Editor's note

The arrival of a Cuban medical mission in Kenya was met by a storm of protest from health professionals who claimed local jobs could be put at risk. But, as Rich Warner points out, these fears are unfounded. The Cuban doctors will be sent to rural, under-served areas where local doctors often refuse to work.

Issues related to greening – whether in cities, refugee camps or reforestation - are tackled from various angles by academics from different capitals. Mathias Disney explains how pockets of urban jungle in London can store as much carbon per hectare as tropical rainforests while Mandy Hughes sets out how gardening provides a safe space to establish identity and rebuild lives in refugee camps. But, writing from South Africa, Brett M Bennett warns trees shouldn’t be planted indiscriminately. Proper thought should go into where, what and how to avoid potential harmful effects.

We stated incorrectly in yesterday morning’s newsletter that the next World Cup will be in held in Qatar in 2020. The correct date is 2022.

Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

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Some of the 50 Cuban medical specialists who arrived in Kenya recently to work in under served rural areas. Supplied

Why Cuban doctors in Kenya don't deserve the treatment they're getting

Rich Warner, Anglia Ruskin University

Cuban doctors have specific expertise in dealing with diseases like malaria which remains a major problem in Kenya.

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