Category: English

Source: APO

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

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

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

Why Surveillance Matters

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

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

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

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

Survey Objectives and Scope

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

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

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

Building National Capacity

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

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

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

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

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

Supporting Global Health and Universal Health Coverage

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

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

A Shared Commitment

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

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

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

Source: APO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: APO

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

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

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

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

Source: APO

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

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

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

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

Source: APO

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: APO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

• The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW and Merck Foundation Chairman, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
• The conference was co-chaired by The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW and Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and attended by The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal, as Guests of Honor.
• The conference was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.
• Merck Foundation celebrated the 13-year journey of their development programs, during 2025 Luminary. 
• Watch the video of MFFLI Committee Meeting held during the 12 Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3K4UBrK

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12^th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, together with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of African countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers:

• H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
• H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central African Republic
• H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
• H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBI, CON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
• H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal

On Day 2 of the Summit, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) was conducted.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Co-Chairperson of 12^th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 emphasized, “It was a privilege to convene the Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting together with our Chairman and my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who are also our Ambassadors of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’.

During the meeting, we evaluated the impact of our ongoing programs and discussed the 2026 strategy to further strengthen healthcare and media capacity and address critical social and health issues including Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and FGM, Stopping GBV, Empowering Women, and raising awareness about health concerns such as Diabetes and Hypertension.” Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/3MyQTao

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed, “It was truly encouraging to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the significant progress made in their countries through Merck Foundation’s initiatives and the meaningful impact these programs have had nationally.” Watch the video of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48RzWzN

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother, also the co-chair of the luminary emphasized, “I am delighted to welcome my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, along with the Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman, to my country. MFFLI is a vital platform that allows us to reflect on our achievements and discuss the way forward.

I take pride in my partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we are reshaping our public healthcare system and making history by providing scholarships for our very first specialists in crucial fields such as oncology, fertility, and more. Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships for Gambian doctors in many critical specialties. Moreover, we are also providing annual scholarships for 40 deserving yet underprivileged girls, helping them to complete their education and achieve their full potential.” Watch the video of The Gambia first Lady during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4pJ2LVx

Merck Foundation also released a new children’s storybook and its animation film adaptation titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, with a special focus on early detection, prevention and access to quality cancer care specially in childhood cancer. The storybook and animation film were released by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal.

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here:

https://apo-opa.co/4pj0Ozu

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/3MhKZdG

During the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) committee meeting, the African First Ladies shared the progress of Merck Foundation programs in their countries and discussed the 2026 strategy.

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m proud to join my sisters on this esteemed platform. Each time I get an opportunity to learn more about Merck Foundation’s impactful programs and their far-reaching benefits. I’m pleased to share that Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for our young doctors in Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology, and I’m eager to scale up this effort. I am also happy to launch the Merck Foundation Community Awareness initiatives tin my country to be raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Moreover, we have started the Educating Linda program and are providing annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged but high performing schoolgirls.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Senegal during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4otdlza

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother stated, “I am honored to be part of this prestigious platform and to bring Merck Foundation’s impactful programs to my country as the Ambassador of the More Than a Mother campaign. Through the Educating Linda and Lindo program, we are annually supporting the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged girls and boys, giving them the chance to complete their studies and follow their dreams. Merck Foundation has also started to enroll our local doctors for specialty trainings. This is the first time we are working on such programs in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4iveowZ

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I found the discussions during the MFFLI Committee Meeting truly inspiring and motivating. I’m deeply impressed by the impact Merck Foundation has made in Nigeria, particularly the 81 scholarships for our young doctors in vital fields such as Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes and many more. I am also deeply passionate about girls’ education, and through the Educating Linda program, we are currently providing annual sponsorships to support the education of 71 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. I am happy to empower the deserving girls in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Nigeria during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/49RWT82

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I truly value this platform as it helps us share our progress and shape the way forward. Through our partnership with Merck Foundation, we’ve provided 52 scholarships for doctors in Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes care, and we are now look forward to expanding into additional critical specialties. We also remain committed to supporting girls’ education, with 40 deserving schoolgirls currently being benefiting from the Educating Linda program annual scholarships.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Liberia during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48vCAuQ

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized “As one of the early members of this esteemed platform, I remain committed to working closely with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity by supporting scholarships for our doctors. I’m also deeply invested in the ‘Educating Linda’ program, through which we’re sponsoring 40 underprivileged schoolgirls in our country. I look forward to expanding these initiatives to further amplify their impact.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Central African Republic during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4rvWL4r

H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m truly pleased to engage in meaningful discussions with my dear sisters on the impact of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I’m proud to share that we’ve provided 244 scholarships for Burundian doctors and will continue expanding this support across 44 critical specialties. We also deeply value the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships for 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Promoting girls’ education remains a shared priority for all of us.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Burundi during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4ao1VJp

The conference was held in a hybrid format and was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

The 12^th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3K8379r), X (http://apo-opa.co/3K83913), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48cQp2e), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48Mu1gc).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/48cQq6i), X (http://apo-opa.co/4rxIXq3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48yTWXz), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XuA7LW).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of 12^th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary: https://apo-opa.co/49SorKy

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:

• 2400+ 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
• 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
• 1100+ 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/3KANvv6
X: https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49SK0dM

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/3KANvv6), X (https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB).

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

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved financing of €25 million to help Cameroon’s Crédit Communautaire d’Afrique-Bank (CCA-Bank) expand its trade finance offerings to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses.

The facility, approved at a Board session held on 1 December in Abidjan, will be deployed as a Transaction Guarantee (https://apo-opa.co/4pMGlTC), a Bank Group product that provides risk cover to eligible African banks for their trade finance transactions.

“The facility will support Cameroon’s economy by facilitating imports of equipment for the industrial, agro-industrial and telecommunications sectors. It will also enable the African Development Bank to provide up to a 100 percent guarantee to confirming banks, to facilitate the confirmation of letters of credit and other similar trade finance instruments issued by CCA-Bank for the benefit of SMEs in Cameroon,” explained Lamin Drammeh, Head of the Bank Group’s Trade Finance Division.

Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the Bank’s Central Africa region, emphasised that the operation was in line with the institution’s ambition to increase its direct interventions in favour of the private sector in Cameroon. “It will strengthen CCA-Bank’s capacity to support the activities of SMEs, including those owned by women and young people, to boost the local productive sector, facilitate economic growth, and create and maintain thousands of jobs,” he said.

Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, Managing Director of CCA-Bank, welcomed this debut direct financing support from the African Development Bank Group: “We would like to express our gratitude to the African Development Bank Group for this important trade finance facility. This strategic partnership marks a major milestone for our institution and will significantly strengthen our capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs and start-ups in Cameroon and Africa.”

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

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the AfDB Transaction Guarantee: 
The Transaction Guarantee is a trade finance instrument put in place by the African Development Bank to support commercial banks in Africa. It was launched in 2021 and covers a variety of trade finance instruments, including confirmed letters of credit, commercial loans, irrevocable repayment undertakings, endorsed drafts and promissory notes, among others. The facility is available to all banks registered and operating in Africa that have passed the African Development Bank’s due diligence process.

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