Category: English

Source: APO

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The Sumbe Pediatric Hospital is under pressure due to the significant increase in measles cases in recent weeks. Currently, 23 children remain hospitalized with a diagnosis of the disease and, according to the hospital’s management, there has been an average of eight new admissions a day. At times, such as last week, the unit has received up to 40 cases at the same time, with days when 15 children were admitted with symptoms compatible with measles. 

Isilda Ngunza Manuel, a vendor in Matabicho square and resident of Bairro da Pedra, is one of the mothers affected. Her four-month-old daughter began to show persistent fevers and red spots all over her body. “I was very scared. At first, I thought it was just heat or allergies. But then it got worse, and I had to go to hospital straight away…” she says. Like the case of Isilda’s daughter, many others have come to the unit with warning signs. According to the Director of the Provincial Children’s Hospital, Dr. Andreza das Dores Bastos Diogo, the impact of the disease on families’ lives and on the hospital’s capacity has been evident. “What needs to be done first is to thoroughly investigate the cases, understand how they are emerging and vaccinate the affected communities immediately.” 

According to the health authorities who are closely monitoring the situation, so far 264 suspected measles cases have been reported, spread across 16 of the province’s 24 municipalities. Of the total number of suspected cases reported and investigated, 34 are positive (of which 2 with double infection “Measles and Rubeola”), 29 negatives, 65 pending, 148 confirmed by epidemiological link and 9 deaths. 

The cases range from 4 months to 35 years. The most affected age group is children from 1 to under 5 years old, including unvaccinated babies, schoolchildren and young adults. 

According to vaccination status, 224 of the 264 children affected by measles have not been vaccinated. Of the 40 vaccinated, 29 received the first dose and 11 completed the second dose. 

To contain the spread, epidemiological surveillance teams have been conducting active house-to-house and health unit searches, taking samples for laboratory analysis and filling out notification / investigation forms. At the same time, a vaccine blockade action is underway, with the mobilization of health professionals, community technicians and local leaders, who have been sensitizing families and offering the vaccine directly in the communities where cases have been identified. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, severe diarrhea, encephalitis and, in extreme cases, lead to death, especially among young children and unvaccinated people. Although preventable with a safe and effective vaccine, measles continues to pose a significant risk in contexts with low vaccination coverage. 

For Dr. Manuel Muixi, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert deployed in the province, the response depends on swift and coordinated action. “Measles is a serious threat to children’s health, as well as adults, but it can be contained with effective vaccination, active surveillance and strong community mobilization. We are working hand in hand with the local authorities to stop this chain of transmission,” he says. 

The Director of the Cuanza Sul Provincial Health Office, Dr. Nelson Camilo, stresses the importance of collaboration between all sectors. “We are mobilized to protect our communities. It is essential that parents take their children for vaccination and that everyone follows the guidelines of the health authorities.” 

With technical and logistical support from the WHO, the Ministry of Health and the Expanded Vaccination Program (EPP) are stepping up efforts to contain the outbreak and strengthen prevention throughout the province. The expectation is that, with block vaccination, the active search for cases and the direct involvement of communities, the number of new infections will begin to fall in the coming days. 

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

Source: APO

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His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has presided over the official swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Alex Pat Labib Saffa as the newly appointed Electoral Commissioner for the Eastern Region, following his unanimous approval by Parliament.

The ceremony, held at State House, formalized Mr. Saffa’s appointment in line with Section 32(6) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which requires Electoral Commissioners to take and subscribe an oath of office before assuming their duties. Leading the proceedings, Secretary to the President Mr. Barba Brima Fortune noted that Mr. Saffa had successfully passed a thorough due diligence process and received the full endorsement of Members of Parliament.

Taking the oath of office before the President, Commissioner Saffa pledged to uphold, support, and maintain the Constitution in the execution of his duties, committing to impartiality, transparency, and integrity.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Saffa expressed gratitude to President Bio for the trust reposed in him and described the appointment as a profound honour. “Your Excellency, I am deeply humbled. This appointment speaks volumes of your commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions,” he said.

He further pledged to collaborate with fellow commissioners and stakeholders to ensure free, fair, and credible elections that genuinely reflect the will of the Sierra Leonean people. “An impartial and transparent electoral commission is the backbone of any vibrant democracy,” he added.

Commissioner Saffa emphasized his readiness to work across political lines and civic interests in the Eastern Region to build an electoral environment that upholds the aspirations of the people. He also thanked the President for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic development.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio congratulated the newly sworn-in Commissioner and acknowledged the weight and complexity of the role. “Your task is huge and difficult, but you are familiar with the terrain,” he noted.

The President called on the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and all Commissioners to begin preparing early for the 2028 electoral cycle, emphasizing the importance of mental and operational readiness. “The 2028 elections will come with pressure, but I urge you to rise above all odds and ensure credible election results,” he stated.

He concluded by encouraging Commissioner Saffa to serve in the best interest of the country, with a clear focus on upholding public trust, delivering on the will of the people, and preserving the integrity of Sierra Leone’s democratic process.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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World Hepatitis Day was observed at the national level in Asmara yesterday under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”

Dr. Araya Berhane, Director of Communicable Diseases Control at the Ministry of Health, stated that although hepatitis has various forms, this year’s observance focused on infection-related hepatitis, which remains a leading cause of illness and death in the country.

Citing a study by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Araya noted that in Eritrea, 30 out of every 1,000 people are carriers of Hepatitis B virus, while 5 out of every 1,000 are carriers of Hepatitis C. He also highlighted that the rate of infection varies across regions, and chronic illnesses are often associated with these two viruses.

He further stated that the primary means of controlling Hepatitis B is through vaccination, which has been in place in Eritrea for over 23 years. Since newborns must be vaccinated within 24 hours of birth, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, plans to expand the vaccination program starting in November 2025.

Dr. Mary Stephen, WHO Representative in Eritrea, and Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Yousuf, UNICEF Representative, commended Eritrea’s efforts in controlling and eradicating hepatitis. They emphasized that the observance of the day serves as a reminder to give due attention to hepatitis and to combat it through integrated and timely efforts.

Participants held extensive discussions on the current situation of hepatitis and strategies for its control.

The event featured a general knowledge competition among secondary schools in the Central Region, with awards presented to the winners.

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

Source: APO

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President Isaias Afwerki met, at Denden Guest House in mid-afternoon hours today, the Italian delegation led Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests; and Mr. Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The extensive discussions centered on enhancement of bilateral ties and partnership as part and parcel and continuation of the concrete areas of cooperation on various sectors that had been reached between President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Italy in February 2024 last year.

The broad areas of cooperation include the sectors of energy, mining; physical infrastructure; manufacturing; Agriculture, Marine Resources, Tourism, Culture and Sports, Human capital development, economic cooperation and finance. The two sides also discussed regional peace, security and stability.

A Comprehensive Plan of Action on Bilateral Cooperation Between the State of Eritrea and the Italian Republic (as specified above) was signed after the meeting by Mr. Nesredin Mohamed, Eritrea’s Minister of Trade and Industry; and Mr. Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The two sides further agreed to hold continuous meetings in Eritrea and Italy in the period ahead to monitor and expedite the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement.

In a brief statement to the Eritrean News Agency, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida underlined that the progress achieved today reflects the initial tangible step in the efforts that have been exerted in Asmara and Rome to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs of the PFDJ, and Mr. Alfonso Di Riso, Ambassador of Italy to Eritrea.

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

Source: APO

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Building on the momentum of its June 2025 establishment in Mombasa, Kenya, the Western Indian Ocean Network for Small-Scale Octopus Fishers (WION-SOF) has taken a decisive step forward. With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), AU-IBAR convened a landmark workshop on 29 July 2025 aimed at strengthening governance structures and promoting gender-responsive approaches in small-scale octopus fisheries across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

The virtual gathering brought together fisheries experts, policymakers, and community representatives from across the WIO region to finalize governance structures and action plans for the newly formed network. Mrs. Hellen Guebama, representing the AU-IBAR Director, opened the session by emphasizing the network’s potential to “transform coastal livelihoods through collaborative, gender-responsive fisheries management.”

Key outcomes of the workshop included:
•    Adoption of a governance framework and rules of procedure for WION-SOF
•    Expansion of the network’s membership to include Seychelles and Mauritius
•    Commitment to develop national chapters in all participating countries
•    Appointment of a Communications Officer to enhance regional coordination

A defining feature of the proceedings was the dedicated focus on gender mainstreaming, aligning with the recently endorsed Continental Gender Strategy for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation. Multiple presentations and country-led sessions addressed practical mechanisms for ensuring women’s participation in decision-making, resource management and market access. Representatives emphasized the need to nurture enabling environments for women in both leadership and operational roles throughout the fisheries value chain.

This initiative aligns with the African Blue Economy Strategy and builds on AU-IBAR’s ongoing efforts to conserve aquatic biodiversity while supporting coastal livelihoods. With its governance structure now in place, WION-SOF is poised to implement its action plan, which focuses on reducing post-harvest losses, improving market access and promoting sustainable fishing practices across the region.

Read more on WION-SOF Initial Meeting

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO

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The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, held a high-level meeting with Dr. Nitin Salgotra, a renowned medical expert from India and representative of the International Relations Department of Yashoda Hospitals.

The discussion focused on advancing the strategic partnership between John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center and Yashoda Hospitals, following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cardiovascular (heart) surgery services in Liberia.

The collaboration aims to elevate cardiac care at JFK Medical Center through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and infrastructure development. As part of this initiative, a high-profile Liberian delegation of four officials will visit Yashoda Hospitals in mid-September 2025.

The visit will include on-site inspections of cutting-edge medical facilities and discussions on a doctor exchange program to facilitate training in advanced cardiac procedures, as well as world-class infrastructure and personalized patient care.

Minister Kpoto emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing Liberia’s growing need for specialized patient care. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Liberia’s healthcare system. By leveraging Yashoda Hospitals’ expertise, we can enhance local capacity, reduce medical travel, and save lives,” she stated.

Dr. Salgotra expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Yashoda Hospitals’ commitment to providing the best-in-class expertise and personalized patient care. “We are honored to support Liberia in building a top-notch program. Our goal is to empower Liberian medical professionals with skills and technology to deliver exceptional healthcare locally,” he said.

This initiative underscores the Government of Liberia’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery through strategic international partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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From the 22nd  to  24th of July, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DAHS), in close collaboration with other relevant directorates and agencies, the Ministry of Women, Family and Social Solidarity of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, as well as the ECOWAS Women, Peace and Security Regional Steering Group (WPS-RSG), successfully organized a national capacity-building workshop in Bissau. The three-day workshop, aimed at stakeholders and focal points of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, focused on the application of the African Union’s Continental Results Framework (CRC-UA), simplified and adapted to the West African context by the ECOWAS Commission for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the WPS Agenda.

This initiative is part of ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national accountability mechanisms and data systems, in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions. It is implemented with the technical and financial support of the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG), co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and carried out with the support of GIZ.

In her opening speech, Her Excellency Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, underlined Guinea-Bissau’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in peace-building processes. She reaffirmed the government’s support for the WPS Agenda, citing several national policies and legal frameworks, including the National Policy for Gender Equality and Equity (PNIEG), the Parity Law, as well as laws on gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Mrs. Cristina da Silva Pedreira, Director General of Regional Integration and Head of the ECOWAS National Unit at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, welcomed the participants, stressing that the workshop offered a platform for adapting continental frameworks to the local level and strengthening the role of women in sustainable development and peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS processes in national institutions.

Representing the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Her Excellency Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, Dr. Aishatu Morido Yanet praised the collaborative spirit that had animated the workshop and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to fill the data and coordination gaps, as highlighted in the first ECOWAS regional WPS report (2024). She stressed that the CRC is not just a technical tool, but an essential accountability mechanism ensuring the visibility and impact of women’s contributions to peacebuilding.

On behalf of the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, Program Manager for the Social Dimensions of Human Trafficking, stressed the importance of the CRC in institutionalizing monitoring and reporting on the WPS. He pointed out that the Guinea-Bissau workshop is the ninth of its kind organized by ECOWAS, following similar initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Togo, Senegal and Ghana. “Women and girls must be visible actors in peace and governance,” he said, adding that the CRC’s simplified tool is a crucial step in ensuring evidence-based implementation and monitoring of national WPS commitments.

Speaking on behalf of the German government, Mr. Carsten Wille, Head of the Liaison Office of the German Embassy in Dakar and Guinea-Bissau, reaffirmed Germany’s strong commitment to feminist development cooperation and inclusive peacebuilding. “We are proud to support national actors through the EPSG project. Guinea-Bissau’s adherence to this CRC training demonstrates its willingness to strengthen its institutional response to the gender dimensions of peace and security,” he asserted.

The workshop, led by Ms Tamwakat Elizabeth Golit, Integrated Expert on Women, Peace and Security for the EPSG Project at the ECOWAS Commission, and Ms Edineusa Lopes José da Cruz Figueiredo, President of the Institute for Women and Children, brought together over 35 participants from ministries, security institutions, civil society organizations, academia and the media. Through participatory exercises, group work and technical presentations, the workshop strengthened participants’ ability to use the CRC tool and its complementary questionnaire, enabling better monitoring of WPS indicators in line with national and regional frameworks.

At the close of the workshop, five gender assessment reports were officially handed over to the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau and to the ECOWAS National Office. During the presentation of the reports, Ms. Tamwakat Elizabeth Golit, the EPSG Project’s Integrated Gender Expert at the ECOWAS Commission, provided a summary of the main findings and practical recommendations for strengthening national coordination and policy responses. She stressed the importance of transparency and collective ownership, pointing out that the reports are now publicly available via the ECOWAS website, to serve as a resource for advocacy, research and evidence-based decision-making.

Participants hailed the workshop as a timely initiative and called for further training, institutionalization of the CRC in national monitoring systems, and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders. They also expressed their willingness to contribute to the next national WPS reporting cycle using the simplified CRC tool.

The workshop concluded with a strong call to action: to take the Women, Peace and Security Agenda beyond political declarations, towards concrete and measurable impacts for women and girls in Guinea-Bissau and West Africa.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, is on an Official Visit to Havana, Republic of Cuba, on 29 July 2025 to co-chair the 18th South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) with his Cuban counterpart, First Deputy Foreign Minister, HE Mr Gerardo Peñalver Portal.

The 18th JCM takes place against the backdrop of the excellent bilateral and fraternal ties between the two countries that go beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.

Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Cuba spans several key sectors, including Health, Basic and Higher Education, Science, Innovation and Technology, Defence, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements as well as Sports, Arts and Culture. The JCM will allow both delegations to reaffirm their commitment to these existing partnerships and to further deepen their sectorial collaboration.

The platform will also provide an opportunity to discuss regional and multilateral issues, particularly within the context of South-South cooperation and the promotion of a more just and equitable global order. Both countries share a commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international law.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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On the 28th and 29th of July  2025, the Cape Verdean capital Praia is hosting a decisive session of the ECOWAS Technical Committee for Standards Management (TMC). The aim: to review and validate revised regional standards for fortified foods, including iodized salt, fortified vegetable oils and fortified wheat flour. This initiative, supported by UNICEF, is part of the fight against persistent malnutrition in West Africa.

This technical session is part of the implementation of the Common Industrial Policy for West Africa (PICAO) and the Standards Harmonization Model (ECOSHAM). The ambition is clear: to strengthen the regional normative framework in terms of nutritional security, by adopting up-to-date standards aligned with international standards and meeting the public health priorities of member states.

Alongside the work on food standards, the Committee also validated the new composition of the bureaux of the sectoral technical committees THC2 (food products), THC4 (buildings and construction materials), THC8 (textiles and clothing) and THC9 (information and communication technologies), taking into account the withdrawal of certain AES  countries.

In his opening speech, Mr. Lassané Kaboré, ECOWAS Director of Industry, emphasized the strategic impact of these harmonized standards: guaranteeing safe products for consumers while boosting the competitiveness of local industries. He also announced the imminent launch of a process to develop standards for complementary foods for infants and young children, in partnership with UNICEF.

For his part, Mr. Siméon Nanama, UNICEF Regional Nutrition Advisor for West and Central Africa, reiterated the urgent need to take action against malnutrition, a real brake on development. He highlighted large-scale fortification as a sustainable solution, praised the exemplary partnership between UNICEF and ECOWAS, and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the development of nutritional standards, particularly for young children.

Ms Ana Paula Spencer, President of the Institute for Quality Management and Intellectual Property (IGQPI), praised ECOWAS’s leading role in setting up a regional quality infrastructure, an essential lever for fairer and safer trade.

This TMC session marks a new stage in the regional drive to guarantee safe, fortified and accessible food for all, in the face of the growing challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in West Africa.

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