Category: English

Source: APO

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The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) closed on 25 October with the launch of The Durban Promise. This outcome document synthesises conference recommendations to define Africa’s roadmap toward self-reliance, sustainability, and leadership in global health. The document will inform upcoming policy discussions, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, aimed at accelerating Africa’s progress on health equity, solidarity, and universal health coverage. 

The Durban Promise includes seven continental commitments:

1. Mobilise Africa’s Wealth and Innovation for Health Sovereignty
2. Strengthen Governance and Accountability
3. Reinvest in PHC and Community Systems
4. Foster Regional Solidarity and Market Efficiency
5. Build Integrated, Climate-Resilient and Pandemic-Ready One Health Systems
6. Reframe Health as a Strategic Investment
7. Transform This Moment into Africa’s Leadership Era

“This moment enables South Africa to carry the voice of the continent into the G20 deliberations—championing fair global health financing, resilient systems, and recognition of Africa as a strategic contributor, not a passive recipient,” said Professor Olive Shisana, CPHIA 2025 Co-chair, in her remarks during the closing ceremony.

CPHIA 2025 brought together nearly 20,000 participants from over 72 countries — both online and in Durban —from across governments, academia, and civil society. Held under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security,” the conference was hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and co-organised with the Government of South Africa and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention. 

CPHIA 2025 featured three high-level plenary sessions, 20 abstract-driven sessions, eight special sessions and 48 side events from partners, the Africa CDC and AfricaBio. There were also 235 virtual posters and 90 in-person abstract presentations, along with 24 exhibition booths demonstrating cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and services. 

“In all the conversations that came through, we got to hear that Africa is ready to meet the moment. Africa’s season, and Africa’s moment to lead, is now,” said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

CPHIA 2025’s closing ceremony also featured three awards:

• Best Young Investigator for bringing fresh thinking, ingenuity, and passion to transform health and science was given to two individuals who presented their research at the conference:
  • Dr.  Noluxabiso Mangwana, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa
  • Ms. Diana Imoli, Kenya Medical Research Institute
• Best Oral Abstract for the most compelling presentation:
• Eric Angula, Casual Foundry
• Prof Olive Shisana, co-chair of the CPHIA 2025 Scientific Programme Committee and President of Evidence Based Solutions
• Distinguished Scientist for an individual who has made remarkable contributions to research and public health:

In reflecting on the conference outcomes and the awards presented at the closing ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya said: ‘‘Together, we decided to affirm our collective ambition to accelerate Africa’s journey towards sovereignty. It has been inspiring to hear directly from all of you, and especially from young people, about the exceptional work being done to support public health and to ensure strong health systems across Africa.’

Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, Chair of Bio Africa Convention, commented on what the conference accomplished this year, and the role of future CPHIA convenings. “What we saw over the last three days was groundbreaking research tackling very critical health issues. We engaged in some exciting and engaging panel discussions and had some dynamic exhibitions showcasing Africa’s ingenuity. This conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration.”

In closing the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya announced that the fifth edition of CPHIA would take place in November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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

Source: APO

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A UN Town Hall in Tanzania marked the conclusion of a three-day workshop on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), bringing together 21 UN PSEA Focal Points for capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The session was graced by Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Coordinator for improving the UN response on PSEA, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator, who both reaffirmed the UN’s zero-tolerance policy and called for strengthened prevention, accountability, and survivor-centred responses across all operations.

The workshop, organized by the Resident Coordinator’s Office with support from WHO, WFP, and IOM—aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and build institutional capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. WHO played a key role in providing technical support and guidance to ensure that PSEA measures are effectively integrated into health programmes and community engagement efforts.

The Town Hall reaffirmed the UN’s shared commitment to fostering dignity, respect, and trust within the workplace and in engagement with communities, ensuring that every individual is protected from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

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 In a major step toward strengthening regional health security, Tanzania has officially gained the capacity to inspect ships and issue internationally recognized Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This milestone enhances the country’s ability to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases through maritime routes and positions Tanzania as a leader in port health preparedness.

This week, 45 Port Health Officers from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar completed intensive training in Dar es Salaam, facilitated by international experts from the World Health Organization (WHO). The program equips officers to conduct ship sanitation inspections and assess compliance with global public health standards—an essential function at designated Points of Entry (PoEs).

Dr. Amour Selemani, Head of Port Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative:

“Tanzania’s ports—especially Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara—serve as critical gateways for over seven neighboring countries. Empowering our officers to issue SSCs ensures we meet international standards while safeguarding regional health.”

The training supports Tanzania’s commitment to the Pandemic Fund initiative, launched recently in Mwanza by the Deputy Prime Minister. The initiative aims to strengthening  systems for pandemic preparedness and response in Tanzania.

Under IHR 2005, WHO member states are required to build core capacities at PoEs, including seaports. SSCs either Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC) or Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC)are issued following inspections of potable water systems, food storage, waste management, vector control, and overall hygiene conditions aboard vessels.

Dr. George Kauki, WHO-Tanzania’s Surveillance Officer, described the phased training approach: “We began with virtual modules, followed by hands-on sessions tailored to Tanzania’s maritime context. Only officers trained by WHO-accredited experts are authorized to inspect and certify ships.”

Participants were drawn from key ports across the country, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kigoma, Mtwara, and Tanga, as well as Malindi, Wete, Mkoani, Fumba, and Mkokotoni in Zanzibar—ensuring national coverage and operational readiness.

Dr. Amour further confirmed that essential inspection equipment is already in place, with additional tools being procured through WHO support under the Pandemic Fund.

This achievement not only strengthens Tanzania’s maritime health surveillance but also sets a precedent for neighboring countries. It reinforces Tanzania’s leadership in advancing global health security and demonstrates its commitment to implementing international standards at critical entry points.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

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Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, has launched a new and improved National Health Portal — a transformative step toward enhancing access to quality health data and promoting evidence-based decision-making across the country.

The upgraded platform provides a centralized, user-friendly space for accessing routine health data, surveys, reports, and thematic insights. It empowers health professionals, policymakers, and partners to use real-time data to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and monitor national progress.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, “The National Health Portal serves as the official platform for disseminating health information and statistics from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. Established in 2015 under the Monitoring and Evaluation section, it was designed to provide quick and easy access to data across the health sector.”

The portal, which is updated quarterly with data from multiple reporting sources, reinforces transparency, accountability, and data-driven health planning. It serves a wide range of users — from government agencies and development partners to researchers, civil society organizations, and the general public.

Reaffirming WHO’s support, the World Health Organization Health Systems Coordinator, Dr Fedjo Galbert noted, “WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Tanzania in strengthening health information systems and advancing data use for action. Reliable, accessible data is essential for guiding policies, improving health services, and achieving better outcomes for all.”

Together, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners are ensuring that data is not just collected — but translated into action that saves lives and strengthens Tanzania’s health system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, supports the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi’s instruction for the withdrawal of the unauthorised letter issued by the departmental official which led to a Sherriff to serve the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Ms Francesca Albanese with court papers yesterday.

The department has established that the service of the process was effected without the knowledge or approval of either the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development or the Director-General, who serves as the Head of the Central Authority, as is required by Section 40(2) of the Superior Courts Act, 2013 (Act 10 of 2013).

Mr Mahumapelo further supports the instruction of the Minister for the withdrawal of the irregular service of the process and the Minister’s instruction for an internal consequence management. “We appreciate the reaffirmation of the department’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, respect for international law, and South Africa’s diplomatic and international obligations,” emphasised Mr Mahumapelo.

Mr Mahumapelo said that it is regrettable that neither the Director General nor the Minister gave effect to the request for service of the process, which was a request purportedly made by the Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, Christians for Israel, USA.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Graduates have been urged to take advantage of available government programmes and funds to develop income-generating projects that will enable them become job creators rather than job seekers.

Speaking at the 27th graduation ceremony of Nkumba University on Saturday, 25 October 2025, the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Uganda requires leaders who can innovate solutions to existing social and economic challenges.

“What lies ahead is the responsibility to use the knowledge, skills and values you have gained here to transform your lives and those of the people around you. In an age of global disruption and innovation, your generation must be agile, creative and proactive,” Tayebwa said.

He commended Nkumba University’s initiative of a digitally-enabled community-centred early childhood project that will equip from 32 primary schools across Uganda with skills to effectively integrate e-learning into their teaching practices.

“This is truly the way forward. The only way we can help young learners quickly embrace the digital age is by introducing them to technology early on. I request you, graduates, to go and replicate this in your communities,” Tayebwa said.

The Deputy Speaker also commended private universities in the country for their role in filling the education gap and bringing the academic space closer to communities.

“Universities like Nkumba have played a critical role in democratizing the education sector. If we had only remained with government institutions, I do not know where all the students from our secondary schools would be admitted,” Tayebwa said.

Nkumba University Chancellor, Emmanuel Katongole urged the graduates to exude confidence, competence, creativity and good character, which he said will empower them to step into boardrooms, workplaces and communities with courage. 

“As Chancellor, I have conferred upon you your awards, but remember, your real graduation begins tomorrow. When all is said and done, degrees may open doors, but it is these four virtues that will keep those doors open and allow you to walk through them with dignity and purpose,” Katongole said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega appreciated government’s support to the university through a tax waiver of Shs4.4 billion which had accumulated in tax arrears from 2014 to date, which he said was a great boost to the university’s recovery.

“Nkumba University also received a capitalization grant of Shs300 million from the Ministry of Education and Sports to support its infrastructure development, which we are grateful for. I also request government to support us in establishing state-of-the-art laboratories for artificial intelligence and data science to be housed in the new ICT centre of excellence block,” Prof. Lubega said.

At this year’s graduation, Nkumba University registered a total of 2,087 graduates, with 25 graduating getting Doctorates of Philosophy (PhDs), 418 Masters degrees, 1025 with Bachelor’s degrees, 217 with postgraduate diplomas,   263 with undergraduate diplomas and 139 with certificates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee has welcomed the briefings it received from the Department of Basic Education on its annual report for the 2024/25 financial year, Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on audit outcomes of the department and Statutory Bodies, SACE and Umalusi.

The committee also received a briefing from Umalusi on the National Senior Certificate Examinations (NSC) 2025 readiness including learner support for the Second Chance Matric Programme.

The committee commended the department for the successful implementation of the recommendations of the AG after the 2023/24 audit outcomes. Among those recommendations is the department’s successful implementation of control measures that have helped reduce irregular expenditure, showing progress in supporting implementing agents.

The committee also heard that the department has made good progress by Including MTSF indicators in the annual performance plan, which improved transparency and accountability, enabling better tracking of progress and addressing service delivery gaps.

During engagements, the Chairperson of the committee Ms Joy Maimela told the Minister Sive Gwarube that there should be a new funding model for schools because the current one has serious shortcomings. She said the current model perpetuates inequality between the dilapidating and historically disadvantaged and historically privileged schools. She said it is only a new funding model that can assist to address that deepening contradiction.

Reporting on the state of readiness of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, Minister Gwarube told the committee that the class of 2025 started high school in 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 disruptions.

The committee heard that this year there are over 900 thousand candidates who have been registered to write NSC exams. The Minister said 706 000 of them are full-time and the rest are part-time candidates. She reiterated that the department is ready for the 2025 NSC exams that are currently underway, and thus far there have been no incidents of material value.

The committee expressed a concern over the disjuncture between the data of successful matriculants and the enrolment positions often available at universities and colleges. It called for a seamless enrolment transition to avoid the chaotic admission scenarios that often play themselves out at every start of a higher education academic calendar.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said he was “deeply alarmed” by reports of civilian casualties and forced displacement as fierce fighting engulfs the city.

“With fighters pushing further into the city and escape routes cut off, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and terrified – shelled, starving, and without access to food, healthcare or safety,” Mr. Fletcher said in a statement on Sunday.

He called for “an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, across Darfur and throughout Sudan,” stressing that civilians must be allowed safe passage and humanitarian workers must be protected.

“Safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be allowed to reach all civilians in need,” he said. “We have lifesaving supplies ready, but intensified attacks have made it impossible for us to get aid in. Local humanitarian workers continue to save lives under fire.”

City under siege

El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur still under government control, has been under siege for more than a year.

According to media reports, the RSF – a paramilitary group that has been waging a brutal war against its former allies, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – has claimed to have taken control of the city after seizing the army’s Sixth Division headquarters.

The Sudanese army has not yet commented, but the loss of El Fasher would mark a major setback for government forces and a potential turning point in the civil war that has ravaged the country since April 2023.

The conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing more than 11.7 million people, including 4.2 million who have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries, according to the UN figures.

Widespread civilian casualties

UN agencies have reported widespread civilian casualties and repeated attacks on medical facilities in the region in recent weeks.

At least 20 people were killed in strikes on a mosque and the Saudi hospital – the city’s last functioning medical facility – earlier this month. This followed nearly 100 civilian deaths in September.

Hold perpetrators to account

Mr. Fletcher condemned the continued targeting of civilians, hospitals and humanitarian operations, urging all parties to respect international law.

“Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must be held to account,” he said

He also reiterated the obligations set out under Security Council resolution 2736 (2024), which demands an end to the siege of El Fasher, the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.