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Weather Service monitors tropical storm Gezani

Source: Government of South Africa

Weather Service monitors tropical storm Gezani

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is closely monitoring a moderate tropical storm named Gezani, currently located over the south-west Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar.

At present, there is no indication of any direct threat to South Africa.

“Gezani is currently moving westward under favourable environmental conditions, and forecast guidance indicates that landfall over eastern Madagascar is likely on Tuesday. 

“As the system approaches Madagascar, environmental conditions may support further intensification, and Gezani could strengthen into a tropical cyclone, or possibly an intense tropical cyclone, before landfall,” SAWS said.

Following landfall, the system is expected to weaken while tracking south-westward across Madagascar.

“Gezani is then forecast to enter the Mozambique Channel late on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, where environmental conditions may once again become favourable for re-intensification.

“Some forecast scenarios suggest a possible approach toward the Mozambique coast later in the week; however, uncertainty remains regarding the exact track and intensity during this phase,” the weather service said.

The SAWS advises vessels operating in or transiting through the south-west Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel, as well as offshore marine operations to exercise caution, as rough seas, strong winds, and hazardous marine conditions are expected in the vicinity of the storm.

The name Gezani, contributed by South Africa, marks the seventh named system of the 2025/26 south-west Indian Ocean cyclone season. 

The SAWS will continue to monitor the system closely and will issue updates as new information becomes available. 

The public and relevant authorities are urged to follow official weather warnings and advisories from reliable sources. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Youth called to safeguard dignity in the digital age

Source: Government of South Africa

Youth called to safeguard dignity in the digital age

Government has condemned the sharing of images and videos of individuals without their consent, underscoring the importance of protecting personal dignity and constitutional rights.

The call was made during the Pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Youth Dialogue held on Monday at the Desmond Tutu Hall in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape.

Hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Western Cape under the theme: “Amplifying hidden voices: Media access for every young person”, the dialogue brought together young people, government departments, public entities, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), higher education institutions and civil society.

The engagement focused on youth development, skills pathways, and opportunities in media, communications and digital technologies.

In his address, Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination at GCIS, Sandile Nene, urged people to discourage the taking and sharing of images without consent, including within families, and warned against non-consensual intimate image sharing.

“The day you take an image of somebody, whether it is your own sister or your child, and post it on social media without their consent, that is a criminal offence. Yes, it is your child, but the Constitution is very clear – you must act in the best interests of the child,” Nene said.

Nene also warned that individuals can be charged for storing and distributing images without consent.

“The fact that you have my image on your phone without my knowledge means you can be charged for storage, and if you send it to somebody else, you are charged for distribution,” he said.

Nene highlighted the Brand South Africa Ambassador Programme, encouraging young people to play an active role in promoting a positive image of the country. He further emphasised the need for an inclusive and responsive government that recognises the needs of persons with disabilities, and ensures that all government programmes and information are accessible to everyone.

Spotlight on Constitutional gains

GCIS Deputy Director-General: Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management, Michael Currin, reflected on the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, highlighting its origins and the values it represents.

Currin also paid tribute to those who suffered for justice and reaffirmed the principle that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it.”

Engaging directly with the youth, Currin explained the importance of understanding the Constitution and acknowledged the real challenges facing young people today, including a slow-growing economy, rising taxi fares, and increasing despondency.

He spoke about the legacy of exclusion, noting that past systems were deliberately designed to deny black children opportunity and potential.

“Despite these challenges, opportunities do exist.”

Currin outlined the role of GCIS in providing access to information and connecting communities with opportunities through, for example, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA).

He also cited the Community Public Works (CPW) Programme, established in 2003, which helps connect young people to work opportunities and skills development initiatives.

Currin urged young people to take information back to their communities, reminding them that GCIS exists to connect citizens with opportunities and institutions.

“You are the generation that can change our country for the better. Trust that government has placed young people at the centre of development, have faith – there are many opportunities available – and stay inspired, stay connected, and let us build the future together,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging South Africans to remain actively engaged in shaping the country’s future and also watch the State of the Nation Address, which will be delivered on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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DG-led oversight visit identifies safety, infrastructure gaps 

Source: Government of South Africa

DG-led oversight visit identifies safety, infrastructure gaps 

Safety and infrastructure challenges affecting schools, police stations and victim support facilities were pointed out as areas of concern during a Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Directors-General-led oversight visit in Athlone, Heideveld and Mitchells Plain on Monday.

The visit in the Western Cape conducted as part of the Directors-General Programme, included inspections of Belgravia Secondary School, Athlone Police Station, Athlone Magistrates’ Court, Thuthuzela Care Centres in Heideveld and Mitchells Plain, and a walkabout in the Marikana informal settlement.

At Belgravia Secondary School, officials were briefed on crime-related challenges linked to inadequate perimeter fencing and the school’s proximity to a nearby informal settlement. The lack of a secure fence has rendered the school’s sports ground unusable, with learners reportedly accessing drugs through breaches in the perimeter fence.

“We went to visit the Belgravia school. Then they identified the challenges there – the crimes, the holes in the fences. They actually don’t have their own fence and they’re situated next to [an] informal settlement,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronel Els from the National Operations Command Centre (NOCC) in Pretoria told SAnews. 

She said the absence of proper infrastructure was having a direct impact on learner safety and school activities.

“At this stage, they cannot utilise the sports ground, because the kids go through the fence [to access] drugs,” Els said, adding that intervention from relevant departments was required.

An oversight visit to Athlone Police Station highlighted space constraints at the Community Service Centre, including the lack of private areas for victims to report cases and the need to upgrade the victim-friendly room.

Officials also visited the Athlone Magistrates’ Court to assess court operations, followed by inspections of Thuthuzela Care Centres in Heideveld and Mitchells Plain. The delegation is expected to focus further attention on Mitchells Plain during follow-up engagements.

The programme concluded with a walkabout at the Marikana informal settlement and a media workshop on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) sensitivity reporting, ahead of a radio panel discussion involving members of the JCPS Cluster.

The Director-General-led oversight forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to identify service delivery gaps and strengthen coordinated responses across departments at community level ahead of the State of the Nation Address on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Le Chef de l’État burundais reçoit en audience Hon. Fatuma Zainab Mohammed, envoyée spéciale du Président kényan

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, a reçu en audience, ce lundi 9 février 2026, au Palais Présidentiel Ntare Rushatsi, l’Honorable Fatuma Zainab Mohammed, députée kényane élue de la circonscription de Migori County et envoyée spéciale du Président de la République du Kenya, Son Excellence William Ruto.

L’Honorable Fatuma Zainab Mohammed était porteuse d’un message de fraternité de la part du Président kényan à son homologue burundais, lui adressant ses vœux de prospérité ainsi que de renforcement des relations bilatérales entre le Burundi et le Kenya, et de la coopération au niveau régional.

Outre ces vœux de fraternité et de consolidation des relations bilatérales et régionales, l’envoyée spéciale du Président kényan a également transmis un message dans lequel Son Excellence William Ruto félicite par anticipation son homologue burundais, Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, à la veille de sa prise de fonction à la présidence de l’Union africaine.

Hon. Fatuma Zainab Mohammed a par ailleurs indiqué être venue s’inspirer de l’expérience du Burundi en matière de maturité politique, notamment en ce qui concerne la liberté d’expression, l’organisation des élections et la bonne cohabitation entre les différents partis politiques, y compris ceux de l’opposition, dans un contexte où le Burundi et le Kenya s’apprêtent à organiser des élections l’année prochaine.

Considérant que le Burundi est aujourd’hui un pays stable, consolidé sur le plan du leadership et respecté pour l’unité qui caractérise son peuple, la personnalité kényane a souligné l’intérêt de s’inspirer du modèle burundais fondé sur la cohésion nationale et l’engagement collectif pour bâtir un pays prospère.

De son côté, le Chef de l’État burundais Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE a partagé avec son hôte plusieurs expériences tirées du vécu des Burundais, notamment en ce qui concerne les responsabilités nationales des leaders, insistant sur le fait que tout dirigeant doit d’abord faire preuve d’exemplarité au niveau familial.

L’Honorable députée kényane, Fatuma Zainab Mohammed, n’a pas manqué de saluer la politique du Président burundais visant à accorder une place importante à la femme dans les instances de prise de décision, une orientation clairement consacrée par la Constitution de la République du Burundi.

Cette audience augure ainsi des retombées positives, dans la mesure où le Burundi est aujourd’hui perçu comme un pays modèle dont plusieurs nations viennent s’inspirer des bonnes pratiques, grâce au leadership éclairé de Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Sustained response curbing cholera outbreak in South Sudan

Source: APO


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South Sudan’s sustained cholera outbreak response has reduced new cases and prevented around 94 000 deaths since the confirmation of the outbreak more than two years ago in September 2024.  

Working with government departments, World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the Ministry of Health in South Sudan activated a multisectoral response within 24 hours of outbreak confirmation. The result of which is a drop in the number of new cholera cases from an average of 1000 at the peak of the outbreak in December 2024 to 114 in the last week of September 2025. The number of affected counties has dropped from 55 to 12 in the same reporting period and the outbreak is now restricted to 29 out of 517 payams (administrative divisions).  

At the outset, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre reactivated national rapid response teams. These seven-member teams were deployed to counties to conduct investigations, assess county capacity to manage the outbreak and recommend additional capacity to be filled with surge deployments.

Rapid responders conducted one-week deployments to 45 of the 55 cholera affected counties. In 25 counties that needed additional support, teams were deployed for an average of four weeks. Key response areas include treatment, laboratory, infection prevention control, improving water sanitation and hygiene, as well as risk communications and community engagement.  

The country stepped up disease surveillance in cholera-affected areas, including training of all state and county surveillance officers on use of cholera rapid diagnostic tests and provision of thereof. These tests were used for at least 5‒10 acute watery diarrhoea cases detected in the early days of each week. Disease surveillance also includes active search for cases and deaths through additional outreach workers in high-risk communities, for example, among refugee and internally displaced populations.  

Treatment has been strengthened through rapid expansion of treatment sites, community training, prepositioned supplies and improved clinical care for severe dehydration—reflected in modest but important reductions in facility-based deaths. In total, health authorities established19 cholera treatment centres and 88 cholera treatment units across the country, expanding access to points of care for mild to severe cases. In addition, previously nonfunctional units, for example, at Nasir County Hospital, were reopened to restore local inpatient capacity.

The Ministry of Health and county health departments, with WHO technical support, trained boma (community) health workers to manage mild cases in remote and hard-to-reach areas and established 102 oral rehydration points across the country, improving early rehydration and referral.

Oral cholera vaccination campaigns have been completed in 46 of 48 targeted counties with a total of 8.6 million vaccines administered (87% coverage of the targeted population). Mop-up campaigns have also been conducted in 11 counties, reaching 234 000 people (98% coverage of the targeted population who may have missed a vaccine in the initial campaign). South Sudan is currently conducting a post-campaign coverage survey to document reasons for missed vaccination to improve future campaigns.

Throughout the outbreak, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health by strengthening and standardizing surveillance practices, laboratory testing protocols and case management guidelines, planning and implementation of the oral cholera vaccination campaigns and multimedia risk communication and community engagement.

WHO has also provided critical input into the establishment and operations of cholera treatment centres and helped coordinate response operations through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. The Organization also distributed around 80 metric tonnes of emergency health supplies, which increased the country’s capacity to treat up to 88 000 severe and mild cases. 

Dr Kennedy Ganiko, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, notes the scale of the collective effort. “Oral cholera vaccination in 46 counties, improved treatment and testing algorithms, strengthened infection prevention and control, water, sanitation and hygiene and expanded surveillance have helped protect communities and save lives,” he says, calling for sustained commitment until transmission is interrupted.

This is largest and longest cholera outbreak since independence in 2011. The outbreak began in Renk, a border town receiving large numbers of returnees and refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan, where cholera transmission was already ongoing. Population movements contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.

At the height of transmission, between September 2024 and January 2025, the country reported more than 27 000 cases and 472 deaths across 40 counties. To date, nearly 70 000 additional suspected cases and more than 1100 deaths have been recorded. High-density areas hosting displaced populations have been particularly affected and the scale and duration of the outbreak exerted further pressure on an already fragile health system.

The strains on the health system include multiple disease outbreaks and climate-related emergencies, including floods that affected 63 health facilities and displaced around 230 000 people. This is in a context of a protracted humanitarian crisis, economic crisis exacerbated by a constrained donor environment, weak transport infrastructure and restricted access in some areas.

“South Sudan’s experience highlights the importance of sustained investment in preparedness, early detection and rapid response to infectious disease threats,” says Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan. “Continued support to recovery and resilience are the only tools to strengthen health systems for effective detection timely response in future cholera outbreaks and reducing their impact.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

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World Health Organization (WHO) joins the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the Sensitization March against cancer

Source: APO


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WHO Representative, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, joins the Health Minister, Honorable Anil Kumar Bacchoo in the sensitization march on 3 February 2025 to commemorate World Cancer Day. The Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Anishta Babooram, Junior Minister of Finance, Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Honourable Dr Babita Thannoo, Member of Parliament, students from the University of Mauritius and SSR medical college, and other distinguished guests join the walk to show their commitment and support in the fight of cancer.  

Under the blazing sun, university students, women, survivors, NGOs and civil society walk from N. Soonarane Gymnasium in Quatre Bornes, to the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium in Réduit holding banners and health messages under the 2025‒2027 campaign theme “United by Unique” – underlining the people-centred health systems that recognize every person has a unique cancer journey. 

“Lung and breast cancers remain the most diagnosed among men and women, respectively. Adopting healthy lifestyles and prioritizing early detection are essential to reduce suffering and save lives,’” underscores the Hon Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness.  Before he launches the National Cancer Registry for 2024, Hon Bacchoo highlights that there is 18% increase in cancer cases compared to 2023 – with 3362 new cases recorded and 13% of total deaths in 2024 caused by cancer. Behind the statistics, there are people, fathers, mothers, children, families, says the health minister.

Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, WHO Representative in Mauritius, during his address, emphasizes:

“Cancer has emerged as a major public health and economic challenge, with breast and cervical cancers accounting for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. Cases in Mauritius have more than doubled over the past two decades. WHO remains committed to supporting Mauritius through prevention, early detection, physical activity and innovation.”

Professor Mohammad Issack Santally, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Mauritius reiterates the commitment and collaboration of the University of Mauritius in promoting community engagement. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness through medical programmes and hospital placements reflects our dedication to strengthening the fight against cancer and supporting the nation’s health priorities”, he adds.

Key Highlights
•    Launch of the Cancer Registry Report 2024.
•    Nationwide breast and cervical cancer screening campaign.
•    Rollout of an intensive awareness drive through community health talks and distribution of educational materials.
•    Continued investment in noncommunicable disease screening and human papillomavirus vaccination programmes for both girls and boys.

Cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide, with 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths annually.  Mauritius’ proactive measures reflect its determination to confront this growing challenge related to cancer.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Sweden Discuss Regional Labour Migration Governance and Free Movement

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in Abuja with a delegation from the Embassy of Sweden to discuss regional labour migration governance and the ECOWAS free movement regime.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on ongoing and planned regional initiatives aimed at strengthening labour migration governance, enhancing safe, orderly and regular migration, and supporting the effective implementation of the ECOWAS free movement protocols. Further discussions were anchored on recent developments in the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), following the approval of the third phase of the Programme by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The Swedish delegation was led by Mr. Joachim Beijmo, Head of Regional Development Cooperation in Africa at the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa, and accompanied by Ms. Agnes Geijer-Farah, Programme Manager at the Embassy of Sweden responsible for Migration and Development within SIDA’s Regional Strategy, and Ms. Ann Sofie Fofana Rahmqvist, Programme Manager for Peace, Security and Resilience at the Embassy of Sweden in Dakar. The meeting also brought together senior officials from the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Free Movement and Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs, underscoring the Commission’s integrated approach to migration governance, mobility and regional development.

Discussions by both parties highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, policy coherence and institutional coordination in advancing labour mobility as a driver of development, peace and stability in West Africa. The Swedish delegation reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS-led efforts in migration governance and free movement through strategic partnerships and programme-based cooperation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustain dialogue and collaboration in the implementation of the JLMP Phase III and related regional frameworks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Merck foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Rasha Kelej underscores their commitment to the long-term partnership with Burundi First Lady to support girl education and build healthcare and media capacity

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE along with The First Ladies of Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “It was such a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia. Our partnership journey began in 2020, and since then, we have achieved a lot. I am happy to share that we have provided till today 55 scholarships for local Burundian doctors, in specialties such as Oncology, Embryology, Fertility, Diabetes, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Endocrinology, and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine and more. We are looking forward to enrolling more doctors in many more specialties and together, we will continue to advance the healthcare capacity in the country.

We have also launched together many initiatives to address a wide range of social and health issues in Burundi and beyond”.

H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I congratulate Merck Foundation for completing 13 years of their valuable development programs. Since our partnership started in 2020, great outcomes have transpired. I am pleased to share that Merck Foundation has in total provided 55 scholarships to our local doctors, and one of the graduates of the Diabetes Master course has established the First Diabetes center in Burundi. Moreover, we have also launched the first public IVF center, where fertility specialists, embryologists, and technicians have been trained through Merck Foundation scholarships.

We are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 40 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3OxqavO

Watch the video of Merck Foundation Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation receiving Burundi First Lady, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE: https://apo-opa.co/3O6XHNp

On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research. 

On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4qpivwS

Together with Burundi First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 55 scholarships for local doctors in Burundi in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 55 scholarships,  

  • 16 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Fertility and Embryology, and PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. This has contributed and will continue to contribute towards promoting the well-being of infertile women, breaking the infertility stigma and empowering these women through access to information, education and change of mindset. With the inauguration of First Public IVF Center in Burundi, infertile couples are getting treatment and medical advice in their home country for the first time.
  • 4 scholarships have been provided for Oncology Fellowship program and PG Diploma and Master degree in Acute Medicine and Respiratory Medicine.
  • Moreover, 35 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Master course and PG Diploma in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine with an aim to build Diabetes Care Capacity in Burundi. For the Diabetes Master course in French and English, one young doctor from each province in Burundi has been enrolled.  After completion, these Doctors can establish diabetes clinics in their respective Health centers or Hospitals to help prevent and manage the disease in their respective communities. This has provided Burundi with its very first diabetes center in the country and was established by one of the graduates of Merck Foundation Master course. Alumni of Merck Foundation have also recently launched Burundi’s first Diabetology Society.

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships for doctors from Burundi and beyond,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation together with The First Lady of Burundi launched nine children’s storybooks; “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating FIFI”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ray of Hope”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”, to raise awareness about various social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, ending GBV and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Thousands of copies of these storybooks have been distributed to school students of Burundi. 

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi has also conducted 4 editions of their Health Media Training to empower the journalists to be the voice of the voiceless and also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards for Media representatives, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg), X (http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4aFufXu), X (http://apo-opa.co/45QNfzK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3O6oQzZ), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4trfW04).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4rwVI3a

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg
X: http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK  
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3LZo735
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4rwWdu4 
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3Mza58p

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg), X (http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3LZo735) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4rwWdu4).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Media files

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President offers words of comfort to Bishop Bolana’s family

Source: Government of South Africa

President offers words of comfort to Bishop Bolana’s family

President Cyril Ramphosa has visited the home of the late Bantu Church of Christ Bishop, Dr John Bolana, where he conveyed his condolences and words of comfort to the bereaved family.

The visit in Gqeberha on Monday reflected the nation’s shared sorrow and solidarity during this period of mourning, while honouring the life and legacy of a respected spiritual leader.

Bolana, the fifth Bishop of the Bantu Church of Christ (Ibandla Lika Krestu LaBantu), passed away on Tuesday, 03 February 2026, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Last week Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid tribute to Bishop Bolana for being a pillar of strength within communities and a valued social partner in the collective effort to build a united and compassionate nation.

The Deputy President said he had engaged positively and constructively with the Bishop, working closely with interfaith leaders to strengthen unity, moral regeneration, and social solidarity across the country.

“Bishop Bolana provided unwavering spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and compassionate service to the church and broader society for many decades. His leadership reflected faith in action, rooted in love, dignity, and service to others,” the Deputy President said on Thursday.

He further acknowledged that Bolana’s counsel and ecumenical leadership were widely respected and sought after, not only by his congregation, but by leaders across South African society. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Janine

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