Category: English

Source: APO

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a US$9.3 million contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea, to promote health and nutrition, combat food insecurity and foster inclusive development in northern Côte d’Ivoire.

The multi-year funding, provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will enable WFP to deliver locally sourced, nutritious meals to 50,000 school children in 200 primary schools across the regions of Bagoué, Bounkani, Poro and Tchologo. This assistance aims to support students’ well-being, concentration, and academic success from 2025 to 2029.

WFP will also support 100 smallholder farmer groups with training and technical assistance, helping boost the quality and quantity of their produce while establishing a direct link with school canteens to stimulate rural economies, strengthen local supply chains, and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Our partnership with KOICA represents an investment in Côte d’Ivoire’s future,” said Olivia Hantz, WFP Representative and Country Director for Côte d’Ivoire. “By strengthening national systems and empowering local producers, we are ensuring that every school meal contributes not only to a child’s learning and health, but also to the country’s long-term food security and resilience.”

Beyond providing nutritious meals, the funding will help improve access to hand washing in schools and support hygiene, health, and nutrition education among students and communities, adopting a holistic approach to school and community well-being.

These activities will be implemented in close collaboration with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, especially the Ministry of National Education and Literacy, through the Directorate of School Canteens, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, and the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene. This multi-sectoral approach leverages expertise across education, health, and agriculture to build a resilient and sustainable school feeding system aligned with national priorities.

“This project holds a special significance for us, reflecting a profound lesson from Korea’s own history. The conviction that a single nutritious meal can unlock a child’s potential, and that these children, empowered and healthy, are the very foundation of a nation’s prosperity. By linking schools with local farmers, we are not just providing food, but investing in that foundation,” said Kim Sangjun, KOICA Country Director in Côte d’Ivoire.

Overall, WFP provides school meals to over 166,000 students in 733 schools across Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating the scale and reach of its commitment to children’s well-being and educational success.

“This new funding marks a significant milestone in the fight against food insecurity in Cote d’Ivoire. By improving children’s nutrition and education through a sustainable, locally sourced school feeding programme, WFP and KOICA are strengthening human capital, and promoting inclusive development for children and communities,” Hantz emphasized.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO

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WHAT: Celebration of the 2025 International Day of Rural Women (IDRW).

Theme: “Empowering Rural Women for Reparatory Justice: Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa.”

WHERE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, The African Union Commission.  

WHEN: 14–15 October 2025

Time: 9H00-17H00

• 14 October 2025: Knowledge-sharing and lessons-learned workshop
• 15 October 2025: Main celebration, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, testimonies, and exhibitions.

WHO: Organized by the African Union Commission, through the Rural Development Division within the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), in collaboration with other relevant Departments and organs.

Objectives of the Event:

• Celebrate and promote reparatory justice interventions empowering women living in rural areas.
• Highlight success stories in education, technology, and mechanization for women in agriculture.
• Strengthen partnerships and advocacy for inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.

Expected Outcomes:

The event will culminate in an IDRW 2025 Outcome Statement, reaffirming Africa’s commitment to gender-responsive agricultural transformation and reparatory justice for women living in rural areas.

Participants:

 The event will bring together AU Member States, government representatives, rural women leaders, civil society organizations, diaspora representatives, development partners, and private sector actors.
High-level dignitaries, including Ministers responsible for Gender and Agriculture, AU Commissioners, and partner organizations, are expected to participate.

Background:

The International Day of Rural Women (IDRW), established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, is celebrated annually on 15 October to recognize the critical role and contributions of rural women in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.

In line with the African Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” the 2025 IDRW focuses on advancing reparatory justice as a pathway to empower rural women and promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.

The event will be preceded by a Knowledge-Sharing and Lessons-Learned Workshop on 14 October 2025, bringing together rural women leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss best practices in empowerment initiatives across the continent.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Janet Edem, Head, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission Email: EdemeJ@africanunion.org

Ms. Nsama Nsemiwe Chikolwa,  Coordinator of Land Policy, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development email : NsamaC@africanunion.org

For media inquiries, please contact

Mr Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communications Directorate; AU Commission Tel: +251-911-630631; Email: molalett@africanunion.org    

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Carter Center have signed a new cooperation agreement, worth US$300,000, which guarantees the continuity of activities to fight Guinea worm disease in the province of Cunene. The agreement reinforces the commitment of both organizations to support Angola in eliminating this Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), which is targeted for global eradication by 2030. 

The signing of this agreement was driven by the long-term collaboration and advocacy with the Ministry of Health and the province of Cunene, which was strengthened during the Health Circle, a public dialogue promoted by the WHO in partnership with the Private University of Angola, which, in its second edition, highlighted the urgency of a collective effort to eradicate this disease.

The Carter Center is a key partner of Angola in this fight, providing technical and material support for community surveillance, mobilization, and awareness-raising among affected communities, as well as practical solutions such as water filters and larvicides, which are essential to interrupt transmission. This new funding will allow, for six months, the expansion and consolidation of ongoing actions, ensuring active surveillance of cases, community monitoring, training of local volunteers, and intensifying awareness campaigns in the most affected areas.

“This agreement proves that open and inclusive dialogue can translate into concrete commitments. The Health Circle was a catalyst for consolidating the partnership and securing the resources needed to move towards a dracunculiasis-free Angola,” said Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola.

Since 2018, Angola has reported 204 cases of Guinea Worm, three in humans and 201 in animals, specifically dogs. Although rare, the disease continues to affect vulnerable rural communities across Cunene and represents an obstacle to socioeconomic development. Transmission is strongly linked to the environment, especially stagnant water sources containing fleas infected with the parasite’s larvae, making a multisectoral response coordinated between health, education, environment, animal health, and infrastructure essential.

This agreement highlights the importance of international partnerships and community participation as drivers for accelerating progress. Continuing Guinea worm disease eradication activities represents a financial investment and a fundamental step toward protecting the most vulnerable populations and building more resilient communities.

The WHO and the Carter Center thus reaffirm their commitment to supporting Angola in meeting the global goal of eradicating Guinea Worm by 2030 through a multisectoral response based on strong partnerships and the leadership of local communities.

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

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Public Service welcomes the suspension, with immediate effect, of the Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, Mr Lesiba Arnold Malotana.

The Gauteng Premier announced the suspension on Tuesday.

Last year, the committee also asked the Public Service Commission to investigate the HOD’s appointment, in particular, whether proper procedures were followed in Mr Malotana’s appointment, including verification of his qualifications and consideration of alleged corrupt activities.

Committee Chairperson Mr Jan de Villiers said the committee welcomes this decisive action. “It again underscores the imperative of accountability, integrity and ethical leadership in public service. The committee reiterates its firm view that public officials must at all times be beyond reproach, and transgressions – particularly in matters of governance, procurement and service delivery – must be met with decisive consequences.”

The HOD’s suspension also comes amid revelations from the Special Investigating Unit relating to the misallocation and siphoning of funds, including the uncovering of over R122 million linked to corrupt payments and irregularities involving the Gauteng Health Department and Tembisa Hospital. At least 207 service providers have been identified as having traded with Tembisa Hospital and, so far, 108 matters have been referred to the provincial health department for administrative and disciplinary action.

“The committee views such allegations as a grave betrayal of public trust, especially when the funds in question are meant for essential healthcare services and vulnerable communities,” the Chairperson said.

“We commend Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s prompt appointment of Dr Darion Barclay as acting head to ensure continuity in leadership and minimise disruption in this critical department. The committee calls for stability to be upheld, while allowing the investigative processes to unfold without interference.”

The committee also expects consequences where wrongdoing has been confirmed. “We expect firm administrative, disciplinary or legal consequences, up to and including removal, prosecution and restitution where wrongdoing has been proved.”

The committee also stressed the need for a continuity of service delivery even as investigations proceed.

The Chairperson said that the suspension is a necessary first step but not an endpoint. “It signals the gravity with which government must treat corruption and maladministration in our health sector. The committee remains resolved to ensure that every public official is held to the highest standards, and that public resources serve the public interest rather than private gain.”

The committee will continue to monitor developments closely.

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

Source: APO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) announced today a new agreement to support the digital transformation of health systems and wider adoption of WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) in sub-Saharan Africa. This EU–WHO partnership will improve pandemic preparedness and accelerate progress towards better health and well-being for all.

The agreement was announced at the World Health Summit 2025 by Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data; Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa; and Mr Martin Seychell, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships.

The GDHCN is a global system that enables countries to securely and reliably verify nationally approved digital health credentials across borders. The system builds on the European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC), which facilitated verification of vaccination, testing and recovery certification for international travelers connecting 76 countries and territories. However, only four countries from the WHO African Region—Benin, Cabo Verde, Seychelles and Togo—were able to join the EU DCC network.

Since its transfer to the WHO in 2023, the GDHCN has shown strong potential to support the digitization of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the Yellow Card, in alignment with the updated International Health Regulations (IHR). Making the most of its potential could enhance global vaccination tracking, reduce fraud, and simplify international health requirements.

Under the new joint agreement, which includes an €8 million EU grant spanning 2025 to 2028, WHO and the European Union will collaborate to bolster national efforts to advance the digital transformation of health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO will provide technical and policy expertise, in collaboration with regional partners such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The EU investment is part of the Digital Health workstream of the Team Europe Initiative on the EU-AU Health Partnership, which brings together European and African stakeholders to build resilient digital health ecosystems across the continent, and aligned with the EU Global Gateway strategy.

Empowering countries and people

The GDHCN supports countries in building trusted, interoperable digital health systems that directly benefit people — providing secure, portable health records accessible wherever they travel, including during health emergencies. Personal health records are managed securely by each individual country or their health system. These records cannot be accessed by other parties, including WHO.

The network is built on internationally recognized standards for privacy, data protection, and interoperability, and participation of countries is voluntary. The network fosters cross-border collaboration among countries and partners, strengthening health security today, while laying the foundation for more resilient, person-centered health systems for future generations.

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

Source: APO

As Sterile Processing Week shines a spotlight on the critical role of sterile processing professionals, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) is honored to celebrate one of its own crew members Frank Seibure, a volunteer whose hard work brings healing and safety to surgical patients across Africa. This year’s theme ‘Serving with a purpose’ reflects the dedication and pride sterile processing professionals bring to their work, ensuring every instrument is clean, sterile, and ready to help save lives.  

Frank’s meticulous work aboard Mercy Ships ensures that every instrument in safe, protecting patients and supporting the life-saving surgical missions. “If instruments aren’t properly sterilized, patients can end up with more complications than they came in with,” he explained.  

Before scrubs and sterile trays, Frank was already serving his community as a young human rights advocate. Having witnessed the harsh realities of civil war as a child, he grew up determined to make a difference. That calling eventually led him to Mercy Ships in 2011, where he began as day crew in the sterile processing department. With no prior experience, but a deep passion to help, Frank embraced the training, quickly rising to become a full volunteer crew member, and later, a Certified Healthcare Leader in Sterile Processing.  

“My biggest driving force is to make an impact on society, help those in need, and serve humanity,” Frank shares.  

Sterile processing is often called the heart of the hospital because any failure in the process can have serious consequences. Improperly sterilized instruments can place patients at risk for contamination and cause potential outbreaks. Contrary to popular assumptions, sterile processing is not simply about washing tools. It is a knowledge-intensive discipline that integrates both life science and engineering.  

Last month, Surgical Directions announced the release of its last report, Unseen but essential: the knowledge demands and staffing crisis in sterile processing (https://apo-opa.co/4hiL0cY), which reveals a growing patient safety risk linked to chronic staffing shortages and underinvestment in sterile processing departments. The position continues to be one of the most challenging to staff due to its demanding knowledge requirements.  

Beyond his clinical duties, he also finds joy in training others, passing on his knowledge to new volunteers and local healthcare professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the field. 

“The highlight of my time with Mercy Ships is that I’ve trained many young people to become sterile processing technicians,” Frank says.  

Through Mercy Ships, Frank’s impact has rippled across nations. He continues to learn from the rich blend of cultures represented on board, and has felt the positive impact on his natural leadership qualities through service.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:  
international.media@mercyships.org    

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:  
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @ MercyShips on social media.