Category: English

Posted on

Capped leave liability in the public sector stood at R16.24 billion- report

Source: South Africa News Agency

The total capped leave liability in the public sector stood at R16.24 billion as of December 2023, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said on Tuesday.

Standing at R16.24 billion and covering 189,039 employees, the total capped leave liability represents approximately 14% of the total public service workforce. 

“It is important to note that this cost continues to increase in line with cost-of-living adjustments and/or appointments into higher positions,” PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya said at a media briefing in Pretoria.

Addressing media on the commission’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: “The Pulse of the Public Service”, Gxoyiya said the majority of employees holding capped leave are concentrated in the education and health sectors. Most of them were also closer to retirement and according to the Commissioner, that raises concern about potential future skills shortages in these critical areas if not proactively addressed.

WATCH | PSC media briefing 

[embedded content]

 
“In relation to study leave, which is a type of special leave, data from national departments indicates that 17 733 – 20 651 employees took study leave from 2020 to 2023,” he said.

At provincial level, 21 004 – 23 265 employees took study leave from 2020 to 2023.

“In some provinces, over 70% of these employees were from the Health and Education Departments.  On average, study leave days ranged from five to eight days, with national departments having the highest average at 8.5 days. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces followed with 7.4 and 6.5 days respectively,” he said.

The Commissioner further explained that special leave is a negotiated benefit in terms of the public service employment conditions.

“Prior to the adoption of the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council Resolution 2 of 2024, departments operated under varied special leave policies, leading to a lack of uniformity across the public service.”

Meanwhile, there was also a notable increase in sick leave usage observed in 2022, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return to full-time workplace operations.

Grievances

With regard to the number of grievances handled by the PSC, Gxoyiya said that as at 31 March 2025, the PSC registered 439 grievances, including 85 cases carried-over from the previous financial year.

“Of the 439 grievances, 338 (77%) have been concluded and 101 (23%) remained pending as at end of 31 March 2025. 

“Of the 338 concluded cases, 18 (5%) was substantiated, 84 (25%) were unsubstantiated, nine  (3%) were partially substantiated, 43 (13%) were internally resolved within departments following the PSC’s intervention and the remaining 184 (54%) were closed for various reasons, including those that were also pending before different sectoral bargaining councils, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration or courts.”

Of the 439 grievances (including 85 cases carried over from the previous financial year), 403 were for employees on salary levels 2-12 and 36 for members of the Senior Management Service (SMS).

Of the 403 grievances of employees on salaries level 2 to 12, 309 were concluded, of which 282 (91%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigator.

Of the 36 grievances of SMS members, 29 were concluded, of which 24 (83%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigator.

The Commission also expressed concern with the continued failure by some departments to conclude grievances within the timeframes prescribed in the bargained Resolution 14 of 2002 for grievances of employees on salaries level 2 to 12, and Chapter 10 of the SMS Handbook.

“The PSC will in future investigate the cause of delays in grievance conclusion by departments This will assist in determining whether or not the delays are as a result of the agreed timeframes being unrealistic, or whether it is the human resource capacity issue or whether it is because of any other reason other than these,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Infrastructure development key to economic growth

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, has reiterated that infrastructure development plays a significant role in government’s ongoing efforts to grow the economy, create jobs and deliver services to citizens.

“As the South African government, we have committed significant investments towards infrastructure development. We have ambitious infrastructure development programs that have been undertaken in our country,” Masondo said on Tuesday, at the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI20) Summit.

The SAI20 is an engagement group of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from countries that make up the Group of Twenty (G20). It is chaired by the SAI of the country holding the G20 presidency. 

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024 and it will run until November 2025 under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.

The Deputy Minister said the country’s ambitious infrastructure development is necessitated by government’s desire to grow the economy through increasing the role of the private sector in the supply of electricity, freight logistics, telecommunications and water.

“We are working with other international partners towards revitalising ports and harbours. We are upgrading our electricity and digital infrastructure. We are building roads, hospitals and schools. We do all these to improve the socio-economic conditions of ordinary South Africans,” Masondo said.

In March 2025, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy launched an online Request for Information to develop an enabling environment for private sector participation and enhanced investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations.

Last month Transnet issued a R17 billion concession contract to five private sector partners to fund, construct and operate several liquid bulk terminals at the Port of Richards Bay.

Government has been collaborating with stakeholders to address bottlenecks and inefficiencies to turn around the fortunes of the rail and ports logistics systems.

Through Operation Vulindlela, government is accelerating the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation.

Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury.

In its first phase, the reform programme focused on five area, namely energy, logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system, which were identified as the most important constraints on economic growth. 

Government has made significant progress in advancing the reform agenda during implementation of Phase I of Operation Vulindlela as almost all of the reforms included in Phase I are either completed or on track.

The initiative is now in its second phase and the focus areas include improving the performance of local government, addressing spatial inequality through housing policy and other reforms, and advancing digital transformation.

It will include a rapid rollout of digital public infrastructure, such as digital identity and payments to enable economic activity and improve access to government services. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Death toll from recent floods continues to rise

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed that the official death toll from the recent floods has risen to 100, following additional recoveries by search teams. 

The numbers are likely to increase, as there are still individuals who have been reported missing by their families and search operations continue in the affected areas.

The floods, which swept through the province early this month, have caused widespread loss of life, disruption in livelihoods and significant damage in infrastructure. 

“As per the latest report, 94 bodies have been positively identified and handed over to their families, while processes are ongoing to identify the six remaining bodies. OR Tambo accounts for 76 of the deceased, while Amathole is 10, Alfred Nzo five, Chris Hani five, Joe Gqabi two and Sarah Baartman two. 

“Out of the 100 deceased persons, 63 are adults and 37 children of which 22 are learners,” said the provincial government in a statement on Tuesday.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and “are now left with a profound and multifaceted impact on their lives”. 

The disaster has significantly disrupted families and Eastern Cape communities at large. 

The provincial government continues with the provision of psychosocial support to the affected communities and schools, as well as the provision of relief efforts to overcome this disastrous situation. 

“The provincial government further wishes to applaud the multidisciplinary search and recovery teams for their commendable work since the onset of the tragic weather event in the province. 

“Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in recovering dozens of bodies and providing critical support to affected families, even as the search continues.

The provincial government continues to provide humanitarian support in partnership with NGOs and the private sector, with Old Mutual and Amathole District Municipality due to implement a two-day humanitarian aid programme in Mnquma Local Municipality, on 26–27 June 2025. 

The intervention will provide essentials, including blankets for beneficiaries. 

Meanwhile, the OR Tambo District Municipality has made notable progress in restoring basic water services following the devastating floods. 

Currently, 95% of the affected areas are receiving water, although some parts of Mthatha West, Coffee Bay, Mdlankala, and Mhlanga remain without water. 

The municipality is providing water tankers in the affected areas. 

“The provincial government expresses its sincere gratitude to the community for their patience while our teams work around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure, restore stability, and ensure access to clean water across the affected areas. 

“Government remains committed to accelerating recovery programmes and ensuring that displaced and affected communities receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Qatar Welcomes Ceasefire Agreement between Iran and Israel

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 24, 2025

The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses Qatar’s hope that the agreement serves as a meaningful step toward adopting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in the region and beyond. Qatar underscores the importance of using peaceful means to achieve lasting stability and comprehensive, sustainable peace at the same time, the Ministry reaffirms that the Iranian violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace forms part of a dangerous escalation in the region, which require sincere and collective efforts to deter all irresponsible actions.

The Ministry reaffirms that the State of Qatar will continue to serve as a driving force for peace. Its commitment to peace is grounded in principle and is not influenced by specific events or shifting political considerations. Qatar remains dedicated to the values of good neighborliness and fully supports all sincere efforts aimed at resolving crises and building a more secure, cooperative, and prosperous world.

The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s sincere appreciation for the efforts of His Excellency President Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, in facilitating this agreement. It also expresses hope that both parties will fully uphold and adhere to its terms.

Posted on

African leaders urge United States (U.S.) to embrace investment-driven partnerships and review tariffs


Download logo

African leaders have called on Monday for an urgent review of U.S. tariffs on African exports, urging a shift towards transformative partnerships and investment in Africa’s economic potential.

Addressing more than 2,000 government and business leaders, and other delegates at the U.S.-Africa business summit in the capital Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço said: “It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of investment and trade.”

He urged U.S. companies to diversify beyond traditional oil and mineral extraction and invest in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, cement production, and steel production.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, added, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.” He called for the removal of punitive tariffs and visa restrictions, noting that Africa’s 1.3 billion people and abundant resources remain among the world’s most significant untapped economic opportunities.

“This should not just be a summit, but a call to action. Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, and Agenda 2063 as our guide,” he told the summit.

In his remarks, African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said, “We should review the high tariffs on African countries. What is needed is more trade between Africa and the U.S., not less.”

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene reinforced Africa’s integration agenda, highlighting the importance of open regional markets. “The undertaking of the AfCFTA is an ambitious one—It has to be ambitious,” Mene said. He emphasized that the success of AfCFTA is essential to scale investment, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate industrial development across the continent.

From rhetoric to action: Building real partnerships

The central message was clear: the era of aid dependency is over, and the time for transformative investment partnerships has arrived. The leaders called for bold, strategic investments to unlock Africa’s trillion-dollar potential.

Responding to the call for deeper engagement, U.S. officials acknowledged Africa’s growing economic importance and the need to reset perceptions. Senior State Department Bureau Official Troy Fitrell said, “There are business leaders in the U.S. who need to understand the opportunities that lie in doing business with Africa. Our mission going forward will be to find them—and bring them in.”

The U.S.-Africa Business Summit promotes economic cooperation and investment between the United States and Africa with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the summit provides a platform to discuss key issues and opportunities in the U.S.–Africa relations, ultimately driving growth and development on both sides.

Adesina pointed to the Lobito corridor as a concrete example of strategic investment already underway.

“That is why the African Development Bank is a key strategic partner with the U.S., Angola, and Zambia on the development of the Lobito corridor,” he said. This critical corridor will link the vast areas of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the port of Angola, improving mineral supplies, unlocking agricultural potential, and creating jobs.

The African Development Fund, the soft loan arm of the Bank Group, will be providing $500 million in support of the development of the Lobito Corridor. Additionally, the African Development Bank will provide $1 billion over five years for complementary investments around the corridor, including agricultural value chains, roads, and energy infrastructure.

Act on the data, not perceptions

The Bank President went further: “As we build transport corridors, let us also build strategic partnership corridors. Strategic partnerships that prioritize capital investments in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals industrialization, and development of digital infrastructure, as well as capital markets.”

He charged U.S. investors: “Act on the data, not perceptions. Think Africa. Think opportunities. Think competition. From the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as institutional investors and capital allocations, invest in Africa. Let’s make America and Africa great again.”

Corporate Council on Africa President Florie Liser challenged summit delegates to embrace true partnership: “Beyond deals, let’s strive for lasting transformation.” As part of the opening ceremony of the Summit, the Corporate Council on Africa honored Dr. Adesina with its Distinguished Economic Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Africa’s transformation.

Council Deputy Chairman, Mr. Jean Raymond Boulle, conferred the award, describing how the African Development Bank has impacted millions of Africans under Adesina’s leadership, while transforming the Bank to a world-class institution and a partner of choice.

Akinwumi Adesina, who will complete his second and final five-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on 31 August, has led for the past decade transformative projects across Africa under the Bank’s five strategic priorities, the “High 5s”. They have positively impacted the lives of more than 565 million people on the continent.

Speaking at a high-level event hosted by Africa50, a pioneering infrastructure investment platform dedicated to accelerating project development and delivery across Africa, Adesina emphasized the urgent need to scale local financing solutions—especially in local currencies—to mitigate forex volatility, reduce risk mismatches, and enhance the bankability and stability of infrastructure projects for global investors.

The event, titled “Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure through Innovative Finance,” featured a high-level panel discussion on asset recycling, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, with insights from Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; Brook Taye, Director General of Ethiopia Investment Holdings; and Armando Manuel, Chairman of Fundo Soberano de Angola.

Together, they explored how innovative models, such as asset recycling, can unlock capital and accelerate infrastructure development across Africa.

Alain Ebobissé stated that the asset recycling model has been successfully implemented in many countries worldwide.

“In implementing this initiative in Africa, we are pursuing three objectives. First, monetizing assets—ensuring that, instead of owning only a bridge, you receive cash that you can reinvest in your assets. Second, improving the efficiency of the asset by bringing in first-class operators to help us manage those assets. Third, and most importantly, we aim to bring pension funds and other investors interested in cash flow-generating assets to finance these projects,” Ebobissé explained.

Adesina said over the past decade, the African Development Bank Group has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, including regional projects, making the Bank the largest financier of infrastructure in Africa.

The African Development Bank established Africa50 as a private equity infrastructure platform, comprising a project development company and a project finance company, to support the development of infrastructure with market-rate returns.

Africa’s missing share of a $2.9 trillion opportunity

The Bank President informed the audience that, in the past eight years since its establishment, Africa50 has invested in a portfolio of infrastructure projects worth over $8 billion.

“But more is needed, especially from private sector investors,” stated Adesina. “Africa should be well positioned to attract some of the $2.9 trillion global green bonds. However, the continent represents less than 1% of global green bond issuance. Because most of Africa’s infrastructure is yet to be built, this represents a huge opportunity for green bond issuances to build green infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and build climate resilience.”

The African Development Bank launched the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) to mobilize $500 million for project preparation and development, as well as $10 billion for green infrastructure investments. Africa50 is the General Partner for the AGIA-Project Development Fund, with several Limited Partners, including the G7 countries.

To mitigate risks at scale across Africa, the African Development Bank is establishing the Africa Risk Mitigation Agency, which will consolidate all banks’ guarantee instruments into a single entity. The entity will support guarantees for equity risk, climate risk, refinancing risk, and political risk.

He emphasized that Africa50 is also pioneering asset recycling, enabling governments to recover their investment in infrastructure by transferring brownfield assets to the private sector. This can help to reduce debt burdens and provide liquidity for governments.

“The Senegambia bridge, which the African Development Bank financed with $104 million, was the first to be used for the asset recycling program. It worked successfully, as Gambia received $104 million it spent back through Africa50,” he added. “Following this, several asset recycling initiatives are being proposed for many infrastructure projects financed for governments by the African Development Bank Group.”

The renewed momentum for U.S.-Africa business partnerships received strong political backing, with the participation of seven Heads of State, several Prime Ministers, and leaders of key regional organizations.

Attending dignitaries included Presidents Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo), Faustin-Archange Touadéra (Central African Republic), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Taye Aske Selassie (Ethiopia), Duma Gideon Boko (Botswana), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon); Prime Ministers Gervais Ndirakobuca (Burundi), Robert Beugré Mambé (Côte d’Ivoire), Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua (Equatorial Guinea), Christian Louis Ntsay (Madagascar), and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Justina Majara (Lesotho); as well as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, Chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States, and Elias M. Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Posted on

“Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow”: Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women’s Day 2025

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark ‘International Women’s Day 2025’, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. 

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!  

Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.  

Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.” 

“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.  

“I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. 

I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.” 

Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.  

“I am happy to share that through our “Educating Linda” Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. 

Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow”, emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. 

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.  

“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.  

Watch the Episodes of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:  

Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/3TJnIlf

Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/3T5CQcE

Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4kUtgFA

Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:  

1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/407Ntj9

2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kV21e5

3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/3ZGPClx

4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKJaL 

5. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3HWDu9W

Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : 

Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKTin

Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3ZKEFzv

Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: 

1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/44lkNEv

2. To read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4nhP6Ve

3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zAJO

4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zFNC

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613
+91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR
X: https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

About Merck Foundation:  
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe). 

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. 

Media files

Download logo
Posted on

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign, Global Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 24, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio.

During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.

HE Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar after the Iranian missile attack on Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base.

Posted on

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Summons Iranian Ambassador, Reiterates Qatar’s Strong Condemnation of Violation of Its Sovereignty and Airspace

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 24, 2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned on Tuesday HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar Ali Salehabadi, and reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, considering it a blatant violation of its sovereignty and airspace, as well as of the international law and the United Nations Charter. It also affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond to this flagrant violation in accordance with international law.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi affirmed to the Iranian Ambassador that this violation is completely inconsistent with the principle of good neighborliness and the close relations that exist between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran—especially considering that Qatar has always advocated for dialogue with Iran and has made considerable diplomatic efforts in this regard.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also emphasised the urgent need to immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and outstanding issues, avoid escalation, and halt military operations in an effort to promote regional and international stability.

Posted on

Qatar Affirms Continued Support for Afghan People in Facing Multiple Challenges, Assisting Them to Achieving Peace and Stability

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, June 24, 2025

The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued support for the Afghan people in facing multiple challenges and its commitment to assisting them on the path toward achieving peace and stability. Qatar also expressed its keenness to continue working with regional and international partners to establish the foundations of peace in Afghanistan and strengthen the elements of development.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the United Nations Security Council’s Quarterly Briefing on Situation in Afghanistan, held at the UN headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency emphasized that the humanitarian, economic, and political situations in Afghanistan require enhanced joint efforts to support and assist the Afghan people. She noted that the security and stability of Afghanistan positively impact regional and international security and peace.

HE further pointed out that the State of Qatar took the initiative to establish the Doha peace track for Afghanistan in 2013 in cooperation with international partners, and hosted a series of dialogues as part of a comprehensive political process involving all segments of Afghan society. She added that these efforts culminated in the signing of the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between US and Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29, 2020, which the UN Security Council described in its Resolution 2513 as a significant step toward ending the war and opening the door to intra-Afghan negotiations.

Her Excellency said that since then, the State of Qatar has continued its contribution by coordinating international efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations, concerned countries, and the Afghan caretaker government, adding that the State of Qatar takes pride in hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, starting with the meetings of the UN Special Envoys on Afghanistan convened by the UN Secretary-General in Doha in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive approach to facilitating initial international engagement in a more coherent and coordinated manner for the sake of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s aspiration to host the third meeting of the Working Group on Counter-Narcotics and the second meeting of the Working Group on Supporting Afghanistan’s Private Sector, both emerging from the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which will be held in Doha from June 30 to July 1, with the participation of representatives from the Afghan caretaker government, countries involved in the Doha Process, and technical experts.

HE stressed that the State of Qatar continues its efforts through the Qatar Fund for Development, in cooperation with United Nations entities, to provide humanitarian support to the Afghan people, including food aid, supporting basic healthcare programs, improving Afghan children’s access to education, providing scholarships, supporting programs to economically empower Afghan women and enhance their resilience to crises, and backing programs that empower Afghan youth, HE added.

Posted on

Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services in Ethiopia


Download logo

To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas.

A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the knowledge and tools to manage their own sexual and reproductive health through safe, simple and affordable practices for family planning, HIV prevention, cervical cancer prevention, nutrition, and maternal, adolescent and youth health. Practical examples range from access to contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and HIV self-test kits, all supported by educational guidance. This also includes self-management of medical abortion in line with national legislation, which permits the procedure under certain conditions.  

With support from World Health Organization (WHO), health authorities have developed the National Self-Care Intervention Guideline, focusing on interventions for women, adolescent and child health. They have also integrated self-care and expanded sexual and reproductive health services into key national policy guidelines, including those related to family planning, safe abortion care, teenage pregnancy reduction, and sexual and reproductive health responses in humanitarian settings.

Across the country, health workers are being trained to teach people how to promote these self-care tools. This started with a workshop for 38 public health officials from the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus and other institutions in June 2024. The initiative was then expanded to the sub-national level, equipping 67 health providers and managers with skills, in October 2024.  

“The recommendations and action plan we developed will help us integrate self-care into our existing health services effectively,” said Daniel Nadew, Maternal Child Health desk team lead from Addis Ababa City Health Bureau.

Following the scaling up self-care training, at Kolfe Health Centre in Addis Ababa, one of the pilot facilities, the introduction of self-care services contributed to a significant increase in access to services. In 2024, as part of the family planning service delivery, more than 800 women received over-the-counter combined oral contraceptives, compared with 280 in 2022.

Additionally, 84 women were trained to self-administer a safe and effective injectable contraceptive, known as DMPA, and more than 1000 adolescents were provided condoms after training on correct use.

Moreover, 50 women received self-management of medical abortion services, which included comprehensive training on how and when to use the medication, the correct dose, side effects, possible complications, and guidance on when to get medical help.

“The self-care training has significantly improved my knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive family planning and abortion care. The practical sessions were particularly helpful, and I feel more confident in my ability to support women in my community,” said Fatima Belay*, a health worker from Addis Ababa.

Belay * also highlighted the benefits of self-administered injectable contraceptives: “I appreciate the ease and convenience of the self-administering contraceptive, which I am able to use at home, at my usual workplace, or wherever I am.”

Amid the humanitarian crises in the northern region of Amhara, WHO and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute trained 30 healthcare providers from 13 health facilities in conflict-affected districts on self-care intervention guidelines.

Following the training, nine facilities provided onsite selfcare orientation for their staff which resulted in over 100 women and adolescents being educated on selfcare for family planning, antenatal care, pregnancy danger signs, nutrition, and safe abortion.  

Gish Abay Health Centre empowered 120 adolescents with skills for correct condom use and provided safe abortion care for 35 adolescent girls. Tilili Health Centre broadened the scope of self-care to include HIV self-testing, breast self-examination, pregnancy self-testing, and condom and emergency contraceptive use.

“These interventions significantly benefited the community and contributed to the efforts towards reducing preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. It will enable us to reach every mother, newborn, child, and adolescent in our community who are critically in need of health services,” said Nadew.

“Ethiopia’s commitment for self-care integration is empowering individuals, especially women and adolescents, with the knowledge and tools for proactive health management, offering considerable community convenience and cost savings,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “WHO is proud to support this effort, which significantly improves health outcomes by expanding access to critical sexual and reproductive health services, particularly crucial in conflict-affected areas.”

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