Category: Africa

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Health leaders to convene in Mozambique for innovation and action for immunization and child survival forum 2025

Source: APO

Global health leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, researchers, and advocates will gather in Maputo from 22–24 July 2025 for the Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 (https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/). This is a high-level convening aimed at accelerating progress toward expanding access to life-saving immunization and ending preventable child deaths across sub-Saharan Africa.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3TJOhqP

Hosted by the Governments of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, and in partnership with the Government of Spain, “la Caixa” Foundation, the Gates Foundation and UNICEF, the forum comes just five years to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 deadline.

“Mozambique is proud to host this critical gathering, at a time when the world is at a crossroads,” said Hon. Dr. Ussene Isse, Minister of Health of Mozambique. “Despite the unacceptable reality that we lose millions of children globally to preventable diseases each year, the rate of progress in reducing these deaths has slowed in the past 10 years, precisely when we need to accelerate. The decisions we make now will determine whether we keep our promise to every child to survive, to thrive, and to reach their fifth birthday. We must act boldly, together, and without delay.”

A Defining Moment for Child Survival

Incredible progress has reduced the number of deaths of children under the age of five by half since 2000. Yet today, almost five million children are still dying from preventable causes each year—58% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Preventable infectious diseases like pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea, and meningitis remain the global leading causes of death among children under five, while malnutrition contributes to 45% of all child deaths globally.

“We cannot afford to let progress stall. We have a golden opportunity to dramatically expand our impact through bold leadership, sustainable financing, and coordinated strategies and alignment to reach the most vulnerable populations,” said Hon. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, Sierra Leone. “Breakthrough innovations like malaria vaccines, point of care tests, and ready-to-use therapeutic foods formulated to address malnutrition are improving our capacity to save young lives and prevent childhood deaths. At the same time, by weaving these innovations into our Life Stages Approach, we make sure every child receives the right intervention at the right time, whether it is a vaccine at birth, nutrition support during a growth setback, or follow-up care through the continuum of care as they grow; ensuring no child or opportunity is missed.”

The convening will spotlight ongoing record levels of global funding cuts to public health programmes, including immunization. With increasing budgetary pressure within low- and middle-income countries and little room to immediately raise domestic and philanthropic funding to plug these gaps, the impact of these cuts is even more acute, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings where children are nearly three times more likely to die before reaching age five.

“This forum will be another milestone in our collective effort to build a world where every child gets to grow up and thrive. It’s a unique opportunity to continue fighting inequalities for the most vulnerable populations, always aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030,” said H.R.H. Infanta Cristina, Director of the International Area at the “la Caixa” Foundation.

Mapping a Clear Path Forward

The forum will offer a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, explore how to scale up innovations, diagnostic tools and nutrition solutions to reach all children, especially the most vulnerable in conflict-afflicted and climate-impacted settings. Speakers will also emphasize strengthening service delivery through integrated child health platforms, community health worker programs and digital tools, as well as building sustainable financing by mobilizing domestic resources, pooling international aid, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms.

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and thrive. Thanks to proven solutions and innovative care, we’ve made remarkable progress in helping more children survive their earliest, most vulnerable years. By investing in strong, integrated primary health-care systems and reaching every child with life-saving care—no matter who they are or where they live—we can save millions more young lives and build stronger families, communities, and futures,” said Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, Director of Health, UNICEF.

The convening will build on the momentum of the 2020 and 2023 Global Fora on Childhood Pneumonia (https://apo-opa.co/44UxUg0) to foster impactful partnerships, strengthen political will and mobilize Africa’s political and public health leaders to ensure all children are protected against the leading threats to their survival.

“Despite remarkable progress, millions of children remain unreached, lacking access to vaccines or treatments for preventable diseases. This forum is a rallying cry for Africa and the world, because the final chapter in the global fight for child survival will be written on this continent. We must protect our children with the tools we have, invest in the innovations we need, and ensure no child is left behind,” said Keith Klugman, Director, Pneumonia and Pandemic Preparedness, Gates Foundation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025.

For interview requests, please contact:

About the Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025:
The Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 will bring together stakeholders across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions including senior health ministry officials, development agencies, donors, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Accordingly, it will focus on new and underutilized tools to deliver progress on child survival, more effective infectious disease risk mitigation and surveillance strategies, more efficient models of service delivery, the need for robust prioritization exercises including for routine immunization systems and new vaccine introductions, and innovative child survival financing options.

For more information on the forum agenda, visit: https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/

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Parliament Statement on the Mandela Day

Source: APO


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The Presiding Officers of Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, call on all South Africans to honour the enduring legacy of our founding democratic President, Tata Nelson Mandela, by actively working to change the world around them—on Mandela Day and beyond.

This year’s Mandela Day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,” serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice, dignity, and equality continues—and that meaningful change requires collective action from institutions, communities, and individuals alike.

Mandela Day encourages each of us to dedicate 67 minutes of service to others, symbolising the 67 years Madiba spent fighting for justice and freedom. But these 67 minutes are not just symbolic; they are an invitation to ignite a deeper, daily commitment to nation-building and solidarity.

As the country marks 31 years of democracy and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, Parliament reaffirms its constitutional obligation to lead in the transformation of society. Through progressive legislation, effective oversight, and vibrant public participation, Parliament continues to strive for a South Africa that reflects the ideals for which Madiba lived and sacrificed.

While Parliament carries the responsibility to enact change through its democratic mandate, every citizen also has a role to play.

Parliament acknowledges that although significant strides have been made through laws and policies that have improved the lives of millions, the journey toward a more just and equitable society must continue with urgency and resolve. Parliament will remain unwavering in promoting accountability, transparency, and people-centred governance to realise the better life Madiba envisioned for all.

To honour Mandela’s legacy of compassion and service, the Presiding Officers of Parliament are leading outreach activities throughout this month and beyond in support vulnerable communities across the country.

This morning, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, joined by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Annelie Lotriet, NCOP Deputy Chairperson Mr. Les Govender and Secretary to Parliament Mr Xolile George will lead an outreach initiative by personally serving meals to homeless individuals at the Gama Parking Lot adjacent to Parliament from 10h00. Through this symbolic gesture, Parliament seeks to encourage all South Africans to embody the spirit of Ubuntu by engaging in daily acts of kindness and community upliftment.

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

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The United Nations (UN) rights chief condemns recent killing of scores of civilians in Sudan

Source: APO


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Since 10 July, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, has verified that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 60 civilians in North Kordofan’s Bara locality, while civil society groups have reported that up to 300 were killed.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) also hit two villages in West Kordofan from 10 to 14 July, killing at least 23 civilians and causing more than 30 injuries.

Most recently, on Thursday, an SAF airstrike in Bara killed at least 11 civilians who were all members of a single family.

According to the High Commissioner’s statement, these deaths come amid worrying reports that the RSF is mobilising for an offensive on the capital of North Kordofan state, El Obeid.  

Continued concern for El Fasher  

At another major hotspot in the Sudan conflict, the besieged city of El Fasher in North Darfur state, the RSF has conducted multiple attacks recently. They include a ground attack on 11 and 12 July, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.  

The High Commissioner subsequently “expressed continued concern for the safety of civilians in El Fasher.”

“Callous disregard for civilians’ lives and safety”

The statement stressed that the High Commissioner “deplored the killing of dozens of civilians by both parties.”

“It is distressing that more than two years since the conflict began parties to the conflict in Sudan continue to demonstrate callous disregard for civilians’ lives and safety,” he said.  

“An escalation of hostilities in North Darfur and Kordofan will only further aggravate the already severe risks to civilians and the dire humanitarian situation in a conflict that has already wrought untold suffering on the Sudanese people,”  

Mr. Türk urged those with influence to prevent further escalation and ensure parties uphold their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians.  

The High Commissioner renewed his calls for the warring parties to ensure safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and to prevent violations of international law.  

“All alleged violations must be fully and independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice,” he concluded. 

Heavy rains and attacks on civilians

At the daily briefing in New York on Thursday, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stephanie Tremblay, relayed reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the worsening humanitarian situation in North Darfur.

Heavy rains and flooding on 14 and 15 July displaced more than 400 people and destroyed dozens of homes in North Darfur’s Dar As Salam locality. Displaced families are now sheltering with host communities already struggling to cope.

Ms. Tremblay also reported on additional attacks on civilians in recent days, with shelling killing five children in El Fasher on 16 July and six people at the Naivasha market in the famine-stricken Abu Shouk camp 15 July.

The El Fasher Maternity Hospital, the only major hospital still operating in the area, is overwhelmed, critically short-staffed and severely under-resourced.    

Additionally, the lean season from now until October is compounding the food insecurity crisis by disrupting markets, limiting incomes and raising food prices.  

Noting the High Commissioner’s statement, Ms. Tremblay said that “we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, unimpeded access across both borders and conflict lines, and increased international funding to respond to this escalating crisis.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Eskom commits to working closely with Majakaneng community

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has reiterated its commitment to working with the community of Majakaneng, in the North West, following a protest against power outages in the area.

The protest resulted in the closure of the N4 road.

“In response, the Eskom North West team engaged with community members to listen to their concerns and provide clarity on the electricity supply issues. The primary cause of the outages is the overloading of the local electricity network, which has necessitated the implementation of load reduction measures to prevent system failure.

“These measures are essential to protect the infrastructure.

“Eskom remains committed to constructive and peaceful engagement with the Majakaneng community and its leadership. Through continued dialogue and cooperation, we aim to address the root causes of the electricity disruptions and work toward sustainable solutions,” the power utility said.

Eskom highlighted that the engagement follows several other meetings held with community leaders and emphasised that it will continue working closely with these leaders to address network overloading, accelerate the rollout of smart meters, and explore ways to expand electricity capacity in Majakaneng.

Furthermore, the power utility noted that although there are more than 3 500 registered customers in the area, a mere 697 are actively purchasing electricity. 

“Additionally, illegal connections have placed further strain on the network, contributing to the overload and resulting in outages. To safeguard the system from a complete shutdown, Eskom is forced to implement load reduction.

“We also emphasise that for services to be sustained and improved, they must be paid for. Eskom urges all residents to use electricity legally and responsibly, and to support efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining a reliable supply.

“Eskom remains committed to transparency, safety, and service delivery, and will continue to provide updates as progress is made,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public warned of fake Chief Justice social media profiles

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 18, 2025

The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be that of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

“We wish to categorically state that Chief Justice Maya does not have any personal or official social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X or TikTok.

“It is not advisable to engage with any social media accounts/profiles claiming to be that of Chief Justice Maya,” the OCJ said in a short statement.

The public is urged to report the fake profiles.

“If any communication is received, purported to be from the Chief Justice, the authenticity of which seems questionable, the legitimacy thereof may be confirmed by contacting the email address mediaenquiries@judiciary.org.za,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, candidates vying for appointment to the Electoral Commission will be interviewed from next week.

“A panel chaired by the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, comprising the Public Protector, the chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality and the chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, established in terms of section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, will, on 21 and 22 July 2025, interview shortlisted candidates for three vacancies in the Electoral Commission.

“Members of the media and the public are encouraged to follow the interviews on the Judiciary YouTube channel which will live stream the interviews,” the OCJ said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call to address widening insurance protection gap

Source: Government of South Africa

With the surge in natural disasters in the last decade, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago, has called on leaders in the Group of Twenty (G20) to bridge the gap in the natural catastrophe insurance protection gap.

The gap refers to the difference between total economic losses and insured losses caused by natural catastrophe (NatCat) events.

“Addressing the Natural Catastrophe Insurance protection gap is both urgent and consequential for both developed and emerging market economies.

“The frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure, impacting lives and livelihoods, and resulting in tremendous loss of life. The risks are global, but the burden is deeply unequal,” Kganyago explained.

The Governor was speaking during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings in Durban on Thursday. 

He was addressing senior leaders from governments, central banks and supervisors,  the private sector, and international organisations at a side event that discussed strategies and solutions for addressing  the widening insurance protection gap.

NatCat protection gaps present a global challenge, affecting both advanced and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), and therefore require global responses. 

In recent decades, damages and losses from NatCat events have surged due to the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.

While insurance markets play a crucial role in mitigating the financial impacts stemming from these damages, their ability to offer adequate coverage is increasingly being challenged, leading to a widening insurance protection gap against NatCat events.

“In many emerging and developing economies, the costs of these disasters are magnified by limited financial and significant lack of insurance protection.

“Globally, it is estimated that over half of natural disaster losses remain uninsured. In EMDEs, that figure often exceeds 70%. South Africa, for example, is estimated at 71% and India at around 91%. This leaves households, businesses and governments dangerously exposed, compounding economic shock and slowing development for years or even decades,” the Governor said.

Emerging market and developing economies face disproportionately higher protection gaps due to low insurance penetration, affordability challenges, underdeveloped insurance markets, and insufficient access to risk models and data.

Significant insurance protection gaps are also observed in advanced economies, including Europe. In recent years, promoting insurance protection against NatCat events has become an important priority for policymakers and the international community.

“From a central banking perspective and financial stability perspective, this is not a peripheral issue but a core issue. Uninsured losses from natural disasters can undermine economic stability, threaten the solvency of financial institutions and disrupt credit flows.

“Moreover, when governments must step in with emergency funds or debt finance reconstruction, it places additional strain on already limited fiscal space,” he said.

For central banks, policymakers and supervisors, bridging this protection gap is part of building macro financial resilience, the Governor said.

Call for improved mechanisms

“It calls for stronger risk sharing mechanisms, improved data and modelling of climate related risks and innovative insurance solutions such as parametric instruments, catastrophe bonds and regional risk pools.

“More importantly, it requires a coordinated and collaborative effort across governments, insurance supervisors, the private sector, international organisations, multilateral development institutions and local communities to embed financial resilience into our climate and development strategies,” Kganyago said.

He encouraged the global leaders to recognise that resilience is not built in the aftermath of disasters but in the deliberate and proactive planning and actions before they occur.

“Insurance is not a luxury; it is a foundational and critical tool for sustainable development. Let’s think boldly about how we can address this protection gap beyond innovative products to include appropriate policies and regulations that are inclusive, accessible and tailored to jurisdictional instances, especially considering the realities of EMDEs,” the Governor said.

The G20 South African Presidency, in collaboration with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the World Bank Group (WBG), hosted this side event during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings.

The event focused on improving financial resilience and enhancing broader disaster risk mitigation strategies by identifying and addressing insurance protection gaps.

Input paper 

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

This initiative forms part of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) priority of scaling up finance for adaptation and just transitions, as discussed in an IAIS-WBG input paper, which will be published next week.

The paper serves as a ‘guide for action’ to help jurisdictions narrow NatCat insurance protection gaps. The paper outlines practical and implementable actions that governments, supervisors, and the insurance industry can take, with a particular focus on EMDEs. 

From 21 July 2025, the input paper can be accessed on the G20 SFWG website: https://g20sfwg.org/document-repository/.
– SAnews.gov.za

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Líderes da saúde vão reunir-se em Moçambique para o fórum de inovação e acção para a imunização e sobrevivência infantil 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

De 22 a 24 de julho, líderes globais da saúde, decisores políticos, filantropos, investigadores e activistas vão reunir-se em Maputo para o Fórum de Inovação e Acção para a Imunização e Sobrevivência Infantil 2025 (https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/). Este é um encontro de alto nível com o objectivo de acelerar o progresso na expansão do acesso à vacinação que salva vidas e pôr fim às mortes infantis evitáveis em toda a África Subsariana.

Baixar documento: https://apo-opa.co/3TJOhqP

Organizado pelos Governos de Moçambique e Serra Leoa, em parceria com o Governo de Espanha, a Fundação “la Caixa”, a Fundação Gates e a UNICEF, o fórum ocorre a apenas cinco anos do prazo estabelecido para os Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) de 2030.

 “Moçambique orgulha-se de acolher este encontro crucial, num momento em que o mundo se encontra numa encruzilhada,” afirmou o Ministro da Saúde de Moçambique, Sua Excelência Dr. Ussene Isse. “Apesar da realidade inaceitável de perdermos milhões de crianças todos os anos por doenças evitáveis, o ritmo de progresso na redução dessas mortes tem abrandado nos últimos 10 anos — justamente quando precisamos de acelerar. As decisões que tomarmos agora vão determinar se cumpriremos a promessa feita a cada criança: sobreviver, prosperar e chegar ao seu quinto aniversário. Devemos agir com coragem, em conjunto e sem demora.”

Um momento decisivo para a sobrevivência infantil

Avanços notáveis reduziram em metade o número de mortes de crianças com menos de cinco anos desde o ano 2000. Apesar disso, actualmente quase cinco milhões de crianças ainda morrem todos os anos devido a causas evitáveis — 58% destas mortes ocorrem na África Subsariana. Doenças infecciosas evitáveis como pneumonia, malária, diarreia e meningite continuam entre as principais causas de morte nesta faixa etária, enquanto a desnutrição contribui para 45% de todas as mortes infantis a nível global.

“Não podemos permitir que o progresso estagne. Temos uma oportunidade de ouro para expandir o nosso impacto através de liderança ousada, financiamento sustentável e estratégias coordenadas para alcançar as populações mais vulneráveis,” disse Sua Excelência Dr. Austin Demby, Ministro da Saúde da Serra Leoa. “Inovações revolucionárias como as vacinas contra a malária, testes de diagnóstico rápidos e alimentos terapêuticos prontos para uso têm melhorado significativamente a nossa capacidade de salvar vidas e evitar mortes infantis. Ao integrarmos estas soluções inovadoras na nossa abordagem por Fases da Vida, garantimos que cada criança receba a intervenção certa no momento certo — seja uma vacina ao nascer, apoio nutricional durante um atraso no crescimento ou acompanhamento contínuo à medida que cresce; garantindo que nenhuma criança ou oportunidade seja deixada para trás.”

O fórum irá destacar os cortes históricos no financiamento global para programas de saúde pública, incluindo imunização. Com uma pressão crescente sobre os orçamentos dos países de baixo e médio rendimento — e com pouca margem para aumentar de imediato o financiamento doméstico ou filantrópico — o impacto destes cortes torna-se ainda mais grave, especialmente em contextos frágeis e afectados por conflitos, onde as crianças têm quase três vezes mais probabilidade de morrer antes dos cinco anos.

“Este fórum será mais um marco nos nossos esforços colectivos para construir um mundo onde cada criança possa crescer e prosperar,” afirmou Sua Alteza Real Infanta Cristina, Directora da Área Internacional da Fundação “la Caixa”. “É uma oportunidade única para continuar a lutar contra as desigualdades que afectam as populações mais vulneráveis, sempre alinhados com os Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Agenda 2030.”

Traçando um caminho claro para o futuro

O fórum será uma plataforma para partilhar boas práticas e explorar formas de escalar inovações, ferramentas de diagnóstico e soluções nutricionais para alcançar todas as crianças, especialmente aquelas que vivem em contextos de conflito ou afectados pelas mudanças climáticas. As sessões também vão abordar o fortalecimento da prestação de serviços através de plataformas integradas de saúde infantil, programas de agentes comunitários de saúde e ferramentas digitais, além de discutir mecanismos de financiamento sustentável, incluindo a mobilização de recursos domésticos, a coordenação de ajuda internacional e soluções financeiras inovadoras.

“Cada criança merece a oportunidade de crescer com saúde e prosperidade. Graças a soluções comprovadas e cuidados inovadores, conseguimos avanços notáveis para que mais crianças sobrevivam aos seus primeiros e mais vulneráveis anos de vida. Ao investir em sistemas de cuidados primários fortes e integrados, e ao garantir que cada criança receba cuidados que salvam vidas — independentemente de quem seja ou onde viva — podemos salvar milhões de vidas infantis e construir famílias, comunidades e futuros mais resilientes.”, afirmou a Dra. Yasmin Ali Haque, Directora de Saúde da UNICEF.

O encontro vai dar continuidade ao trabalho criado pelos Fóruns Globais de Pneumonia Infantil realizados em 2020 e 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/44UxUg0), reforçando parcerias de impacto, a vontade política e a mobilização de líderes africanos na saúde pública para garantir que todas as crianças estejam protegidas contra as principais ameaças à sua sobrevivência.

“Apesar dos progressos significativos, milhões de crianças continuam sem acesso a vacinas ou tratamentos contra doenças evitáveis. Este fórum é um apelo à acção para África e para o mundo, porque o capítulo final na luta global pela sobrevivência infantil será escrito neste continente. Devemos proteger as nossas crianças com as ferramentas que temos, investir nas inovações de que precisamos e garantir que nenhuma criança fique para trás.” disse Keith Klugman, Director de Pneumonia e Preparação para Pandemias da Fundação Gates.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025.

Para pedidos de entrevista, por favor contactar:

  • maider.mavie@ins.gov.mz – Para a imprensa baseada em Moçambique
  • wgaitho@globalhealthstrategies.com and wkariuki@globalhealthstrategies.com – Para a imprensa regional e internacional

Sobre o Fórum de Inovação e Acção para a Imunização e Sobrevivência Infantil 2025:
O Fórum 2025 reunirá participantes de países da África Subsariana e outras regiões incluindo representantes seniores dos Ministérios da Saúde, agências de desenvolvimento, doadores, academia, sociedade civil e sector privado. O foco estará em ferramentas novas e subutilizadas para promover o progresso na sobrevivência infantil, estratégias mais eficazes para mitigar riscos de doenças infecciosas, modelos de prestação de serviços mais eficientes, a necessidade de exercícios robustos de definição de prioridades — incluindo para sistemas de imunização de rotina e introdução de novas vacinas — e opções inovadoras de financiamento para a sobrevivência infantil.

Para mais informações sobre a agenda do fórum, visite:https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/

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Les dirigeants de la santé se réunissent au Mozambique lors du forum innovation et action pour la vaccination et la survie de l’enfant 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Des dirigeants mondiaux de la santé, des décideurs politiques, des philanthropes, des chercheurs et des défenseurs se réuniront à Maputo du 22 au 24 juillet 2025 pour le Forum Innovation et Action pour la Vaccination et la Survie de l’Enfant 2025 (https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/). Il s’agit d’une rencontre de haut niveau visant à accélérer les progrès en matière d’accès à la vaccination vitale et à mettre fin aux décès évitables d’enfants en Afrique subsaharienne.

Télécharger le document: https://apo-opa.co/3TJOhqP

Accueilli par les gouvernements du Mozambique et de la Sierra Leone, en partenariat avec le gouvernement espagnol, la Fondation « la Caixa », la Fondation Gates et l’UNICEF, ce forum intervient à seulement cinq ans de la date butoir des Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD) à l’horizon 2030.

 « Le Mozambique est fier d’accueillir cette rencontre cruciale, à un moment où le monde se trouve à la croisée des chemins », a déclaré le Dr Ussene Isse, ministre de la Santé du Mozambique. « Malgré l’inacceptable réalité selon laquelle des millions d’enfants meurent encore chaque année de maladies évitables, le rythme de réduction de ces décès a ralenti au cours des dix dernières années — précisément lorsque nous devons accélérer. Les décisions que nous prenons maintenant détermineront si nous tenons notre promesse à chaque enfant : survivre, s’épanouir et atteindre son cinquième anniversaire. Nous devons agir avec audace, ensemble, et sans délai ».

Un moment décisif pour la survie de l’enfant

Des progrès considérables ont permis de réduire de moitié le nombre de décès d’enfants de moins de cinq ans depuis 2000. Pourtant aujourd’hui, près de cinq millions d’enfants meurent encore chaque année de causes évitables, dont 58 % en Afrique subsaharienne. Les maladies infectieuses évitables comme la pneumonie, le paludisme, la diarrhée et la méningite demeurent les principales causes de décès chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans dans le monde, tandis que la malnutrition contribue à 45 % de tous les décès infantiles.

« Nous ne pouvons pas nous permettre de laisser stagner les progrès. Nous avons une occasion en or d’amplifier notre impact à travers un leadership audacieux, un financement durable et des stratégies coordonnées pour atteindre les populations les plus vulnérables », a déclaré le Dr Austin Demby, ministre de la Santé de la Sierra Leone. « Les innovations révolutionnaires comme les vaccins contre le paludisme, les tests au point de service, et les aliments thérapeutiques prêts à l’emploi pour lutter contre la malnutrition améliorent notre capacité à sauver des vies. En intégrant ces innovations à notre approche par étapes de la vie, nous garantissons que chaque enfant reçoive la bonne intervention au bon moment : un vaccin à la naissance, un soutien nutritionnel en cas de retard de croissance, ou des soins continus à mesure qu’il grandit. Aucun enfant, aucune opportunité ne doit être ignoré ».

Le forum attirera l’attention sur les niveaux records de réduction du financement mondial des programmes de santé publique, y compris la vaccination. Alors que les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire subissent une pression budgétaire croissante et ont peu de marge pour compenser immédiatement par un financement intérieur ou philanthropique, ces coupes ont un impact encore plus fort dans les contextes fragiles ou touchés par des conflits, où les enfants ont près de trois fois plus de risques de mourir avant l’âge de cinq ans.

« Ce Forum sera une étape majeure dans notre effort collectif pour construire un monde où chaque enfant peut grandir et s’épanouir. C’est une occasion unique de continuer à combattre les inégalités touchant les populations les plus vulnérables, en cohérence avec les Objectifs de Développement Durable et l’Agenda 2030 », a déclaré S.A.R. l’Infante Cristina, Directrice de l’Action Internationale à la Fondation « la Caixa ».

Tracer une voie claire

Le forum offrira une plateforme pour partager les meilleures pratiques, examiner comment mettre à l’échelle les innovations, les outils de diagnostic et les solutions nutritionnelles pour atteindre tous les enfants, en particulier dans les zones touchées par les conflits et le changement climatique. Les intervenants mettront aussi l’accent sur le renforcement de l’offre de services via des plateformes intégrées de santé infantile, des programmes d’agents de santé communautaires, des outils numériques, et sur le développement de financements durables grâce à la mobilisation de ressources intérieures, à l’aide internationale mutualisée et à des mécanismes de financement innovants.

« Chaque enfant mérite une chance de grandir en bonne santé. Grâce à des solutions éprouvées et des soins innovants, nous avons accompli des progrès remarquables pour permettre à plus d’enfants de survivre à leurs premières années, les plus vulnérables. En investissant dans des systèmes de soins de santé primaires solides et intégrés, et en atteignant chaque enfant avec des soins vitaux — peu importe qui ils sont ou où ils vivent — nous pouvons sauver encore des millions de vies et renforcer les familles, les communautés et l’avenir », a déclaré la Dre Yasmin Ali Haque, Directrice de la Santé, UNICEF.

Ce rassemblement s’appuiera sur l’élan créé par les forums mondiaux sur la pneumonie infantile de 2020 et 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/44UxUg0), pour renforcer les partenariats, mobiliser la volonté politique et engager les dirigeants africains de la santé publique à protéger tous les enfants contre les principales menaces à leur survie.

« Malgré des avancées remarquables, des millions d’enfants restent encore privés d’un accès aux vaccins ou aux traitements contre des maladies évitables. Ce forum est un cri de ralliement pour l’Afrique et le monde entier : le dernier chapitre du combat mondial pour la survie de l’enfant s’écrira sur ce continent. Nous devons protéger nos enfants avec les outils dont nous disposons, investir dans les innovations dont nous avons besoin, et nous assurer qu’aucun enfant ne soit laissé pour compte », a déclaré Keith Klugman, Directeur de la Pneumonie et de la Préparation aux Pandémies, Fondation Gates.

Distribué par APO Group pour Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025.

Pour les demandes d’interviews, veuillez contacter :

À propos du Forum Innovation et Action pour la Vaccination et la Survie de l’Enfant 2025 :
Le Forum réunira des acteurs clés de plusieurs pays d’Afrique subsaharienne et d’autres régions : hauts responsables ministériels de la santé, agences de développement, bailleurs de fonds, milieux universitaires, société civile et secteur privé. Il se concentrera sur les outils nouveaux et sous-utilisés pour améliorer la survie de l’enfant, les stratégies de prévention et de surveillance des maladies infectieuses, des modèles de prestation de services plus efficaces, la priorisation des systèmes de vaccination de routine et l’introduction de nouveaux vaccins, ainsi que sur des options de financement innovant pour la survie de l’enfant.

Pour plus d’informations sur le programme du forum : https://www.ChildHealthForum2025.com/

Media files

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Angola: Authorities must respect and ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly

Source: APO


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Angolan authorities must respect and ensure the right of peaceful assembly and guarantee that nationwide protests planned for 19 and 26 July against high cost of living, are facilitated and protected, said Amnesty International.

The organization has documented how members of the Rapid Intervention Police and the Service for Criminal Investigation repressed similar protests held in Luanda, on 12 July where at least two people were critically injured, and 17 others were arrested.

“Police must refrain from violating the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, including through the use of unnecessary and excessive force against protestors as witnessed in past protests, including on 12 July, where some of the protesters were arbitrarily arrested and others injured following unlawful use of force by the police,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns in East and Southern Africa.

“Angolan authorities must immediately open independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of human rights violations committed by members of the Angola Police and to bring the perpetrators to account in a fair trial”.

“Authorities must refrain from harassing and intimidating those who exercise their right of peaceful assembly”.

Background

Members from civil society organizations, such as Movement Fúria 99, from the Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and from the Angola Students Movement called for a two-day protest on 12 and 19 July 2025, following high fuel and transportation costs. On 12 July, thousands of people joined the protest, which was planned to start at the São Paulo Square and to end at the Maianga Square, in front of the National Assembly, in Luanda. The protest was impeded by the Police.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

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African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth

Source: APO


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The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade.

The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,  the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries.

Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will:

  • Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management.

  • Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations.

  • Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women.

  • Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent.

  • Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation.

AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said “The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa’s sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.”

EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added “The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe.”

The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. 

The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who  showcased their circular economy initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.