Category: Africa

Source: APO

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At the maternal and child health centre of Agua Grande in the country’s capital, São Tomé, it’s vaccination day. By 9:00, the benches are filled with mothers cradling their babies and fathers watching over older children, while health booklets pass quietly from hand to hand amid the conversations. In the adjacent rooms, nurses prepare the vaccines, call families one by one and carefully record the data. Calm and trust fill the space.

Jucilène da Trindade, 35, a mother of three, waits for her turn with her youngest, child two-year-old Mateus. “With three children, my days are full! But I always find the time to get them vaccinated. It protects them and saves me medical expenses, giving them a safer future,” she confides, holding her son’s blue health booklet close to her.

Da Trindade is not only an attentive mother. She has also become a point of reference for other mothers in her neighbourhood. She encourages her neighbours to vaccinate their children, supports young mothers and relays information to her community.

Eunice Carvalho, 21, benefits from her support. “Jeanna is my very first child. I do everything to keep her healthy. Since my daughter was born, every visit to the centre to get her vaccinated reassures me that she grows up protected and safe,” she says proudly, holding the carefully filled pink booklet for her 15-month-old.

Community mobilization is one of the pillars of São Tomé and Príncipe’s success in vaccination. In 2019, coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine reached 94%, well above the regional average of 74%.

To strengthen routine immunization, World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the government in improving quality of care. This support has included integrated supervision in health districts, training technicians in data management and quality, enhanced strategic planning and better coordination between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and district teams.

The country has also eliminated neonatal tetanus and remains polio-free. “Seeing polio and neonatal tetanus disappear from my country is a tremendous satisfaction. On vaccination days, parents come on their own. Knowing that our work saves lives is a daily source of pride,” says Ana Lucia, a nurse for ten years at the Agua Grande maternal and child health centre.

Like everywhere else, the COVID-19 pandemic put this dynamic to the test. In 2023, vaccination coverage dropped to 87%. But the national response, with partner support, was rapid, structured and innovative. Supplementary vaccination activities were intensified, with a particular focus on districts with low coverage. The active search for zero-dose and under-vaccinated children by mobile teams at community level—supported by community health workers and civil society organizations—helped raise awareness and catch up children who were behind on their vaccination schedule.

WHO supported the introduction of new vaccines, vaccination campaigns and community mobilization to boost demand for immunization services. “The very essence of vaccination takes on a human face here: protecting children, strengthening family trust and building healthier communities. São Tomé and Príncipe shows that despite challenges, progress is possible,” says Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, WHO Representative in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The strong collaboration between the government, health professionals, communities, technical and financial partners is widely praised. “São Tomé’s example illustrates the strength of partnership. The government, health professionals and communities are working together to ensure sustainable access to vaccines,” notes Dr Antoinette Awaga, head of the transition team for middle-income countries at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

These advances rest on an accessible health system, regular campaigns, staff training and better information for families. EPI is at the heart of the country’s progress.

“Over the past decades, EPI has been one of the strongest pillars of disease prevention and the promotion of our population’s health. Thanks to collective work with all actors, many lives have been saved and the future of countless children protected,” says Dr Solange Barros, EPI coordinator for São Tomé and Príncipe.

Beyond saving lives, vaccination acts as a lever for development. It reduces healthcare costs, improves school attendance, strengthens family productivity and creates a lasting bond between communities and their health system.

“Here, we don’t come just for a vaccine, we come for the future. Vaccinating my children is an act of love and responsibility,” concludes Jucilène as she leaves the health centre, her baby on her back.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Sao Tome and Principe.

Source: APO

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In flood-prone Adamawa State, north-east Nigeria, early health preparedness helped protect thousands of vulnerable people from preventable disease outbreaks during the 2025 rainy season.

Through a government-led intervention coordinated by the Adamawa State Ministry of Health (SMOH) with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), health teams were deployed ahead of peak flooding in seven high-risk local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Numan, Girei, Lamurde, Fufore and Demsa.

The actions were funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Government and People of Japan. The anticipatory response focused on preventing malaria, cholera and other flood-related diseases, while ensuring continuity of essential health services for displaced and vulnerable populations.

Reaching communities before the floods

In Fadde Gassol, Yola South, 25-year-old pregnant Aisha Bello received a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN), malaria prevention, and antenatal care from a WHO/CERF-supported mobile health team.

“The medical team came before the floods became worse,” she said. “This prepared me to stay healthy and deliver my baby safely.”
Her experience reflects the broader impact of early action across affected communities.

Life-saving results

As flooding disrupted access to several settlements, health teams delivered integrated services, including malaria and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) management, maternal and child health care, routine immunisation, nutrition screening, mental health support, hygiene promotion and referrals for gender-based violence services.

With CERF and Government of Japan funding, and WHO technical support:
•    5000 LLINs were distributed to high-risk households to prevent malaria.
•    3000 pregnant women accessed antenatal care, with hundreds receiving intermittent preventive treatment for malaria.
•    Three Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) and three Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) were established to ensure rapid cholera response.
•    250 sanitation facilities were disinfected, and key water sources chlorinated to reduce cholera transmission.
•    Thousands of people received cholera and hygiene prevention messages.
•    Hundreds of displaced households received WASH dignity kits to support safe sanitation and hygiene practices.

“We crossed flooded paths to reach communities that had not seen a health worker in weeks,” said Fatima Musa, a frontline health worker. “Despite the difficulties, communities welcomed us and trusted our support.”

Strengthening local preparedness

WHO also supported state-level emergency preparedness, especially for cholera, through:
•    Prepositioning of emergency medical supplies
•    Training of frontline health workers
•    Strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems
•    Supporting coordination through the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC)
“CERF and Japan’s support enabled us to move before the crisis peaked,” said Dr Abdulhakeem Yusuf, WHO Adamawa State Coordinator. “This prevented outbreaks, reduced suffering and protected the most vulnerable, especially women and children.”

Strong coordination through PHEOC

Coordination for flood preparedness and response was conducted through the Adamawa State PHEOC, bringing together key partners including WHO, OCHA, UNFPA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and local humanitarian organisations.

“Strong coordination helped us move early and reach more people before needs escalated,” said Momsiri Wesley Biyama, Head of OCHA Sub-Office in Adamawa.
Huzaifatu Mohammed, Adamawa Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, added:
“Our volunteers worked alongside health teams in difficult terrain. Through the PHEOC coordination mechanism, services reached communities that would otherwise have been cut off.”

Sustaining the gains

Despite the progress, recurring floods driven by climate change continue to pose risks. Additional investments are needed to expand anticipatory action, strengthen surveillance, improve WASH infrastructure and reach more remote communities.

WHO, the Adamawa State Government and partners remain committed to sustaining and scaling these interventions ahead of future flood seasons to protect lives and strengthen community resilience.

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

Source: APO

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Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in the country’s public health response. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the initiative will generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with technical support from WHO, recently concluded a five-day planning workshop. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and international partners to finalize the technical protocol and operational strategy.

Nigeria is the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national AMR survey. The country was selected based on its strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.

Why Surveillance Matters

Nigeria ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to AMR. In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to AMR—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases (Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance – GRAM, IHME, University of Washington, 2023).

Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between US$2,371 and US$29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84% (Poudel AN et al., PLoS One, 2023).

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure. Surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions.

“This planning workshop marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s AMR response,” said Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, NCDC. “With WHO’s support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”

Survey Objectives and Scope

The survey will:
•    Establish a national baseline on AMR prevalence to monitor interventions.
•    Assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations.
•    Contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10% by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.).
•    Strengthen routine AMR surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.

Using WHO’s standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.

Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.

Building National Capacity

WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment:

“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.” 

Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”

Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:

“This survey is about more than data. It’s about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”

Supporting Global Health and Universal Health Coverage

AMR is a global health challenge. Nigeria’s participation contributes to regional and international efforts to monitor resistance and coordinate responses. The survey also supports the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

By improving diagnostics, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, and promoting responsible antimicrobial use, the initiative will help reduce treatment failures and advance Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), national health security, and the National Health Sector Renewed Investment Initiative.

A Shared Commitment

AMR is among WHO’s top global health priorities. Nigeria’s efforts supported by WHO, NCDC, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the Global Fund, demonstrate strong national ownership and multisectoral collaboration.

Through science, partnership, and evidence-based action, Nigeria is laying the foundation to safeguard lives, preserve the efficacy of essential medicines, and build a healthier future.

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

Source: APO

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On Sunday, 30 November 2025, the City of Dakar, host of the event, welcomed the official launch of the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture. The opening ceremony was held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ousmane Sonko. Jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, the initiative gives concrete expression to a project conceived nearly thirty-eight years ago, aimed at strengthening regional integration through arts and culture.

In his address, the Mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall, recalled Senegal’s legendary hospitality, described as the “Land of Arts and Culture,” and highlighted Dakar’s plural identity as a “cosmopolitan, lively and vibrant city.” He underscored ECOFEST’s vocation as a bridge between West African peoples and as a platform dedicated to the promotion of talents that shape the cultural vitality of the region.

For his part, Prime Minister H.E. Ousmane Sonko recalled that the Festival seeks to promote integration, social cohesion, peace and development through culture. This ambition is fully aligned with the resolve of the Government of Senegal to make culture a pillar of economic and social development, as well as an essential vector of sovereignty.

Delivering her message on behalf of Dr. Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr commended the leadership of the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his commitment to culture and sub-regional integration. She also extended her gratitude to the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, for his decisive role in the realization of ECOFEST. She further paid glowing tribute to the artists, creators, religious and traditional leaders who embody the living memory of the peoples of West Africa.

Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050 – “An ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All” – the Festival highlights culture as a key lever for social cohesion, lasting peace and inclusive development. In a regional context marked by political and security crises, the chosen theme, “Political Mutations and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?” invites reflection on the role of the arts as spaces for expression, resilience and the reconstruction of social bonds. ECOWAS recalled that culture has always been at the heart of the dynamics of resistance and renewal, from the great West African empires to the present day.

The ceremony was enhanced by performances from renowned artists: Sidiki Diabaté (Mali), Ismaël Lô (Senegal), Solange Cesarovna (Cabo Verde) and Gyakie (Ghana). Through the subtle notes of the kora, traditional dances and powerful voices that resonated within the Grand Théâtre Doudou N’Diaye Coumba Rose, the audience and officials shared a moment of deep emotion and artistic communion.

ECOFEST 2025 will run until 6 December, featuring a rich programme of exhibitions, concerts, performances, professional meetings, workshops and cultural exchanges. This first edition seeks to showcase the diversity of artistic expressions from a region of multiple identities, united by a shared cultural heritage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Residents of villages in the Golo administrative area in Senafe sub-zone are conducting a dirt road renovation popular campaign on the road that connects Senafe with Talha-Nar’e administrative area.

Mr. Ibrahim Omar, managing director of the administrative area, said that the objective of the popular campaign was to renovate the dirt road that was damaged due to flooding and to address the challenges residents have been facing due to the lack of transportation services.

Golo administrative area is located 12 km east of Senafe and is home to about 1,500 residents.

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

Source: APO

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The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) central office organized vocational training for its members in the Northern Red Sea Region.

Ms. Zaid Mesfun, head of administration and finance of the union, said that the theoretical and practical training covered finance administration, documentation, human resources management, material administration, and reporting.

Ms. Zaid called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their daily activities at their workplaces. She also said that similar training programs will continue to be organized.

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

Source: APO

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Promotional program focusing on measures that should be taken to control the prevalence of communicable diseases was conducted for owners of various social service provision institutions in Asmara.

The promotional program, organized by the Promotion and Information Unit of the Ministry of Health on 1 December, covered HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and cervical cancer.

The health professionals provided detailed briefings focusing on the spread of these diseases at the national and global level. They called for seeking immediate treatment when symptoms appear and for the proper use of prescribed medicines.

Noting that regular vaccination against cervical cancer is being provided, vaccination is regularly being provided to females aged 14, while women aged 30 are recommended to undergo regular checkups.

Mr. Solomon Girmay, chairman of the Tourism Service Provision Institutions, said that the objective of the promotion program was to enhance the understanding of owners of social service provision institutions on controlling the prevalence of communicable diseases and to enable them to play their due part in the effort.

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

Source: APO

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Angola has officially launched its first dedicated non-associated gas project, the New Gas Consortium (NGC) Gas Treatment Plant in Soyo, marking a major milestone for the country’s energy sector. Commissioned in November 2025, the onshore facility processes around 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 20,000 barrels of condensate, sourced from the offshore Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. The project represents a significant shift for Angola, moving beyond its historical reliance on oil and tapping standalone gas resources that can support a more diversified and resilient energy economy.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – strongly welcomes this achievement, viewing it as a transformative step for Angola and the continent. By developing non-associated gas, Angola is reducing its historical reliance on oil, creating jobs, building local skills and establishing a reliable supply of cleaner power. Thousands of Angolans were mobilized during construction and commissioning, with over 4,500 employed at the peak of activity and another 1,200 involved in fabrication and infrastructure, demonstrating how energy projects can deliver direct, tangible benefits to communities.

Gas from the Soyo plant feeds directly into the Angola LNG facility, supporting both exports and domestic power generation, as well as future industrial projects such as fertilizer production for agriculture. Operated by Azule Energy – a 50:50 joint venture between energy majors bp and Eni – alongside Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol E&P and TotalEnergies, the $4 billion project reached full operations six months ahead of schedule, demonstrating efficiency, strong project management and Angola’s growing capability to delivery large-scale, complex energy infrastructure.

The NGC project also strengthens Angola’s position in the global natural gas market. Unlike associated gas produced alongside oil, non-associated gas is a standalone resource, offering long-term industrial and economic advantages while supporting cleaner energy production. The momentum in the country’s gas sector continues with the recent discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in offshore Block 1/14. Announced in July 2025, this was the first dedicated gas exploration well in Angola and has revealed potential gas volumes exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet, along with up to 100 million barrels of condensate. Operated by Azule Energy with partners Equinor, Sonangol E&P and Acrep S.A., the discovery confirms the enormous potential of the Lower Congo Basin and underscores the value of Angola’s non-associated gas strategy.

“Non-associated gas deposits guarantee additional production rather than relying solely on the gas that is associated with oil. The benefits are significant, as gas is in great demand in the international market, is less polluting than diesel and offers a competitive price. We believe that other developments like this will come along, which is promising for the Angolan people and the national economy,” stated Angola’s President João Lourenço.

Echoing the President’s enthusiasm for gas development in the country, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo added that, “This is the first non-associated natural gas treatment production project in Angola. […] Angola established a modern, competitive and attractive legal and fiscal regime for the development of gas not associated with oil, definitively opening the door to structuring projects like this.”

For the AEC, the Soyo plant is a clear example of how Africa can take control of its energy future, executing complex projects efficiently while creating economic and social value. It highlights the continent’s ability to responsibly develop its resources, deliver energy security and open new avenues for industrialization and sustainable growth. The Chamber applauds Angola, Azule Energy and all partners involved for achieving this milestone and setting a benchmark for non-associated gas development in Africa.

“Angola’s first non-associated gas project marks a decisive moment for the country’s energy future. It shows what is possible when bold leadership, strong partnerships and investor confidence align. This development will unlock new value, drive industrial growth and position Angola as a competitive force in Africa’s evolving gas market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.