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APO Group Strengthens Advisory Leadership with the Promotion of João Marques to Executive Director, Strategic Advisory

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is pleased to announce the promotion of João Marques to Executive Director, Strategic Advisory. The appointment, effective 1 December 2025, reflects APO Group’s commitment to strengthening its strategic advisory capabilities for clients across Africa and around the world.

João, who previously served as Director of Strategy, brings more than 15 years of experience in international strategy, corporate positioning, and high-level advisory support. Since joining APO Group, he has led the company’s Strategy Division, advancing its narrative design frameworks, thought-leadership programmes, and executive advisory offerings for governments, global corporates, and development institutions.

A multilingual strategist fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, João has worked across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, advising organisations such as the United Nations Global Compact, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, NBA Africa, and Afreximbank. His expertise blends strategic consulting with creative storytelling, helping clients articulate policy and business priorities with clarity, credibility, and global resonance. João is also a published author and a recognised speaker and moderator, bringing deep expertise in geopolitical and sectoral issues to senior leaders navigating Africa’s communications landscape.

In his new role as Executive Director, Strategic Advisory, João will oversee APO Group’s strategic consulting portfolio, expand C-suite advisory services, and strengthen the company’s positioning as a trusted partner for organisations seeking to enhance reputation, influence, and impact across Africa’s key markets.  He will also lead the development of strategic pathways for high-growth industries and deepen APO Group’s ability to convert advisory work into long-term commercial value.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, “João has been a driving force in elevating our strategic advisory practice and strengthening our value proposition to businesses across the continent and beyond. His appointment as Executive Director is a natural evolution of his contributions to APO Group’s growth, reputation, and strategic direction. I look forward to working even more closely with him as we continue to expand our advisory capabilities and deliver world-class strategic counsel to our clients.”

“Africa’s communications landscape is transforming, and organisations across the continent need partners who can help them articulate ambition, build trust, and shape narratives with long-term impact. I am proud to take on this role at a moment when APO Group is expanding its strategic advisory footprint, and I look forward to contributing to work that strengthens African institutions, industries, and ideas,” added João.

João also serves as a strategic advisor to various international initiatives that support innovation and sustainable development in emerging markets, further reinforcing APO Group’s commitment to driving positive impact across Africa.

With this appointment, APO Group continues to invest in top-tier strategic talent and strengthen its leadership in the African communications and advisory landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact: 
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. 

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

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O APO Group reforça a liderança em consultoria com a promoção de João Marques a Diretor Executivo de Consultoria Estratégica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), o multipremiado serviço pan-africano líder de consultoria em comunicação e distribuição de comunicados de imprensa, tem o prazer de anunciar a promoção de João Marques a Diretor Executivo de Consultoria Estratégica. A nomeação, com efeitos a partir de 1 de dezembro de 2025, reflete o empenho do APO Group em reforçar as suas capacidades de consultoria estratégica para clientes em África e em todo o mundo.

O João, que anteriormente desempenhava o cargo de Diretor de Estratégia, tem mais de 15 anos de experiência em estratégia internacional, posicionamento corporativo e apoio consultivo de alto nível. Desde que se juntou ao APO Group, tem liderado a Divisão de Estratégia da empresa, fazendo avançar os seus quadros de conceção narrativa, programas de liderança discursiva e ofertas de consultoria executiva para governos, empresas globais e instituições de desenvolvimento.

Estratega multilingue, fluente em inglês, português, francês e espanhol, João trabalhou em África, na Europa, na Ásia e na América Latina, aconselhando organizações como o United Nations Global Compact, a Nestlé, a Emirates, a Canon, a NBA Africa e o Afreximbank. A sua experiência combina consultoria estratégica com narração criativa, ajudando os clientes a articular prioridades políticas e empresariais com clareza, credibilidade e ressonância global. O João é também um autor publicado e um orador e moderador reconhecido, trazendo uma profunda experiência em questões geopolíticas e setoriais aos mais seniores líderes do panorama da comunicação em África.

Na sua nova função de Diretor Executivo de Consultoria Estratégica, o João irá supervisionar o portefólio de consultoria estratégica do APO Group, expandir os serviços de consultoria C-suite e reforçar o posicionamento da empresa como um parceiro de confiança para organizações que procuram melhorar a reputação, influência e impacto nos principais mercados de África.  Irá também liderar o desenvolvimento de vias estratégicas para setores de elevado crescimento e aprofundar a capacidade do APO Group para converter o trabalho de consultoria em valor comercial a longo prazo.

Bas Wijne, CEO do APO Group, afirmou: “O João tem sido uma força motriz na elevação da nossa prática de consultoria estratégica e no reforço da nossa proposta de valor para as empresas de todo o continente e não só. A sua nomeação como Diretor Executivo é uma evolução natural das suas contribuições para o crescimento, reputação e direção estratégica do APO Group. Estou entusiasmado por trabalhar ainda mais de perto com ele à medida que continuamos a expandir as nossas capacidades de consultoria e a prestar aconselhamento estratégico de classe mundial aos nossos clientes.”

“O panorama das comunicações em África está a transformar-se e as organizações de todo o continente precisam de parceiros que as ajudem a articular a ambição, a criar confiança e a moldar narrativas com impacto a longo prazo. É com orgulho que assumo esta função numa altura em que o APO Group está a expandir a sua área de consultoria estratégica e espero contribuir para um trabalho que fortaleça as instituições, indústrias e ideias africanas”, acrescentou João.

O João é também consultor estratégico de várias iniciativas internacionais que apoiam a inovação e o desenvolvimento sustentável em mercados emergentes, reforçando ainda mais o compromisso do APO Group em promover um impacto positivo em África.

Com esta nomeação, o APO Group continua a investir em talentos estratégicos de alto nível e a reforçar a sua liderança no panorama africano das comunicações e da consultoria.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para APO Group.

Contacto para a comunicação social: 
marie@apo-opa.com 

Sobre o APO Group: 
Fundado em 2007, o APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) é o principal serviço pan-africano de consultoria em comunicação e distribuição de comunicados de imprensa. Reconhecido pela nossa experiência profundamente enraizada em África e perspetiva global expansiva, especializamo-nos em elevar a reputação e o valor da marca de organizações privadas e públicas em toda a África. Como parceiro de confiança, a nossa missão é aproveitar o poder dos meios de comunicação social, elaborando estratégias personalizadas que geram um impacto tangível e mensurável, tanto no continente como a nível global. 

O nosso compromisso para com a excelência e a inovação foi reconhecido com vários prémios de prestígio, incluindo um Prémio SABRE Global e vários Prémios SABRE Africa da PRovoke Media. Em 2023, fomos nomeados a Empresa Líder de Relações Públicas em África e a Consultora Líder Pan-Africana de Comunicações em África nos World Business Outlook Awards, e a Melhor Consultora de Relações Públicas e Media do Ano na África do Sul em 2024 nos mesmos prémios. Em 2025, a revista Brands Review reconheceu-nos como a principal consultora de comunicação em África pelo segundo ano consecutivo. Também nos nomearam a melhor agência de relações públicas e a principal plataforma de distribuição de comunicados de imprensa em África em 2024. Além disso, em 2025, fomos distinguidos com a distinção de Ouro para a Melhor Campanha de RP e Bronze na categoria de Evento Especial nos Prémios de Comunicação de Davos. 

A estimada clientela do APO Group, que inclui gigantes globais como a Canon, a Nestlé, a Western Union, o PNUD, a Network International, a Câmara Africana de Energia, a Mercy Ships, a Marriott, a Africa’s Business Heroes e a Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflete a nossa capacidade inigualável de navegar no complexo panorama dos meios de comunicação africanos. Com uma equipa multicultural em toda a África, oferecemos conhecimentos, experiência e alcance inigualáveis e verdadeiramente pan-africanos em todo o continente. O APO Group dedica-se a reformular as narrativas sobre África, desafiando estereótipos e trazendo histórias africanas inspiradoras para audiências globais, com a nossa experiência no desenvolvimento e apoio a campanhas de relações públicas em todo o mundo, posicionando-nos de forma única para amplificar as mensagens de marcas, melhorar a reputação e conectar eficazmente com o público-alvo. 

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APO Group renforce son leadership en matière de conseil avec la promotion de João Marques au poste de Directeur Exécutif, Conseil Stratégique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse, annonce avec fierté la promotion de João Marques au poste de Directeur Exécutif, Conseil Stratégique. Cette nomination, effective au 1er décembre 2025, témoigne de l’engagement d’APO Group à renforcer ses compétences en matière de conseil stratégique auprès de ses clients  à travers l’Afrique et dans le monde entier.

João, qui a précédemment occupé le poste de Directeur de la stratégie, apporte plus de 15 années d’expérience en stratégie internationale, positionnement corporate et conseil de haut niveau. Depuis son arrivée chez APO Group, il a dirigé la Division Stratégie de l’entreprise, développant ses cadres de conception narrative, ses programmes de leadership éclairé et ses offres de conseil exécutif destinées aux gouvernements, aux grandes entreprises mondiales et aux institutions de développement.

Stratège multilingue maîtrisant l’anglais, le portugais, le français et l’espagnol, João a travaillé en Afrique, en Europe, en Asie et en Amérique latine, conseillant des organisations telles que le Pacte mondial des Nations Unies, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, NBA Africa et Afreximbank. Son expertise associe le conseil stratégique au storytelling créatif, aidant les clients à exprimer leurs priorités politiques et commerciales avec clarté, crédibilité et une résonance mondiale. . Auteur publié, conférencier et animateur reconnu, João apporte une expertise pointue des enjeux géopolitiques et sectoriels aux dirigeants évoluant dans le paysage de la communication africain.

Dans ses nouvelles fonctions de Directeur Exécutif, Conseil Stratégique, João supervisera le portefeuille de conseil stratégique d’APO Group, développera les services de conseil destinés aux dirigeants (C-suits) et r renforcera le positionnement de l’entreprise en tant que partenaire de confiance pour les organisations souhaitant accroître leur réputation, leur influence et leur impact sur les principaux marchés africains. Il pilotera également l’élaboration de stratégies pour les secteurs à forte croissance et renforcera la capacité d’APO Group à transformer ses missions de conseil en valeur commerciale durable.

Bas Wijne, PDG d’APO Group, a déclaré : « João a joué un rôle déterminant dans le développement de notre activité de conseil stratégique et le renforcement de notre proposition de valeur auprès des entreprises à travers le continent et au-delà. Sa nomination au poste de Directeur Exécutif s’inscrit dans la continuité de sa contribution à la croissance, à la réputation et à l’orientation stratégique d’APO Group. Je me réjouis de collaborer encore plus étroitement avec lui afin de poursuivre le développement de nos compétences en matière de conseil et d’offrir à nos clients des conseils stratégiques de premier ordre ».

João a déclaré : « Le paysage de lacommunication en Afrique est en pleine transformation, et les organisations du continent ont besoin de partenaires capables de les aider à définir leurs ambitions, à instaurer la confiance et  à façonner des récits porteurs d’impact durable. Je suis fier d’assumer ce rôle à un moment où APO Group étend son influence en matière de conseil stratégique, et je me réjouis de contribuer à un travail qui renforce les institutions, les secteurs d’activités et les idées africaines ».

João exerce également la fonction de conseiller stratégique auprès de diverses initiatives internationales qui soutiennent l’innovation et le développement durable dans les marchés émergents, renforçant ainsi l’engagement d’APO Group à générer un impact positif à travers l’Afrique.

Avec cette nomination, APO Group poursuit son investissement dans des talents stratégiques de premier plan et consolide son leadership dans le domaine de la communication et du conseil en Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group.

Contact presse : 
marie@apo-opa.com 

À propos d’APO Group : 
Fondée en 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) est le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse.

Réputés pour notre expertise africaine profondément enracinée et notre perspective globale, nous sommes spécialisés dans l’optimisation de la réputation et de la valeur de la marque des organisations privées et publiques à travers l’Afrique.

En tant que partenaire de confiance, notre mission est d’exploiter le pouvoir des médias, en élaborant des stratégies sur mesure qui ont un impact tangible et mesurable en Afrique et au-delà.

Notre engagement en faveur de l’excellence et de l’innovation a été récompensé par des prix prestigieux, notamment un PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award et plusieurs PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards.

Nous avons été nommés Leading Public Relations Firm Africa et Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa en 2023, et Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa en 2024 et en 2025, lors des World Business Outlook Awards.

En 2025, Brands Review Magazine nous a reconnus en tant que Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa pour la seconde année consécutive. Le magazine nous a également nommé Best PR Agency et Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa en 2024.

En 2025, nous avons reçu la médaille d’or de la meilleure campagne RP et la médaille de bronze des événements hors catégorie aux Davos Communications Awards. 

La clientèle estimée d’APO Group, qui comprend des géants mondiaux tels que Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, le PNUD, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes et Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflète notre capacité inégalée à évoluer dans l’écosystème médiatique africain complexe. Avec une équipe multiculturelle à travers l’Afrique, nous offrons des perspectives et une portée inégalée à travers le continent.

APO Group se consacre à la refonte de la narration sur l’Afrique, à la remise en question des stéréotypes et à la présentation de récits africains inspirants à un public mondial. Notre expertise dans l’élaboration et l’accompagnement de campagnes de relations publiques dans le monde entier nous permet d’amplifier les messages des marques, de renforcer les réputations et d’établir un lien pertinent avec les publics cibles.  

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President Ramaphosa to address Afreximbank Accession ceremony

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday , 04 February 2026, deliver an address at the signing of the Instrument of Accession by South Africa to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank). 

The signing ceremony marks South Africa’s formal transition to Class A Shareholder status in Afreximbank and signals the activation of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing industrial development, export-led growth, and deeper intra-African trade integration.

Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution that facilitates, promotes and expands intra- and extra-African trade.

The bank is a key player in financing the continent’s economic development and industrialisation.  

The ceremony will be attended by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi; members of the Bank’s Board and management; Ministers, senior government officials, captains of industry and representatives of the diplomatic corps. 

The partnership with Afreximbank is expected to support priority areas including industrial competitiveness, transformation and inclusive growth, as well as the expansion of intra-African trade and investment. 

Sovereign membership offers South African companies, commercial banks as well as State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), more competitive trade finance; expanded funding for trade activities under the AfCFTA; greater participation in cross-border projects and investments; increased partnerships and cooperation with other African financial institutions, and access to various risk mitigation tools. 

President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address, outlining South Africa’s vision for industrialisation, export diversification, decarbonisation, and digitisation, as well as the country’s role in advancing Africa’s economic integration in line with the bank’s strategic mandate.

President Ramaphosa will address and officiate the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession by the Republic of South Africa to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) as follows: 
Date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 
Venue: The Westcliff Hotel, Johannesburg 
Time: 08:00 – 10:00 am 

Members of the media who wish to attend the session are advised to RSVP by sending  details to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za/079 898 4621  or Phumzile Kotane on pkotane@thedtic.gov.za/071 462 8246  by 14h00 on Tuesday , 03 February 2026. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Qatar Affirms Opening of Rafah Border Crossing to Palestinian Movement as a Step in the Right Direction

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | February 2, 2026

The State of Qatar affirms that the opening of the Rafah land border crossing in southern Gaza to the movement of Palestinians represents a step in the right direction toward addressing the tragic conditions faced by civilians, particularly in the humanitarian and health sectors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need for all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and to open the crossings to ensure the sustained and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm and longstanding position in support of the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, in a manner that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo sign in Doha the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – February 2, 2026

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) have signed the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. This occurred at the conclusion of the meeting of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism between the two parties, hosted by the State of Qatar today, as part of its efforts to resolve the conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The two parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed between them on November 15, 2025, and affirmed their determination to implement all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process.

Members of the mechanism took part in the meeting, which was attended by the United States and the African Union as observers, the Republic of Togo in its capacity as the African Union–appointed mediator, as well as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

The meeting addressed the developments on the ground, including perspectives on the existing challenges. In this context, the members emphasized the necessity of implementing practical measures to enhance monitoring, verification, and information exchange in support of the peace process.

The members reviewed the plans of MONUSCO and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region for implementing the mechanism, along with reaffirming their commitment to supporting and facilitating their work to ensure the success of field missions. The members also tasked MONUSCO with dispatching the first field mission to the city of Uvira to monitor the ceasefire in the coming days, while the necessary field communication channels were established to facilitate the mission’s work in accordance with the mechanism.

Based on these discussions, members agreed on subsequent steps to enhance the effectiveness of the mechanism and ensure the continuation of regular meetings within its framework.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Foreign Minister of Benin

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 02, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Monday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.

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Strengthening Public Health Security at South Africa’s Borders: First Frontline FETP Cohort Graduates

Source: APO


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The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Department of Health (NDoH), and the Border Management Authority (BMA) successfully concluded South Africa’s first ever Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP) for Points of Entry (PoE) Frontline staff from 26–30 January 2026 in Johannesburg. This inaugural cohort marks a historic advancement in national border health surveillance and frontline detection capacities.

“This ceremony marks more than the completion of a training programme; it represents an important step forward in strengthening South Africa’s public health security—your journey has been both demanding and transformative.” — Ms. Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO Representative.

This first of its kind initiative was designed to strengthen capacity for outbreak detection, surveillance and rapid response to public health threats at PoE and across provinces. The twelve weeks training followed a rigorous cycle that began with curriculum adaptation to suit PoE nature of work and staffing in October 2025 and included three workshops, two phases of fieldwork and sustained mentorship from WHO and NICD Technical Officers. The full cycle ran from 3 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.

Broadly, participants completed modules covering POE surveillance, traveler screening, reporting pathways and International Health Regulations (IHR) obligations, complemented by applied epidemiology projects, real-time site assessments and field based exercises. The PoE FETP curriculum covered foundational epidemiology, border health surveillance, data management and analysis, emergency preparedness, and full outbreak investigation skills. It also built strong competencies in applied epidemiology through case studies, problem analysis, laboratory linkages, scientific writing, communication, and preparation of documentation through group and individual work.

Speaking on the importance of mentorship and frontline vigilance, the NICD Director of South African FETP and AFENET Board Chair, Dr. Lazarus Kuonza, reminded the cohort:

“Your role at our borders is vital—every alert you detect and every decision you make protects the entire nation. Continue mentoring others, because strengthening each colleague strengthens South Africa’s first line of defense against cross border disease threats.”

The NDoH Chief Director for Environmental Health and Port Health Services, Ms. Aneliswa Cele as the leader who envisions the future of PoE capacity, emphasized the need to build on this achievement: “Let us not end here — we need to expand this training to more officials and integrate the skills gained into routine surveillance and response functions at Points of Entry. Let us not lose the momentum we have started.” Her message reinforces the commitment to sustained capacity building within border environments. 

Echoing this forward focused vision, Ms. Funeka Bongweni, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the BMA, highlighted the sector’s long-term aspirations: 

“From this work we want to see a growing contribution to the body of knowledge for Ports of Entry—this is only the beginning in laying a strong foundation.”

As South Africa’s first POE FETP frontline cohort, graduates are now equipped to enhance routine surveillance, improve early detection and reporting, support outbreak investigations and contribute to future training cycles through mentorship.

WHO, NDoH, NICD and BMA congratulate the pioneering cohort and extend appreciation to all facilitators, mentors and partners whose dedication made this milestone possible. Together, we advance towards a more resilient South Africa, capable of detecting and responding to public health threats at every point of entry.

This milestone was made possible through the Pandemic Fund-supported project.

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

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Turning Plans into Protection: Improving Capacity for Better Leprosy Case Management and Mass Drug Administration in Limpopo Province of South Africa

Source: APO


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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office for South Africa in collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health, conducted an integrated Leprosy Case Management and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Training Workshop in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, from 26 to 28 January 2026.

The workshop formed part of South Africa’s efforts to advance the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), in line with the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030 and Sustainable Development Goal target 3.3.

While leprosy prevalence in South Africa remains low, sporadic cases continue to occur, underscoring the need for sustained capacity in early detection, effective treatment, and prevention of disability. In parallel, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) remain endemic in several provinces, particularly affecting school-aged children and underserved communities. As the country prepares to scale up MDA using WHO-donated medicines, strengthening provincial and district readiness is critical.

The three-day workshop focused on improving technical and operational capacity for leprosy diagnosis and case management, promoting stigma reduction and referral pathways, and strengthening planning and implementation for safe and effective MDA. Participants also worked on developing provincial and district microplans to support programme rollout.

The workshop had 70 multi-disciplinary participants, which included provincial and district health officials, clinicians, environmental health practitioners, pharmacists, and programme managers. Technical facilitation was provided by WHO experts, the National Department of Health, academic institutions, The Leprosy Mission South Africa and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases. Mr Patrick Hlungwani from the National Department of Health emphasised the need to strengthen leprosy surveillance and reinforce multisectoral stakeholder collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the MDA.

Dr Dhruv Pandey, Medical Officer, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases Multicounty Assignment Team working with WHO in Southern Africa, underscored the urgency by saying that: “Schistosomiasis and STH control require sustained, multi-sectoral commitment. Integrating MDA into existing platforms is essential to reach vulnerable populations efficiently, in line with the WHO NTD Roadmap.”

The workshop strengthened coordination, readiness, and technical capacity, contributing to South Africa’s broader commitment to equitable access to NTD prevention and care, and coinciding with preparations for the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

Together, these efforts highlight South Africa’s continued leadership in advancing the prevention, control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

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