Africa – Page 590 – MIL Africa Engine

December 12, 2025

Government welcomes decline in poverty levels

Source: Government of South Africa

Government welcomes decline in poverty levels

Government has welcomed the latest Poverty Trends in South Africa report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), which shows a significant decline in poverty levels over the past 17 years.

“The findings mark an important step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, improve living conditions, and advance inclusive development,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

According to the report, the proportion of South Africans living below the Lower-Bound Poverty Line (LBPL) set at R1 300 per person per month in 2023 prices, has fallen to 37.9% in 2023.

This represents a notable 19.6 percentage point reduction since 2006.

The data further highlights that progress in reducing poverty has been most pronounced among black African and Coloured populations, reflecting the positive impact of targeted social and economic interventions.

The Stats SA report also highlights areas where continued focus is needed, including improving the economic conditions of women and addressing the emerging rise of poverty among White and Indian communities.

It also reaffirms that the country is moving in the right direction and that sustained investment in social protection, job creation, education, and economic support measures is yielding tangible results.

“Government reiterates its commitment to working with all sectors of society to accelerate poverty reduction and broaden access to economic opportunities. Through coordinated policies and targeted programmes, the country will continue striving toward a more equitable and inclusive South Africa,” GCIS said.

Released on Thursday, the report is drawn from the Income & Expenditure Survey (IES) 2022/23.

The report noted that the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo continue to experience the highest poverty headcounts, irrespective of the poverty line applied.

“Collectively, these provinces where home to nearly 60% of South Africa’s poor in 2023, with KwaZulu-Natal alone accounting for about one in four. Western Cape and Gauteng remain the provinces with the lowest poverty rates in the country,” noted the report.
In addition, the report noted that Gauteng experienced a notable increase in its share of the poor between 2015 and 2023 and now accounts for about 20% of the country’s poor.

“Progress in reducing poverty has been most pronounced among black African and coloured populations. However, the report notes a slight increase in poverty rates among white and Indian/Asian groups between 2015 and 2023; though, their overall poverty share remains very small compared to black Africans who accounted for 93,6% of all poor persons in 2023”.

The report can be accessed on: https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1854&PPN=Report-03-10-06&SCH=74515. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 12/12/2025 – 09:27

89 views

December 11, 2025

Dr. Rasha Kelej impulse un changement radical sur les soins en Prévention Cardiovasculaire, Cardiologie, Diabète et Endocrinologie en Afrique et au-delà, en autonomisant les médecins locaux grâce à 925 bourses de la Fondation Merck de 52 pays

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, les Ministères de la Santé et les Sociétés Médicales, a octroyé, sur un total de 2500 bourses, 925 bourses d’études pour les Diplômes Post-Universitaires d’un an et Master de deux ans en Médecine Cardiovasculaire Préventive, Cardiologie, Diabète, Endocrinologie, et Obésité et Gestion du Poids ; et Programme de Bourses de Recherche d’un an sur le Diabète et l’Hypertension destiné aux médecins de 52 pays d’Afrique, d’Asie et d’Amérique Latine.
La Fondation Merck a publié les premiers livres de contes et films d’animation « La Tension de Mark » et « Jude Sans Sucre », dans le but de sensibiliser au dépistage précoce et à la prévention de l’hypertension et du diabète (qui sont corrélés) et de promouvoir un mode de vie sain auprès des enfants et des jeunes en Afrique et au-delà.

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, célèbre la Journée Mondiale du Cœur 2025 en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, les Ministères de la Santé, les Sociétés Médicales et le Monde Universitaire, dans le cadre de son Programme National de Points Bleus du Diabète et l’Hypertension.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck, a souligné : « À la Fondation Merck, nous célébrons chaque jour la Journée Mondiale du Cœur en Cardiologie, Prévention Cardiovasculaire, Hypertension et Diabète, en Afrique, en Asie et en Amérique latine.

Je suis fière d’annoncer qu’en partenariat avec nos Ambassadrices, les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, et des partenaires tels que les Ministères de la Santé, les Sociétés Médicales et le Monde Universitaire, nous avons accordé 925 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays pour un Diplôme Post-Universitaire En Ligne d’un an et un Master de deux ans en Prévention Cardiovasculaire, Cardiologie, Diabète, Endocrinologie, Nutrition Clinique et Gestion de l’Obésité et du Poids ; un Programme de Bourse Clinique d’un an sur le Diabète et Hypertension ; ainsi qu’un Master Spécial de trois mois sur le diabète en anglais, français, portugais et espagnol. Ces bourses contribuent à la création d’un solide réseau de spécialistes, au-delà des grandes villes et capitales. »

La Fondation Merck a accordé au total plus de 2 500 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.

Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, Ancien Boursier de la Fondation Merck en Tanzanie, partage : « Je suis profondément reconnaissant envers la Fondation Merck pour l’opportunité qui m’a été offerte de poursuivre un Diplôme Post-Universitaire et un Master en Cardiologie. Ce programme de formation a renforcé ma confiance dans l’évaluation des risques cardiovasculaires des patients et dans la mise en œuvre d’interventions fondées sur des données probantes pour les réduire. Il m’a également permis de renforcer mes capacités de recherche. De plus, ce programme m’a permis de mieux informer et guider mes patients sur leurs plans de traitement et les changements de mode de vie les plus bénéfiques pour leur santé. »

Selon la Fédération Mondiale du Cœur, les maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV) sont la deuxième cause de décès en Afrique subsaharienne, tuant plus d’un million de personnes chaque année. De manière alarmante, l’hypertension artérielle est responsable de plus de la moitié des décès liés aux MCV sur le continent, ce qui souligne l’urgence de mesures préventives et d’une sensibilisation accrue à la santé cardiovasculaire.

Par conséquent, la Fondation Merck a lancé une série d’initiatives de sensibilisation communautaire visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à mettre l’accent sur la prévention, le dépistage précoce et la prise en charge efficace du diabète et de l’hypertension.

En partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines, la Fondation Merck a publié des livres de contes pour enfants et des films d’animation adaptés « La Tension de Mark » et « Jude Sans Sucre ».

« À l’occasion de la Journée Mondiale du Cœur 2025, je suis ravie de partager « La Tension de Mark » et « Jude Sans Sucre », les premiers films d’animation en Afrique conçus pour sensibiliser les enfants et les jeunes sur l’hypertension, diabète et l’importance d’un mode de vie sain sur le continent et au-delà. Ces films sont des adaptations de nos livres de contes pour enfants et visent à inciter les communautés à réduire leur consommation de sucre et de sel, à faire de l’exercice régulièrement, à consommer des aliments nutritifs et à éviter de fumer. En promouvant ces habitudes, nous pouvons lutter contre le diabète et l’hypertension, qui sont les principaux facteurs de risque de complications graves et de maladies cardiaques, et donner aux générations futures les moyens de mener une vie plus saine », a ajouté la Sénatrice Dr. Kelej.

Regardez le film d’animation « La Tension de Mark » ici :

https://apo-opa.co/48PjJLp

Regardez le film d’animation « Jude Sans Sucre » ici :

https://apo-opa.co/4oQnYMD

L’émission télévisée panafricaine de la Fondation Merck, « Notre Afrique », conceptualisée, produite, réalisée et co-animée par la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck, présente des créateurs de mode, des chanteurs et d’éminents experts africains de divers domaines dans le but de sensibiliser aux problèmes sociaux et sanitaires. Elle comporte des épisodes consacrés à la sensibilisation au diabète et à la promotion d’un mode de vie sain.

Regardez l’épisode sur la promotion d’un mode de vie sain ici :

https://apo-opa.co/4acjvjQ

Regardez l’épisode sur la sensibilisation au diabète ici :

https://apo-opa.co/4oQo0UL

Tous les épisodes de « Notre Afrique » sont disponibles sur les réseaux sociaux de la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4q7tJqk), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4acjk7Z), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4q7yKiH) et YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4oQo2fl)) et de la Fondation Merck (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pHRZzp), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4oN3G6A), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaQx5) et YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaRRF)).

La Fondation Merck, en collaboration avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, lance chaque année ses Prix pour les médias, les créateurs de mode, les cinéastes, les musiciens, les chanteurs et les talents émergents de ces domaines afin de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser sur la prévention et dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Détails des Prix :

1. Prix Reconnaissance des Médias de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : Les représentants des médias sont invités à présenter leur travail à travers des messages forts et influents pour promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du Diabète et de l’Hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

2. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : Tous les cinéastes africains, les étudiants des institutions de formation cinématographique ou les jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un FILM long ou court, qu’il s’agisse d’une fiction, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame délivrant des messages influents pour promouvoir un mode de vie sain, sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du Diabète et de l’Hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

3. Prix de Mode de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : Tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour délivrer des messages forts et influents afin de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du Diabète et de l’Hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

4. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : Tous les chanteurs et artistes de musique africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du Diabète et de l’Hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

Les candidatures pour tous les prix doivent être soumises par courriel à : submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH
X : https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB
Website : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3MsL52p

À propos de la Fondation Merck :
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

Media files

December 11, 2025

Dr. Rasha Kelej Drives Impactful Change in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Hypertension, and Diabetes Care Across Africa and Beyond by Empowering Local Doctors Through 925 Merck foundation Scholarships from 52 Countries

Source: APO

Merck Foundation in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health and Medical Societies provided out of total 2500 scholarships, 925 Scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management; and One Year Fellowship program for Diabetes & hypertension for doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Merck Foundation released the First storybooks and Animation Films “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Heart Day 2025’ in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Heart Day every day Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Hypertension, and Diabetes, across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

I am proud to share that, in partnership with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa & Asia and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided 925 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Obesity & Weight Management; One Year clinical Fellowship program for Diabetes and Hypertension; and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capitals”.

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Tanzania shares, “I am deeply grateful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity to pursue PG Diploma and MSc in Cardiology. The training program has strengthened my confidence in assessing patients’ cardiovascular risks and applying evidence-based interventions to reduce them. It has also helped to brace my research capabilities. Moreover, the training program has also equipped me to better educate and guide my patients on their treatment plans and the lifestyle changes that will most benefit their health”.

According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming the lives of over 1 million people every year. Alarmingly, high blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all CVD-related deaths on the continent, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and increased awareness around cardiovascular health.

Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched a range of community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing the prevention, early detection, and effective management of diabetes and hypertension.

In partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children’s storybooks and adapted animation Films “Mark’s Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude”.

“On the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, I am excited to share ‘Mark’s Pressure’ and ‘Sugar Free Jude’, the first animation films in Africa designed to raise awareness about hypertension, diabetes, and the importance of healthy lifestyles among children and youth across the continent and beyond. These films are adaptations of our children’s storybooks and aim to inspire communities to reduce sugar and salt intake, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking. By promoting these habits, we can tackle diabetes and hypertension which are the major risk factors for serious complications and heart disease and empower future generations to lead healthier lives”. Added Senator Dr. Kelej.

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/48PjJLp

Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/4oQnYMD

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episode on promoting Healthy Lifestyle here:

https://apo-opa.co/4acjvjQ

Watch the Episode on Diabetes Awareness here:

https://apo-opa.co/4oQo0UL

All episode of “Our Africa” are available on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4q7tJqk), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4acjk7Z), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4q7yKiH) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4oQo2fl)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pHRZzp), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4oN3G6A), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaQx5) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaRRF)).

Merck Foundation together with African and Asian First Ladies, annually launches their Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians, Singers, and emerging talents from these fields to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Details of the awards:

1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH
X: https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3MsL52p

About Merck Foundation:
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/4ps7BXH), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB).

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.

Media files

.

December 11, 2025

Dra. Rasha Kelej impulsiona mudanças impactantes em prevenção cardiovascular, cardiologia, Tratamento da hipertensão e diabetes em toda a África e além, empoderando médicos locais através de 925 bolsas de estudo da Fundação Merck de 52 países

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com as Primeiras Damas Africanas e Asiáticas, Ministérios da Saúde e Sociedades Médicas, concedeu um total de 2.500 bolsas de estudo, sendo 925 bolsas de estudo para Diploma de Pós-Graduação de um ano e Mestrado de dois anos em Medicina Cardiovascular Preventiva, Cardiologia, Diabetes, Endocrinologia e Gestão da Obesidade e do Peso; e um programa de bolsas de estudo de um ano para Diabetes e Hipertensão para médicos de 52 países da África, Ásia e América Latina.
A Fundação Merck lançou os primeiros livros de histórias e filmes de animação “Pressão de Mark” e “Jude Sem Açúcar”, com o objectivo de conscientizar sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da Hipertensão e da Diabetes (que são doenças relacionadas) e promover um estilo de vida saudável entre crianças e jovens em África e em outros lugares.

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), O braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha celebra o “Dia Mundial do Coração 2025“, em parceria, com as Primeiras Damas da África e da Ásia, Ministérios da Saúde, Sociedades Médicas e Academia, atarvés do Programa Nacional de Pontos Azuis para Diabetes e Hipertensão.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck, enfatizou: “Na Fundação Merck, celebramos o Dia Mundial do Coração todos os dias em Cardiologia, Prevenção Cardiovascular, Hipertensão e Diabetes, em toda a África, Ásia e América Latina.

Tenho orgulho de partilhar que, em parceria com as nossas Embaixadoras, as Primeiras-Damas da África e Ásia, e parceiros como Ministérios da Saúde, Sociedades Médicas e Academia, concedemos 925 bolsas de estudo para médicos de 52 países, incluindo um Diploma de Pós-Graduação Online de um ano e um Mestrado de dois anos em Prevenção Cardiovascular, Cardiologia, Diabetes, Endocrinologia, Nutrição Clínica e Gestão da Obesidade e do Peso; um programa clínico de bolsas de um ano para Diabetes e Hipertensão; e também um Mestrado Especial de 3 meses em Diabetes, em inglês, francês, português e espanhol. Estas bolsas estão a ajudar a construir uma rede robusta de especialistas, atingindo além das grandes cidades e capitais.

A Fundação Merck já concedeu mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo para médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.

O Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, ex-aluno da Fundação Merck da Tanzânia, afirma: “Sou profundamente grato à Fundação Merck pela oportunidade de frequentar o curso de Diploma de Pós-Graduação e o Mestrado em Cardiologia.

O programa de treinamento fortaleceu a minha confiança na avaliação dos riscos cardiovasculares dos pacientes e na aplicação de intervenções baseadas em evidências para reduzi-los. Também ajudou-me a fortalecer as minhas capacidades de investigação. Além disso, o programa de treinamento capacitou-me para melhor educar e orientar os meus pacientes sobre os seus planos de tratamento e as mudanças de estilo de vida que mais beneficiarão sua saúde.

De acordo com a Federação Mundial do Coração, as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a segunda principal causa de morte em África Subsaariana, ceifando a vida de mais de 1 milhão de pessoas todos os anos. De forma alarmante, a hipertensão arterial é responsável por mais da metade de todas as mortes relacionadas a DCV no continente, destacando a necessidade urgente de medidas preventivas e maior conscientização sobre a saúde cardiovascular.

Por isso, a Fundação Merck lançou uma série de iniciativas de conscientização comunitária com o objectivo de promover um estilo de vida saudável e enfatizar a prevenção, a detecção precoce e o tratamento eficaz da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, a Fundação Merck lançou livros de histórias infantis e adaptou os filmes de animação “Pressão de Mark” e “Jude Sem Açúcar”.

“Por ocasião do Dia Mundial do Coração de 2025, tenho o prazer de partilhar ‘Pressão de Mark’ e ‘Sugar Free Jude’, os primeiros filmes de animação em África projectados para conscientizar sobre hipertensão, diabetes e a importância de estilos de vida saudáveis entre crianças e jovens em todo o continente e além. Estes filmes são adaptações de nossos livros de histórias infantis e visam inspirar as comunidades a reduzir o consumo de açúcar e sal, praticar exercícios regularmente, consumir alimentos nutritivos e evitar o fumo. Ao promover estes hábitos, podemos combater a diabetes e a hipertensão, que são os principais fatores de risco para complicações graves e doenças cardíacas, e empoderar as gerações futuras a levarem vidas mais saudáveis”, acrescentou a Senadora Dra. Kelej.

Assista ao filme de animação “Pressão de Mark” aqui :

https://apo-opa.co/48PjJLp

Assista ao filme de animação “Jude Sem Açúcar” aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/4oQnYMD

O programa televisivo pan-africano da Fundação Merck, “Nossa África“, que é conceituado, produzido, realizado e coapresentado pela Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck, e conta com a participação de estilistas de moda africanos, cantores e especialistas proeminentes de vários domínios com o objectivo de aumentar a conscientização sobre questões sociais e de saúde, tem episódios dedicados a aumentar a conscientização sobre a diabetes e promover um estilo de vida saudável.

Assista ao episódio sobre promoção de um estilo de vida saudável aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/4acjvjQ

Assista ao episódio sobre conscientização sobre diabetes aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/4oQo0UL

Todos os episódios de “Nossa África” estão disponíveis nas redes sociais da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4q7tJqk), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4acjk7Z), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4q7yKiH) e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4oQo2fl)) e Fundação Merck (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pHRZzp), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4oN3G6A), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaQx5) e YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaRRF)).

A Fundação Merck, juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas, lança anualmente os seus prémios para mídia, estilistas de moda, cineastas, músicos, cantores e talentos emergentes destas áreas para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Informações sobre os prémios:

1. Prémio de Jornalismo Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes e Hipertensão”: Representantes da mídia são convidados a apresentar o seu trabalho por meio de mensagens fortes e influentes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

2. Prémio do Cinema Fundação 2026 “Diabetes e Hipertensão”: Todos os cineastas africanos, estudantes de instituições de formação cinematográfica ou jovens talentos de África são convidados a criar e partilhar um FILME longo ou curto, seja drama, documentário ou docudrama para transmitir mensagens fortes e influentes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a consciencialização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

3. Prémio de Moda Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes e Hipertensão”: Todos os estudantes e estilistas de moda africanos são convidados a criar e partilhar designs para transmitir mensagens fortes e influentes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

4. Prémio da Canção Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes e Hipertensão”: Todos os cantores e artistas musicais africanos são convidados a criar e partilhar uma MÚSICA com o objectivo de promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

As inscrições para todos os prêmios devem ser enviadas por e-mail para: submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH
X: https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3MsL52p

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

December 11, 2025

2025 State of RegTech in Sub-Saharan Africa Report Launched, Highlights Surge in Supervisory Technology and Financial Inclusion

Source: APO

RegTech Africa (https://RegTechAfrica.com/) today formally announces the publication of the 2024 State of RegTech in Sub-Saharan Africa Report, a comprehensive, data-driven industry report examining the rapid evolution of regulatory innovation across Africa’s financial ecosystem. The report provides strategic insights into the growth of RegTech and SupTech, regulatory innovation, financial inclusion, and the critical role of technology in strengthening consumer protection across emerging and complex markets.

The report positions Sub-Saharan Africa as one of the most dynamic frontiers for regulatory technology, driven by the expansion of FinTech, mobile money, cross-border payments, and real-time digital supervision. It highlights how regulators and financial institutions are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence, machine-readable regulation, and cloud-based architectures to manage risk while expanding access to formal financial services.

Cyril Okoroigwe, Chief Executive Officer, RegTech Africa, said: “This report marks a defining moment for Africa’s regulatory and digital finance ecosystem. RegTech is no longer a back-office function, it is now core infrastructure for trust, stability, and inclusive growth. The report captures how African regulators and market participants are moving from reactive compliance to proactive, technology-driven supervision.”

The publication also underscores the growing adoption of Supervisory Technology (SupTech) by central banks and financial authorities, signaling a structural shift towards real-time, data-driven oversight across the continent.

Commenting on the broader implications of the report, Dr. Tunde Ibidapo-Obe, CEO, Regfyl, stated: “The findings of this report clearly demonstrate that Africa is shaping a uniquely innovative model of digital regulation. The convergence of RegTech and SupTech is enabling safer markets, stronger consumer protection, and scalable financial inclusion that other regions are increasingly studying and learning from.”

The 2024 State of RegTech in Sub-Saharan Africa Report serves as a strategic benchmark for policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, FinTech leaders, investors, and development partners seeking to understand the next phase of digital financial infrastructure in Africa.

Access the full report at: https://apo-opa.co/491ZJGx

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RegTech Africa.

For Partnership & Research Collaboration:
info@regtechafrica.com

About RegTech Africa:
RegTech Africa is a leading platform advancing regulatory technology adoption through research, policy engagement, industry convening, and capacity building across emerging markets.

Media files

.

December 11, 2025

At the heart of Africa’s fintech evolution: Exness opens new Cape Town regional hub

Source: APO

Exness (www.Exness.com), one of the world’s largest multi-asset brokers, has officially opened its new office in Cape Town, marking a major milestone in its long-term commitment to traders and partners in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

As fintech innovation continues to accelerate across the region, South Africa has emerged as a natural hub for financial technology and digital inclusion. With one of the most advanced financial systems in Africa and a thriving ecosystem of start-ups and talent, Cape Town offers a unique blend of innovation and opportunity, making it the ideal regional hub for Exness.

The new state-of-the-art office serves as the center of Exness’ operations in South Africa and across the SSA region. It will house local professionals providing local expertise and insights, ensuring that clients across the region benefit from local insight and global-standard service.

Petr Valov, Exness co-founder and CEO, expressed, “The opening of our Cape Town office marks a new chapter for Exness, one that involves innovation and regional growth. We see immense potential in SSA and our investment here reflects our confidence in the region’s growth and in the incredible talent driving it.”

The office’s inauguration brought together Exness executives, local partners, and media representatives to celebrate this significant milestone. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches from the company’s senior management, and a reception with the regional team, underscoring Exness’ deepening roots in the region.

The celebration continued with the Creators (EX)perience held at Killarney International Raceway’s Joubert Pits, where Exness hosted an adrenaline-charged event that embodied the brand’s values of precision and prestige. The day featured a supercar showcase and F1-style pit stop challenges, bringing the energy of motorsport to life. Guests also participated in a high-intensity racing simulator competition, where their reflexes were put to the test in a virtual tournament.

Paul Margarites, Exness Regional Commercial Director, commented, “By building a strong local presence, we are bringing our global expertise closer to our traders. This office is more than a space; it’s a reflection of our long-term commitment to traders in the region.”

By combining cutting-edge trading infrastructure with local expertise, Exness is empowering traders with access, confidence, and better-than-market conditions. Exness’ growing Sub-Saharan Africa operations are supported by its Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) license in South Africa and its Capital Markets Authority (CMA) license in Kenya, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible, transparent, and regulated operations across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.

About Exness:
Founded in 2008, Exness is a global multi-asset broker committed to providing traders with better-than-market conditions. Today, Exness is trusted by a global network of active traders. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships, Exness delivers stability, precise execution, and instant withdrawal processing, setting the benchmark for reliability in the online trading industry.

Media files

.

December 11, 2025

Major Global Players Set to Join MSGBC Upstream Market as Nations Eye Future Discoveries

Source: APO

Several international energy companies are expected to join the MSGBC region’s upstream market in the coming months, as operators target exploration opportunities in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. Speaking at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference this week, Ben Sayers, Partner & Energy Specialist, GeoPartners, explained that the south of the MSGBC region has not yet heralded a major discovery, but expected forays by international companies could potentially turn this trend around.

“We are seeing a very different position in the north of MSGBC and the south. In the north, we have production onstream in Senegal and Mauritania. In the south, countries still need to drill to find that oil. We have seen Chevron joining Guinea-Bissau which is fantastic for the south part of the basin. We could see similar things in The Gambia, with two to three big companies expected to join. Companies are also linking up to work with Guinea-Conakry,” Sayers said.

These developments align with a broader trend by regional nations to incentivize upstream investment. In addition to opportunities in the south of the MSGBC basin, Paul Freeman, Global Exploration Advisor, SLB, highlighted opportunities in deeper acreage across the region. He explained that “We know the geology is good and there are the right kind of play types. Once you go below 1,000 m, there is very little exploration. But recent discoveries in Namibia show that certain play types and source rocks work better the deeper you go. There is a vast area in the MSGBC basin in the ultra-deepwater that still has potential to be unlocked.”

Against a backdrop of record-breaking production and major investments, the MSGBC region is positioning itself as the next major exploration hub. From improved fiscal terms to bold exploration campaigns and new block opportunities, regional nations are looking to attract fresh capital in upstream projects.

“I used to say that the MSGBC is a world-class petroleum system; but I was wrong, it is a super world-class petroleum basin. We now have solid drilling evidence proving that we have multiple source rocks. We have Permian source rocks, source rocks in the Jurassic and cretaceous. Seismic does not find oil and gas. While seismic is a requirement, drilling finds oil and gas,” stated Rogers Beall, Executive Chairman, Africa Fortesa Corporation.

Senegal is currently seeking partners to develop its Yakaar-Teranga gas project while Mauritania is looking to advance its BirAllah development. To attract partners in these projects – as well as other exploration initiatives – Alioune Guèye, CEO, Petrosen Holding, underscores the role of national oil companies (NOC).

He explained that “the basin is attractive enough in terms of geology. Now the question is, why haven’t we attracted more players into the basin? I believe that there are steps in attracting big players. One of the first steps is for NOCs to do some volarization and preliminary work. Companies like Petrosen need to step up their game and do that work to de-risk [the basin] and ensure that we can attract those players to invest.”

Mauritania is strengthening its regulation under efforts to attract partners to projects such as BirAllah. Chemsdine Sow Deina, Director General of Petroleum and Low Carbon Hydrogen, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Mauritania, explained that “We have recently established some improvements to the regulations, including terms associated with cost recovery. We have a better investment code and a new local content code. The legal framework is based on best practices worldwide. The win-win partnership is our strategy.”

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

Media files

.

December 11, 2025

Senegal Charts Gas-to-Power Strategy at MSGBC 2025

Source: APO

Senegal is emerging as a continental leader in gas-to-power solutions, combining innovative technical models with flexible project delivery to meet rapidly growing electricity demand, panelists said on Tuesday at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference in Dakar.

Senegal’s approach is already showing results: the country launched Africa’s first LNG-to-power project this July without subsidies, highlighting a model that could serve as a blueprint for the region, according to Zackarie Fortin-Brazeau, Vice President for LNG to Power & Clean Technologies at Karpowership.

“This is a milestone for the continent and showcases the proof of discipline and strong execution here in Senegal,” Fortin-Brazeau said. He noted that Senegal’s electricity demand is growing by 9–10% per year, among the fastest in the world. “Keeping up with this demand requires reliability, flexibility and speed. New turbines today take around five years to procure, deliver and install – this is why powerships play a long-term role in countries that have quick emerging power.” Fortin-Brazeau emphasized that floating powerships can be deployed faster and at lower cost than land-based plants, complementing renewable energy sources by providing generation that can respond quickly to intermittent supply.

The push for gas integration is underpinned by a broader strategic shift, according to Papa Toby Gaye, Director General of national electricity company SENELEC. “This strategy is built on decentralizing capacity. We understand that electricity costs depend heavily on the type of fuel used… If we are able to introduce gas into the mix, we can significantly reduce electricity prices,” Gaye said. He added that smaller, distributed power plants will allow Senegal to flexibly integrate gas as it becomes available.

Technical execution remains central to these efforts. Pape Momar Lô, CEO of state-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal, emphasized rigorous preparation, including stakeholder consultation, mapping and environmental planning. He also highlighted the wider potential of gas infrastructure: “Even today, the conversation has moved beyond simply ‘gas-to-power’ to ‘gas-to-X.’ This reflects that various industries – whether in agriculture, transportation, aquaculture, health or fishing – can adapt and take advantage of this gas infrastructure for their own development. We need a strong legal framework, with a strong gas code to make sure this is sustainable.”

The economic case for gas-to-power in Africa was reinforced by Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies. “We have tested gas-to-power not only in Ghana but other African countries. The technology is tested, acceptable, and most importantly, very affordable,” he said. Highlighting Ghana’s experience, he noted that switching from crude oil or diesel to gas cut electricity tariffs significantly, illustrating the financial impact of integrating gas.

From a financial and operational perspective, Dominique Gadelle, VP Early Engagement Gas at TechnipEnergies, highlighted the pillars of successful gas-to-power projects: revenue security, risk reduction, ESG compliance and technological integration. “Switching from fuel to natural gas is one of the most credible pathways, as it can reduce CO₂ emissions per megawatt-hour by approximately 50%,” he said. Gadelle also emphasized forward-looking planning for the sector: gas-to-power is a lever to transition from coal and fuel to cleaner electricity, but networks should eventually be ready to integrate hydrogen and reduce reliance on carbon to meet future energy demands.

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

Media files

.

December 11, 2025

Kidnapping for ransom in the Sahel: analysis of 24 years of data shows a new trend

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alexander M. Laskaris, Visiting Scholar, University of Florida

Kidnapping for ransom has a long history in the west African Sahel. In 1979, a rebel group led by Chad’s future president Hissène Habré kidnapped a French archaeologist and a German medical doctor in the north of the country. The kidnappers asked for the release of political prisoners, among other demands.

Over the decades kidnapping became an industry in the Sahel. Governments were willing to pay financial and political ransoms even if they denied it publicly. This industry fuelled the expansion of jihadist groups from Algeria to the Sahel (south of the Sahara) between the early 2000s and mid-2010s. The most spectacular of these kidnappings was the abduction of 32 European tourists in 2003. It was carried out by the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat in the Algerian Sahara. A €5 million ransom was reportedly paid for the hostages.

Using conflict data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, we examined the evolution of abductions and forced disappearances in 17 west African countries over the last 24 years. We are scholars with personal experience as a former ambassador to Chad and Guinea and a geographer.

We analysed nearly 58,000 violent events. These events have caused the death of more than 201,000 people from January 2000 through June 2024.

Our findings suggest that the kidnapping industry has experienced a major shift. We discovered that most of the victims of kidnappings for ransom were westerners until the end of the 2010s. Since then violent extremist organisations have turned to local civilians. Both western and local hostages represent lucrative resources that ultimately fuel insurgencies in the west African Sahel.

A lucrative industry

Armed groups have learned that seizing a western hostage is a low-risk and high-reward proposition. It leads to financial gain and political accommodation. The exact amount of money paid is difficult to assess due to the opacity of the negotiations and the number of intermediaries involved. An estimated US$125 million was paid by European countries to liberate hostages captured by al-Qaida and its affiliates in this region from 2008 to 2014.

These resources have fuelled the international development, training and arms purchases of armed groups. For example, in October 2025, the United Arab Emirates allegedly paid a US$50 million ransom. They also allegedly delivered military hardware to al-Qaida-affiliated militants for the release of Emirati hostages in Mali.

The revenues generated from ransom payments have facilitated the development of alliances between militant groups and local leaders. They have also made the recruitment of young combatants from Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso easier for extremist organisations, by offering significant financial incentives.

As security expert Wolfram Lacher explains, kidnapping for ransom was the most important factor behind the growth of al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb in northern Mali.

The common perception is that when a westerner is taken hostage in the Sahel, a mighty military apparatus is deployed to rescue them. However, there is little to suggest that western military pressure on terrorist or criminal networks contributes to hostage recovery. Indeed, the most likely outcome of an armed rescue operation has proven to be the death of the hostage. Most of the time, the reason for their release has been ransom and concessions negotiated by local partners.

Local civilians increasingly targeted

In the last decade, the number of foreigners living or travelling in the Sahel has plummeted. Due to terrorism and political unrest, travel to the region is strongly discouraged by western countries.

Jihadist militants have therefore turned to local targets and started abducting a growing number of civilians from the region. Our report reveals that abductions and forced disappearances have experienced a twenty-fold increase since Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) was formed in 2017.

Kidnappings tend to occur both along major transport corridors and in rural areas. There, jihadist groups have implemented a predatory economy based on looting and ransoming civilians. In the central Sahel, this kidnapping economy has spread to most rural areas. This includes the south of the Wagadou forest in Mali to the W National Park at the border between Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger.

The brutal local economics of kidnap for ransom is also vibrant in the Lake Chad region. Although the kidnapping of westerners is, on a per capita basis, far more lucrative in the Sahel, these groups are doing a brisk business of kidnapping civilians, as shown on the map below.

Map 1. Kidnappings in the Lake Chad region, 2018-2024.

In late November 2025, for example, more than 300 children were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in a Catholic school in western Nigeria. Our analysis shows that about a third of these events involve abductions of girls and women.

Civilians are usually released unharmed shortly after their motorbikes, food items, phones and animals have been taken, or ransom has been paid.

Should ransoms be paid?

The question of whether hostage situations should be resolved by paying a ransom depends on the parties involved.

For Sahelian governments, acceding to ransom demands weakens their political position and provides material support for those who threaten them. The same applies to foreigners in the Sahel – relief workers, missionaries, business people, tourists – for whom every ransom paid makes their position more precarious.

For western governments responsive to family, media and political pressure, however, bringing hostages home via ransom is always the easiest solution. Media coverage focuses on joyful reunions, not moral hazard.

In the United States, the 2020 Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act reorganised the internal hostage response capacity of the government. By streamlining the process by which accommodations are made to the kidnappers, the act established clear lines of authority, while giving families both better support and access to decision-makers.

Left unresolved is the tension between the prohibition on paying ransom to terrorist organisations and the reality that, for kidnapping victims and their families, the best response is to pay. Given the vastness of the Sahel and the lack of any effective security response, caving to ransom demands is the best hope for a successful resolution.

We should not criticise families for demanding action from their governments, for acceding to terrorist organisations’ ransom demands, or for rejoicing when hostages are liberated. At the same time, however, one should also not be afraid to state the obvious: their joy leads inevitably to another westerner’s or African’s trauma.

– Kidnapping for ransom in the Sahel: analysis of 24 years of data shows a new trend
– https://theconversation.com/kidnapping-for-ransom-in-the-sahel-analysis-of-24-years-of-data-shows-a-new-trend-270714

December 11, 2025

Managing conflict between baboons and people: what’s worked – and what hasn’t

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Shirley C. Strum, Professor of the Graduate Division, School of Social Sciences and Emerita, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego

Conflict between humans and baboons can tear communities apart. Shirley C. Strum has studied wild olive baboons in Kenya for more than 50 years. In that time she’s come to understand the species intimately. In this article she argues that humans have taken from nature (without asking) for too long. And that now it’s time for us to rethink this relationship.

What have you learnt about baboon behaviour and habits over the past 51 years?

During my studies I have found that baboons are smart and sophisticated, and they need each other to be successful because of an unwritten “golden rule” – “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Baboons aren’t yet endangered, because they adapt to new human environments. Part of this adaptability includes flexible primate hands (not trunks or hooves), primate intelligence, and the combined knowledge of their social group.

My research over the decades has provided a great deal of evidence of this.

As far as conflict with wildlife is concerned, you can’t ignore the growth in human population everywhere. In 1972, when I started my research, Kenya’s population was 12 million. Now it is pushing 60 million people.

This rate of population growth means more land is used for infrastructure and food. Development has converted wildlife areas into rural, suburban and urban human environments over the last 50 years.

As a result, human-wildlife conflict has increased. In Kenya, most wildlife exists in parks, reserves and surrounding areas. Kenya Wildlife Service recorded 10,000 episodes in these areas in 2024.

My research demonstrated that the cost of raiding has to outweigh the benefits for the baboons. Once tasted, human foods, including field crops, are ideal. Baboons are a special case of conflict because they can outsmart most humans. And baboons can be very destructive when they lose their fear of humans as they have in some parts of Cape Town, South Africa.

How can baboons be stopped from raiding farms and homes?

This depends on both the context and the history of baboon troops in the area.

The best solution to resolving conflicts is to prevent them. Changing human behaviours is difficult. And preventing bad baboon behaviour – like raiding human foods – is easier than trying to change baboon behaviours once they occur.

But this is an increasingly rare opportunity today because of the humanisation of the landscape.

What approaches have been tried and which ones have been successful?

The Gilgil Baboon Project – after translocation it became the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project – started on a 45,000 acre (18,000 hectare) cattle ranch with more wildlife than cattle. We tried many control techniques, old (guarding and chasing) and new (playback of baboon alarm calls, leopard scats and lithium chloride taste aversion).

The ranch was then sold to Gikuyu Embu Meru Association, which distributed land to its members. Baboons began enjoying the new foods, raiding crops regularly.

Research demonstrated that the costs of raiding had to outweigh the benefits for baboon to stop raiding. It might surprise you that baboons do not eat human food out of spite but because of deep evolutionary imperatives. Their foraging aim is always to get the most nutrition for the least expenditure of energy.

Once tasted, human foods are special. They are large packages of easy to digest fare, the equivalent of baboon fast food. This makes baboons very difficult to control given the benefit of eating human food.

Some observations about solutions.

Boundaries: To prevent baboons raiding, you must draw a line beyond which baboons cannot go and reinforce it frequently and consistently. Given how much a baboon has to gain, she or he can devote plenty of time to waiting for the right moment.

Because of the growth of human population, many places already have baboon raiders. In this case, fields must be guarded by people all the time, homestead doors and windows can’t be left open (unless window bars prevent baboons of any size getting in) and many other human time-consuming and costly coping behaviours have to be used to control baboon raiding.

Remember, to control raiding the cost must exceed the benefit. You have to use up baboon time, forcing them to look for other things to eat. But harming a baboon doesn’t work unless it is directly linked to the raiding and in full view of the rest of the group.

If the baboon habit of eating human food has become a “tradition”, it is difficult to extinguish.

Translocation: If you have enough money and time, translocating the baboons might be an alternative. Translocation means moving them to a new place in their historical range. I pioneered translocation for primates in 1984 when I moved three troops from Kekopey Ranch near Gilgil, Kenya to a place where crops couldn’t grow, the Eastern Laikipia Plateau in Kenya.

Today, however, there are very few places left where baboons can’t get into trouble.

Killing: The final option is to remove the baboons. I call it “killing” because fancy names don’t hide the reality. However, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. You first need to understand baboons. Second, the baboons can’t be killed by a helicopter gunship or even professional hunters. They are too wily. Killing a whole baboon group has its challenges. Even if you succeed (which I doubt), removing one group from a population means another troop will soon take its place.

These are hard choices that I don’t take lightly. It is one thing to view wildlife from the safety of your home or vehicle but another to have baboons steal your food, take your livestock, or decimate your crops.

What needs to change?

Human views about baboons have changed over the last 50 years from positive to negative. Today, social media is rife with conflict between baboons and humans in southern Africa. Nature is real, but our ideas about nature are cultural and based on our experiences and attitudes.

We are faced with a difficult dilemma: humans cause the problem but wild creatures pay the price. Conflict between baboons and humans won’t change unless human behaviour and attitudes change.

Dr Strum has a new book published by Johns Hopkins University Press: Echoes of Our Origins: Baboons, Humans and Nature. It is available on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

– Managing conflict between baboons and people: what’s worked – and what hasn’t
– https://theconversation.com/managing-conflict-between-baboons-and-people-whats-worked-and-what-hasnt-264821