Strengthening Immunity, One Dose at a Time: Malawi’s Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) Success Story

Source: APO


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In the heart of Southern Africa, Malawi has taken a bold step in the fight against polio. After reporting its first case of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) after 30 years in 2022, the country responded with urgency and resolve. By May 2024, thanks to multiple vaccination campaigns, vigilant surveillance and strengthened immunization systems, Malawi was declared polio-free once again. But the journey didn’t end there.

With the looming threat of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) from neighboring countries, Malawi recognized the need to boost its population’s immunity. Backed by GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance funding and guided by the Malawi Immunization Technical Advisory Group (MAITAG), the Ministry of Health introduced the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2) into the national immunization schedule in December 2024.

This milestone was more than a policy shift—it was a nationwide movement:

  • Over 187,348 eligible children better protected from Polio following vaccination with 2nd Dose of IPV as of April 2025

  • 17,000 health workers were trained across all districts.

  • IPV2 was rolled out in every health facility, including outreach posts in remote areas.

  • Community engagement efforts flourished, with local leaders and health workers leading sensitization campaigns.

  • Data management tools and systems were updated to incorporate the new vaccine

In Karonga District, which borders Tanzania and faces high cross-border transmission risk, the rollout was seamless. Health workers reported no challenges, and community members welcomed the new dose with open arms. 

Mr. Kayuni, an area supervisor with over 20 years of experience in immunization programming within the district, discussed the introduction of IPV2, which aims to enhance protection against the type 2 poliovirus. He noted that due to the anticipated benefits of IPV2, efforts had been increased in community awareness regarding the new dose to reduce vaccine hesitancy for improved coverage.

At the Mlongoti outreach post, a structure built by the community demonstrates their support for the health system and immunization program. Suzgika Gondwe, a local mother, expressed her understanding that this dose reduces the risk of polio for her child. Another caregiver, Gift Ngofi, mentioned that she believed in the benefits of the additional dose because the information came from their community health workers. Temwa Kaula supported her community members’ opinions, noting no expected harm beyond typical vaccine side effects from the new dose. All three caregivers discussed the overall importance of vaccines, observing fewer illness episodes for their children, decreased hospital visits, and increased time for income-generating activities.

This success story is not just about a new vaccine—it’s about resilience, trust, and community-driven health progress. With continued support and vigilance, Malawi is not only protecting its children today but also securing a polio-free future for generations to come.

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

Réhabilitation des infrastructures sanitaires : le gouvernement veut assurer des soins de qualité à toutes les populations

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


De nombreuses infrastructures sanitaires font peau neuve ou sortent de terre. Depuis 2011, le gouvernement est engagé dans un vaste programme de construction et de réhabilitation d’infrastructures sanitaires. Dans les régions, les établissements hospitaliers, de plus en plus, ont fière allure.

« En trois ans un grand pas a été réalisé. Le gouvernement a doté l’hôpital des meilleurs équipements. Ici par exemple, la chirurgie peut être réalisée en vidéo assistée et le personnel bénéficie de renforcement de capacités aussi bien en Côte d’Ivoire qu’à l’extérieur du pays afin d’être à la pointe de la technologie », assure le directeur de l’hôpital Esso Fabrice Savié.

La structure a reçu un groupe électrogène de grande puissance qui permet d’alimenter, en cas de nécessité l’hôpital, le centre de transfusion sanguine, et la nouvelle pharmacie de la santé publique.

« Avec tous ces équipements, le personnel soignant peut travailler sans stress », affirme le directeur. Ce dernier assure qu’un accent est mis sur l’engagement et le professionnalisme du personnel de santé.

Des changements qualitatifs apportés, ce sont les patients et les accompagnants qui en parlent le mieux.

« Nous avions des appréhensions quand on nous a parlé de venir ici. Mais dès que nous sommes arrivées, ma fille qui souffrait d’une anémie a été prise en charge. Après la transfusion, elle a reçu les premiers soins. Les médicaments nous ont été remis gratuitement. Sincèrement, le personnel et là et s’occupe bien de nous. Tout va bien », indique Jacqueline Diby, mère de Henriette Rose Adou qui a été évacuée de Sikensi.

Yvette Bro est la mère d’une patiente victime d’un accident de la voie publique. La mère de famille pensait à une évacuation à Abidjan.

« Ma fille a pu recevoir tous les soins nécessaires à Agboville. Elle a passé la radiographie, l’échographie et même un scanner. Les médecins s’occupent bien d’elle. Je suis rassurée », confie cette mère.

Partout dans le pays, des investissements importants sont faits dans le secteur de la santé pour améliorer l’offre de soins à tous les niveaux de la pyramide sanitaire.

A côté des nombreux autres chantiers de construction ouverts, l’Etat procède aussi à d’importants travaux de réhabilitation et de mise à niveau. C’est le cas du Chr d’Abengourou dans l’Indénié-Djuablin. On peut citer entre autres l’hôpital général de Duékoué, les CHR de Guiglo, de Korhogo et Boundiali, des Hôpitaux généraux de Tengrela et de Tanda. L’objectif étant d’offrir aux populations des soins de qualité.

A la faveur de la Coupe d’Afrique des nations 2023, le CHR de Korhogo par exemple a fait une mue profonde. De nouveaux bâtiments ont été construits et le plateau technique amélioré avec des matériels de qualité. Avec tous ces équipements, les évacuations sanitaires depuis la région vers les CHU pourront être réduites.

En plus des villes de l’intérieur du pays, à Abidjan, plusieurs structures sanitaires ont été réhabilitées. Parmi elles, l’hôpital général d’Abobo-Nord, l’hôpital général d’Adjamé, l’ex-PMI de Yopougon-Attié…

L’hôpital général d’Adjamé bénéficie désormais de blocs opératoires ultramodernes, de plateaux techniques de qualité, des postes de consultations, d’unités spécialisées (cardiologie, endoscopie digestive, réanimation, ophtalmologie, ORL, etc.).

Inaugurée le 7 mars 2022, l’ex-PMI de Yopougon-Attié a été érigée en hôpital général après sa rénovation.

Le gouvernement prévoit de poursuivre les investissements dans le secteur de la santé sur tout le territoire en vue d’offrir un dispositif sanitaire plus organisé et efficace aux populations.  

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Africa GreenCo avance ses projets solaires en Zambie alors que sa PDG rejoint l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Ana Hajduka, fondatrice et PDG du fournisseur d’énergie verte Africa GreenCo, sera l’une des intervenantes de l’African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energies 2025, qui se tiendra du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap. Au cours de cet événement, Mme Hajduka devrait partager ses réflexions sur le travail révolutionnaire de son entreprise dans le domaine du commerce des énergies renouvelables et de l’intégration des marchés de l’électricité, alors qu’Africa GreenCo mène une série de projets dans toute l’Afrique australe.

En proposant des solutions énergétiques sur mesure, Africa GreenCo aide les entreprises, les services publics et les développeurs d’énergies renouvelables en Afrique en facilitant le commerce et la distribution des énergies renouvelables. Les développements récents en sont le reflet, tout en soutenant l’expansion du secteur des énergies renouvelables sur le continent. Hajduka partagera ses idées sur ces projets lors de l’AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025, tout en discutant avec des développeurs et des financiers du secteur des énergies renouvelables actifs sur tout le continent.

AEW : Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Rendez-vous sur http://www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’infos sur cet événement passionnant.

À ce jour, Africa GreenCo a facilité le commerce de plus de 1 TWh d’électricité et continue de défendre le rôle des solutions basées sur le marché dans la réalisation de la sécurité énergétique et de la décarbonisation en Afrique. Africa GreenCo a signé un accord de principe pour un contrat d’achat d’électricité à long terme avec le groupe énergétique panafricain AXIAN Energy pour développer deux projets solaires photovoltaïques connectés au réseau en Zambie. Une fois opérationnels, ces projets ajouteront 25 MW d’énergie renouvelable au réseau national zambien, contribuant ainsi à réduire les pénuries d’électricité, à améliorer la fiabilité pour les entreprises et à soutenir la croissance industrielle à long terme du pays. Les projets seront développés avec le soutien du prestataire de services financiers Standard Bank.

Parallèlement, la filiale de la société, GreenCo Power Services, achètera de l’électricité au projet solaire Ilute de 32 MW en Zambie dans le cadre d’un accord d’achat d’électricité récemment signé, permettant ainsi le commerce transfrontalier via le Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Cet accord innovant élimine le besoin de garanties souveraines, positionnant GreenCo comme un acteur clé dans la promotion de l’intégration régionale et des investissements du secteur privé en Afrique.

En novembre 2024, GreenGo Finance Solutions, la filiale zambienne d’Africa GreenCo, a signé un accord de financement de 55,5 millions de dollars avec les institutions financières Stanbic Bank Zambia et Standard Bank pour soutenir les importations d’électricité d’urgence en Zambie. Ce financement permet le prépaiement de plus de 130 MW d’approvisionnement transfrontalier en électricité, ce qui allège les contraintes de liquidité des acheteurs locaux et renforce la sécurité énergétique du pays. Cet accord fait suite au rôle déterminant joué par Africa GreenCo dans la facilitation d’un accord d’importation d’électricité de 125 MW entre la compagnie d’électricité publique zambienne ZESCO, la grande société minière First Quantum Minerals (FQM) et des fournisseurs régionaux. Financé conjointement par Africa GreenCo et FQM, cet accord prévoit la fourniture de 85 MW au réseau national zambien et l’attribution de 40 MW aux activités de FQM.

En octobre 2024, GreenCo Power Services a franchi une étape réglementaire importante avec l’obtention de licences de commerce intérieur et d’importation/exportation auprès de l’autorité nationale de régulation de l’énergie sud-africaine. Ces licences permettent à Africa GreenCo d’opérer sur le marché concurrentiel de l’électricité sud-africain et de faciliter les transactions transfrontalières via le SAPP, créant ainsi un canal essentiel pour la distribution de l’électricité propre excédentaire dans toute la région.

« Le modèle d’Africa GreenCo reflète l’avenir de l’énergie en Afrique : une énergie privée, interconnectée au niveau régional et alimentée par des sources propres. La participation d’Ana Hadjuka à l’AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025 offrira des informations essentielles sur la manière dont le financement mixte, le commerce transfrontalier et l’innovation réglementaire peuvent converger pour résoudre les défis énergétiques les plus urgents de l’Afrique », déclare Tomás Gerbasio, vice-président des relations commerciales et stratégiques de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Call to sign up for Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Health is urging ex-mine workers to sign up for phase two of the Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme.

This as the department in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and other stakeholders, are rolling out Phase Two of the Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme in the Ekurhuleni district.

“This initiative aims to trace, register and screen ex-mine workers with occupational diseases, ensuring that those who qualify can access their unclaimed benefits and medical surveillance. Many ex-mine workers left the industry due to occupational lung diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) without receiving the compensation due to them,” said the department in a statement on Sunday.

The department is calling on ex-mine workers in the Ekurhuleni district to come forward and register at the following designated venues: 
•    Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital – Training Centre Hall (Nurses Home Area), 
•    Vosloorus Bertha Gxowa Hospital – Dr. Clarence Mini Hall (formerly Kobie Muller Hall), Germiston
•    Tambo Memorial Hospital – Villa Nerina Hall, next to NHLS Lab, Boksburg 
•    Pholosong Hospital – Auditorium and Lapa, Tsakane 
Ex-mine workers can register from Monday, 21 July -Friday, 22 August 2025. The sites will be open from 8am-4pm on weekdays.

“To streamline the process, communities are urged to bring their Makhuluskop (Mineworker’s Identity card), ID documents and any paperwork received from their mining companies.”

For more information on eligibility and the registration process, ex-mine workers and their families can contact the MBOD Call Centre at 080 1000 240.

Families of deceased mineworkers may also be eligible to claim benefits. 

“Phase one of the project was successfully implemented in the West Rand district, where over 9000 individuals were reached with about 539 people completing the Benefit Medical Examination tests. 

“It is crucial for ex-mine workers and their families to understand that addressing eligibility issues is essential to ensure that deserving individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to,” the department explained. –SAnews.gov.za

CSIR’s Dr Tenza seconded to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced the secondment of Dr Kenny Tenza from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI).

Tenza has taken on the role of Acting Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation, effective 1 July 2025. This secondment will last for 12 months.

The Minister highlighted Tenza’s qualifications, referring to him as an accomplished academic and a highly decorated scientist. 

He emphasised Tenza’s extensive knowledge of the technology innovation field and noted that he has held prominent positions in leading scientific organisations both in the country and worldwide.

In his current position as the Business Development and Commercialisation Executive at the CSIR’s Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division, he oversees the commercialisation of proprietary intellectual property in the agriculture, food, chemicals, and health industries. 

Nzimande said that Tenza is making a significant contribution to the re-industrialisation of South Africa through innovations in science.

“Dr Tenza also possesses a unique blend of executive leadership skills, which includes strategic leadership, culture change management, strategy development and implementation, financial sustainability, capability development, performance, operations, and governance.”

The Minister believes that Tenza’s experience and expertise will be essential in driving the department’s efforts to reposition their technology innovation instruments and programmes. 

“I also wish to urge the staff in the department and from our entities to support Dr Tenza in his new role.” – SAnews.gov.za

Body of suspected poacher found at Kruger National Park 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police.

“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large. –SAnews.gov.za

Parliamentary committees welcome inquiry into Mkhwanazi allegations

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

The chaipersons of Parliament’s Justice and Police committees have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President. 

READ | Mkhwanazi allegations: What the judicial commission of inquiry will probe

Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said: “The National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”

Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal justice system.”

Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, mandated the two committees and the Intelligence Committee to consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

In that regard, the committees are expected to meet this week to consider the way forward and report back to Didiza. – SAnews.gov.za

Condolences on passing of former Nigeria President Buhari

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, July 14, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of the West African nation’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari passed away at a London clinic at the age of 82.

“As South Africa, we stand with the nation of Nigeria in your mourning. President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President reflected on the work the two of them undertook.

“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our country and sharing numerous reciprocal visits – including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These engagements were dedicated to intensifying cooperation in areas such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration and science and technology.

“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development. This is a legacy on which we will continue to build,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Policies Driving South Africa’s Extractive Sector Growth

Source: APO


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South Africa’s Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum resources has introduced four key policy changes aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the country’s mining and petroleum industries. The policies, aligned with broader economic growth objectives, seek to attract new investment across the extractives sector while enhancing value addition and industrialization. As the world’s top producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), policy reforms stand to support accelerated growth across the PGM industry.

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated panel on South Africa’s PGM sector. The discussion will showcase how recent policies are creating opportunities within the country’s PGM market, exploring investment opportunities, challenges and anticipated policy-led growth.

Mineral Resources Development Bill

South Africa published its draft Mineral Resources Development Bill on May 20, 2025, for public comment. Set to replace the 2002 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, the new law addresses key industry challenges, empowers small-scale mining and promotes local beneficiation of minerals. The law seeks to ensure revenue generated from the industry is channeled into the formal sector and contributes to GDP growth. In 2024, the mining sector generated R674 billion in export earnings and R451 billion to GDP. The public has until August 8, 2025, to comment on the bill.

Petroleum Products Bill

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to submit the Petroleum Products Act Amendment Bill (PPB) of 2024 to Cabinet for approval before the end of 2025. The bill aims to streamline licensing and appeals processes, increasing the oil and gas sector’s contribution to economic transformation, job creation and security of petroleum product supply. The new law was submitted for public comments on October 21, 2024 and aims to replace the 1977 act.

Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act

South Africa is set to complete the implementation of the new Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act by September 2025. The law creates an investor-friendly regime for oil and gas investors, promotes economic growth and expands opportunities for local companies and entrepreneurs across the petroleum value chain. The act was signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024 and is expected to come into effect following the introduction of new Petroleum Regulations.

According to South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, the law has not only created legislation that is investor-friendly for the oil and gas sector, but has also ensured that there is a dedicated regulatory regime for the sector given its potential for economic contribution and job creation.

The Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill

The Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill was tabled to parliament in late 2024 and seeks to amend the act of 1996. The bill aims to advance stakeholder adoption of modern health and safety practices, driving the country’s agenda of zero harm across the mineral industry. Key provisions include measures to streamline administrative processes, strengthen managerial responsibility and accountability while enhancing mine safety training and adoption.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Seychelles: Ambassador Conrad Mederic presents his letter of credence to President Mahama of Ghana

Source: APO


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On 10 July 2025, Ambassador Conrad Mederic presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mr John Dramani Mahama, to become the new non-resident High-Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles to the Republic of Ghana.

Ambassador Mederic also had the opportunity to have a short meeting with President Mahama, focusing on potential areas to strengthen cooperation between the two countries which included education, culture, tourism, Blue Economy, illegal activities in maritime spaces, climate change and its impact on the two countries.

Ambassador Mederic recognised the strong historical and bilateral ties between Seychelles and Ghana, having established diplomatic relations since October 1988 and reassured the President of the commitment of Seychelles to bring the two nations closer through collaboration on mutually beneficial areas.

To recall, President Wavel Ramkalawan visited Ghana in November 2024 on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary celebrations of King Prempeh I’s Return from exile in Seychelles. During this visit, four Memoranda of Understanding were signed and now, both parties look forward towards the conclusion of other Agreements, particularly one in the health sector.

Ambassador Mederic was accompanied by Mr Kwame Acquah, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Accra.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.