Category: Africa

Posted on

The soil’s early warning system: microbes can predict desertification before plants start to die

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Marc Van Goethem, Microbial ecologist, University of Pretoria

Microbial ecology (the study of how tiny microbes interact with each other and their environment) underpins the health of every ecosystem on Earth. The microbes living in soil recycle nutrients, support plant growth and help ecosystems respond to environmental change. In this explainer, microbial ecologist Marc Van Goethem tells us why microbes are critical to human life. They can also provide an early warning if Africa’s drylands are approaching ecological tipping points, offering new ways to monitor and protect vulnerable landscapes.

What is microbial ecology, and why is it an important field of research?

Microbial ecology is the study of how microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi and the viruses that infect them, interact with one another and their environment. Together, microorganisms exert considerable influence on their immediate environment. Some examples include the breakdown of organic matter to release nutrients into the soil, digesting the food in our guts, and storing carbon dioxide.

Studying microbial ecology is an effort to make sense of these combined biological and chemical processes in nature. This information can then be used to predict how an environment might respond to future changes or why, for example, crops grow better in one field compared to another. Microorganisms quietly shape our lives even though they get less recognition than more easily observed animals and plants.

What are soil microbes and why do they matter?

Soil microorganisms are very small (micrometres); we can only see them under powerful microscopes. Their small sizes, however, make their roles in nature even more profound. In soils, bacteria, fungi and viruses form microbial communities that operate like mini-cities. We call these communities “microbiomes”.

On a single grain of sand you could find thousands of bacterial cells interacting by sharing nutrients and genetic material. They also compete for space and resources by producing antibiotics, which are compounds that kill other bacteria. Around 70%-80% of clinically used antibiotics originate from soil bacteria like Streptomyces.

The soil microbiome is central to the carbon cycle. Microbes can absorb carbon and bury it in the soil, or degrade plant and animal matter, which releases carbon into the atmosphere. These processes are extremely sensitive to environment changes. Increasing temperatures, caused by global warming, may increase microorganism activity. Buried carbon may be sent back into the atmosphere. Too much atmospheric carbon acts as a blanket and increases global temperatures – and the cycle escalates.

Your work suggests that changes in microbial communities could provide an early warning of desertification. How can organisms we can’t see tell us so much about the health of an ecosystem?

My work hinges on the knowledge that microorganisms respond fast to environmental changes – faster than plants or animals can. Microorganisms detect and react to signals that we can’t perceive. Some examples include changes in soil pH, moisture content or temperature.

Microbial responses are leading indicators of changes to temperature, water or physical disturbance in soil and the health of the above-ground ecosystem. I believe we can use this knowledge before we see visible changes like plant death.

What do you hope your work will reveal about how Africa’s drylands respond to climate change and how could that knowledge help scientists and policymakers better protect these landscapes?

The central aim of this work is to identify the tipping points at which drylands begin to lose the resilience provided by the soil microbiome. The proposed research will collect representative soil samples from four African deserts: the Namib, Kalahari, Sahara and Sahel. I hope to provide meaningful data points, like data about which microbes are present or absent in soils, and what they are doing under various environmental conditions across drylands to map the microbiome across stages of desertification. Desertification is the process in which fertile lands in dry areas completely lose the ability to support plant, animal and human life.

These samples I hope to collect will come from

  • intact ecosystems

  • at-risk ecosystems

  • degraded soils.

Through metagenomic sequencing (where we sequence the genomes of the entire microbiome simultaneously) and associated metadata (climate and soil chemistry information) we hope to identify the markers of desertification. This could be in the form of a specific microorganism disappearing and the mini-city then collapsing, or the microbiome losing an important function such as making nitrogen available to a plant.

Using these insights, I hope to provide a measure that shows the difference between healthy dryland microbiomes and those actively experiencing desertification.

This information will be provided as a reference accessible by researchers and policymakers to compare data from their drylands to estimate whether their landscapes are at risk of desertification.

– The soil’s early warning system: microbes can predict desertification before plants start to die
– https://theconversation.com/the-soils-early-warning-system-microbes-can-predict-desertification-before-plants-start-to-die-289000

Posted on

What happened when a South African school switched from English to bilingual science tests

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robyn Tyler, Senior Researcher, University of the Western Cape

South African no-fee primary schools use African languages as well as English for teaching and testing. Before 2025, children started learning in their home language in the first three years and then switched to English in Grade 4 (aged 10 and 11). Now, bilingual education is extending gradually into the upper primary grades.

South Africa’s public basic education system serves roughly 12.7 million learners. Eighty percent of these learn through a language that is not their home language.

I am an education researcher with a special interest in language across the curriculum in multilingual contexts. In a recent case study of a bilingual science learning intervention in a Cape Town school, I wanted to know how effective it was to teach and test in more than one language, and what parents thought of the approach. Past studies hadn’t made it clear whether parents usually supported it.

The study found that teaching and testing science topics in the children’s home language and English produced much better results than using English only, and that parents were in favour of it.

The results suggest that bilingual classroom teaching and assessment could be used more widely, and it’s important to make sure parents understand why.

Better test results using two languages

The study took place in a school in Khayelitsha, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. The no-fee school attracts learners from a wide area because it is well run. At the time of the study, the school language policy was English medium in all subjects in Grade 4, including science. The principal, however, agreed to try the bilingual approach in science for the study.

We gave 168 Grade 4 learners a bilingual science textbook in English and isiXhosa, their home language. The same teacher taught four classes bilingually, and learners used both languages in writing in their exercise books. One class was given a bilingual test while the others wrote the conventional English-only test.

The findings showed that children were more engaged in their learning in class compared with similar aged children who were learning in English only. In our study children contributed more to class discussion and wrote more in their exercise books.

In addition, those who wrote the bilingual test, with all questions written in isiXhosa and English, scored an 86% pass rate. Those who wrote the English-only test scored a 51% pass rate.

What parents said

The parents of the children in the study said during a feedback session after the test was written that they were very happy with the programme. They commented on how the bilingual textbook connected them with their child’s learning at home. Parents said their children taught them about science while at home – making links between the world around them and the concepts they were learning at school.

One parent said:

My child came back home more interested in things happening around us.

Another mentioned their own ability to get more involved in their child’s schoolwork when using their own language:

Sometimes a parent may be busy cooking, so when they ask a question you are able to answer even if you didn’t see the question.

Similarly, a parent said:

I went through the pages and read for myself without calling my child and asking what it said.

Parents also described how using more than one language was common in their neighbourhoods. Their children were multilingual and translated for one another when something was not understood. Therefore, the bilingual model of language use at school was closer to language use at home.

One parent noted that they had high hopes for their child continuing with science as a career one day because of this strong start. Parents also wanted to know if mother tongue based bilingual education would be rolled out across the country and in all grades.

None of the parents expressed a concern about their children losing out on English.

Debates on language in the classroom

This last point is important because the dominance of English in society leads to a popular belief that the earlier children learn through English only, the better equipped they will be for the world of higher education and the workplace later on. Teachers report feeling a pressure from parents to avoid code-switching from English into an African language.

Read more: In South Africa, science should be taught in only one language – how about English?

In reality, research shows that English-only education contributes to the low achievement of South African children, especially in subjects such as mathematics and science.

When parents have been surveyed on their opinions about language in education, they have usually been given an unenviable choice between monolingual English or monolingual African language instruction.

Furthermore, parents have had little to no exposure to strong models of bilingual education in English and an African language to draw on in their responses. Often the only association Black South Africans have with home language teaching is with Bantu Education, the inferior system that the apartheid state designed for Black children between 1953 and 1979.

Bilingual programmes can succeed

The bilingual science study demonstrates that when a bilingual programme is well resourced with teaching, assessment and bilingual learning materials it can produce excellent results.

Furthermore, when parents are well informed about bilingual learning, they support it. Parents can appreciate the positive impact of children’s full participation in their learning, both for school and for life outside school.

– What happened when a South African school switched from English to bilingual science tests
– https://theconversation.com/what-happened-when-a-south-african-school-switched-from-english-to-bilingual-science-tests-289528

Posted on

NCOP KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Delegation Targets Stalled Infrastructure Projects in KZN

Source: APO


.

A delegation of the KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) permanent delegates to the NCOP has launched a firm accountability drive aimed at unblocking delayed and incomplete infrastructure projects across the province.

The delegation is in the province as part of the NCOP’s annual flagship NCOP’s Provincial Week programme. As part of the programme, the delegation will summon provincial departments, municipalities and implementing agencies to account for undertakings made during the 2024 and 2025 oversight programmes.

The delegation will inspect Woodlands Primary School, the Umkomaas Water Project, the Kennedy Road Housing Project, and the Aquadene and Mega housing projects.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Mzamo Billy said: “Communities cannot live on promises, presentations and repeatedly revised completion dates. We want evidence of progress, clear explanations for delays, named responsibility and enforceable timeframes for completion.”

The delegation will independently verify whether official reports reflect the reality on the ground. Where undertakings have not been honoured, the responsible departments and municipalities will be required to explain the failure and provide credible recovery plans.

The successful completion of Menzi High School in uMlazi demonstrates the value of sustained parliamentary oversight. The project had suffered repeated delays and criminal disruption linked to the construction mafia before being completed earlier this year.

“Menzi High School proves that stalled projects can be rescued when oversight is followed by cooperation, accountability and political will. Provincial Week is not a ceremonial visit or a talk shop. Our objective is to unblock projects and secure tangible results for communities,” Mr Billy said.

The delegation acknowledged the cooperation of Premier Arthur Thamsanqa Ntuli, Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce and Legislature Chief Whip M. B. Gwala.

“We expect every participating institution to approach this programme with urgency. Delayed infrastructure denies communities education, water, housing and dignity. Excuses will not build schools, deliver water or provide homes,” Mr Billy concluded.

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

Posted on

President Barrow Concludes Visit To Gabon

Source: APO

State House, Banjul, 18th August 2026: His Excellency President Adama Barrow accompanied by First Lady Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow has concluded his visit to the Gabonese Republic where he was Special Guest of Honour for the 66th anniversary celebration of the Gabonese independence.

The celebration day was marked by almost 5 hours of military parade of the country’s defence and security outfit. Students of the military academies and professionals from the various security and defence forces beautifully displayed their uniforms, operational suits and military equipment, ranging from medical to engineering. With about 25% of its national budget spent on defence , the celebration was an opportunity for a public display of Gabonese military might and capabilities.

A state cocktail reception followed the parade and H.E. President Adama Barrow was given an inspirational tour of the new city of ‘Belle Roi’ built on reclaimed land from the sea.

Later on Monday evening, President Barrow accompanied by First Lad Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow met with over five hundred Gambians living in Gabon. They expressed their delight in meeting the President and assured him of their support as they witnessed the unprecedented developments shaping the country.

President Barrow reiterated his gratitude to his host for the hospitality extended to him during his visit. Responding to their concerns, the Gambian leader assured them of his determination to continue attending to the needs and aspirations of the people. Despite criticism of his government’s efforts to provide Gambians abroad with identity documentation, he pledged that his administration will facilitate the process for them. “Gambians living in other African countries are part of the Diaspora,” he emphasised.

President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Nyangui Oligui Nguema saw off the Gambian leader and delegation on Tuesday morning as they departed Leone Mba Airport for Banjul. The Presidential delegation included the Foreign Minister, Honourable Sering Modou Njie and the Chief of Staff, Alieu Loum.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of The President- Republic of the Gambia.

Media files

.

Posted on

Government outlines plan to lower electricity costs

Source: Government of South Africa

Government outlines plan to lower electricity costs

Government has proposed a set of measures aimed at reducing the high cost of electricity while ensuring that tariffs remain cost-reflective and that vulnerable households and strategic economic sectors are protected.

The measures are reflected in South Africa’s Revised Electricity Pricing Policy, which Cabinet approved for public comment last month.

The policy updates the 2008 Electricity Pricing Policy to reflect developments in the electricity supply industry, including ongoing market reforms linked to the unbundling of Eskom and the implementation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024.

It establishes national principles and tariff-path certainty, provides a framework for transparent, efficient and cost-reflective tariffs, guides the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), Eskom and municipalities, aligns prices with a competitive market, and strengthens social protection and accountability.

“Over a period stretching back to 2007, electricity tariffs have increased by about 977%. A number of things have changed since that period, and that is a trigger as to why we are presenting this set of proposals before you,” Ramokgopa said on Tuesday in Pretoria at a media briefing.

Ten-year price forecast

The Minister said the policy seeks to establish a tariff path that will provide some certainty on the cost of electricity over the next 10 years.

“It is for this reason that, as part of this Electricity Pricing Policy, NERSA will be required to publish a 10-year price forecast.  This is important because, for heavy industries, when people want to make significant investments in the South African economy, and they’re investing in a sector that relies on electricity, they want to compute their return on investment. If electricity is a big part of the input cost, you need to have an appreciation of what the price path looks like,” Ramokgopa said.

The pricing policy will provide a framework for transparent and efficient cost-reflective tariffs to avoid hidden costs being included in electricity tariffs.

Once adopted, the policy will guide the work of NERSA, Eskom, municipalities and other actors across the electricity ecosystem.

Open the market to competition

As part of reforms in the sector, government is liberalising the electricity market to ensure that Eskom is no longer a monopoly and to introduce greater competition.

“By that I mean, as you know, as part of our comprehensive set of reforms, we’re introducing new generators. We’re going to allow a bilateral arrangement, where someone who is a generator can enter into an agreement with someone who is an off-taker. 

“Off-takers are entering into bilateral arrangements outside the realm of Eskom for the supply of electricity. That means that there’s a set of rules that must govern this new dispensation,” the Minister said.

Ramokgopa said South Africa is moving towards a wholesale electricity market.

“So, this policy extends beyond what has been the traditional ecosystem of electricity in the country, because that was really Eskom-heavy and municipality-predisposed,” the Minister said.

Strengthening social protection

He emphasised that the Electricity Pricing Policy will strengthen social protections.

“So, the support we are providing to the poor, the indigent and the vulnerable, will articulate most comprehensively what these kinds of support are that we are providing to these vulnerable communities,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister explained that Eskom debt increases when consumers do not pay municipalities and, in turn, municipalities do not pay Eskom.

The current tariff structure enables Eskom to recover municipal debt through the tariff.

“If you look at the current tariff, anything between 1% to 2.5% of the tariff that you are paying is on the basis that Eskom is unable to recover what the people are owing, and municipalities, they put in the cost of supply studies the fact that they are being owed a lot of money and then it means that they are putting additional pressure on diligent consumers. In terms of this policy, that’s not allowed,” the Minister said.

Ramokgopa said the policy will enable action against those who do not pay for electricity and those who are illegally connected to the grid.

“We are insisting that the provider of electricity must be efficient. And when it is efficient, you will see that the price of electricity will not be what we are currently charging,” he said.

Free basic electricity

The Minister said there will also be an intervention on free basic electricity for indigent households.

“We’re also going to modernise free basic electricity administration. We’ll establish a central and nationally accessible free basic electricity database. With the new age of technology, we’re able to have that database in place. 

“That is possible because we integrate this database with existing databases of Home Affairs and also with the social grant databases, so there’s a good chance that someone who qualifies for the social grant will also qualify for free basic electricity,” he said.

Support for energy intensive industries

Government is also introducing, through the Electricity Pricing Policy, a Negotiated Pricing Agreement instrument to support industries that rely heavily on electricity.

“The current articulation of the Negotiated Pricing Agreement only triggers to qualify for, or to make an effort to qualify for, a negotiated price agreement when you are in distress.

“We’re also introducing another criterion. This could be industries that are not in distress, but if they were to get concessional funding, they’re able to support the national interest in that they’ll be able to accelerate the growth in the priority sectors of the economy; they’ll be able to create employment. We’re using it as a pre-emptive strike to rejuvenate the South African economy,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

1

Posted on

KZN Treasury moves to secure Ithala’s future after reported liquidation withdrawal

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Treasury moves to secure Ithala’s future after reported liquidation withdrawal

The KwaZulu-Natal Treasury has called for a meeting involving all key stakeholders, including national and provincial authorities, regulators and Ithala representatives, to address outstanding issues, clarify the way forward and explore measures to preserve the value that remains within Ithala Bank.

This comes after reports that the Prudential Authority has withdrawn its application to liquidate Ithala SOC Limited.

In a statement issued by the KZN Treasury on Tuesday, the department said a legal team has been tasked with assessing the veracity of the reports but — and if confirmed — KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers said the development will represent an important step towards finding a sustainable solution for Ithala, which has played a critical role in advancing financial inclusion and economic development in the province.

Rodgers has consistently opposed the liquidation application, a position shared by senior leaders within the Provincial Government, who have long argued that any intervention affecting Ithala must support the institution’s ability to regain control of its core assets and revenue streams in order to meet its financial obligations and secure its long-term sustainability.

“While this will be an important development, the key issue that now requires urgent attention is Ithala’s ability to regain control of its loan book. We remain concerned that these assets, which are critical to the institution’s viability, should not be under the control of the Repayment Administrator.

“Ithala requires access to its loan portfolio and the proceeds from its insurance businesses if it is to meet its financial obligations and chart a sustainable path forward,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers also expressed concern regarding the continued involvement of the Repayment Administrator Johan Kruger, noting that Ithala’s recovery efforts should focus on restoring the institution’s operational capacity and ensuring it can effectively utilise its assets and revenue streams.

“It is our considered view that the current arrangement has not advanced the objective of restoring Ithala to financial stability. The priority now must be to ensure that Ithala has control over the assets and revenue streams necessary for its operations, including its loan book and insurance proceeds. This is essential to rebuilding confidence, meeting obligations and securing the institution’s future,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

0

Posted on

Inspection of voters’ roll closes today

Source: Government of South Africa

Inspection of voters’ roll closes today

Ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November, the voters’ roll closes today.

0n 11 August, the Commission made the provisional voters’ roll available for inspection at its national, provincial and local offices, opening the period for lodging objections to the provisional voters’ roll.

According to the Electoral Commission, the Commission will consider all objections and notify objectors of its decisions by 24 August 2026.

“The Chief Electoral Officer will certify the final voters’ roll for the 2026 Local Government Elections on 26 August 2026,” the Commission said.

The certified voters’ roll will be published and electronic copies provided to certified contestants. 

Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission welcomed the proclamation of the election date by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa.

READ | Electoral Commission publishes Election Timetable

“The proclamation provides certainty by formally setting Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as Election Day. It also marks the commencement of the country’s 89-day Election Timetable leading up to the elections,” Electoral Commission Chairperson Commissioner Mosotho Moepya said at the time.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

6

Posted on

Strengthening Regional Integration: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Holds High-Level Dialogue and Sensitisation at Noépé-Akanu Joint Border Post

Source: APO – Report:

.

The ECOWAS Commission on August 13, 2026, engaged border officials, cross-border traders, transporters and other key stakeholders, including women and youth from Benin, Ghana and Togo, in a High-Level Dialogue and Sensitisation at the Noépé-Akanu Joint Border Post (JBP) between Togo and Ghana, along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, with an objective to further strengthen the implementation of regional integration instruments on the free movement of persons, goods and services, as well as trade and transport facilitation.

The dialogue afforded Sector Directors & Officials from the ECOWAS Commission – Free Movement, Trade, Brown Card Insurance,  Transport, Transit, and Customs, the opportunity to share insights of community texts and good practices towards the facilitation of border crossing, intra-regional trade (including informal trade). Specifically, discussions highlighted key ECOWAS initiatives, including the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), SIGMAT, Joint Border Posts and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, while providing a platform to discuss challenges affecting cross-border mobility and trade.

While welcoming the delegations to the JPB on behalf of the traditional Chiefs of Noépé and Akanu, Torgbi Harvey of Noépé, emphasised on the need for ECOWAS Member States to implement joint facilitation measures to enhance the benefits of regional integration and free movement for the development of the region for all; transporters and entrepreneurs inclusive.

Captain Agniba Essoiezam, Head of the Division of Operations of Customs of the Togolese Republic and Head of the Joint Task Force of the Noépé-Akanu JBP, welcomed participants to the Joint Border Post and highlighted the importance of the dialogue in strengthening understanding of ECOWAS instruments on the free movement of persons and goods, the right of residence and establishment, transit arrangements and the SIGMAT customs system.

In his remarks, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reaffirmed the ECOWAS Commission’s commitment to deepening regional integration and facilitating the free movement of persons, goods and services along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor. He described the Noépé-Akanu Joint Border Post as a practical example of integration in action, while calling for an end to delays, cumbersome procedures, informal payments and harassment at borders. He urged stronger sensitisation on free movement rights, wider use of the ECOWAS regional biometric identity card, faster transit systems and sustained dialogue among border authorities, traders and other stakeholders to ensure that the corridor becomes an opportunity for trade, jobs and shared prosperity.

In his speech on behalf of the Togolese Minister of Transport, Mr. Komlan Loukou-Kadjie, Mr. Dermane Tajudini, Director of Road Transport, reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to advancing ECOWAS regional integration through more efficient and predictable movement of people and goods. He noted that integration should be measured not by the number of protocols adopted, but by the ease with which citizens, goods and transporters cross borders. He identified road harassment and unofficial checkpoints, high logistics costs and disparities in the application of regional regulations as key challenges, and called for greater digitalisation of border procedures, effective operation of Joint Border Posts, and harmonised and consistent application of regional standards. He stressed the need for renewed political commitment and rigorous operational follow-up to transform borders into gateways for trade and shared prosperity.

In her keynote address, H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening free movement and cross-border transport facilitation along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor. She described the corridor as a critical economic artery for West Africa and called for stronger implementation of ECOWAS protocols, improved border management, digitalisation, harmonised procedures and greater coordination among border agencies to reduce delays and transport costs. She also stressed the importance of sensitising citizens, traders and transport operators on their rights and responsibilities, while highlighting the ECOWAS-supported Directional Signage and Mobility Programme, with financial support from Trademark Africa, to improve traffic management, safety and navigation at the Noépé-Akanu and Seme–Krake Joint Border Posts.

“Our vision is clear: a corridor where people move with dignity, goods move efficiently, and border formalities are conducted with speed, transparency, and professionalism”, she added.

The engagement is part of several efforts by the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen cooperation among border authorities and stakeholders, improve awareness and application of ECOWAS free movement and trade facilitation frameworks, and promote regional transport and transit facilitation mechanisms. Practical feedback and recommendations were received by public officials from Member States and the Commission to make cross-border movement and trade more secure, efficient and predictable, particularly for women and youth, contributing to the advancement of the ECOWAS regional integration agenda.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Posted on

Ghana: Bringing mental health promotion closer to communities

Source: APO – Report:

.

World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Ghana Health Service (GHS) has supported an initiative to strengthen psychological resilience among people in correctional settings and those who support them.

The initiative included an orientation session that brought together 144 GHS staff members and 27 male inmates of the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to manage stress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and promote mental well-being.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to expand mental health promotion beyond health facilities and into communities and institutions where people live, work, and interact.

People in correctional settings often face unique psychological and social challenges, including uncertainty about the future, separation from family, limited social support, and the pressures associated with rehabilitation. Staff working in these environments are also exposed to occupational stressors that can affect their own mental well-being.

The orientation provided participants with practical tools to build resilience, practice self-care, and better support themselves and others. The session also created a safe space for open conversations on mental health, helping to reduce stigma and promote positive attitudes towards psychological well-being.

“Mental health promotion must reach everyone, including people in vulnerable settings such as correctional facilities. Building psychological resilience equips individuals with the skills to manage life’s challenges, strengthen their well-being, and support healthier communities”, said Dr Joana Ansong, team lead for Noncommunicable disease, risk factors and mental health.

For inmates, the training provided valuable coping skills that can support emotional well-being and contribute to successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society. For correctional staff and other participants, it reinforced the importance of maintaining personal well-being while supporting others.

Through continued collaboration with national partners, WHO remains committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts to strengthen mental health promotion, reduce stigma, and ensure that mental health support is accessible to all.

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Posted on

Lutte contre la malnutrition : la chaîne humaine qui donne une seconde chance aux enfants dans l’est de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Julienne a trois ans et quatre mois. Lorsque le Dr Ernest Dabiré, gestionnaire de l’incident de la crise humanitaire complexe, la prend dans ses bras à l’unité nutritionnelle thérapeutique intensive (UNTI) du Centre de santé de référence dénommée Carmel, à Goma, dans la province du Nord-Kivu – un service hospitalier spécialisé dans la prise en charge des enfants souffrant de malnutrition aiguë sévère accompagnée de complications médicales – son sourire ne laisse plus deviner le combat qu’elle vient de mener. Quelques semaines plus tôt, son histoire aurait pu s’ajouter à celles des milliers d’enfants qui arrivent chaque année dans les structures de santé dans un état critique. Pendant plusieurs jours, sa mère avait vu son état se dégrader. Comme tant d’autres parents confrontés à la malnutrition, elle savait que le temps jouait contre elle.

« J’étais très inquiète. Mon enfant ne mangeait plus et perdait ses forces chaque jour. Quand nous sommes arrivés à l’unité, je craignais de la perdre. Aujourd’hui, je vois qu’elle reprend peu à peu des forces », affirme-t-elle. Pour sauver une enfant comme Julienne, toute une chaîne s’active.

Une course contre la montre entre laboratoire et unité de soins

Dans l’est de la RDC, la malnutrition aiguë sévère sévit dans un contexte marqué par les conflits, les déplacements de populations, l’insécurité alimentaire et les épidémies, notamment de rougeole et de mpox.

Au premier trimestre 2026, plus de 147 000 enfants ont été admis dans les structures nutritionnelles du Nord-Kivu, du Sud-Kivu et de l’Ituri, tandis que plus de 11 millions d’enfants de moins de cinq ans sont actuellement affectés par la malnutrition dans le pays selon les résultats de l’Enquête nationale de nutrition (ENN, 2023). Pour soutenir les efforts de prise en charge et apporter de l’espoir aux familles, l’OMS et ses partenaires ont acheminé 6,86 tonnes d’intrants médicaux et nutritionnels destinés à 204 unités nutritionnelles thérapeutiques intensives dans le Nord-Kivu, le Sud-Kivu et l’Ituri. Ils comprennent des aliments thérapeutiques prêts à l’emploi, les laits thérapeutiques, les médicaments, les vitamines et minéraux, et du matériel médical et de suivi nutritionnel.

À Goma, la Dre Noëlla Mukanya Mulopo, biologiste médicale à l’Institut national de recherche biomédicale (INRB), reçoit et analyse des échantillons provenant de différentes zones de santé. Ces analyses permettent notamment de détecter les infections associées à la malnutrition et ses complications.

Grâce au thermocycleur Bio-Rad Opus-96 CFX, acquis avec l’appui de l’OMS et du Pandemic Fund, les délais de diagnostic sont passés de trois à cinq jours à moins de six heures. Dans les cas de malnutrition compliquée d’une infection, ce gain de temps est déterminant pour orienter rapidement la prise en charge. « Cet appareil a permis de faire une différence majeure dans la prise en charge de la malnutrition aiguë grâce à la confirmation des complications infectieuses. Derrière chaque échantillon que je reçois d’une UNTI, il y a un enfant souffrant de malnutrition, une mère qui attend et un soignant qui a besoin d’une réponse. Aujourd’hui, un enfant admis le matin à Goma peut bénéficier d’un traitement ciblé dès le soir même. », relate-t-elle.

À quelques kilomètres, à l’UNTI Carmel, la Dre Feza Muhemeri Gisèle, pédiatre, et Justin Bikombora, infirmier titulaire et point focal de la prise en charge nutritionnelle, accueillent chaque mois entre 20 et 30 enfants. Ces enfants font partie des plus de 5 000 enfants hospitalisés au Nord-Kivu au cours du premier trimestre 2026, tandis que plus de 78 000 autres y ont été pris en charge en ambulatoire.

Lorsque les stocks de laits thérapeutiques F-75 et F-100 diminuent, les équipes assurent la continuité des soins grâce à des préparations locales à base de sorgho, de soja et de maïs, conformément aux protocoles nationaux.

Des vies sauvées grâce à une chaîne de solidarité complète

À Karisimbi, Elvis Mulamba, point focal de l’OMS pour la communication sur les risques et l’engagement communautaire, travaille aux côtés de leaders communautaires, parmi lesquels Sœur Apolline Nsimire, une religieuse engagée dans la sensibilisation de la communauté. Ensemble, ils animent des causeries éducatives destinées aux parents pour expliquer les signes à surveiller, renforcer la confiance dans les soins et réduire les abandons du suivi nutritionnel.

« Au-delà des hôpitaux, la lutte contre la malnutrition commence dans les communautés, par l’écoute, la confiance et l’information. Quand les parents reconnaissent les signes et viennent tôt dans les centres, ils contribuent à changer le cours de la prise en charge », partage-t-il.

Grâce à ces efforts conjoints, les taux de guérison dépassent souvent 75 %. Depuis le début de l’année, plus de 25 000 guérisons ont été enregistrées parmi les enfants pris en charge en ambulatoire et en soins intensifs. Ces résultats témoignent des progrès réalisés, mais les chiffres ne concernent que les enfants qui parviennent jusqu’aux structures de soins. Des efforts soutenus restent indispensables pour atteindre tous les enfants qui en ont besoin.

Des sourires au bout de la chaîne

Faraja, mère de trois enfants à Katoyi, a participé à l’une de ces causeries éducatives. Son fils Amani, âgé de huit mois, a été pris en charge pour malnutrition aiguë à l’UNTI de l’Hôpital de référence de Virunga. Amani signifie « paix », un prénom devenu lourd de sens lorsque la maladie a éteint son rire. Aujourd’hui, il sourit à nouveau. « Sans les médicaments, les conseils et les aliments thérapeutiques reçus gratuitement, je ne sais pas comment mon enfant aurait survécu. J’en parlerai à mes voisines : je leur dirai de venir sans tarder », confie-t-elle avec émotion.

De même, Christine, 43 ans et mère de six enfants, témoigne : « Je ne sentais plus la force dans mes bras. Mon enfant pleurait des heures durant. Désormais, il tient sa tête, il a pris 40 grammes de plus. Cela me redonne espoir. Je sais que l’avenir nous réserve tout ce qu’il y a de meilleur. »

Par ailleurs, lorsque la petite Julienne quitte l’unité nutritionnelle du Centre de santé de référence dénommée Carmel, elle retrouve la joie de vivre auprès de sa maman et de ses frères. Derrière ce sourire innocent se trouve toute une chaîne humaine d’acteurs de santé publique et communautaires – biologistes, soignants, nutritionnistes, agents communautaires et parents – qui refusent d’abandonner.

Pour le Dr Ernest Dabiré, chaque enfant admis dans une unité nutritionnelle thérapeutique intensive représente une urgence vitale. « Notre rôle est de garantir que les structures disposent des intrants, des protocoles et du soutien technique nécessaires pour agir sans délai et sauver des vies », conclut-il.

Distribué par APO Group pour WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Media files