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The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, organized a National Tobacco Control Conference on 13 June at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

Dr. Andebrhan Tesfatsion, Acting Director General of Public Health, emphasized that tobacco and other addictive products are major contributors to non-communicable diseases. He underlined the need for coordinated efforts to raise public awareness and implement practical preventive measures.

Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, urged society, especially parents, to take responsibility in educating youth about the severe consequences of tobacco use.

During the panel discussion, four research papers were presented, focusing on the National Strategy for Implementing Effective Tobacco Control Measures and the Implementation Status of Proclamation 143/2004, along with awareness-raising activities.

Participants held extensive discussions on the presented issues and adopted several recommendations.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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In a demonstration of Uganda’s growing commitment to collaborative Healthcare Diplomacy, the Uganda Embassy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and key stakeholders including AFRECC, Olympus, and Kyabiirwa Surgical Center, hosted a high-level esophageal Cancer Symposium at Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala. Under the theme “Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Esophageal Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event marked the culmination of a four-day health-focused agenda that began with specialized surgical training at Kyabiirwa Surgical Center in Jinja. Over 50 patients received treatment during the training phase, a tangible outcome underscoring the importance of applied science in addressing real-world health burdens.

The symposium was not merely an academic exchange it was a convergence of minds from the health sector, diplomatic corps, academia, media, and private manufacturers, drawn together by a shared sense of responsibility. Beyond policy, the symposium made room for stories personal accounts of survivors, caregivers, and practitioners working in low-resource settings. It is this blend of policy, practice, and lived experience, which gave the event its distinct character and diplomatic weight. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader socio-economic and cultural implications of non-communicable diseases. Presenters explored how public perceptions, behavior change, and even commercial industries such as tobacco and alcohol influence cancer rates. With emphasis on building resilient health systems, speakers called for a multi-sectoral approach that combines regulation, education, and innovation.

In line with her Mission’s mandate to promote Science and Technology transfer under the four ATMS, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, delivered remarks that reflected a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy in the health sector. “Cancer is not just a medical challenge it’s a deeply human one,” she said. “Each diagnosis is a story of hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of families and communities.” She underlined the critical role of technology in bridging geographic divides, emphasizing that embassies today function as both diplomatic posts and development facilitators. “With limited resources and high expectations, we walk a fine line. But strategic partnerships and shared responsibility remain our greatest assets,” she added.

Amb. Kakonge’s remarks also recognized the essential roles of countries like Japan which has worked closely with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the United States, not as donors, but as co-creators of a shared future. Her appeal to “think beyond borders and budgets” framed cancer as a global development issue an approach that resonated strongly with international health experts and funders in attendance. Speaking with both humility and resolve, His Excellency Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, who was also in attendance, reflected on the evolving collaboration between Japan and Uganda, which he described as “a journey of mutual respect and long-term investment in people.” The ambassador pointed to areas of growth, including health cooperation, coffee exports, and cultural exchange. He also acknowledged Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure through projects like the donation of ambulances and medical equipment efforts he described as acts of friendship, not charity.

“Our collaboration is not a project. It is a relationship,” he remarked, inviting partners to co-create solutions that transcend national interests and reflect a common vision for health, sustainability, and innovation. In his keynote address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, echoed Uganda’s commitment to early detection, public education, and regional health equity. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and he urged stronger efforts to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage. “When we delay, we pay,” he stated, referencing the escalating costs both human and economic of late diagnosis. Dr. Olaro also pointed to growing mental health concerns and the need for integrated, community-based approaches in both cancer and psychosocial care.

Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, described the symposium as “a convergence of science, innovation, and diplomacy.” He stressed that Uganda’s cancer burden cannot be tackled in isolation. “We must draw on global partnerships not only for funding but for the co-creation of knowledge. Innovation must be localized, and science must be democratized,” he said. His remarks were received with deep resonance by the international delegations, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to affirm their support. As the curtains fall on this milestone gathering, one thing is clear: Uganda is not just hosting conversations it is shaping them. With its eyes firmly on the future and its feet grounded in regional realities, the country is emerging as a credible voice in the global dialogue on cancer care, resilience, and shared humanity. In a world grappling with health inequities, Uganda’s call is simple yet profound: “Let us heal together.”

– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, 13th June 2025 met and held a strategic discussion with the Ambassador of Germany to Uganda, His Excellency Matthias Schauer at State Lodge, Nakasero.

The meeting focused on exploring ways to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, technology, sports development, among others.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Germany.

President Museveni emphasized the importance of partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development goals, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to sustainable progress.

Ambassador Schauer thanked President Museveni for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue, expressing optimism about the continued growth of Uganda–Germany relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the Zionist regimes military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran in a phone call on Friday with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Abdelatty described the attacks as fueling an extremely dangerous regional escalation, a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and a clear threat to regional and international security and stability.

The Iranian foreign minister, while appreciating the phone call and Egypt’s stance in condemning the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran, emphasized, “This attack constitutes a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a gross breach of the UN Charter.”

 Araghchi added, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the right to self-defense, will deliver a decisive response to this aggression by the Zionist regime.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Islamic Republic of Iran.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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On Wednesday, a High Court in Zimbabwe struck down provisions of the country’s Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, commonly referred to as the “Patriotic Act,” as unconstitutional. 

The Patriotic Act, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law in July 2023, contains overly broad provisions that make the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association a criminal offense.

The act created the crime of “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe,” which effectively criminalizes Zimbabwean civil society groups and human rights defenders who criticize the government at international forums and prohibits them from seeking external avenues for accountability for rights violations.

In its ruling, the court stated that the drastic penalties prescribed under section 22A(3) of the act, which include life imprisonment, the death penalty, termination of citizenship, and suspensions from voting and holding public office, infringed on various sections of the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and Zenzele Ndebele, a private citizen, who brought the case before the court, argued that section 22A(3) and other provisions had high potential for abuse and misuse. They contended that the sections had the effect of silencing dissenting voices and were therefore unfair, unnecessary, and unreasonable in a democratic society. They also said that the law did not sufficiently define what constituted “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe.”

When President Mnangagwa signed the bill into law, domestic and international human rights and civil society organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch, expressed concern that the law would further threaten and erode freedoms of expression and association in the country. Several other groups signed a statement calling for the repeal of the law, stating that it carried provisions “not necessary or justifiable in a democratic society.”

While striking down sections of the law as unconstitutional is a positive step, the Zimbabwe government should repeal the draconian Patriotic Act altogether, as it contains overly broad and vaguely defined provisions, such as those criminalizing participation in meetings “with the intention of promoting calls for economic sanctions against the country.” Such provisions amount to serious violations of the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association protected under international human rights law.

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will meet Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica Arnoldo André Tinoco and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Russ Jalichandra in connection with the Kultaranta Talks on 16–17 June.

At the Kultaranta presidential summer residence, the ministers, together with Foreign Minister Valtonen, will engage in a panel discussion entitled “Accumulation of Shocks at the Global Level – What the West Should Understand” on 16 June. They will discuss regional and international developments that challenge the rules-based international order.

“With many transformations taking place in the world, I am pleased that we will have views from different continents at Kultaranta. We have several shared interests despite the long distances between us,” says Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

In their bilateral meetings, the ministers will discuss, among other topics, bilateral relations, topical regional and multilateral issues and economic and trade cooperation.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) will broadcast the Kultaranta Talks live on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena.

More information about the Kultaranta Talks: Press release by the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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“This policy has finally put words to the struggle I have faced for years. I care for my aging mother and three grandchildren while running a small business. Now, I feel seen and supported.” — Jane Mutheu, Caregiver and Small Business Owner, Kitui County.

In a stride toward gender equality and women empowerment, UN Women Kenya successfully launched the Evidence to Policy for Kenya Care Economy project in three counties — Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia to reshape Kenya’s care infrastructure. The project, supported by the Gates Foundation, seeks to address the burden of care work, which is often shouldered by women. It aims to ensure that care work is recognized, reduced, rewarded, redistributed, and represented to foster a more inclusive society.

Kenya’s National Care Policy — the second of its kind in Africa after Cape Verde — is a transformative model for addressing structural gender inequality. 

The Policy seeks to transform how unpaid and paid care work is recognized, valued, and addressed in Kenya. At its core, the policy aims to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work and reward and represent paid care work through decent work and social protection mechanisms.

Unpaid care work, though vital for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the ill, often goes unrecognized. In Kenya, women spend an average of 4–5 hours a day on unpaid care work compared to just one hour by men according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This imbalance not only contributes to time poverty but also reinforces broader gender inequalities, limiting women’s access to education, employment, leadership, and income.

The Evidence to Policy project builds on the foundation of Kenya’s 2023–2026 UN Women Strategic Note, which prioritizes economic empowerment and gender-responsive governance. With the care economy largely dependent on unpaid and unrecognized female labor, this project seeks to create equitable systems that support all caregivers, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.

The project introduces the Care Diamond framework — government, civil society, private sector, and households — as key actors in delivering and sustaining care systems.

In West Pokot, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, Ms. Antonia Sodonon, accompanied by implementing partner Village Enterprise led the launch. The implementing partner works with grassroots communities to integrate care considerations in economic development initiatives.

Laikipia County was part of the local rollout, implemented in partnership with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH-EA). Community dialogues here focused on balancing caregiving responsibilities with income-generating opportunities.

In Kitui County, UN Women Kenya’s Deputy County Representative, Dan Bazira, alongside the Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, senior, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action took part in the launch. The gathering aimed to advance inclusive dialogue, promote awareness, and deepen understanding of care work’s impact on women’s participation in public life.

“This policy is not just about women. It’s about families, economies, and building resilient societies,” said Mr. Bazira, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration. “It’s a groundbreaking model on the continent—one that promotes the 5Rs of unpaid care work: Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent, and Reward.”

Through this policy, the Government of Kenya is taking a critical step to correct that imbalance. It will guide the collection of time-use data, promote investment in public services like childcare and eldercare, and push for decent work conditions for paid care workers. This initiative aligns with global commitments under SDG 5.4 and national frameworks such as the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically the President’s 9-Point Agenda on Women.

Government Buy-In and Bold Commitments

In Kitui, Governor Malombe committed to aligning county development plans with the care policy. “Care work fuels our communities, yet it’s invisible in our budgets and policies. This must change. We are investing in Early Childhood Development, centers, water access, and GBV recovery centers because we know care is foundational,” he said.

The Director of the State Department for Gender, Ms. Grace Wasike, urged further action: “We must train domestic workers, build support systems for the elderly and disabled, and strengthen our collaboration across all government levels.”

Implementing Partners Driving Local Impact

In all counties, funded by Gates Foundation and supported by UN Women, grassroots partners are at the heart of the project. ADSE in Kitui is engaging communities to build care-responsive programs. Village Enterprise in West Pokot is integrating care into livelihoods. HiH EA in Laikipia is promoting gender-responsive technologies like kitchen gardens and time-saving tools.

“This care policy is a promise — that women’s unpaid labor is not a given, but a choice we must honor, value, and support,” concluded Elizabeth Obanda, Women’s Economic Empowerment Team Lead, UN Women Kenya.

The policy is expected to usher in system-wide changes in how care is organized and shared—between the state, private sector, families, and communities. By addressing care work, it lays the foundation for inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and social protection—ensuring women and girls have the time, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

The launches marked a milestone in translating Kenya’s National Care Policy into action at the county level, engaging communities, governments, and development partners in making visible the invisible labor that sustains households and economies. The county-level launches are a first step in what UN Women hopes will become a nationwide movement.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has inaugurated a carpentry workshop at the Alux Orphan School in Alux region.

Equipped with technical tools and machinery, the workshop aims to provide orphaned children with vocational skills in carpentry, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods. The new facility offers hands-on training in woodworking, preparing students for careers in the construction and furniture industries. Expert instructors will lead the training to support students’ professional development.

At the opening ceremony, TİKA Kampala Coordinator Murat Çetin emphasized the critical role of vocational education in development processes, highlighting the agency’s priority to prepare youth for the workforce and increase employment opportunities.

Local officials and community leaders attending the ceremony expressed their appreciation for TİKA’s support of education and vocational advancement, stating that the workshop will transform the lives of many young people in the region.

– on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).