All - Leep Calendar

The World Malaria Day is devoted to the battle against malaria. According to the World Malaria Report 2016, the rate of new malaria cases fell by 21% globally between 2010 and 2015. Malaria death rates fell by 29% in the same 5-year period. In sub-Saharan Africa, case incidence and death rates fell by 21% and 31%, respectively. Other regions have made substantial gains in their malaria responses, but the disease remains a major public health threat. In 2015, the global tally of malaria reached 429,000 malaria deaths and 212 million new cases. One child died from malaria every 2 minutes. The fight continues each year. This event is supported by the World Health Organization.

Africa

Apr

Malvinas Day (AR)(1982): April 2

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I was in Brazil when this happened, so I knew them as the Malvinas Islands and this as the Malvinas Island conflict, rather than the Falkland Island conflict. That was how it was reported in the Brazilian media, because that is the name Argentina uses to refer to them. On April 2, 1982, Argentina decided to reclaim it territory, the islands that England held as its own. Argentinian forces invaded, and England responded. The battle for the islands would last two months, with Argentina surrendering on June 14, 1982. Malvinas Day is a public holiday in Argentina that honors the Argentine men and women who were wounded or lost their lives during this combat.

Africa

Apr

Martin Luther King Assassination (1968): April 4

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April 4, 1968 is the day of Martin Luther King's Assassination. Only 39 years old, he was shot to death on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. On this day we mark the anniversary of the civil rights leader's death and honor his legacy.

Africa

Apr

Martyrs' Day (TN)(1938): April 9

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April 9, 1938, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of Tunis protesting French colonial rule and demanding a Tunisian parliament be set up on their behalf. The French put down the protest, shooting into the crowd and killing 20 people. Martyrs' Day marks this event and is the commencement of the fight for independence. Tunisia would reach that aspiration on July 25, 1957.

Africa

Apr

Masters Tournament (US-GA): April 4-10

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The start of April each year sees the Masters Golf Tournament played at the Augusta National Golf Course. It is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year and one of the four major golf tournaments in the world. The winner receives a green jacket, which is kept on the grounds of the club throughout his life after his first win. This event was first held on March 22, 1934.

Africa

Apr

Mathematics & Statistics Awareness Month: April

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Mathematics & Statistics Awareness Month is held each year in April. Its goal is to increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics. Mathematics & Statistics Awareness Month began in 1986 as Mathematics Awareness Week with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan, who said in part: "Despite the increasing importance of mathematics to the progress of our economy and society, enrollment in mathematics programs has been declining at all levels of the American educational system. Yet the application of mathematics is indispensable in such diverse fields as medicine, computer sciences, space exploration, the skilled trades, business, defense, and government. To help encourage the study and utilization of mathematics, it is appropriate that all Americans be reminded of the importance of this basic branch of science to our daily lives." In 1986 activities concentrated on national-level events, such as opening an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution on mathematics and hosting a Capitol Hill reception. Since that time the focus has shifted to activities at the local, state, and regional levels. Over the years, the general purpose has consistently been to increase the visibility of mathematics as a field of study and to communicate the power and intrigue in mathematics to a larger audience. In 1999, Mathematics Awareness Week became Mathematics Awareness Month.

Africa

Apr

Maundy Thursday (C): April 14

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Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday in Catholicism, is the first day of the Easter Triduum commemorating Christ's Passion (torture, crucifixion and resurrection). This day is important to Christianity because it is the day Jesus introduced the holy sacrament of communion, the ritual observant Christians perform in eating bread and taking a sip of wine to represent the body and blood of Christ. Leonardo de Vinci captured this event in his famous painting "The Last Supper". Today is the last day of Lent liturgically (though not of the Lenten fast). It falls on a different date each year.

Africa

Apr

McDonald's Day, (1955): April 15

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Africa

Apr

Medical Cannabis (Marijuana) Education and Awareness Month: April

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Medical marijuana or cannabis as it is clinically known is now used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. It is FDA approved for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also used, though not necessarily approved for Alzheimer's disease, Eating Disorders, Cancer, Crohn's disease, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Schizophrenia, (PTSD), Multiple sclerosis, Muscle spasms, Nausea, Pain and Cachexia. Medical Cannabis Education and Awareness Month seeks to educate the public and health care providers about the benefits of medical cannabis and remove stigma from those who depend upon it.

Africa

Apr

Medical Laboratory Week, Ntl.: April 24-30

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The last full work week of April is the National Medical Laboratory Week. During this week laboratory workers, scientists and administrative workers are acknowledged for their work and contributions to healthcare and science.

Africa

Apr

Medication Safety Week: April 1-7

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Since 1999, Medication Safety Week has occurred during the first seven days of April. Its purpose is to raise awareness of medication errors and prevention by drawing attention to the 6th leading cause of death; expired and inappropriate prescription drugs. The Women's Heart Foundation started a Medication Safety Week in order to educate communities about this problem. The program is meant to be administered by both a registered nurse and a pharmacist. Each day of the week has a specific focus: April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet April 2: Know Your Medicines April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness April 5: Organize Your Medicines April 6: Transitional Care Awareness April 7: Better Communication With Health Professionals.

Africa

Apr

Meningitis Day, World: April 24

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World Meningitis Day is hosted by the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations. The day is devoted to raising awareness and promoting solidarity in the fight against Meningitis, which can be prevented via vaccination.

Africa

Apr

Metric System Day (1795): April 7

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Metric System Day celebrates the day France led the rest of the world into the realm of new weights and measurements. Adopted in France, April 7, 1795, the Metric System is the predominant method of weights and measurement in the world. Only three countries do not use the decimal based system as their formal method of measurement: Myanmar, Liberia and The United States. Why does the rest of the world use it? The metric system is simplicity and accuracy. As an American, this writer remembers debates about going metric as a child. For some reason, the American public thought it would be too hard if we converted. We love our miles, feet and pounds. Plus, many of our machinery parts are based upon the old system. It would be too much work to change over. Besides, the average American just couldn't get it. Those were the arguments at the time. The fact is, the United States has been using the metric system in science, technology and research since the early 19th century. We already use it for most product and services. For example a bottle of wine is 750 milliliters. There are hold overs though. That fifth of Vodka, is a fifth of a gallon. So why do Americans think it is so hard? Short answer? It's different. Set that aside. Let me explain how simple it really is. As a teen I found myself living in South America, and thus became acquainted with metric. To my surprise, it took less than a week to understand spatially the difference between a foot, yard and meter, or an inch, centimeter and foot. It didn't take long to realize that kilos made it seem like I weighed less than pounds, though I've always preferred to purchase petrol by the gallon rather than liter. Personally, I will always bake with cups. Four cups to a quart and four quarts to a gallon. Then there is the whole temperature thing: Fahrenheit versus Celsius. Water boils at 212F degrees or 100C. This means 38 degrees C is hot, about 100 degrees F; but, 38 degrees F is almost freezing, or 2.5 degrees C. Glad we cleared that up. Frankly, using metrics, once you do, is far easier than the colloquial measurements of the US. Today is the day to give it a try. Merci, France!

Africa

Apr

Mine Awareness Day, Intl.: April 4

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Africa

Apr

Minority Cancer Awareness Month: April

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National Minority Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness about the dangers of cancer and specific risks to minority populations. This was a weekly event. It is now monthly. Cancer is one of the deadliest killers of our time, and that's especially true for poor and medically underserved populations, which are disproportionately persons of color.

Africa