles, blades, clippers etc) with an infected person.

In cases where abstinence becomes difficult, the following must be put into consideration:

Use of condoms: Male latex condoms are most effective in preventing HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) during an intercourse. Because a man does not need to ejaculate to give or get some STIs, make sure to put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth, or anus. Female condoms can also help to prevent HIV infection.

Routine testing: It is important to carry out routine HIV testing. Sexual partners Should endeavour to speak to each other about their HIV and STI status. This is because having an STI increases the chances of becoming infected with HIV during sex. If a partner has an STI in addition to HIV, the chances of transmitting the virus increases. The CDC recommends at least one HIV test for everyone ages 13 to 64 years. Yearly testing is recommended if one is at higher risk of infection. For gays and bisexual men, CDC recommends that HIV testing is carried out every three to six months.

Be monogamous: Having sex with just one partner can lower the risk of contacting the HIV virus and other STIs. After being tested for STIs, be faithful to each other. That means that you have sex only with each other and no one else. The risk of getting HIV and other STIs goes up with the number of sexual partners.

Get vaccinated: You can get a vaccine to protect against Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, which are STIs. There is no vaccine to prevent or treat HIV.

Do not douche: Douching (washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluidsremoves some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protects one from infections. This may increase the risk of getting HIV and other STIs.

Do not abuse alcohol or drugs: Alcohol or drug abuse may lead to risky behaviours such as sharing needles to inject drugs or not using a condom when having sex.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is an HIV prevention method for people who do not have HIV infection but who may be at high risk. For example, mixed-status couples (also known as serodiscordant), people with multiple sex partners, inject illegal drugs or share needles. For mixed-status couples who are interested in having a child, PrEP may help protect the mother and child. CDC estimates that PrEP could prevent transmission in as many as 140,000 serodiscordant heterosexual couples.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is an anti-HIV medicine for people who may have been recently exposed to HIV, like in cases of a condom break or sexual assault. However, PEP must be taken within three days of exposure to help lower the risk for HIV. It is also important to take two to three antiretroviral medicines for 28 days to prevent the virus from copying itself and spreading through the body. While taking PEP, one still needs to take steps to prevent HIV, including using a condom with sex partners.

HIV/AIDS CARE

Use of Antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs becomes important when one tests positive to HIV to help reduce the viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood). Knowing the viral load measurement and how to control it by reducing it to undetectable levels can protect mother to child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. It can also help prevent spreading HIV to a sexual partner, or people who come in contact with the infected blood.

In conclusion, HIV is a preventable disease. Effective HIV prevention interventions have been proven to reduce HIV transmission, and people who get tested for HIV and are well sensitized can make significant behavioural changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has worked in different states across Nigeria for over 10 years to tackle issues around HIV/AIDS. Some of its interventions include communication/house-to-house testing of HIV, health facility testing, counselling, community sensitization, provision of ARV drugs, household economic strengthening, among others. Join us every Monday on Monday Health Burst on all our social media platforms for more health related articles of basic health concerns.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S RIGHTS TO EDUCATION

Education is a basic human right and has been recognized as such since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Every one has the human right to education, training and information. Despite widespread agreement that all people have the fundamental human right to education, the United Nations Statistics Division states that 100 million children, with 60% of them being girls, do not have access to primary education. 960 million adults in the world are illiterate, and more than two-thirds of them are women. Women and girls continue to face discrimination at all levels of education, a fact which poses grave hindrance to their advancement. Equality of access to all levels of education is crucial to empowering women and girls to participate in economic, social and political life of their societies. Education unlocks a woman¹s potential, and is accompanied by improvements in health, nutrition, and well-being of women and their families.

According to the United Nations office of the high commissioner on Women and the right to education, it says: “Article 10 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, states that the right to education is the entitlement to access free primary education, and to have equal opportunities to continue with further studies. Such education must be inclusive and accessible to girls and boys, women and men, in law and in practice. Education is not only a right in itself, but is also the surest way to empower individuals to enjoy all of their human rights”.

Women in Nigeria have had various challenges in order to obtain equal education in all forms of formal education. Although more women and girls go to school today, the access to formal education is still being constrained especially in rural communities. They face multiple barriers based on gender and its intersections with other factors, such as age, ethnicity, poverty, and disability. Other barriers to access quality education include among others: harmful gender stereotypes and wrongful gender stereotyping, child marriage, early and unintended pregnancy, paid and unpaid care work which continues to be disproportionately borne by women and girls, gender-based violence against women and girls, lack of inclusive and quality learning environments, inadequate and unsafe education infrastructure, including sanitation.

Research shows that there is an improved health and an overall increase in quality of life of educated women. Educated women are more likely to seek proper medical care both for themselves, especially maternal care and their children. Likewise, higher rates of female education correspond with lower HIV and STD rates. There is a less occurrence of child marriages and teenage pregnancies if the prospects are educated. Many experts agree that focusing on women’s education is one of the best investments a developing nation can make, because female education rates are directly correlated with national economic growth. Educated women are more likely to hold stable jobs, less likely to be in poverty, and more likely to contribute to the overall economy.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

MONDAY HEALTH BURST – HIV/AIDS (INTRODUCTION)

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. According to Institute of Human Virology, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final and most serious stage of HIV disease, which causes severe damage to the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening illnesses like Cancer.

Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 47 million people worldwide have been infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic, and it is the fifth leading cause of death among persons between ages 25 and 44 in the United States. According to United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS), Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Also in 2019 alone, 45,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in Nigeria.

There are several means of HIV transmission like the mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding, but the most common ways that HIV is passed from person to person include sexual contact with infected persons and sharing of needles or syringes. In recent times, a cure has been said to be found from stem cell therapy according to researchers from University College London, but this is not widely used yet. So, medications are used to dramatically slow the progression of the disease.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us next week for details on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and CFHI’s intervention in curbing this menace.
#WorldAIDSDay2020.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The right of women to be free from DOMESTIC VIOLENCE has drawn increasing concern and support since the 1970s. According to Wikipedia, “Domestic violence (also named domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. It takes a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, reproductive, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to physical abuse.

Studies have shown that globally, domestic violence accounts for nearly one quarter of all recorded crimes. The fact that domestic violence prevails across all classes of the Nigerian society is no longer disputable. Despite the boisterous efforts made by the world bodies such as the United Nations (e.g. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights) and Nigeria’s constitutions to eliminate discrimination and violence against women, and promote the idea of equality and justice, the Nigerian woman is often violated.

Domestic violence directed against women by intimate partners is an epidemic of global proportions that has devastating physical, emotional, financial and social effects on women, children, the family and the community. However, it is important to note that domestic violence can also be perpetrated against men.

In Nigeria, women’s rights are largely trampled upon because of many factors. There is the lack of trust in constituted authorities to look into cases of abuse. In fact, the “penal code of the northern Nigeria” do not recognize this as an act worth bringing before the law. It is rather seen as a compulsory disciplinary measure which to some uneducated traditionalists has proven to be very effective. Also, the requirements to prove rape cases in “section 179(5) of the evidence Act” form another hurdle.

To promote gender equality and ensure protection of fundamental human rights, perpetrators should be made to face the consequences of their actions. Also, stiffer penalties have to be put in place to discourage prospective abusers like rapists. Over the years, Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has brought awareness to women in local communities on their rights and created avenues to seek redress in cases of abuse. It has also exposed many women to information about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Act of 2015, for better understanding of their human rights.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

WHO, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Women’s Sexual and reproductive health right means the right for women, regardless of age, ethnicity, HIV status or other aspects of identity, to make informed choices regarding their own sexuality and reproduction. It includes the right to make informed choices about when to give birth, the right to access the full range of affordable and informed family planning services, the right to accurate information and services to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, and sexual health information and education.

According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health, people need have access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable contraception method of their choice. Women and girls around the world, especially those living in poverty are restricted or have no access to information and services about their reproductive health and rights. Some of the barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) include discrimination, stigma, restrictive laws and policies, societal expectations, and ingrained traditions.

Research shows that the global status of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights is disturbing: 214 million women worldwide want, but lack access to, contraception and more than 800 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Studies also stipulate that one in three women globally will face violence in their lifetime and violence against women and girls (VAWG) is integrally linked to the denial of access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). This means many women do not have control over their bodies and their fertility.

Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights is a basic human right. It helps eliminate preventable maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, sexually transmitted infections (STI), cervical cancer and violence against women and girls.

Governments, multi‑lateral institutions and civil societies can promote or make accessible SRHR services to women by supporting an enabling environment so that SRHR becomes a reality through prioritizing the inclusion of SRHR within global agendas within the context of both health and gender equality. Also, prioritizing SRHR to tackle harmful gender norms and engaging men and boys as partners and change agents in SRHR. Over the years, Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has used its social media platforms to advocate for the SRHRs of women and has partnered with different organizations including Marie Stopes to provide free family planning to women during the commemoration of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHWs)

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

9 Comments / Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness and Care, Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

DIABETES AWARENESS AND CARE

Diabetes mellitus is derived from the Greek word Diabetes, meaning Siphon (to pass through) and a Latin word mellitus meaning honeyed or sweet. This is because in Diabetes, excess sugar is found in blood as well as the urine. It was known in the 17th century as the “pissing evil”.
There are accounts that the term Diabetes was coined by Apollonius of Memphis around 250 BC but Diabetes was first recorded in English, in the form Diabetes, in a medical text written around 1425. It was in 1675 that Thomas Willis added the word “’Mellitus’” to the word Diabetes. This was because of the sweet taste of the urine. The ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, Indians and Persians had also noticed this sweet taste in urine as it is evident in their literatures.
According to World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), over five million people are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes in Nigeria. However, millions are still unaware of their status. The general symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, tingling, numbness of hands and feet, itching and yeast infection, wounds and sores that are slow to heal.
Diabetes mellitus is managed in two ways; the non-drug treatment and drug treatment, but it is important to note that education is involved in both ways. People living with Diabetes should be educated on lifestyle modification in the aspects of diet and exercise and on blood sugar monitoring, identifying symptoms, emergencies and complications, medications, and foot care. Also, people without diabetes should be educated on the fact that Diabetes is a lifelong disease with no cure yet. It can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and knowing one’s health status by having regular medical checkups even when you feel healthy.
The first way to manage Diabetes Mellitus which is the non-Drug treatment entails healthy and appropriate diet, adequate physical activities and regular blood sugar and blood pressure checks. The second which is the drug treatment entails the use of oral glycemic tablet and insulin injection. The insulin injection should be administered either alone or alongside oral glycemic tablets for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but administered alone for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or arms.

Myths and misconceptions about Diabetes
There are many mistaken beliefs about Diabetes; some of these are highlighted below.
• Diabetes is not that serious.
Fact: According to American Diabetes Association, Diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined, people with Type 2 Diabetes (the most common form of the disease) may go a long while, even years, before being diagnosed. This is because, they may downplay their symptoms or write them off to other causes.

• Being overweight causes Diabetes.
Fact: Gaining weight does not necessarily need the person is going to get Type 2 Diabetes. Having a body mass index over 25 is just one of several risk factors for Diabetes, but there are many overweight people who do not ever get the disease.

• Having Diabetes means you must eat foods that are different from everyone else’s.
Fact: People with Diabetes do not need to follow a restricted diet but instead should try to follow the same healthy eating guidelines as everyone else, including choosing foods that are lower in fat, higher in nutrients, and contain an appropriate amount of calories.

• A Diabetes diagnosis means you automatically need Insulin.
Fact: That is the case with Type 1 Diabetes but not with type 2 Diabetes. In some cases, proper diet, exercise, and oral medications, if needed, can keep Type 2 Diabetes under control for some time before Insulin becomes necessary.

• Only older people are at risk of having Diabetes
Fact: Even children are being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. However, those most at risk for Type 2 Diabetes are adults 45 years and older and those of any age who are sedentary and overweight.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health-related articles on all our social media platforms.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

40 Comments / Gender, Speak Wednesday, Uncategorized, Women / cfhinitiative

WOMEN DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL ABUSE

According to Tracy, N. (2012, July 29), emotional abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse that occurs in close relationships. It is also known as psychological abuse. Emotional abuse Is when something is consistently said, implied or done intentionally to hurt someone’s feelings over an extended period of time. It is about one person maintaining power or control over another person which usually takes place between intimate partners.

Emotional abuse can include verbal assault, dominance, privacy invasion, economic subordination, control, isolation, gas lighting, ridicule, or the use of intimate knowledge for degradation. It targets the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim, and it is often a precursor to physical abuse. Studies show that women are at a disadvantaged point and have a higher chance of being abused emotionally due to the deep-rooted patriarchal nature of the society and of men controlling ‘their’ women.

Emotional abuse may be less obvious than physical abuse, but can still have devastating effects on the mental health and wellbeing of the victim. Effects of emotional abuse on women could be short or long-term. According to different reports, psychological or emotional abuse in women can be linked to poor relationship satisfaction, anxiety, depression, insomnia, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, increased physical health problems (such as migraine, indigestion, stomach ulcers, chronic pain and chronic disease), among others. Emotional abuse may be contributing factors to the development and/or severity of illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Victims of emotional abuse often times feel embarrassed to report or open up about issues of emotional abuse especially those with no physical evidence. However, it is necessary to seek help or counselling either from a friend, a doctor or a relationship or family counsellor to avoid the adverse effects it may have on your general well-being.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Drug Abuse, Drugs, Health, Uncategorized, WHO / cfhinitiative

DRUG ABUSE

According to Environmental and Public Health Journal in December 2018, drug abuse refers to the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, and the continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. It is “the taking of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a medical expert. Also, according to Dr. Ananya Mandal, drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

Medical Life Sciences reports that there are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. Not only does this affect the drug abuser directly, the family members and the society at large are affected negatively in one way or another.

Drug abuse in regards to the usage of antibiotics is reported as being highly prevalent and common in developing nations in Africa, according to World Health Organisation, which can pose a risk to the abuser. Another drug that is constantly abused is Paracetamol and Vitamin C tablet. Research has it that the excessive use of Paracetamol causes the inflammation of the liver and weakens the immune system, and high doses of Vitamin C can cause neurological symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, and possibly permanent nerve damage.

It is essential to consult a medical expert before treating any form of illness. Centre for Family Health Initiative continues to sensitize people especially in rural communities to the dangers ascribed to drug abuse on their health.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health related articles on all our social media platforms.

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