Category: Africa

Source: APO

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In October 2025, a suspected polio case triggered an urgent alert in Malawi’s Mwanza District. The patient was a 9-month-old girl who had been brought to Thambani Health Centre with symptoms of paralysis. What made this case unusual was that the child was not from Malawi, she lived just across the border in Moatize District, Mozambique. This discovery set in motion a remarkable example of cross-border cooperation to protect communities from polio.

Within hours, health authorities in Malawi and Mozambique activated their rapid response teams, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). A joint investigation team traveled to the child’s home, interviewed family members, and worked with local health workers and community leaders. They searched for other possible cases, checked vaccination records, and reminded families about the importance of immunization. Community health workers were trained to report any paralysis in children under 15 immediately. These actions showed how quickly two countries can work together when health security is at stake.

Laboratory tests later confirmed that the virus detected was linked to the nOPV2 vaccine the child had received, not a dangerous vaccine-derived strain. This meant there was no outbreak, but the response was still critical. Acting fast ensured that if the virus had been a threat, it would have been contained before spreading. The child continues to receive care for other health conditions, and both countries strengthened surveillance in border communities.

This joint effort proved the power of partnership. By sharing information, resources, and expertise, Malawi and Mozambique demonstrated that borders should never be barriers to health. Their teamwork protected families on both sides and reinforced the importance of strong surveillance systems in areas where people move freely. As one health official noted, “When we act together, we stop diseases before they stop us.”

The lesson is clear: regional collaboration saves lives. Continuous cooperation between neighboring countries is essential to keep polio out of southern Africa and achieve the global goal of eradication. Every alert matter, every response counts, and every child deserves a future free from polio.

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

Source: APO

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In 2025, Malawi undertook two major public health interventions to protect its population and strengthen health security. First, the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide HPV Multi-Age Cohort (MAC) campaign in October, targeting girls aged 9–18 years and transitioning to a one-dose schedule for 9-year-olds. This strategic move aimed to close coverage gaps and accelerate progress toward cervical cancer elimination. The campaign achieved 91% coverage, significantly reducing the number of adolescent girls left behind and marking a milestone in Malawi’s commitment to equity and disease prevention.

Simultaneously, Malawi responded to an Mpox outbreak declared in April 2025. With support from partners, the country introduced the Mpox vaccine for both pre-exposure and post-exposure protection, focusing on key populations and close contacts of confirmed cases. A reactive vaccination campaign conducted in October deployed 33,605 doses across 12 priority districts, achieving 100% coverage and zero wastage. This success was driven by meticulous planning, robust cold chain management, and adaptive delivery strategies, including mobile outreach teams that reached high-risk communities quickly and effectively.

From 8–12 December 2025, stakeholders convened in Salima for a comprehensive review of these campaigns and routine immunization performance. The meeting validated coverage data, documented lessons learned, and developed actionable workplans to address gaps and strengthen systems for 2026. These achievements demonstrate Malawi’s growing capacity for rapid, data-driven outbreak response and integrated immunization strategies. With continued investment and collaboration, Malawi is well positioned to sustain these gains, protect vulnerable populations, and advance toward national and global health security goals.

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

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Mr Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, human rights lawyer, former Chief Legal Advisor to President Nelson Mandela and United Nations representative in diverse roles.

President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to Mr Haysom’s family and friends, his former colleagues in The Presidency and government more broadly, as well as his associates on the continent and colleagues in the United Nations. Mr Haysom has passed away at the age of 73.

Mr Haysom served as chief legal and constitutional advisor to President Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

He chaired a committee that negotiated constitutional principles in the Burundi Peace Process under President Mandela.

He was a mediator and advisor in the Sudan Peace Process and served the United Nations in different roles, including as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Somalia, and South Sudan. He also headed the UN Mission in Iraq.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today we mourn a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place.

“I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our Constitution – attributes that underscored his role in peace-making on our continent and in other world regions.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we pay tribute for Fink for his dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people in all the parts of the world where his guidance was deeply respected and sought-after.

“We reflect on the rich breadth of his life of law, scholarship and creativity, which established him as a writer and, in 1987, as South African Playwright of the Year.

“We are obligated to honour his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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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 Tunisia on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of their independence.

This momentous day serves as an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Tunisian people in their historic struggle for freedom and sovereignty, and to celebrate the nation’s remarkable achievements since independence. Tunisia continues to play a vital role in advancing African solidarity, peacekeeping, and regional integration — in full alignment with the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The African Union commends Tunisia’s steadfast commitment to the principles of unity, democracy, and sustainable development, as well as its active contributions to regional stability and continental initiatives. The celebration of Tunisia’s Independence Day is not only a proud national milestone but also a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and shared progress.

May Tunisia continue to stand as a beacon of resilience, unity, and hope — inspiring the continent as we work together toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.
Happy Independence Day!

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

Source: APO

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The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack targeting the city of Maiduguri in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong denunciation of these criminal acts, reiterating its permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nigeria, over this heinous attack, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Education organized a workshop focusing on refining and enhancing guidelines for evaluating students’ academic performance, promotion to the next level, and support for weaker students. The workshop was conducted in Dekemhare city from 16 to 18 March.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Halima Mohammed, Minister of Education, said that ensuring students’ competence is the highest priority.

Dr. Halima further noted that efforts have been exerted to introduce new teaching methodologies and evaluation mechanisms based on research. She also said that there is a program to review the guidelines on evaluating students’ academic performance and promotion to the next level, adding that the workshop was aimed at conducting thorough discussions before the guidelines are implemented.

Evaluation of students’ academic performance includes the knowledge students have gained, the capacity they have developed, as well as the results they have registered, including the modalities for promotion and failure to pass to the next level. The Evaluation and National Examination branch, through collecting relevant information from implementing institutions and experts, will revise the guidelines and finalize them.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised at the workshop and adopted various recommendations.

Dr. Halima also called on the participants to strengthen their participation in the implementation of the guidelines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.