Japan: Meeting between Foreign Minister IWAYA and H.E. Mr. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 20, commencing at 11:05 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his congratulations on Somalia’s election of the non-permanent member of the Security Council (UNSC) in January this year and stated that Japan would like to work closely with Somaliawhile sharing Japan’s expertise. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah expressed his gratitude for an invitation to TICAD 9 and Japan’s hospitality as a message from the President and showed his appreciation for Japan’s extensive support to date. He also stated his intention to promote cooperation with Japan at the Security Council.
  2. Following that, Minister IWAYA referred to Japan’s efforts toward peace and stability in Somalia, including support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance in line with Somalia’s needs. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah explained his country’s efforts to promote investment and expressed his hope for further cooperation with Japan in private investment and development in Somalia. Referring to his expectation for cooperation in areas such as fisheries, renewable energy, and infrastructure, human resource development, and youth exchange, he expressed his intention that Somalia would continue to work closely with Japan in various fields.
  3. The two ministers also concurred to further strengthening cooperation in responding to various regional and international challenges, such as policies towards North Korea including the abductions issue and the United Nations Security Council reform.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Mediators Received Hamas’ Response to Ceasefire Proposal, Awaiting Israeli Position

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 19, 2025

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has informed the mediators of its approval of the new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. 

He said that this proposal represents the best possible option to spare the blood of brothers in the Strip, especially in light of the ongoing military escalation and the plans announced in the media.

Dr. Al Ansari said during the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the new proposal includes a path to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war. 

It includes a temporary ceasefire for 60 days, during which a number of prisoners and hostages will be exchanged, along with the repositioning of Israeli forces and the intensification of humanitarian aid entry according to the terms of the agreement.

He added that Hamas’ response was very positive and largely aligns with what was previously approved by the Israeli side, but the mediation is still awaiting an official response from Israel.

He also said that the region is going through a critical humanitarian moment, and if an agreement is not reached now, all will be facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, pointing out that the State of Qatar continues its efforts in cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and other international parties to push for a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid.

Regarding the timing of the Israeli response, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that there was no specific timeframe, but discussions are ongoing on the Israeli side.

He expressed hope that the response would be swift and positive, noting that about 98% of what was previously approved by Israel is included in the current proposal that Hamas has accepted.

He indicated that the mediation is still in the stage of exchanging responses, and if an agreement is reached between the two parties, a technical phase will begin to discuss implementation details. 

He stressed that the anticipated agreement will be under international sponsorship and guarantees, primarily from the United States of America, but previous experiences have shown that commitment from both parties remains the true guarantee.

Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani was in direct contact with the American envoy, and that the language of the proposed draft was formulated by the American side in a previous one. He also affirmed the existence of daily and direct contact between the State of Qatar and the US administration to advance the negotiations.

The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the positive response from Hamas was an important indicator, but the resolution depends on the Israeli side’s reply, pointing out that there are other elements related to the peace plan concerning the exchange of hostages and the mechanism for implementing the agreement once reached. 

He expressed hope that these efforts would succeed, unlike previous attempts that were not implemented on the ground.

Regarding the visit of American envoy Steve Witkoff to Doha or Cairo, Dr. Al Ansari said that there are currently no confirmations, but communication continues on a daily basis with the American envoy. 

As for Netanyahu’s conditions regarding ending the war in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Al Ansari said that the mediation is concerned with official responses to the proposed draft, not with media statements issued by various parties.

He emphasized that the primary goal is to reach the fastest possible ceasefire to spare lives, in light of the daily humanitarian losses in the Gaza Strip due to bombing, food and medicine shortages, and the deterioration of the health sector. 

He confirmed that the proposal accepted by Hamas includes a clear plan to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

Regarding Arab and Islamic coordination, Dr. Al Ansari referred to the statement issued mid-month by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, which condemned the Israeli Prime Minister’s statements about what is called Greater Israel.

He said that there is near-daily coordination between foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries and their counterparts in friendly countries to unify positions regarding Israeli escalation.

Dr. Al Ansari underlined that Israeli officials are now presenting positions that go beyond the occupation of Gaza or the West Bank or the isolation of Jerusalem, to include talk of occupying sovereign Arab countries, which constitutes a clear violation of international law.

He confirmed that the State of Qatar has repeatedly condemned these practices, including the settlement plan to separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank, stressing that such policies will not bring security to Israel and will not lead to calming the situation in the region.

The Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the US-Russia summit that brought together US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. 

He expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that these efforts would contribute to reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, reiterating Qatar’s position calling for peaceful solutions.

He said that the State of Qatar initiated humanitarian solutions, most notably the reunification of children affected by the war with their families, confirming that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, continues to follow up on this file with the concerned parties.

Dr. Al Ansari also referred to the continued efforts of the State of Qatar in supporting the peace process in the Republic of the Congo, noting that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi is in constant contact with the concerned parties, and that Qatar is working to facilitate negotiations despite the complexity of the situation, with a commitment to finding constructive solutions and supporting the will of the parties to reach a sustainable agreement.

At the beginning of the media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari reviewed the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the week, including the meeting of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani with HE President of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi during which bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Gaza were discussed, along with joint efforts to reach a ceasefire.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in ceasefire negotiations in El Alamein, Egypt, as part of joint efforts with Cairo to advance the negotiations.

In Doha, His Excellency met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, and received a phone call from HE Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dr. Dick Schoof, which addressed bilateral relations and efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and the implementation of the two-state solution. (QNA)

Sudan: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) suspends activities at Zalingei hospital following armed attack that left one dead and five injured

Source: APO


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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been forced to reduce its teams and suspend all activities at MSF supported hospital in Central Darfur state, Sudan, following a violent armed assault inside the facility on the night of 16 August. The attack left one person dead, and injured five others, including a Ministry of Health staff member. This suspension of medical activities comes during a deadly cholera outbreak. MSF cannot resume operations until all parties provide clear security guarantees to protect staff and patients.

The assault took place at Zalingei hospital on the night of 16 August, after a deceased person with a gunshot wound, reportedly from a looting incident in a nearby camp for displaced people, was brought to the emergency room around 8:20pm. Armed relatives of the deceased forcefully entered the hospital. Soon after, another patient with gunshot injuries arrived, also accompanied by armed individuals. Tensions between the groups accompanying the patients escalated inside the facility, and at 10pm, a hand grenade was detonated in front of the emergency room, killing one person. Five others were injured, including one Ministry of Health medical staff.
  
“One person has already lost his life in this explosion and more could have been killed if it had happened during the day, when the hospital was full of patients,” says Marwan Taher, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Darfur. “Suspending our activities and evacuating our teams is a decision no medical organization wants to make, but our staff cannot risk their lives while providing care.”  

Since 1 August, MSF had been leading a cholera emergency response at Zalingei hospital, treating 162 patients in just 16 days, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health.  Cholera has already claimed seven lives, and Zalingei hospital is the only facility equipped to treat severe cases in Central Darfur state. MSF teams also supported the State Ministry of Health with surveillance to contain the outbreak. Beyond cholera, the hospital provided over 1,500 gynaecological consultations, 1,400 pediatric consultations, and 80 surgeries, between May and July 2025. As the only referral hospital serving around 500,000 people, it is the sole facility managing complex cases in the area. MSF’s mobile clinic in Fogodiku locality and community engagement and health promotion activities has also been suspended, leaving thousands without essential care.

For more than 40 years, MSF has been on the frontlines of Sudan’s major crises, from disease outbreaks to malnutrition peaks, and we continue to support communities through the ongoing conflict. Protecting our medical teams is essential to ensuring they can deliver care. Already in February 2024, armed men broke into Zalingei hospital and carjacked MSF rental vehicles, forcing the temporary withdrawal of our assessment team before activities even began. The 16 August assault marks the second major security incident in Zalingei hospital in one year and a half.

“Attacks on hospitals and medical staff are unacceptable and put lives at risk,” says Taher. “The presence of guns inside a medical facility makes it impossible for our teams to operate safely. Without clear guarantees from the concerned parties for the safety of both Ministry of Health and MSF staff, we cannot continue our work. People in Zalingei urgently need healthcare, and their access to it must be protected.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launches Zero Hunger Campaign to drive durable food security across Africa 

Source: APO


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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has officially launched its Africa Zero Hunger: United for Durable Solutions campaign, marking a bold step toward redefining the fight against hunger in Africa. 

The campaign was unveiled today, 19 August 2025, during a virtual event moderated by award-winning journalist Victoria Rubadiri, bringing together African leaders, humanitarian actors, and community innovators from across the continent. 

Its mission: to move beyond short-term aid and invest in durable, community-led solutions that strengthen local systems, adapt to climate and conflict, and deliver lasting, resilient change. 

A systemic crisis, a collective opportunity 

Across sub-Saharan Africa, over 282 million people are undernourished — almost one-third of the world’s food-insecure population. In 2024 alone, 173 million people faced acute food insecurity or worse, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden. 

This crisis stems from deep-rooted structural drivers — climate shocks, conflict, displacement, and weak food and social protection systems. But it also presents a historic opportunity to reset how we respond. 

The Zero Hunger Campaign: United for Durable Solutions calls for a shift away from short-term aid toward community-led, African-owned solutions that build long-term resilience. 

It represents a turning point,” said Pierre Kremer, Deputy Regional Director, IFRC Africa. “It’s moving from short-term food aid to lasting, community-driven change. For Africa, it’s a rallying call to end hunger by harnessing local ingenuity, climate-smart practices, and sustainable livelihoods.” 

Durable solutions, African leadership 

Launched in Kenya, Ethiopia, DRC, Mali, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, the campaign is grounded in SDG 2, the AU’s Agenda 2063, and the Malabo Declaration. It aims to reach 60 million vulnerable people in 15 countries by 2030.  

The Zero Hunger Campaign will channel investment into: 

  • Climate-smart agriculture & ecosystem restoration
  • Access to finance and markets
  • Community-led social protection
  • Women and youth-led cooperatives
  • Integrated food, health, and nutrition systems 

From launch to action 

The IFRC is driving this transformation through its network of African National Societies and more than one million community-based Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers. These volunteers, embedded in local systems and trusted by their communities, are helping scale proven, locally designed approaches to food security. 

What’s next 

The launch may be complete, but the mission has only just begun: the IFRC is calling on governments, donors, the private sector, civil society, media, and the African diaspora to help expand and replicate these solutions. 

The campaign’s message is clear: Zero Hunger starts with us

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Madagascar Shows Commitment to Improving Cancer Care, with Focus on Women’s Health

Source: APO


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An international review has found that Madagascar has laid strong foundations for cancer control, expanding cervical cancer services, maintaining a health workforce and ensuring collaboration between health and radiation safety authorities. The joint imPACT review by the IAEA, World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, highlighted the need to further develop oncology professionals and mobilize resources to increase access to cancer care across the country.   

Cancer claims more than 14 000 lives in Madagascar every year, with women more affected than men with 8 000 deaths. The country registers over 20,000 new cancer cases annually, according to 2022 IARC estimates. Incidence rates are expected to rise with increasing risk factors and an aging population.  

In June 2025, a team of 13 international experts nominated by the three organizations visited the main healthcare and specialized facilities in the country to conduct the imPACT review – which provides a baseline assessment of services to support Madagascar as the country develops its first comprehensive national cancer governance document.  

The experts held discussions with national and local health authorities, medical professionals and other stakeholders, and presented preliminary findings to the Minister of Health.    

“The Malagasy government is committed to improving cancer care in the country,” Minister of Health Randriamanantany Zely Arivelo said. “This imPACT assessment is very timely, as we will use its findings to finalize our country’s first national cancer control plan.”  

Focus on Women’s Cancers

The most common cancer among women in Madagascar is cervical cancer, with a mortality rate of 30 per cent, followed by breast and colorectal cancers. In men, prostate, liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the most common cancers, driven by infectious diseases.  

The team assessed all elements that can impact cancer care in the country. These include factors such as governance, resources and regulatory frameworks for radiation safety, and components such as surveillance, referral networks, early diagnostic capacities, oncology workforce development opportunities, and readiness for advanced and expanded radiotherapy services.  

“The strength of the imPACT review lies in its analysis of the entire cancer continuum,” said Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Madagascar. “The assessment reveals a solid foundation for integrating cancer control at the community level, and the potential for an overall strengthening of health systems in terms of prevention and early diagnosis.”  

The review found that Madagascar has been steadfast in boosting cancer services since a previous assessment in 2015. The country has expanded cervical cancer prevention, with pre-cancerous lesion screening already available and HPV vaccination set to start in October and has undertaken important efforts to modernize and distribute imaging services.  

The national health system also has an established and overall qualified health workforce, with six faculties of medicine available to train specialized health professionals – particularly in surgery, a critical aspect in cancer treatment.  

Boosting Capacity for Cancer Care

The team recommended that Madagascar continue building capacity to increase and retain human resources in oncology professionals. It also urged further strengthening of radiation safety in medicine and long-term maintenance of existing equipment in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy centres.  

“Radiation safety for the protection of patients, public and staff is foundational to providing comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Vasiliki Kamenopoulou, a radiation safety specialist at the IAEA who participated in the imPACT review. “The Malagasy government is encouraged to reinforce the legal and regulatory framework for safety and bring it in line with the IAEA safety standards.” 

The review noted that Madagascar should also reinforce prevention and early detection actions for other priority cancers, including working with communities for greater breast cancer awareness and boosting pathology services with additional laboratory staff, equipment and supplies.  

Partnerships to Expand Services

Looking forward, the imPACT review recommended strategies to support Madagascar mobilize resources for cancer control, such as the development of bankable documents to facilitate loans and public-private sector partnerships.  

The IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy and Rays of Hope initiative support countries in bridging gaps in cancer care through partnerships with donors, the private sector and financial institutions. Through its technical cooperation and human health programmes, the IAEA also supports countries in strengthening the quality of nuclear and radiation medicine by providing capacity building, provision of equipment, technical advice and advisory services.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9): African Development Bank to focus on partnerships and investment at 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development

Source: APO


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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) (https://apo-opa.co/4fLythd) taking place in Yokohama, Japan from 20-22 August.

This year’s conference takes place at a critical time as Africa seeks to close investment gaps and build resilience to global economic and climate shocks. The African Development Bank stands as a key driver of this transformation for the continent, leveraging its leadership to mobilise international support, particularly from Japan.

Co-hosted by United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC), TICAD has been running for more than three decades since the first conference, TICAD I, in 1993. The forum has proved itself a solid catalyst to Africa’s development agenda, mainly through grant aid and technical assistance.

Among the delegates from the African Development Bank attending the conference are Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth; Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, Industrialisation; Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery; Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance & Knowledge Management, and several directors.

Over the years, the African Development Bank’s collaboration with Japan through TICAD, has evolved into a dynamic platform for development finance, knowledge exchange, and private sector engagement. Through programmes like the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA) initiative, Japan’s support to the Bank has resulted in billions in co-financing for African businesses and infrastructure as well as important support to capital replenishment.

In addition, strategic partnerships with Japanese agencies such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), continue to advance the Bank’s High 5 development goals. These partnerships have supported transformative projects in energy, transport, health, and climate resilience across the continent.

Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA)

The Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa or EPSA (https://apo-opa.co/47AVK3i) Initiative, is a framework for resource mobilization and development partnership to support the implementation of the Bank’s Strategy for Private Sector Development.

Drawing on successful development experience in Asia and around the globe, EPSA, which was conceived in partnership with the Government of Japan in 2005, consists of four main pillars:

  • (1) Accelerated Co-financing Facility for Africa (ACFA),
  • (2) Non-Sovereign Loans (NSL),
  • (3) Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), and
  • (4) Private sector investment finance.

An extension of the agreement – EPSA6 – is expected to be signed during TICAD9.

Recognizing the private sector’s importance in African development, the African Development Bank will host side events to encourage Japanese investment in key areas such as green hydrogen, Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4lC1pcX) transportation, health, agriculture, and education.

The Africa Investment Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4mTcs2w), a partnership of the African Development Bank and eight other institutions will also be promoted as an innovative investment marketplace for attracting capital for projects on the continent.

During the Forum’s Market Days held in December 2024 in Morocco, a special event raised awareness about Africa as an investment destination for Japanese investors. The Japan Special Room titled: “Agricultural Innovation & Green Growth: Transforming Africa’s Investment Landscape” was organized with approximately 100 participants, including representatives from Japanese companies, startups, and other public institutions.

Accessing Resilient Energy for Africa

On Tuesday, a day before the official opening of TICAD9, an event organized by JICA and other partners highlighted one of the continent’s major challenges – the energy gap in Africa.

Over 200 representatives from government, ministers and development partners attended the “Harnessing Innovation, Co-creation, and Knowledge for Accessible and Resilient Energy for Africa,” event, which was held in person and online.

Without energy, the bedrock of infrastructure for crucial development cannot be realized. Yet persistent underinvestment in energy infrastructure is one of the continent’s major hurdles, African Development Bank Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation Department Wale Shonibare, who moderated the session said.

Setting the stage for the conversation, he said Africa’s 600 million people without access to reliable energy represent 83% of people with energy access lack globally affecting 2 out of 3 Africans. A further 900 million have no access to clean cooking, while Nigeria DRC, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania together have half the population of no access, Shonibare said.

Stressing the significance of TICAD as a platform to provide innovation and solutions through partnerships and investment, he noted: “We see enormous potential in Africa’s regional power pools…Today’s session is both timely and catalytic.”

The African Development Bank will organize several sessions covering a range of key development topics during the TICAD. Among these, two flagship events will be co-hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Finance. Further details on these events can be found below.

  1. High-Level Policy Dialogue: Harnessing the Potential of Africa (Link) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ux82Cl)

Date: Thursday, 21 August
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Tokyo time)
Venue: S-01, Hall D, PACIFICO Yokohama & Zoom

  1. High-Level Business Session: Emerging Partnership between Japan and Africa (Link) (https://apo-opa.co/3JoQCWg)

Date: Thursday, 21 August
Time: 12:40 PM – 2:10 PM (Tokyo time)
Venue: S-01, Hall D, PACIFICO Yokohama & Zoom (https://apo-opa.co/41JQZAH)
 

Learn more about the TICAD9 conference here (https://apo-opa.co/4fLythd).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

Yuna Choi
email: y.choi@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Low cost-high impact, affordable farming solutions for sustainable food security

Source: APO – Report:

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The rising cost of agricultural inputs especially inorganic fertilizers, is one of the issues impeding production among small holder farmers in Malawi, therefore affecting food security. Due to land degradation, farmers who cannot afford inorganic fertilizer often harvest barely enough food for household consumption.

In response to the problem, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the Land Use Planning and Sustainable Land and Water Management for Improved Agricultural Productivity project, funded by the Government of Flanders. Under this project, FAO is promoting the use of low-cost sustainable land and water management practices such as production of organo-mineral fertilizers such as Mbeya, which is a homemade organic fertilizer made from locally available raw materials and a small amount of inorganic fertilizer.

Maganizo Lukhere hails from Mzimba district and is one of the farmers who adopted the use of Mbeya fertilizer. He gives a comparison of his family’s livelihood before and after adopting the low-cost agricultural technologies being promoted by FAO.

“Four years ago, we used to harvest 10 to 13 fifty kilograms bags of maize from a one-acre piece of land. The maize was never enough to sustain our family of eight until the next harvest. Since we started making and using Mbeya fertilizer, we harvest about 40 fifty kilograms bags of maize on the same piece of land,” said Maganizo.

He has since obtained another piece of wetland where he grows maize throughout the year under irrigation, using residual moisture, and uses Mbeya fertilizer and other low-cost soil and water management practices. “We are about to harvest this year’s crop, but we still have maize left over from last year’s harvest. In our household, lean months are a thing of the past. We have eliminated hunger,” said Maganizo.

For farmers in the community, Mbeya fertilizer is easy and cheaper to make. The ingredients required to make one 50 kg bag of Mbeya fertilizer are 21 kg of maize bran, 10 kg of pig dung, 10 kg of inorganic fertilizers, 10 kg of ash and 5 litres of water. One 50kg bag of mineral fertilizer produces five 50kg bags of Mbeya fertilizer.

Along with using Mbeya fertilizer, Maganizo has adopted other low-cost techniques that FAO promotes such as mulching, zero tillage, planting vetiver grass around maize fields and constructing swales for water harvesting. These techniques preserve soil moisture, reduce soil erosion and improve soil composition.

“A lot of small holder farmers are resource poor, and the cost of technology is one of the factors they consider before adoption,” said Harvey Nyirongo, Agriculture Extension Officer for Chasato section in Mzimba. He said now that more farmers are making and using Mbeya fertilizer, the community is more food secure.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Seminar focusing on cultural heritage and identity

Source: APO – Report:

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The Commission of Culture and Sports organized a seminar on cultural heritage and identity for over 150 members of traditional dance and music groups from the Southern Region on 18 August in Asmara.

At the seminar, Dr. Tsegay Medin, head of Archaeological Heritage Research at the Commission, gave a detailed briefing on the meaning and significance of culture, the tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage, and the role of heritage in consolidating national identity.

Highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in preserving identity, understanding the current situation, and envisioning the future, Dr. Tsegay said that archaeological findings from the prehistoric and historic eras, including the period of kingdoms and colonialism, have made a significant contribution to nurturing national identity.

Dr. Tsegay further stated that the Commission of Culture and Sports is making strong efforts in research, conservation, and transmission of cultural heritage. He noted, however, that ongoing damage and destruction of heritage sites remain the main challenges.

The participants held extensive discussions on the issues raised during the seminar and adopted several recommendations. These included intensifying efforts to repatriate heritage items held abroad and addressing the damage caused to ancient buildings under the pretext of renovation.

Lt. Col. Samuel Tsegay, head of Administration and Finance at the Commission of Culture and Sports, and Mr. Abraham Yohannes, Director General of Culture and Sports in the Southern Region, emphasized the significance of the seminar and called for its continuation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

From genome to action: Building Sierra Leone’s next generation of genomic leaders for public health resilience beyond mpox

Source: APO – Report:

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Sierra Leone has taken an important step in strengthening its public health system by hosting a two-week national workshop on DNA sequencing and bioinformatics from August 4 to August 15, 2025 in Freetown. The training, held under the theme “From Genome to Action: Enhancing Mpox Surveillance through Sequencing and Bioinformatics in Sierra Leone,” was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It focused on building the country’s capacity to track and understand diseases through genomic science, with mpox as a key focus, but also extending to other infectious diseases.

The training served as a mentorship program for 16 young scientists, 15 of whom had already received foundational genomics training with WHO support. This advanced phase transitioned them to mid-level genomic experts capable of sophisticated data analysis and interpretation to inform real-time public health interventions. The sessions were practical and hands-on, covering:

  • DNA sequencing: learning how to read and understand genetic material using Illumina platforms.

  • Bioinformatics analysis: interpreting genetic information to see how diseases spread and change.

  • Data stewardship: submitting results to international databases to support global knowledge.

  • Outbreak analytic: turning genetic information into actions that help control outbreaks.

The comprehensive program went beyond mpox, also covering diseases like Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, HIV, and antimicrobial resistance. It also introduced broader tools that allow scientists to study different types of pathogens at once.  Already, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) is applying these skills in HIV-2 research. “This is mentorship in motion. We’re growing future genomic leaders from within,” said Doris Harding, Laboratory Lead at the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).

As of August 18, 2025, Sierra Leone had sequenced 10.1% (522 out of 5,154) of its confirmed mpox cases, meeting both national and continental targets of 8–10%. This progress shows how far the country has come, but also highlights the need to maintain momentum. By training participants from start to finish – sample collection to reporting, the workshop not only boosted mpox surveillance but also set the stage for sustainable genomic monitoring systems. “This is sustainability in action – building resilient systems by empowering the laboratory pillar,” emphasized Dr. Ameh George, WHO Representative to Sierra Leone.

Participants shared how the training had impacted them: “We are deeply grateful for this investment in capacity building. The opportunity has not only enriched our professional knowledge but has also given us confidence to contribute meaningfully to research and health systems,” said Abu Bakarr Sawaneh from Connaught lab. Vidalyn Folorunso, a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer from CPHRL added, “Let us keep practicing, applying the knowledge gained, and making good use of it in our institutions.”

Allan Campbell, CPHRL Lead & DNA Sequencing Training Lead, highlighted the lasting benefits: “This mentorship-driven model not only meets today’s needs but also builds a pipeline of future genomic experts. By empowering local scientists with the ability to lead using data and speed, Sierra Leone is strengthening its role in regional and global health security—whether in Mpox, HIV, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, or Ebola.”

Walter Oguta, WHO AFRO EPI Analytics Specialist & Bioinformatics Training Lead, underscored the bigger picture: “The workshop was a pivotal step in embedding genomic science into Sierra Leone’s health system. By training a new generation of scientists, the country is now better positioned to respond to outbreaks with data-driven precision.”

The August 2025 workshop stands as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s public health journey. By combining mentorship, advanced training, and a focus on sustainability, it has built a new generation of scientists ready to lead the country’s response to present and future health threats. This effort marks the beginning of a stronger, data-driven foundation for health security in Sierra Leone.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Sierra Leone.

Angola launches strategic initiative to strengthen public health communication

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Health (MOH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with the support of the European Union, will hold a national training session on August 20 at the Journalist Training Center (CEFOJOR) dedicated to the role of the media in managing public health crises. 

The initiative will bring together journalists, institutional communicators, and strategic partners to reflect on the challenges of public health in Angola and reinforce the fundamental role of communication in saving lives, promoting healthy behaviors, and combating misinformation. 

This meeting marks the beginning of a joint effort to create the Health Communication Network in Angola, a collaborative platform that aims to strengthen the link between the media, health authorities, and international partners, promoting a more effective and coordinated response to health emergencies. 

In a context where Angola faces persistent challenges such as maternal and infant mortality, epidemic outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change, clear, accessible, and fact-based communication becomes a fundamental pillar of public health. The right information at the right time can make the difference between risk and protection, between doubt and confidence. 

The training will have around 60 participants, including professionals from public and private organizations, international correspondents, and institutional communicators. The program will include practical sessions, debates, and the sharing of tools to improve the quality and accountability of journalistic coverage of health issues. 

Through this initiative, the partners reaffirm their commitment to a more informed, healthier Angola that is better prepared to face current and future health challenges. 

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.