Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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To improve access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, including family planning and safe abortions, Zambia is training health workers in values clarification and attitude transformation (VCAT).  

Adolescents and young people often face barriers when seeking family planning services or safe abortions at health facilities. These barriers can be rooted in stigma and discrimination, which foster disapproval and negative perceptions against people seeking or providing these services.

VCAT is a process that helps health workers understand their core values and how those influence their decisions and behaviours. It involves examining one’s own beliefs, attitudes and assumptions and using that understanding to make more informed choices and take meaningful action. This process can lead to personal growth, improved decision-making and positive change.  

“In Zambia, deeply rooted cultural, religious and societal beliefs influence people’s views on SRHR, particularly on topics like abortion, contraception, adolescent sexuality and access to services,” says Dr Samson Chisele, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital and sexual and reproductive health and rights advocate.  

These values, attitudes and perceptions can also be held by community health assistants, who provide vital health information and deliver primary health services to communities.  

To better equip these frontline health providers, the Ministry of Health, with technical and financial support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, organized a four-day VCAT training in March 2025. This initiative brought together 30 participants, including community health assistants and provincial community health focal people from the 10 provinces in Zambia.

The primary goal of the training was to address personal biases that act as barriers to essential SRHR services, particularly safe abortion and family planning, including contraception.  

“During one session, we found that while most community health assistants were comfortable providing contraceptives to married people, they were reluctant to do so for adolescents,” says Dr Chisele, who led the facilitation of the workshop. “VCAT helped them separate personal beliefs from their professional duties, aligning their work with government policy.”

The comprehensive training programme provided accurate legal and medical information, addressed stigma and showcased personal stories that humanize young people’s experiences. It emphasized the principles of providing non-judgmental and empathetic care to adolescent girls and young women.  

Around 760 women in Zambia died during pregnancy or childbirth in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health’s Maternal and Perinatal Data Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system. An estimated 5.1% of these deaths are attributed to unsafe abortion. This is despite provisions in Zambia’s 1972 Termination of Pregnancy Act: if the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman is at risk, or the health of the foetus is at risk, or under certain socio-economic conditions, abortion is permitted by law.  

Participants learned how to deliver safe, effective and client-centred abortion care, including comprehensive counselling and appropriate referrals, ultimately encouraging health clients to seek care without fear of misconceptions or stigma.

The basic elements of abortion-related counselling encompass pregnancy options, procedure options and ensuring the client’s ability to make voluntary, informed choice and provide consent after receiving this information.  

“My facility has two functioning youth-friendly corners which have helped the community and adolescents to access information, such as family planning methods available, who to get if from and where to find it,” says Hamatanga Gwangai, a health worker from Mululu rural health post in Chibombo, a town in the Central Province of Zambia. “We faced some resistance from parents but after sharing some experiences they agreed to allow their children to access these services.”  

A key component of the training involved encouraging health workers to reflect on their personal values and societal norms, fostering a deeper understanding of how these can impact care for health clients.

“VCAT has helped,” says Helen Mwape, a community health assistant from James Milambo Memorial Health Post in Lufwanyama District, in the country’s central Copperbelt Province.  “I received one adolescent for family planning and after asking where she got the information, she pointed one of the community-based volunteers… so it’s working.”

Following the training, participants’ primary role is to act as change agents within their communities, orient fellow health workers at their respective facilities and lead open discussions on family planning and abortion. Community health focal people from the Ministry of Health are expected to orient community health assistants in VCAT during their supervisory visits in their assigned provinces.

“Following my action plan, I have taken several steps,” says Danny Kasongo from Misenga rural health post in Mansa district of Luapula province, located in the northern part of the country. “I have oriented fellow staff on VCAT, conducted meetings with stakeholders, including the community, engaged community-based volunteers and created an adolescent safe space where sexual and reproductive health issues are discussed and services available.”

VCAT represents a cultural shift within Zambia’s health system. “WHO is proud to support this initiative,” says Dr Clement Peter Lasuba, WHO Representative in Zambia. “By targeting the root of stigma and empowering health providers, this programme is helping to ensure that no one is turned away or shamed when they seek care.”

According to Dr Chisele, VCAT needs to be integrated into health and education systems: nursing and medical schools, teacher training colleges and public service induction programmes. “We also need localized, co-created modules with local leaders and marginalized groups to ensure relevance. Digitizing and modernizing VCAT delivery could attract younger audiences and tech-savvy healthcare workers. In this way we ensure sustainability and longevity to truly transform service delivery,” he says.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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For many African nations, the challenge of energy access remains a significant barrier to development. However, a crucial conversation is gaining momentum: the pursuit of sustainable and reliable energy through nuclear power. Specifically, the focus is on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors (MRs), which are increasingly viewed as a viable and transformative solution for the continent’s energy needs..

However, transforming this potential into reality requires substantial capital investment and innovative financial approaches. This critical need was the main focus of the “Mobilizing Capital Investment” session at the recent Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa in Kigali, moderated by Andrew Mold, Director of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Eastern Africa.

Tesi Rusagara, Minister of State for Public Investments and Resource Mobilization, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Rwanda, set the tone by emphasizing the evolving landscape of development finance. She highlighted Africa’s historical reliance on external, concessional financing, which is now reducing. This necessitates a strategic pivot towards leveraging domestic and regional financial resources.

Critically, the Minister advocated for “looking inwards.” She cited Rwanda’s rapidly growing financial sector, which accounts for 67% of its GDP. This sector, traditionally focused on government securities, must now innovate to finance long-term private infrastructure projects. By collaborating closely with domestic financial institutions and de-risking projects through public and development finance, Africa can tap into a vast pool of capital currently not flowing into essential projects.

The continent grapples with an estimated annual infrastructure financing gap of $100 billion (out of a total need of $170 billion, according to the African Development Bank). This challenge is amplified by a global climate of development finance pessimism, with significant declines projected in official development assistance.

Despite these hurdles, a shift is underway. Nations like Kenya and Rwanda are actively pursuing their first SMRs.The pressing question remains: how can Africa secure the long-term, affordable capital necessary for these capital-intensive and long-duration projects?

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting African countries in developing peaceful nuclear energy programmes, stressing that the continent must be fully integrated into the global shift toward low-emission energy sources.

Speaking at the Summit, Grossi said there is “nothing preventing Africa from claiming its place” in the evolving global energy landscape. He underscored that clean and reliable energy is no longer a luxury but a pressing necessity for the continent.

Mr. Stéphane Ouedraogo, Managing Partner, Stallion Capital Africa, addressed the task of financing projects with 60- to 80-year lifespans in the African context. He stressed the growing willingness of the World Bank to finance components of nuclear energy. This involvement, he noted, brings not only “new money” but, more importantly, “confidence,” given this institution’s rigorous due diligence on feasibility and security, coupled with its long-term, concessional rates.

The panel also included Mr. Ibrahim Diouf, Special Advisor to the President, West African Development Bank; Mr. Chris Opperman, Operating Partner for Africa & Middle East, C5 Capital; and Mr. Mansour Avaya, Co-founder and Chairman of Exxon, and CEO of Epox, who painted a clear picture: while significant financial challenges persist, a viable path forward for nuclear energy in Africa exists. It requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing the leveraging of international development finance for de-risking, reorienting domestic financial sectors towards long-term infrastructure, structuring innovative blended finance and PPPs, and strategically aligning nuclear projects with global climate goals.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Beyond capital, the session touched upon the vital role of human capital. The continent needs to cultivate the necessary skills to support a nuclear energy sector. The AfCFTA’s protocol on the free movement of people, which enables young Africans to study and work across member states, was highlighted as a valuable mechanism for addressing these skills gaps and fostering regional expertise.

The two-day summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to explore the role of nuclear power in accelerating Africa’s energy transition and supporting sustainable development.

– on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Source: APO – Report:

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The regulatory service in the Gash Barka Region has conducted seminars on food safety for both humans and animals, targeting farmers and owners of social service-providing institutions in the sub-zones of Sel’a, Kerkebet, Laelai Gash, Gogni, and Mogolo.

At the seminars, Mr. Meaze Neguse, an animal resources regulatory expert, warned that unsafe food could endanger the lives of both humans and animals. He emphasized the need for safety and cleanliness throughout the entire food production chain—from farm to consumer—and highlighted the direct link between food safety and environmental protection. He urged all stakeholders in food processing and supply to collaborate with regulatory experts.

Mr. Hadish Gebremeskel, from the plant regulatory service, gave an extensive briefing on the direct and indirect adverse effects of improper pesticide use. He pointed out the critical consequences of using unapproved or unsafe agricultural medicines without consulting experts, stressing that such practices harm both the environment as well humans and animals. He encouraged farmers to use only approved pesticides and to adopt natural production systems.

Sub-zone administrators, for their part, stated that the seminars significantly contribute to the goal of “Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere.” They called on farmers and food processing enterprises to apply the knowledge gained through the training in their daily operations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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On July 3, the 4th Japan-Tunisia Security and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue was held in Tokyo. At this dialogue, Mr. Hiroyuki MINAMI, Representative of the Government of Japan (Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Admiral Abderraouf ATALLAH, Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Tunisia, served as representatives for their respective governments.

During the dialogue, the two sides discussed the international and regional security environment, including the terrorist threat, counter-terrorism measures in both countries, and possibilities for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of counter-terrorism, public safety, and security.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

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• The IMF Executive Board has completed the first review under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The decision allows for an immediate disbursement of US$ 261.9 million towards international reserves, to continue building buffers.
• The DRC’s economy has been resilient in a challenging environment amid the escalation of the armed conflict in the eastern part of the country, which placed significant strains on the budget. The authorities have made good progress on the structural reform’s agenda, but a few quantitative targets were missed.
• The recent peace agreement signed between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States, is encouraging for the prospect of a peaceful resolution of the conflict and renewed focus on development goals.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) approved on January 15, 2025 (see PR 25/003). The completion of the first review allowed an immediate disbursement equivalent to 190.4 million SDR (about US$ 261.9 million) to support balance-of-payment needs, bringing the aggregate disbursement to date to 380.5 million SDR (about 523.4 US$ million).  

The DRC has been facing significant challenges amid the intensification of the armed conflict in its eastern part since end-2024. The escalation of hostilities has claimed thousands of lives and caused severe social and humanitarian damages, including disruptions in access to essential services such as food, water, and electricity. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure a cessation of hostilities and ensure sustainable peace in the region. The signing on June 27, 2025, of a peace agreement between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda, under the mediation of the United States, is encouraging for the prospect of a peaceful resolution on the ongoing conflict and renewed focus on addressing development goals.

Despite the challenging environment, economic activity remained resilient, with robust GDP growth of 6.5 percent in 2024, driven by continued dynamism in the extractive sector.  External stability has strengthened, as the current account deficit narrowed and the accumulation of international reserves continued. Inflationary pressures continue to ease, and year-on-year inflation declined from 23.8 percent at end-2023 to 11.7 percent at end-2024 and [8.5] percent at end-June 2025.

Performance under the program was mixed, as the intensification of the conflict has placed significant strains on the budget. Despite strong revenue collection, the domestic fiscal deficit reached 0.8 percent of GDP in 2024, exceeding the program target of 0.3 percent, owing to spending overruns linked to the escalation of the conflict, including on exceptional security spending and public investments. The program target on the Central Bank of the Congo (BCC)’s foreign exchange assets held with domestic correspondents was missed as well, due to higher-than-expected tax payments in foreign currency on government accounts. Other quantitative performance criteria of the ECF were met. Most indicative targets were also met, except those related to the floor on social spending and the ceiling on spending executed through emergency procedures—owing to elevated exceptional security spending linked to the conflict intensification. Appropriate corrective measures are being implemented by the authorities.

In completing the first review, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waivers of nonobservance of the performance criteria on the floor on the domestic fiscal balance at end-December 2024 on the basis of corrective actions, and the continuous ceiling on the levels of foreign currency assets of the BCC held with domestic correspondents on the basis of the temporary nature of the deviation which has since been remedied. Further, the Executive Board completed the financing assurances review under the ECF arrangement. No reform measures under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, approved in January 2025, were due for review at this time.

At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Chair stated:

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been confronted with heightened security challenges since late 2024. The escalation of the conflict in the eastern part of the country has caused serious human, social and economic damage and induced the government to increase spending. Despite these difficulties, the macroeconomic environment of the DRC remained broadly stable. Growth has remained robust, due to the resilience of mining production. Inflation continues to decrease, and the external position has strengthened. The economic outlook remains positive, but is fraught with downside risks related to the persistence of the conflict, declining external humanitarian assistance, global economic headwinds, and potential escalation of geopolitical conflicts. The authorities are committed to closely monitor these risks and to respond proactively to evolving challenges.

“Budget implementation remains challenging in a difficult security context. As a result, the domestic fiscal deficit is projected to be larger than initially projected for 2025, but is expected to return to the path envisaged at program approval starting in 2026, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to carry out measures to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and strengthen the budget implementation process. Additionally, to guard against unforeseen adverse shocks, the authorities have adopted a contingency plan.

“The Central Bank of the Congo (BCC) has maintained a tight monetary policy stance, thereby helping bring inflation down to single digits for the first time in three years. The accumulation of international reserves has continued, on the back of the narrowing of the current account deficit. Efforts must continue, to strengthen the monetary policy implementation framework, refine the foreign exchange intervention strategy, enhance the governance and safeguards of the BCC and ensure its adequate recapitalization.

“The authorities have committed to accompany these efforts to preserve macroeconomic stability with an acceleration of structural reforms in key areas, including strengthening the AML/CFT framework, improving the business climate, enhancing transparency and governance, combating corruption and upgrading national statistics. Efforts to lay the groundwork for a timely implementation of the reform measures underpinning the RSF arrangement approved in January should be stepped up.”

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Executive Board of the National Union of Eritrean Women conducted a meeting on 1 and 2 July to review the implementation of programs during the first half of this year and to discuss plans for the second half. The meeting was attended by heads of departments and regional office of the union.

During the meeting, the board held extensive discussions focusing on activities aimed at enhancing organizational capacity—particularly among young women—strengthening the Union’s economic capacity, vocational training programs designed to improve women’s skills, progress in development programs, and the role of mass media in raising overall awareness among women.

Ms. Tekea Tesfamicael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women, commended the successful implementation of various activities over the past six months and called for strengthened participation in executing programs scheduled for the second half of the year.

The board stressed the importance of reinforcing ongoing efforts, including enhancing the organizational capacity of women and promoting their active participation and awareness.

The meeting concluded with several recommendations, including organizing training on financial and material management and reporting, completing the renovation of Union buildings, and establishing an official website for the Union, among other initiatives.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Mr. Olishegone Ajadi Bakary, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, met with Mr. Safar bin Mohammed Al-Hajri, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Benin.

During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperative relations between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.