Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

On Thursday, 30 July 2026, stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leadership structures, Peace Huts, development partners, and women’s networks convened at the Ministry of Local Government for the National Dialogue on Women’s Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding. The dialogue, organized by the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and Sister Aid Liberia with technical support from UN Women under the Government of Ireland-funded programme, provided a platform to review progress, identify persistent barriers, and strengthen commitments to advancing women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding across Liberia. 

The dialogue highlighted significant progress achieved under the programme, which has supported women leaders, Peace Hut members, Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET) members, and women-led organizations since 2021. Evidence presented during the forum shows that the number of women holding leadership positions across six project counties increased by 44 percent, from 66 to 95 women leaders. Despite this progress, women remain underrepresented in local government appointments and traditional leadership positions, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and institutional reforms

Speaking at the event, Prof. Alaric Tokpah, Head of the Governance Commission, emphasized the critical role women play in leadership and peacebuilding.

“From the family to the community, we are aware of the crucial role that women play in peacebuilding. We need to craft systems that encourage women to lead, govern, and contribute meaningfully to our national development. The Governance Commission remains committed to promoting civic education and gender equality, and we encourage all Liberians to support constitutional reforms that strengthen women’s inclusion in governance.”

Representing the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, Attorney Vivian Neal shared the importance of women’s participation in transitional justice and peacebuilding processes.

“Our work focuses on transitional justice and peacebuilding, and our processes are inclusive, ensuring women have the opportunity for their voices to be heard.”

Cllr. Tonia Wiles of WANEP commended the Peace Hut Network for its sustained role in mediation and community peacebuilding.

“We are grateful for the mediation work that Peace Huts, especially WIPNET Peace Huts, continue to undertake. We appeal to all stakeholders to continue supporting these women, whose passion and commitment have strengthened peacebuilding efforts across communities. We also hope to see more female traditional leaders represented and amplifying their voices on platforms like this.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA), Assistant Minister for Culture and Custom, William T. Jallah highlighted ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion within governance and traditional leadership structures.

“Women are increasingly being appointed to positions that were traditionally dominated by men, including commissioners, paramount chiefs, clan chiefs, and general town chiefs. Through continued advocacy and awareness, more women are recognizing their capacity to lead. We remain committed to promoting positive cultural values, strengthening gender equality, and ensuring women are provided equal opportunities and equal pay based on qualifications.”

Participants also reflected on barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation in leadership, including harmful social norms, informal appointment practices, weak institutional support systems, and limited recognition and resourcing of community peacebuilding structures such as Peace Huts. 

The dialogue concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, development partners, and women’s organizations to accelerate progress toward inclusive governance and sustainable peace. Participants committed to advancing practical actions that will strengthen women’s representation in leadership, support women already serving in leadership positions, and ensure greater recognition of women’s contributions to peacebuilding throughout Liberia. 

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held his first strategic engagement with the newly constituted Board of Directors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), chaired by Dr. Charles Olang’o, outlining the Government’s expectations as the hospital begins its expanded mandate as a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Cabinet Secretary said the Board will play a critical role in steering the institution’s transformation into a leading centre for specialised healthcare, medical training, research and innovation, strengthening referral services for Western Kenya and the wider East African region while easing pressure on national referral hospitals.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing health sector reforms under the Taifa Care Model, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has enrolled more than 31 million Kenyans, the revitalisation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), whose order fill rate has increased to 90 per cent, and preparations for the operationalisation of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, Kenya’s first integrated emergency medical coordination system.

The Cabinet Secretary challenged the Board to provide visionary leadership grounded in integrity, accountability and sound corporate governance, emphasising prudent management of public resources and a results-driven approach to institutional growth and quality service delivery.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting JOOTRH through continued investments in infrastructure, specialised medical services, healthcare workforce development, research and innovation to strengthen access to quality, affordable and people-centred healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage.

The meeting was attended by the Ministry’s Director of Health Sector Coordination, Dr. Ahmed Albush, the Secretary for Administration in the State Department for Medical Services, Mr. James Ntabo, and the National Eye Care Coordinator and Head of the Eye Health Section, Dr. Monicah Bitok.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ethiopia and the University of Gondar have signed a two-year Project Collaboration Agreement (2026–2027) to strengthen health financing research, institutional capacity and evidence-informed policymaking in support of Ethiopia’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The agreement, signed at the WHO Ethiopia Country Office on 28 July 2026, establishes a strategic platform for collaborative research, capacity building and policy dialogue on health financing. It is the first collaboration of its kind between WHO and an Ethiopian university in the field of health financing and reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening health financing reforms through nationally led research and institutional partnerships.

The signing ceremony was attended by the WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo; senior officials from the Ministry of Health; the Vice President and senior leadership of the University of Gondar; and the leadership of the Health and Population Network (a Health Sector Development Partners Group) represented by the UNFPA.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Kasolo commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in advancing health system reforms and Universal Health Coverage.

“The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to strengthening national capacity for policy-relevant research, institutional development and evidence-informed decision-making for Ethiopia’s health sector,” said Professor Kasolo.

He noted that a recent Health Financing and Economics Capacity Assessment conducted by the MOH through the FENOT Project/Associates identified important opportunities to strengthen analytical and institutional capacity across the health sector, particularly in health economics research, health financing analysis, strategic purchasing and evidence-informed planning. He emphasized that sustainable health financing reforms depend on strong national institutions capable of generating and translating high-quality evidence into policy and practice.

Professor Kasolo also recognized the University of Gondar as one of Ethiopia’s leading higher education institutions, with a long-standing record of excellence in medical education, public health research and community engagement. He noted that the university has made significant contributions to strengthening Ethiopia’s health workforce and generating evidence to support national health priorities.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Muluken Argaw, the Lead Executive Officer for the Strategic Affairs Executive Office, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, health equity and financial protection. He emphasized that health financing reform remains central to sustaining the country’s health gains and addressing emerging health system challenges, while underscoring the importance of evidence-informed policymaking to guide strategic financing decisions and reforms.

Speaking on behalf of the University of Gondar, Vice President Dr. Ayinishet Adane highlighted the critical role of Ethiopian universities in advancing national health priorities through research, education and innovation. He noted that the partnership will further strengthen the university’s contribution to generating locally relevant evidence that informs health financing policy and supports national health system reforms.

The collaboration will support health financing research, strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health, its agencies and Regional Health Bureaus, facilitate policy dialogue, and generate knowledge products, including policy briefs, technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. It will also contribute to strengthening the health system’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges, including the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and the health needs of an ageing population.

The agreement represents an important step towards a longer-term institutional partnership under WHO’s Collaborating Centers framework. By strengthening national research institutions and promoting locally generated evidence, the partnership is expected to contribute to more equitable, efficient and financially sustainable health systems in Ethiopia.

Established in 1954, the University of Gondar is one of Ethiopia’s oldest and largest public universities. The university has played a pivotal role in training generations of health professionals and advancing research that supports national and regional health priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

Regional collaboration remains central to advancing resilient, innovative and sustainable healthcare systems across East Africa.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held talks with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. General Bacha Debele Buta, the Chairperson of the Ethiopian Healthcare Federation, Dr. Markos Fekele, and the leadership of the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) to strengthen cross-border collaboration in healthcare.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the 13th East Africa Healthcare Federation Conference and International Health Exhibition, which will be held in Ethiopia from 21–23 August 2026under the theme, “Resilience: Building the East African Health Economy – Advancing Regional Partnerships, Innovation and Investment for a Healthier East Africa.”

The conference is expected to bring together Health Ministers, policymakers, innovators, investors and development partners to promote regional cooperation, innovation and investment in healthcare.

Cabinet Secretary Duale said the forum will also provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase the progress of the Taifa Care Model, including reforms in health financing, digital health, primary health care and strategic partnerships that are accelerating the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector, noting that the Kenya Healthcare Federation remains a strategic partner in expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare, promoting innovation, attracting investment and supporting health sector reforms.

The Cabinet Secretary added that stronger regional partnerships, knowledge exchange and joint investments will be critical in building resilient health systems capable of responding to emerging health challenges and improving health outcomes across East Africa.

The meeting was also attended by Kenya Healthcare Federation Chairperson Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe and the Ministry’s Director for Health Sector Coordination, Dr. Ahmed Albush.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), has been recognized among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a prestigious recognition celebrating influential women of African descent who are using their platforms to inspire change, amplify important social conversations, and drive meaningful impact across communities. The list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries and also includes the President of Tanzania. The list came out on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.

This latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades received by Dr. Rasha Kelej for her leadership and impactful social initiatives. She was recently named among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” by New African Magazine and has also been recognized among the “100 Most Influential African Women” by Avance Media for the seventh consecutive year, alongside Africa’s prominent leaders including Presidents, First Ladies, and Prime Ministers. These recognitions highlight her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa.

Expressing her gratitude, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and to be included in the ‘100 Most Impactful Voices 2026’ list. I sincerely thank ABCD Africa for acknowledging my work over the past 14 years to build healthcare capacity, transform the patient care landscape, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa and beyond. This recognition is truly very special to me, and it inspires me to continue my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.

I also congratulate all the deserving women who have been recognized on this list. Together, we will continue to use our voices to inspire positive change and create a better future for our communities.”

Under Dr. Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the patient care landscape and built healthcare capacity across Africa and other developing regions.

“We have provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, helping to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare,” shared Dr. Kelej.

Dr. Rasha Kelej is also the creator of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, a pioneering movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. Dr. Kelej works closely with more than 33 African and Asian First Ladies who are the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” to lead Merck Foundation programs in their countries. “I really enjoy working with dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we are not just partners, we are more than friends, I enjoy our sisterhood and respect it,” Dr. Kelej emphasized.

Moreover, Dr. Kelej is a strong advocate for education as one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Therefore, in partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has provided, year to date, more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. The program is actively running across several African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others.

Dr. Rasha Kelej has established the “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community to address critical health and social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending female genital mutilation and child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and raising awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. She has launched several community awareness programs including Health Media Trainings, Songs, Children Storybooks, Animation Films, Awards for best Media, Song, Film and Fashion design, and also a Pan-African TV program “Our Africa”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fBqoxo), X (https://apo-opa.co/4bqCp6c), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4xC0XSz), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4xC0WOv), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4xiv2pW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4pQ0OYJ). 

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. 

Source: APO

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Today in Al Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly. The meeting was attended by Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy; Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Sherif Farouk; Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Mr. Alaa El-Din Farouk; Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority, Major General Amr Adel; and Executive Director of Egypt’s Future Authority for Sustainable Development, Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the President followed up on the status of the food security system, including the production and distribution of strategic commodities, and the availability of a secure stock of these commodities for a reassuring timeframe, particularly in light of the current events in the region.

It was confirmed that stocks of basic commodities are at very reassuring levels, and that the state possesses a commodity inventory sufficient to meet domestic consumption needs for secure periods, approaching nearly a full year for certain commodities.

In this framework, the objectives and technological infrastructure of the “Future of Egypt” silo complex were reviewed, which aim to enhance Egypt’s food security and provide a strategic reserve to face crises.

The meeting also reviewed the social protection system and investment in the “Takaful and Karama” (Solidarity and Dignity) Fund, which aims to provide the necessary protection for targeted and eligible citizen groups. In this regard, the President emphasized the vital need to maintain focus on the most impoverished citizens.

In this regard, the proposed cash and commodity support program was reviewed. It was confirmed that the cash-commodity support system serves as one of the most important modern development tools adopted by many countries worldwide, whether fully or gradually, so as to enhance social justice and empower citizens with the freedom of choice according to their actual needs.

As part of strengthening the social protection umbrella and supporting the most in-need groups, the President reviewed the latest updates and developments regarding the ration card system. In this context, the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade noted the measures taken to ensure that support reaches its intended beneficiaries, safeguard the rights of eligible individuals, and ensure directing support to the most vulnerable groups.

The meeting also discussed developments related to the subsidized bread loaf system, the status of bakeries across Egypt, and the position regarding the establishment of strategic bakeries, with a total of 300 bakeries nationwide in the first phase. The meeting also followed up on the performance of the National Food Safety Authority, which is tasked with ensuring the quality of food products available in the markets.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to achieve self-sufficiency in strategic commodities, build a secure and reassuring stock for extended periods to stabilize markets and balance prices, and establish strong partnerships with the private sector. As to the subsidy system, the President directed continuous efforts to develop subsidy mechanisms and ensure that the necessary support is delivered to the eligible groups.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.