Category: English

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej met H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, during the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025. The Summit which was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)  CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7^th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I also visited Maldives recently to meet her. During our meeting we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Fertility and Embryology trainings”.

H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I am happy to share that we have already started providing scholarships for our local doctors in Fertility and Embryology training. These are two very critical specialties for our country. We also plan to enroll our doctors in other specialties, further underscoring our partnership with the Merck Foundation to enhance healthcare capacity in the country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4juKAB8

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEOreceiving H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”:  https://apo-opa.co/4ju2eoy

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/49KYFXQ

“We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Maldives, African countries, and beyond”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Through their Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation is also closely working with The First Lady of Maldives to address a wide range of critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, stopping gender-based violence and women empowerment, and important health issues including promoting the importance of healthy lifestyle, and diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation together with the First Lady Maldives will soon conduct their Health Media Training for Maldivian media representatives, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives, Merck Foundation is launching seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness.

The 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)  CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4b9WAWT), X (https://apo-opa.co/49vpvlE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3N4UP3f).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/49czWvs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4aSf0LE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3LiQV6f), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4sxFXdN).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4aWFz2h

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.

• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili

• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers

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/4b9WAWT
X: https://apo-opa.co/49vpvlE
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3N4UP3f
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3Lr6cSk
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4sPdvEz
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49cPxLx

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/4b9WAWT), X (https://apo-opa.co/49vpvlE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3N4UP3f), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3Lr6cSk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4sPdvEz).

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

Source: APO

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From January 10 to 18, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will visit the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Ghana.

1. In both Ethiopia and Ghana, State Minister KUNIMITSU is scheduled to participate in business forums and exchange views with key government officials, among others, as the head of the Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa.
2. This will be the fifteenth mission of its kind, with approximately 70 participants from Japan’s business community, relevant government agencies, and organizations. As part of the follow-up to TICAD 9, which was held in August last year, it is hoped that this mission’s visit will further expand trade and investment between Japan and both countries.

(Reference1) Schedule of State Minister KUNIMITSU

January 10	Departure from Narita
11	Arrival in Addis Ababa
	Mission-related events, meetings with dignitaries, etc.
14	Departure from Addis Ababa
	Arrival in Accra
	Mission-related events, meetings with dignitaries, etc.
17	Departure from Accra
18	Arrival in Narita

(Reference2) The Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa

Dispatching a Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa started as one of the initiatives set forth at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) with a view to promoting trade and investment in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

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Minister Majodina commissions major water infrastructure to secure supply for Rustenburg and Thabazimbi, warns against water mafias

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, together with Deputy Minister Mr David Mahlobo, commissioned critical upgraded water infrastructure that will significantly improve water security for the residents of Rustenburg Local Municipality under Bojanala District Municipality in the North West, as well as Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo.

The commissioning included the upgraded Vaalkop Water Treatment Works Raw Water Pumpstation and the associated Bulk Water Pipeline, both of which are designed to respond to growing water demand and ensure long-term water security in the two provinces.

Minister Majodina was joined by the Members of the Executive Council responsible for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) in the North West, Mr Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, and in Limpopo, Mr Basikopo Makamu. Also in attendance were the Executive Mayors of Bojanala District Municipality, Rustenburg Local Municipality and Thabazimbi Local Municipality. Magalies Water was represented by its Board Chairperson, Dr Lydia Sebego, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ofentse Nthutang.

The Vaalkop Water Treatment Works Raw Water Pumpstation upgrade, implemented by Magalies Water from February 2023 and completed in November 2025, will ensure sustainable water supply for Moses Kotane and Rustenburg Local Municipalities in the 

North West, as well as Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo.

The Pumpstation directly abstracts water from Vaalkop Dam and has been upgraded from a capacity of 240 megalitres per day (ML/day) to 360 ML/day. It has been equipped with ten pump sets designed to efficiently supply raw water to the water treatment works, strengthening operational reliability, improving water management and reducing water losses.

Minister Majodina also commissioned the upgraded Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which was initiated in response to increasing water demand from the rural communities of Bethanie, Modikoe and Berseba within Rustenburg Local Municipality.

Implemented by Magalies Water in partnership with Glencore Rhovan PSV Mine, the project involved the construction and installation of a 23.4-kilometre bulk potable water pipeline, comprising 560mm and 400mm diameter pipes with associated valves. The pipeline runs from the Kortbegrip Reservoir to the Bethanie and Modikoe Reservoirs.

The new pipeline replaces the ageing asbestos fibre-cement pipeline that had reached the end of its operational life and was prone to frequent bursts. The upgraded infrastructure increases bulk water supply capacity to meet the current demand of 7.05 ML/day and future demand projected at 12.60 ML/day.

Importantly, the project will also enable additional water volumes to supply Makolokwe Village, where access to water remains critically low. Currently, the village relies on boreholes that are insufficient to meet the growing needs of the community.

The second phase of the project, the bulk pipeline between Bethanie and Makolokwe Village, is scheduled to commence in March 2026 and will include the construction of a booster pumpstation at the Bethanie Reservoir. Upon full completion, the project will provide a reliable water supply to a combined population of approximately 144,133 residents, including households, schools, clinics, businesses and community institutions.

Minister Majodina commended the public-private partnership between Rustenburg Local Municipality and Glencore Rhovan PSV Mine, noting its positive contribution to accelerating service delivery in Bethanie and Modikoe villages.

“Today’s handover represents progress, but more importantly, it represents partnership. When government, communities and stakeholders work together, we can overcome scarcity, defeat criminality and deliver sustainable services.

“The benefits of this investment are clear and far-reaching. For households, it means a more reliable water supply and greater resilience during peak demand periods. For local businesses, industries and emerging enterprises, it provides the certainty needed to operate efficiently, expand production and create jobs. For municipalities, it strengthens the backbone of service delivery and long-term development planning,” said Minister Majodina.

The Minister also called on communities to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure and keep it safe from vandalism and sabotage. She strongly condemned individuals and syndicates who deliberately damage water infrastructure to sustain illegal water trading activities.

“These projects must be protected, and I want to speak clearly and firmly today: water infrastructure is not a playground for criminals. The vandalism of pipelines, theft of equipment and manipulation of water systems by so-called water mafias is a direct attack on the dignity and well-being of our people. It deprives families of water, disrupts livelihoods and undermines development.

“This government will not tolerate water mafias. Those who vandalise, steal or illegally profit from water infrastructure are stealing from children, the elderly and the most vulnerable. Law enforcement agencies are working closely with the Department, municipalities and water boards, and we will pursue arrests, prosecutions and harsh consequences for anyone who undermines service delivery,” Minister Majodina concluded.

– on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) notes with serious concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District. The Department is working closely with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Knysna Municipality, and other municipalities which are Water Services Authorities to safeguard water security and mitigate the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses, and the tourism sector.

Current Status of Water Security in Knysna

Knysna’s water supply system has reached a critical stage. The Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality’s primary storage facility, is currently at approximately 19% full, translating to an estimated 13 days of usable water at present consumption levels. The situation constitutes a serious water security crisis and warrants immediate and collective action from all sectors of society.

Compounding this pressure are below-normal rainfall patterns, reduced river flows due to drought conditions, and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism. These factors have significantly reduced inflows into the system and further constrained the Municipality’s ability to meet growing demand.

Intergovernmental Coordination and Emergency Structures

In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a standing intergovernmental structure, has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions. The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government and Knysna Municipality and draws technical and regulatory support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Garden Route District Municipality.

The JOC is tasked with planning and executing short-term emergency measures, medium-term resilience interventions, as well as longer-term water resource solutions to reduce vulnerability to future climatic and environmental shocks.

Regulatory and Compliance Measures

Given the severity of the crisis, DWS through its regulatory and water resource management functions has directed the Municipality to urgently explore and activate alternative water sources. These include groundwater abstraction, borehole development, reuse technologies, and temporary augmentation schemes.

DWS together with BOCMA, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Knysna Municipality, will implement a Compliance and Enforcement Blitz to assess adherence to water use authorisations, imposed restrictions and environmental regulations. This intervention is intended to prevent illegal abstraction, wastage, and non-compliance that could further compromise available supply.

Short- to Medium-Term Interventions Underway

The following measures are currently being monitored by DWS in collaboration with the JOC:
1.    Demand reduction initiatives encouraging all water users to significantly curtail consumption.
2.    Sourcing and blending of additional water supply where technically feasible.
3.    Enforcement and monitoring of Level 4 water restrictions.
4.    Public communication and awareness campaigns to keep residents and visitors informed.
5.    Preventative maintenance of critical infrastructure to minimise unplanned outages or leak-related water losses.

These actions are aimed at extending available supply, delaying system failure, and preserving reserves for priority domestic and public health needs.

Climate Change and Long-Term Adaptation

The current crisis underscores the growing impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in coastal and tourism-driven municipalities. The Department reiterates that Water Services Authorities can no longer rely exclusively on surface water systems and must diversify portfolios through a mix of:

• groundwater development
• water reuse and recycling
• stormwater capture
• desalination (where feasible)
• improved demand management and efficiency of water use.

To support institutional resilience, DWS is further assisting Knysna Municipality through its Policy Development Special Project to develop and implement new Water and Sanitation By-Laws, enabling more effective regulation, tariff alignment, and enforcement capacity going forward.

Appeal to Stakeholders and the Public

DWS remains concerned about the potential socio-economic implications of the crisis on households, public services, the local economy, and the tourism industry particularly during peak season. The Department therefore appeals to all residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly and responsibly.

The Department condemns recent incidents of vandalism of municipal infrastructure and calls upon community members to report such actions to law enforcement authorities.

Assurance and Way Forward

DWS wishes to reassure the public that the national, provincial and district spheres of government, along with sector stakeholders, are aligned and working collectively to stabilise water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.

Progress updates will be communicated to the public as further interventions are implemented and as conditions evolve.

– on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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Assail Drilling Company (a Diamond Plus sponsor) and TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips, Repsol, OMV and Eni (Diamond sponsors) will participate in the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 at the highest level, reaffirming strong international and domestic backing for Libya’s upstream growth strategy as the country targets oil production of 2 million barrels per day (bpd). 

Assail Drilling’s participation underscores the critical role of local drilling and services capacity in Libya’s upstream expansion. The company continues to scale operations across key producing assets, strengthening drilling capacity while supporting workforce development, safety standards and technical training across Libya’s oil and gas sector. 

Recent developments across international energy company portfolios highlight Libya’s near-term production upside. In late 2025, OMV (https://apo-opa.co/4pzKPfz) announced a major discovery at the B1-106/4 well in the Sirte Basin (https://apo-opa.co/45JMnwq), with test flows exceeding 4,200 barrels per day (bpd) of oil and 2.6 million cubic feet per day of gas. Estimated recoverable volumes at the Essar prospect range between 15 and 42 million barrels of oil equivalent. OMV is engaging with the National Oil Corporation (NOC) to lift force majeure in several contract areas and advance new seismic acquisition and drilling programs in early 2026. 

Reaffirming its long-term commitment to Libya’s evolving energy landscape through a multi-energy strategy spanning upstream growth, gas development and decarbonization, TotalEnergies (https://apo-opa.co/456JWnE) has worked to support the country’s ambitions to lift output, strengthen energy security and attract international capital. In 2025, the company advanced record-setting production across the Waha concessions, progressed restart plans at Mabruk, expanded exploration in the Murzuq Basin and evaluated large-scale solar capacity near Misrata alongside low-carbon solutions such as methane detection technologies. 

Underscoring its strategic role in advancing Libya’s long-term production growth and investment framework, ConocoPhillips (https://apo-opa.co/4svMbuv) has deepened engagement with the NOC through high-level negotiations aimed at securing competitive fiscal and operational terms to unlock multi-billion-dollar developments. As part of its interests in Waha, ConocoPhillips is prioritizing large-scale projects such as North Gialo 6J and NC-98, as well as drilling, gas integration and operational readiness initiatives designed to support Libya’s ambition of reaching 2 million bpd by the end of the decade. 

Repsol (https://apo-opa.co/49Le5eJ) has accelerated its upstream activity in Libya, lifting operated production to around 307,000 bpd and targeting 350,000 bpd by year-end. The company is executing a nine-well drilling campaign in the Murzuq Basin while advancing gas flaring reduction initiatives and an LPG project in Ubari to improve domestic energy access. Production at the El Sharara field has also exceeded 300,000 bpd for the first time since 2019, reinforcing Repsol’s growing operational momentum across the country. 

Eni (https://apo-opa.co/4jyPr4u) will reinforce its position at LEES as a cornerstone of Libya’s gas-focused growth strategy. Operated primarily through Mellitah Oil and Gas, a 50-50 joint venture with the NOC, Eni is advancing the $8 billion offshore Structures A&E project, targeting up to 750 million standard cubic feet per day with first gas expected around 2026, alongside carbon capture and storage at Mellitah. The company has resumed offshore and onshore exploration, operates the Bahr Essalam and Wafa fields, plans €8 billion in investments by 2029 and has been shortlisted for Libya’s upcoming upstream licensing round. 

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

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

Source: APO

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Emergent BioSolutions has announced a collaboration agreement with PANTHER to provide additional financial support to continue progressing the Africa CDC-led ‘MpOx Study in Africa’ (MOSA). This initiative aims to advance research into effective treatments for patients diagnosed with mpox, a virus for which there is currently no dedicated antiviral therapy.  

Launched in 2024, MOSA is a double-blind, platform-adaptive clinical trial designed to evaluate potential treatment options for mpox across multiple African countries. The study initially received funding from the European Union and Africa CDC, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being a major area of focus.  

An independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) completed its initial review of MOSA safety data in December 2025, after the first 50 patients were randomised, and recommended continuing the trial, with no safety concerns identified.  

“We applaud Africa CDC, the DRC investigators, and PANTHER for their efforts in reaching this important milestone and are proud to support the advancement of the MOSA trial,” said Simon Lowry, M.D., chief medical officer, head of research and development, Emergent. “Emergent is committed to collaborating with research partners around the world to study medications that address global health threats.”

As the study continues, Africa CDC and PANTHER intend to extend the study to new countries, including a site in Uganda, and enrol patients to reach the next milestone.

“This study represents a critical step in generating evidence to inform mpox treatment and strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to emerging health threats,” said Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya. “Africa CDC will continue working closely with partners whose collaboration and support are essential in advancing research and improving preparedness across the continent.”

Since the beginning of 2024, the continent has reported more than 61,383 confirmed cases and 296 deaths across 32 countries, according to Africa CDC. Africa has both major mpox clades, Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa and causes more severe illness, and Clade II, which is more prevalent in West Africa, while recent outbreaks have featured subclades like Clade Ia, Ib and Clade IIa and IIb.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).