Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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“I was coughing. My eyes were red, and my nose was running. My skin had rashes.” 

7-year-old Djoubeda from Mayo-Oulo village in Cameroon’s North region was at home with her grandmother when she started showing worrying symptoms of measles. 

A highly contagious viral infection, measles spreads easily among the unvaccinated—with young children at highest risk. It’s a serious illness that can require hospital admission, cause permanent disability, and even kill if not treated properly.  

But thankfully help wasn’t far away. Local Cameroon Red Cross Society volunteer, Ramatou—affectionately known as Aunty Ramatou in the village—was called to come see little Djoubeda straight away. 

Ramatou had previously received training in how to recognize and prevent disease outbreaks, and how to quickly report any unusual health events to authorities, through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  

“I received training on detecting diseases in the population. When I visited Djoubeda, I deduced her symptoms resembled measles and that inaction could spread it,” she explains. 

Without hesitation, Ramatou notified local health authorities of the suspected measles case using a digital community-based surveillance tool set up through the CP3 programme, then took Djoubeda straight to the nearest health centre. 

Within three days, tests confirmed that Djoubeda did indeed have measles. During that time, Ramatou and fellow CP3 volunteers got to work educating the community in Mayo-Oulo about measles signs and symptoms, how to prevent it from spreading, and how to report if they noticed something was wrong. 

Upon confirmation of measles, local health authorities immediately launched a mass vaccination campaign in and around the village—calling upon Cameroon Red Cross volunteers for their support in sharing trusted health information about the vaccines and encouraging families to bring their children along to be immunized.  

“It’s you, the Red Cross, going around to sensitize us. It’s because of people going around the village talking about vaccination that I brought him,” explains Maya Sylvie, a mother from Mayo-Oulo village who was supported by the Cameroon Red Cross to vaccinate her baby boy. 

To achieve herd immunity against measles and prevent recurring outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated. This vaccination campaign was therefore a huge joint effort between local health authorities and Cameroon Red Cross volunteers, who mobilized as many community members as possible to bring their children for their jabs. Thankfully, since this outbreak, local health authorities haven’t recorded any further measles cases. 

“We vaccinated nearly 500 children. What if this epidemic had not been stopped? Measles is deadly. We could have recorded a lot of deaths. After the Ministry vaccinated all the children, we have not had any more cases of measles,” explains Dr Laboulaye, Head of the Mayo-Oulo Health Centre. 

“I want to say to the Red Cross: thank you. Thank you for your support, for all your disease prevention activities and help with the response,” she adds. 

For Ramatou, learning the skills to quickly detect and report outbreaks in Mayo-Oulo was exactly why she wanted to volunteer in the first place: 

“I’ve lived here for over 30 years, since I was 6 years old. I became a CP3 volunteer to help my community. As a volunteer, my motivation is to save lives, ease pain, help the sick, and prevent diseases from spreading. What pleases me is that people listen, volunteers work well, the past diseases are gone and the community values and appreciates our efforts.” 

And as for little Djoubeda, she happily made a full recovery from measles and is grateful to Ramatou for being there for her when she was sick. 

“I was injected and given medicine. I got better and went back home. Aunty Ramatou, who wears the uniform, does her job well,” she says. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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In early May, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) launched an emergency response to a cholera outbreak in Lomera, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where a gold rush and poor sanitation fuelled rapid spread of the disease. Over 8,000 people were vaccinated and more than 600 patients received treatment, as teams worked around the clock to provide care and improve access to clean water.

Until recently, Lomera was a quiet lakeside village, barely known to most residents of South Kivu, DRC. That changed overnight last December when gold was discovered in its hills.

The rush for fortune—intensified by economic insecurity caused by clashes between the M23/AFC armed group, the Congolese army (FARDC), and their Wazalendo militia allies—has turned Lomera into a magnet for thousands of people seeking work and safety.

In less than a year, the population exploded from 1,500 to more than 12,000. The village is now a sprawling chaos of mineshafts and makeshift shelters.

“We live in tough conditions without much space, but we put up with it because we need to earn a living,” says Chiza Blonza, who left his farm in Walungu (some 90 kilometres away) behind to work the mines.

Every day, more people arrive, crowding into already packed shelters—sometimes 20 to a room. It was only a matter of time before disaster struck.

“Everything that could possibly fuel a cholera outbreak is here,” says Mathilde Cilley, MSF medical adviser. “We’re seeing severe overcrowding, barely any clean water, open defecation on the hills, and a total lack of waste management.”

Cholera is endemic in this part of DRC, and the lake is contaminated by the bacteria, but an epidemic of this scale is unusual. The first 13 cases in Lomera were reported on 20 April. Within two weeks, that number soared by over 700% to 109 cases—a figure likely underestimated. Today, the town accounts for 95% of cholera cases in the Katana health zone, an area that is home to more than 275,000 people.

MSF launched a rapid emergency response on 9 May. Our teams worked around the clock to contain the epidemic. In just four days, we vaccinated more than 8,000 people—though limited supplies meant only single-dose regimens were administered, instead of the recommended two.

More than 600 people have been treated for cholera at a temporary 20-bed cholera treatment unit we set up, with many arriving in critical condition.

“The vast majority of our patients work in the mines, where they use contaminated lake water to separate gold from the earth, exposing themselves to the bacteria,” says Dr Théophile Amani, an MSF doctor in Lomera. “Tough manual labour and high levels of alcohol consumption mean many are already dehydrated even prior to getting infected.”

After treatment, patients receive hygiene kits—buckets, water purification tablets, and soap—and vital health education from MSF staff on how to prevent future infections.

Bonheur Maganda, originally from Kabamba, is among them. He came to work in the mines to provide for his children and said that many of his colleagues had also fallen ill.

“Without MSF, many of them would have died,” he says. “The health promotion officer explained the importance of washing my hands with clean water and being careful with food. I will share this advice with others.”

MSF also installed a lakeside water treatment facility and distribution point, delivering around 60,000 litres of clean water daily. One hundred latrines and twenty-five supervised handwashing points were set up across the settlement, including at restaurants and public gathering spots. Contact tracing and preventive treatment for those exposed to cholera have been crucial in containing the spread.

MSF’s emergency response will soon be handed over to other partners, but there is an urgent need for long-term solutions to guarantee continued access to clean water.

“Without significant investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, outbreaks like this are likely to persist on a regular basis,” warns Muriel Boursier, MSF’s head of mission in Bukavu. “At present, the nearest well is three kilometres away. International partners and local authorities must step up and implement sustainable solutions.”

Given the constant flux of people moving in and out of the town, further vaccine supplies will also be necessary to protect people.

“South Kivu—and eastern DRC as a whole—are facing major logistical hurdles in getting essential medical supplies, including vaccines, medicines, and equipment, to where they’re needed most,” says Boursier. 

“While insecurity is a factor, the closure of airports in Bukavu and Goma has had an even greater impact, severely restricting our ability to deliver lifesaving aid,” she says. “International cuts to humanitarian funding have also limited the availability of medical supplies. We urge governing authorities and international partners to do everything possible to help restore access and support the sanitary response to the wide range of health emergencies impacting the region.”

Responding to cholera outbreaks remains a central priority for MSF in DRC. In 2024 alone, MSF teams treated more than 15,000 cholera cases nationwide, working alongside local health authorities and communities to save lives and stop the spread of disease.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), has extended heartfelt congratulations to President Julius Maada Bio on his recent election as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority. In a congratulatory letter, Dr. Donkor emphasized that the election reflects the sub-region’s strong confidence in President Bio’s leadership. He also commended the President’s proven governance record and expressed optimism that his leadership will effectively tackle pressing regional issues such as economic growth, peace, and security throughout West Africa.

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) stands as a premier financial institution dedicated to advancing economic progress across West Africa. Based in Lomé, Togo, EBID finances critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The Bank is instrumental in promoting regional integration, strengthening the private sector, and reducing poverty within ECOWAS member countries.

During the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Dr. Donkor also engaged in a productive discussion with President Bio. He reaffirmed EBID’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s developmental priorities and lauded President Bio’s leadership. Dr. Donkor pledged to explore potential areas of collaboration between EBID and Sierra Leone.

President Bio’s new role as ECOWAS Chairman highlights Sierra Leone’s expanding influence in regional affairs and represents a pivotal achievement for the nation. His tenure is expected to focus on fostering sustainable economic development, empowering communities, and revitalizing cultural heritage across West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met this week to receive a briefing on the funding of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, the appointment of the National Youth Development Agency Board (NYDA) and the department’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and annual performance plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

During the committee meeting, members raised serious concerns about the allocated budget of about R5 million for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The committee noted that this amount was insufficient to meet the comprehensive needs of the Council and the scale of the challenges the Council aims to address.

Emphasising the importance of sustainable funding, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said, “It is imperative that we advocate for a budget that reflects the significance of this issue. The Council must be adequately funded to fulfil its mandate.”

Members also wanted to know how the budget would be used for staffing and operational costs. The department informed the members that discussions with National Treasury are ongoing. The department also assured the committee that it is committed to ensuring the Council has the resources it needs to develop and implement programmes to combat gender-based violence.

The committee was also concerned about the effectiveness of the Sanitary Dignity Framework – a policy aimed at preserving and maintaining the dignity of indigent girls and women during menstruation. “The framework is fragmented and not functioning effectively,” the Chairperson said. “It requires a thorough review to ensure that the funds allocated are spent appropriately.” The committee was also concerned provinces often misallocated the funds they receive for the sanitary dignity programme and highlighted the need for robust oversight to hold provinces accountable.

Tomorrow (27 June), the committee will receive a briefing from the National Youth Development Agency on its strategic plan and annual performance plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique on the joyful occasion of their Independence Day.

This golden jubilee commemorates five decades of sovereignty, hard-won through the unwavering courage and sacrifice of Mozambique’s liberation struggle in 1975. Your journey to freedom remains an inspiring testament to Africa’s relentless pursuit of self-determination, dignity, and unity. Today, we honor the heroes of the past and celebrate the resilience that continues to define Mozambique’s progress.

We commend Mozambique’s remarkable achievements in fostering peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development, as well as its vital contributions to Africa’s shared prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Speaking from the Goma region, whose main city was overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in January, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher explained that people had suffered “decades of trauma”.

The last few months have been “particularly horrific for so many”, he added, referring to the lawless fall-out from heavy fighting this year between the rebel fighters and the regular DRC army that has been linked to serious human rights abuses, including potential war crimes.

“Most striking today and yesterday has been the stories of sexual violence, and sitting with women who tell horrific stories which are too horrific for me to tell here and who are trying to find the courage to rebuild their lives,” the UN relief chief said.

“We’re there providing that support to them, trying to help them rebuild, but they have been through hell.”

Peace call

All those newly displaced by the M23 rebel advance are in addition to the five million people already living in displacement camps in eastern DRC. Today, more than 20 million people need relief assistance. “They are desperate for this conflict to end,” Mr. Fletcher continued.

A day after NATO Member States agreed to a five per cent increase in funding for their collective defence, investment in the humanitarian work of the UN and its partners is at rock bottom.  

In DRC, a full 70 per cent of UN aid programmes was historically funded by the United States – “amazing generosity over decades” – Mr. Fletcher noted. But today “we’re seeing most of that disappearing”, he insisted, forcing the humanitarian community to make “brutal choices, life-and-death choices” about who receives help.

“For these women – the survivors of sexual violence, for the kids who told me they needed water, for the communities that told me they needed shelter, medicine, these cuts are real right now and people are dying because of the cuts,” the top UN official explained.

Aid teams haven’t stopped

Despite the difficulties linked to the protracted nature of the conflict in DRC and the massive needs, UN aid teams and their partners are “working hard to get access to those communities,” Mr. Fletcher insisted – “trying to get the airport back open, trying to get roads open, trying to unblock checkpoints that are impeding our aid from getting through”.

In an attempt to square the circle of the steadily diminishing amount of aid funding provided globally, Mr. Fletcher recently announced a “hyper-prioritized” plan to save 114 million lives this year. But that is dependent on receiving the necessary funding. “All we’re asking for to do that is one per cent of what the world spent on defence last year,” he continued.

After visiting and connecting with communities impacted time and again by the fighting, the top UN official insisted that they should not be forgotten. “They are the frontlines of the humanitarian effort,” he said.

Communities on front line

“I suppose the glimmer of hope in all of this is, yes, we can work in that more efficient and prioritized way and will do that; but also, the communities here who are – basically – they’ve come through so much and they are determined to support each other.”  

And despite rising antipathy in some countries towards international cooperation including the work and peace-promoting efforts of the United Nations, Mr. Fletcher insisted that reasons for optimism remain.

“I really strongly believe there is a movement out there that will back this work, that will support this work,” he told UN News. “We’ve got to find them. We’ve got to enlist them, and we’ve got to show them that we can deliver for them.

“And, you know, I have not given up on human kindness and human solidarity. I have not given up on the UN Charter for a second. And this work is at the heart of it.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Madagascar on the occasion of their Independence Day.

This historic day marks the resilience, unity, and determination of the Malagasy people in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination. As you celebrate this milestone, we honor the sacrifices of your forebearers and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and continental integration under Agenda 2063.

Madagascar’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and vibrant spirit continue to inspire Africa and the world. The African Union remains steadfast in supporting your nation’s development aspirations and fostering deeper collaboration for a brighter future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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December’s local, legislative and presidential elections “represent a crucial opportunity” to strengthen democratic governance, promote reconciliation and consolidate stability, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations told ambassadors in the Security Council.

The timely holding of presidential and legislative elections is a constitutional requirement, and the Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to holding local elections, he added.

Although the final electoral roll is currently delayed due to technical difficulties, national authorities, supported by the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, have made significant efforts to advance the revision of the electoral register through nationwide registration.

“This process took place without major security incidents, reflecting effective collaboration between the Central African national defence forces and MINUSCA, as well as public interest in engaging with the political process,” said Mr. Lacroix.

Challenges remain

Although the 19 April agreement between the government and leaders of various opposition armed groups aimed to end hostilities in the country, violence – primarily perpetrated by armed groups and militias – continues to undermine stability.

“The security situation remains fragile in border regions,” said Mr. Lacroix, noting the spillover effects of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

Last week, a Zambian peacekeeper was killed when suspected Sudanese armed elements opened fire on a MINUSCA patrol responding to reports of an attack against civilians in the north-east of the country.

Mr. Lacroix also informed the Security Council of human rights and humanitarian concerns.

Though progress has been made in advancing judicial accountability, notably by the Special Criminal Court, a lack of funding is expected to jeopardise the Court’s operations by September.

In addition, as urgent needs continue to outpace available resources, “the humanitarian situation remains dire,” said Mr. Lacroix, calling for strong support for lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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In response to a recent polio outbreak in Benguela province, Angola has launched a polio vaccination campaign. The campaign aims to protect over half a million children and reaffirm the country’s commitment to eradicating disease.

During the launch ceremony, Dr Fekadu Lemma, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinator in Angola, said, “This campaign is an act of protection, solidarity, and hope for Angola’s future. Polio is not only an invisible threat, but it can also cause permanent physical damage, such as paralysis.”

Despite significant progress since the interruption of the wild poliovirus in 2011 and Angola being certified polio-free in 2015, the country now faces a new challenge. The outbreak has resulted in 13 confirmed poliovirus cases in Benguela, Cubal, Dombe Grande, and Bocoio municipalities.

In response, the Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and GPEI partners, is conducting an intensive door-to-door vaccination campaign from 27 to 29 June. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 554,000 children under the age of five.

Dr Cátia Katchiuko, the deputy governor for economic and social affairs of Benguela province, reinforced the government’s commitment: “This campaign is a clear demonstration of our dedication to the health and well-being of our children. With the support of our partners, we have made great progress, but we know that the mission is not yet complete. Eradicating polio is a collective struggle — and we are all in this together.”

In accordance with the GPEI, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined five strategic steps to ensure the successful eradication of polio in the country. These steps include: a) Strengthening routine immunization, with a focus on children who have not received any doses; b) Conducting high-quality campaigns with independent monitoring and rapid corrections; (c) Strengthening polio surveillance, including surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis and environmental surveillance; (d) Increasing community involvement by engaging local, religious and traditional leaders; and (e) Ensuring the sustainability of actions by integrating lessons learned from polio into other public health programmes.

The vaccination campaign in Benguela province is part of this approach, given the province’s importance in the context of the polio outbreak, which poses the highest risk of spreading at national and international levels. This is especially pertinent given the province’s population density, history of poliovirus circulation, and its role as a logistics hub for other provinces.

Around 5,000 people, including health professionals and community volunteers, have been mobilized for the current polio vaccination campaign, with an investment of approximately $3.6 million, mainly funded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through WHO and UNICEF.

The WHO Representative in Angola, Dr Indrajit Hazarika, concluded: “As a father, I know that vaccinating a child is an act of love. It guarantees them a fundamental right and opens the door to a healthier and more promising future.”

“Polio does not respect borders, but neither should our determination. Every child vaccinated brings us closer to a polio-free future. Eradicating polio is possible, but only if all levels of government, partners, and communities work together. We cannot stop now. Our generation will be remembered for having the courage to complete this mission.”

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

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Fifty African Union Member States have endorsed a ground-breaking digital micro-planning portal co-created by Africa CDC to accelerate the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases — a diverse group of infectious diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical areas.

This innovative platform developed with inputs from Member States, World Health Organization (WHO), END Fund, and other technical partners will track resource utilisation, advocate for sustainable financing and domestic resource mobilisation, and drive Africa-owned solutions to end these diseases of poverty by 2030.

Each Member State shared a country-specific micro-plan for the top six high-burden NTDs guided by existing national Masterplans. This continental NTD microplanning workshop, held from 17 to 20 June occurred in the context of the recent reduction in funding from key global partners, which has disrupted essential NTD programmes and exposed the vulnerabilities in current financing models.

“Public health efforts across Africa are under threat, funding is among the challenges, noting that this makes the continued engagement and energy around NTD elimination even more commendable,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research.

Dr Dereje Duguma Gemeda, Ethiopian State Minister for Health said the workshop will help countries have a practical and data driven NTDs plan that will improve efforts to accelerate elimination efforts.

Currently, “The African Region is endemic for 20 of the 21-priority neglected tropical diseases; affecting over 565 million people and comprising 35 per cent of the global disease burden,” said Dr Ibrahima Soce Fall – Global NTD Director at the WHO. These diseases lead to significant morbidity, including physical and visual impairments, severe malnutrition, chronic pain, disfigurement, stigma and mental health issues, and death,” he said.

Common NTDs include Intestinal worms, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, Schistosomiasis, trachoma, and Visceral leishmaniasis. This new approach of micro-planning is designed to drive integrated country and regional planning, streamline resource mobilisation, and enhance budget efficiency—minimising duplication and maximising impact—to accelerate the elimination of NTDs.

“This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable, country-owned solutions that leverage existing national capacities, optimize domestic resources, and identify key areas requiring targeted external investment,” said Dr Tajudeen.Member states and partners over the 4 days immersed opportunity for cross country experience sharing and planning are keen to find a financial solution for integrated multi-sectoral NTD elimination.

“We stand at a critical juncture, not just for NTD elimination, but for rethinking health financing in Africa. Traditional reliance on foreign aid has demonstrated its limits. It’s time for collaborative, country-led financing strategies that harness catalytic opportunities from residual foreign assistance while boosting efficiency in programming and domestic resource mobilization,” said Dr Solomon Zewdu, CEO, The END fund.

“This approach will drive the needed long-term sustainability and resilience. The END Fund is committed to being a trusted partner in this transformation, supporting governments and partners in developing co-financing models that deliver results and leave no community behind,” said Dr Zewdu.

The meeting ensured countries have a comprehensive and costed country, and regional specific microplan for NTDs, identified country-specific technical assistance needs and detailed existing resources and partners within each member state to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.

“The elimination of NTDs is more than a public health objective: it is a lever for development and a decisive step towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs, African Union Commission. “The development of the micro-plan is only the first step. Success will lie in national ownership, resource mobilization, and, above all, operationalization on the ground.”Africa CDC, The END Fund and partners solidified their partnership with the micro-planning platform to accelerate ending NTD’s by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).