Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Health Organization Ethiopia (WHO) country office continues to support the Government of Ethiopia in advancing the digitalization and modernization of its public health emergency systems, helping ensure timely data-driven decisions for preparedness and response.

Through strong collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), WHO has supported the implementation of three interoperable digital platforms — the Electronic Public Health Emergency Management (ePHEM) system, the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), and the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) — providing an end-to-end digital solution that creates a unified ecosystem for emergency data management and coordination.

The ePHEM system lies at the center of this transformation. Developed jointly by WHO and EPHI, ePHEM provides a digital backbone for alert management, incident coordination, and resource tracking. It is now fully operational at the national level and has been effectively used during recent emergency responses, including the Mpox outbreak, to streamline reporting and strengthen coordination. In 2025, WHO supported conduct of five national level training rounds, reaching 320 users alongside 70 staff from the Amhara Region, with regional cascading already underway to expand system use nationwide.

WHO is also supporting the nationwide implementation of the DHIS2 to strengthen surveillance and routine health data management across all levels of the health system. To date, over 2,975 EPHI staff from national, regional, and woreda levels have been trained, enhancing their capacity to collect, analyze, and use data for evidence-based decision-making. The DHIS2 platform now covers 72% of districts nationwide, with expansion plans underway to extend its use to health facilities—enabling real-time data capture, rapid analysis, and faster response to emerging public health threats.

To enhance mortality monitoring and early warning capacities, WHO also supported the training of 390 EPHI staff on all-cause mortality surveillance and the DHIS2 tracker. Mortality reporting is now fully integrated into the DHIS2 routine surveillance system, improving the country’s ability to detect unusual death patterns and trigger timely investigations.

In parallel, WHO has supported the implementation of the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) platform, which strengthens event-based surveillance by capturing and analyzing health threat information from publicly available online sources. EIOS has enabled EPHI to detect, verify, and respond to emerging events more rapidly and complement indicator-based surveillance systems.

Through these digital innovations, WHO is supporting EPHI in building a resilient, real-time and integrated public health information system that supports timely decision-making and coordinated emergency response. By linking surveillance, early warning, and response operational data under a single ecosystem, Ethiopia is advancing toward a modern, digital public health emergency system that protects lives and strengthens national health security.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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• MSF teams began responding to an outbreak of Ebola in Bulape, DRC, in early September.
• Since the early days of the response, we have collaborated with local health authorities and WHO to bring the epidemic under control.
• With the last patient discharged from the Ebola treatment centre on 19 October, we have handed over our activities to the local health authorities.

After several weeks of collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities, on a response to Ebola in Bulape, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams handed over all activities at the Ebola treatment centre last Friday.

The last confirmed case of Ebola was recorded on 26 September, and the number of alerts and suspected patients admitted to the Bulape Ebola treatment centre has since dropped sharply. The last patient cured from the disease was discharged on 19 October. If no new cases are confirmed, the outbreak can be declared over on 30 November, in line with the 42-day rule without a new confirmed case.

“Given this positive development, we’ve been able to conclude our emergency intervention in Bulape, withdraw our teams, and allow other organisations – particularly the Ministry of Health – to take over,” says Dr Maria Mashako, MSF’s medical coordinator in Kinshasa. “We are proud to have played a key role in responding to this epidemic, in which collaboration with the authorities, WHO, and the community made it possible to overcome many challenges.”

MSF teams were among the first to arrive in Bulape after the outbreak was declared on 4 September, alongside teams from the Ministry of Health, its emergency response team, and WHO. After providing emergency support to Bulape General hospital and setting up a temporary treatment facility, MSF teams worked with WHO to build a new, more suitable treatment centre, while continuing to care for suspected and confirmed patients.

MSF also conducted community awareness activities and established a transit centre for suspected patients in Mpianga, which was handed over to the health authorities a few days ago.

“Staff from the Ministry of Health have now replaced MSF teams at the Bulape Ebola treatment centre,” says Dr Mashako. “We will continue to provide financial support for two more weeks, and they will retain the infrastructure, equipment and medicines that we are donating as we depart.”

The response to the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC benefited from the swift mobilisation of the authorities, experienced organisations and local communities. This collective effort helped to contain the spread of the epidemic, which sadly claimed 45 lives, including 34 confirmed cases. In total, 64 cases were recorded – 53 confirmed and 11 probable. Nineteen patients with confirmed infections recovered thanks to the care provided at the Ebola treatment centre.

MSF remains ready to support the Congolese authorities again should the epidemic resurface, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with national and international partners to protect public health, and to build on the lessons learned to strengthen future outbreak responses.

“While this response has successfully brought the epidemic under control, it has once again highlighted the need to strengthen the overall health system to better prevent, detect and respond to such crises,” concludes Dr Mashako. “Experience shows that improving the quality of and access to general healthcare is a cornerstone of any effective emergency response. Mobilisation at this level is therefore essential.”

– on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) at a High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held on the margins of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum on 29th October, 2025 highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation; and its implications on public trust, governance, and global development. He also drew attention to the growing phenomena of some journalist conducting their work under unfavourable conditions enhanced mechanisms to executive their mandate without any hindrance.

The Honourable Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing media and digital literacy, developing real-time fact-checking systems, and leveraging artificial intelligence responsibly to combat the spread of false information. He noted that misinformation also carries economic and public health consequences, as distorted perceptions could deter investments, deepen inequality, and undermine health interventions.

He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to working with international partners to promote a free, safe, and reliable information ecosystem.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has called for the establishment of a fairer and more inclusive global order that reflects the realities of today’s interconnected world. He made this call at the 2025 Paris Peace Forum, where he participated in a high-level discussion on the theme “From Bridgetown to Accra: The Visions Driving the Future of International Cooperation.”

The session brought together distinguished leaders including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley; the Chief Advisor to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Hon. Celso Amorim; the Vice President for Global Economic Recovery at the Rockefeller Foundation, Mr. Eric Pelofsky; and the Director of Sciences Po Paris, Mr. Luis Vassy.

President Mahama observed that the configuration of the existing multilateral order has deficits in addressing the complex challenges of the modern era. The President emphasized that the relationship between the Global North and South must evolve into one of mutual respect and equal partnership. He explained that the Accra Reset seeks to promote inclusivity, shared prosperity, and reforms within international financial institutions to make global systems fairer and more responsive to the needs of the developing world.

The President further noted that aligning the Accra and Bridgetown frameworks represents an opportunity to build a united front for reforming the global financial architecture and addressing shared challenges such as climate change, debt sustainability, and equitable access to capital.

President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with partners across regions to advance a just and effective multilateral system that ensures progress for all nations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has welcomed the ruling by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court that set aside the 1967 inquest finding into the death of former African National Congress (ANC) President, Chief Albert Luthuli – now ruling he died at the hands of the Apartheid police.

The court ruled that Chief Luthuli was beaten to death, overturning the apartheid-era inquest that concluded he had been struck by a goods train. Judge Nompumelelo Radebe found that Chief Luthuli died as a result of a fractured skull, cerebral haemorrhage and brain concussion associated with assault – confirming that he was killed by Apartheid police.

Mr Nqola said: “We applaud the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for reopening this matter in April. The committee notes and welcomes the extensive new evidence presented, including expert analysis on crime scene management and reconstruction, medical and forensic evidence, as well as testimonies from SAPS and DPCI investigators, and Chief Luthuli’s friends and family. This collective effort has secured an important victory for truth and justice in our country.”

He added: “This ruling represents a bittersweet victory. Since the inception of the 7th Parliament, the committee has made it its mission to follow up on outstanding Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) matters. We call on the NPA to continue expediting these cases to ensure that families, loved ones and victims of apartheid-era crimes receive the justice and closure they deserve.”

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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On October 28, Ambassador Gao Wenqi visited Northern Province of Rwanda and paid a courtesy call on Hon. MUGABOWAGAHUNDE Maurice, Governor of Northern Province. Also present were Mr. NGENDAHIMANA Pascal, Executive Secretary of Northern Province, Mr. NSENGIMANA Claudien, Mayor of Musanze, and Counselor Gao Zhiqiang from the Embassy.

Amb. Gao noted that China’s cooperation with Northern Province infrastructure, TVET, and sister-city has been at the forefront of China-Rwanda exchanges. He expressed China’s readiness to work with the Rwandan side to implement the consensus of the two Heads of State, deepen exchanges and cooperation across various fields, including local cooperation, tighten people-to-people bonds, and advance the high-quality building of China-Rwanda comprehensive strategicpartnership, so as to bring about more benefit for both countries and both peoples.

Hon. Governor MUGABOWAGAHUNDE Maurice commended fruitful outcomes of exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, from which Northern Province has greatly benefited. He looked forward to leveraging respective advantages, and strengthening practical cooperation to achieve shared prosperity.

Amb. Gao, along with Mr. NGENDAHIMANA Pascal, visited the campus of IPRC Musanze, and Rwanda Luban Workshop which has been jointly built by Jinhua University of Vocational Technology and IPRC Musanze. He afterwards visited the volcano belt water supply project implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.