Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

• The world’s largest and best-rated tech show presents GITEX LATAM – its inaugural Latin American edition – in São Paulo, Brazil from 16-17 March 2027
• GITEX LATAM promises to redefine the region as the definitive epicentre of Latin America’s digital future
• Event will spark global public-private collaboration and digital infrastructure across AI, agritech, connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity & data centres

As Latin America’s digital market accelerates, poised to reach almost US$950 billion by 2026 (PCMI), a defining next phase of socio-economic transformation beckons with GITEX (www.GITEX.com), the world’s largest and best-rated tech and digital investment show brand, entering the region. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in strategic partnership with the São Paulo Development Agency (ADESAMPA), GITEX LATAM debuts as the region’s first-ever global tech event at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil from 16-17 March 2027.

Leveraging Brazil’s economic and innovation leadership, visionary digital policies, thriving startup ecosystem, and globally relevant technology frameworks, GITEX LATAM aims to redefine the continent as a definitive epicentre where Latin America’s digital future meets the world’s boldest frontiers of innovation.

Ricardo Nunes, mayor of São Paulo, hailed GITEX LATAM as a regional-first gateway to connect local businesses with international opportunities, stating: “São Paulo is excited to host GITEX LATAM, a landmark catalyst enabling our finest innovators to meet global opportunities. This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and influential enterprises with international markets, unlocking capital, forging partnerships, and expanding visibility on the world stage. At City Hall of São Paulo we are committed to empowering businesses that embodies our creative and entrepreneurial strength, reaffirming our city as Latin America’s foremost hub of innovation, investment, and transformative growth.”

GITEX LATAM to Showcase Brazil as ‘Vibrant Cornerstone’ of Regional Tech

GITEX continues to offer unparalleled access to new markets and business opportunities – reinforced by its rapid international expansion. In just three years, GITEX has forged the world’s largest network of global tech events, organising editions across 14 cities and countries.

In 2027, Brazil joins this exclusive global network. Brazil is one of the world’s leading adopters of digital public infrastructure, offering centralised access to hundreds of services and digital IDs for over 150 million citizens. The country aims for a US$259 billion ICT market (IMARC Group) and US$99.8 billion AI market (Grand View Horizon) by 2033, positioning GITEX as a catalyst in the nation’s rise as a global innovation and digital infrastructure hub.

Celebrating the partnership, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, CEO of KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX, added: “Brazil is the vibrant cornerstone of Latin America’s economy and a distinguished benchmark for dynamic, inclusive, and consequential technology development. Together with São Paulo – a prolific hub where startup ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ambitious investments thrive – GITEX LATAM shall integrate Latin America with the limitless digital universe, unlocking unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent, as the region scales towards global dominance on the world stage.”

Connecting Global Innovators to a Rising US$6.8 Trillion Economy

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealing that Latin America’s emerging markets and developing economies collectively generate a GDP of US$6.8 trillion in 2025, GITEX LATAM will serve as a global bridge accelerating the region’s digital transformation. Channelling the capital, technology, and cross-border collaboration globally synonymous with GITEX, the event will shape Latin America’s digital decade and cement its place in the global innovation economy — connecting East and West to inspire a new era of technological growth.

Anchored by a future-oriented programme spanning AI, agritech, cloud, connectivity, cybersecurity, data centres, healthtech, renewable energy, GITEX LATAM will open new gateways into Latin America’s most dynamic emerging markets for global stakeholders. By catalysing public-private collaboration, elevating competitiveness, and igniting new waves of investment, talent, and infrastructure, its impact will inspire transformative outcomes across the region’s rapidly digitising economies and industries.

Convening Global Tech in Latin America’s Leading Startup and Innovation Nexus

Alongside global tech enterprises, thought leaders, policymakers, SMEs, startups, and venture capitalists, GITEX LATAM will examine global digital agendas and pressing innovation shifts, presenting a unified platform for collaboration and investment in São Paulo – Brazil’s economic epicentre and Latin America’s innovation capital.

According to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025, São Paulo ranks first both nationally and regionally – attracting over US$33.5 billion in VC funding within the last decade. São Paulo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has also reached US$113 billion in value and spawned 11 unicorns that have surpassed the US$1 billion barrier (Real Instituto Elcano).

Rodrigo Goulart, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour of São Paulo, said: “São Paulo awaits GITEX LATAM with tremendous anticipation, not least because of the immense potential to elevate tech cooperation to historic new heights across Brazil and Latin America. By leveraging the world’s largest network of digital economy relationships – a network universally synonymous with GITEX – we are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents.”

The GITEX LATAM announcement, made on Tuesday during GITEX GLOBAL – the world’s largest tech and AI show running from 13–17 October at DWTC – carries added significance due to major Brazilian and wider Latin American participation. Brazil is the official Country Partner at this year’s 45th edition in the UAE with ApexBrasil, the nation’s trade and investment promotion agency, exhibiting across two pavilions featuring more than 50 startups and innovation hubs. City Hall of São Paulo is also showcasing over 10 startups, while Chile and Ecuador are making their debut at GITEX GLOBAL, joining representatives from more than 180 countries.

Additionally, news of GITEX LATAM follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to explore new collaborative opportunities in AI, agriculture, climate change, innovation, renewable energy, and emerging technologies. For more information on GITEX LATAM: www.GITEXLATAM.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Global.

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PR Manager
DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
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About GITEX LATAM:
GITEX LATAM is the first-ever GITEX event in Latin America. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with the City Hall of São Paulo, the inaugural edition takes place at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil, from 16-17 March 2027. Channelling the capital, technology, and cross-border collaboration globally synonymous with GITEX, its programme stands to shape Latin America’s digital decade and cement its place in the global innovation economy — connecting East and West to inspire a new era of technological growth. GITEX LATAM welcomes big tech enterprises, SMEs, thought leaders, startups, and investors from around the world – providing a global bridge to accelerate the region’s digital transformation, increase global access, elevate regional competitiveness, and inspire new partnerships, capital, talent development pathways, and AI and digital infrastructure enhancements. More information is available:  at www.GITEXLATAM.com.

Source: APO

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The Government of Nigeria has launched a nationwide integrated vaccination campaign targeting more than 106 million people across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. 

The campaign delivers measles–rubella, polio vaccines, and HPV vaccination, to close immunity gaps and protect children and adolescents from life-threatening diseases.

Led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the  Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and other partners, the campaign was officially flagged off in Abuja by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“This effort builds on our united front against polio, tuberculosis, HPV, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. With these vaccines, our children will be protected and enjoy a lifetime of safety,” the First Lady said. 

Targeted population

The 2025 Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio Campaign targets children aged 9 months to 14 years for measles–rubella vaccination and children under 5 years (0–59 months) for the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2). The campaign also delivers malaria chemoprevention (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC) for children aged 3–59 months, NTD treatments for persons aged 5 years and above, and HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 years.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the campaign as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s health system.

“This campaign is proof of what strong leadership, community engagement, and partnership can achieve,” said Professor Pate. “We will continue working with our partners to ensure that every child in Nigeria is reached and protected.”

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mr Peters, noted that the campaign represents not only a health intervention but also an investment in education.

“By protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases, we are ensuring that they stay in school, thrive academically, and grow into productive citizens,” he said.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry-Balingo, commended the initiative for integrating vaccine delivery with other health interventions.

“By combining vaccines with malaria and NTD interventions, this campaign reinforces routine immunization, strengthens the health system, and contributes to national health security,” she said.

United effort 

The flag-off ceremony brought together key actors in Nigeria’s immunization efforts—Gavi, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society organizations, State Primary Health Care Boards, donor agencies, and frontline health workers—who reaffirmed their commitment to reaching every child and building a resilient health system.

Traditional and religious leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), also pledged continued support to mobilize communities for vaccination.

Representing WHO, Dr Alex Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative, described the campaign as a defining step toward health security for Nigeria and Africa at large.

“It reflects national leadership and collective commitment to ensure that every child, wherever they live, is protected against preventable diseases,” said Dr Chimbaru.

WHO technical support

To implement the campaign, WHO provided comprehensive support across all stages of pre-campaign preparation—developing training manuals, data collection tools, and detailed activity plans; and facilitating national and state-level training-of-trainers sessions down to the ward level, in close collaboration with NPHCDA and State Primary Health Care Boards.

WHO also deployed one technical assistant to each state to support implementation. In addition, experts from the WHO Country Office, Regional Office (Africa), and Headquarters have been actively present in various states to monitor campaign progress in real time. Their presence ensures rigorous oversight and enables timely, data-driven problem solving to address challenges as they arise helping to optimize performance and drive progress toward achieving campaign targets.

Implementation and integration

The campaign will be rolled out in two phases and four streams over a 10-day vaccination period, followed by a two-day mop-up.

Phase 1—covering northern states and Oyo—will integrate measles–rubella and polio vaccines in October. Additionally, Kano, Yobe, and Oyo states will incorporate NTD and malaria interventions alongside measles, rubella, and polio. Southern states will conduct stand-alone MR campaigns in early 2026.

Likewise, other routine immunisation antigens will be available for eligible residents in zero-dose local government Areas (LGAs). This large-scale effort supports Nigeria’s commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

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

Source: APO

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The Republic of Congo has stepped up measures to rapidly detect and respond to potential Ebola outbreak as neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a new outbreak of the virus in Kasai Province in the central region of the country.

A rapid scale up of outbreak control measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has helped slow down the spread of the virus, with no new cases reported for 18 days as of 13 October 2025.

“We are the immediate neighbour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is regularly affected by outbreaks. We share over a thousand kilometres of border and common populations. Many people transit through ports and other entry points. We have already experienced Ebola; we are highly exposed. It is essential to raise awareness among personnel at entry points,” says Dr Jean Claude Emeka, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Hygiene and Health Promotion.

More than a thousand participants, including port health authorities, took part recently in an outbreak preparedness training session to bolster measures such as screening, early detection and handling of suspected cases.

“Prevention is better than cure. We must not wait for the outbreak to reach us when it is already affecting our neighbour,” says Christian Voumina, Operations Manager at the main airport in the capital Brazzaville. “As the main entry point for international travellers, it is crucial that staff are informed about the disease and the measures to take. Ebola is one of the most dangerous diseases, so we must act early.”

With support from World Health Organization (WHO), the health authorities have carried out an assessment of the national preparedness plan and are updating the National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan. Public awareness materials to ensure health measures are observed by the population have also been developed and distributed.

“We are on high alert,” says Emma Gisèle Monka, a health officer at Brazzaville’s Maya Maya International Airport. “I’m ready. I distribute information leaflets and what I’ve learned (in the training) enables me to respond to questions about symptoms, mode of transmission and preventive measures.”

Disease surveillance and clinical care measures are also being strengthened. Isolation wards have been set aside at two main public hospitals in Brazzaville, while an ambulance has been stationed at the city’s main airport.

The ongoing preparedness efforts mark a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. By strengthening surveillance capacities, structuring coordination mechanisms and investing in staff training, health authorities, with support from partners, are working to build a resilient health system capable of responding not only to Ebola but any public health threat. 

“WHO stands with the government to strengthen capacities, ensure surveillance at entry points, and guarantee a rapid response in case of detection,” says Dr Vincent Sodjinou, WHO Representative in the Republic of Congo. “This commitment goes beyond Ebola. It is part of a comprehensive epidemic preparedness approach. This involves strengthening health systems, continuous staff training, establishing multisectoral coordination mechanisms and developing robust contingency plans.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Republic of the Congo.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as “World Sight and White Cane Safety Day,” to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s World Sight and White Cane Safety Day’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Montserrado County, under the theme: “Taking Action and Breaking Barriers–Advancing Economic and Social Inclusion in Line with the Government of Liberia’s AAREST Agenda for Inclusive Development”.   

The Proclamation calls on all relevant ministries, local and international organizations NGO’s, civil society organizations, partners-in-progress, to join the National Union of Organizations for the Disabled, in collaboration with the National Commission on Disabilities and the Liberia Christian Association of the Blind in organizing appropriate programs befitting the observance of the Day.

The Proclamation is in consonance with Resolution 56.26, adopted by Health Ministries of the World Health Organization mandating Member States to observe World Sight and White Cane Safety Day focusing awareness on the recognition that eye health and visual impairment are of public health concern.  

It further indicates that since the invention of the White Cane, it has become a significant symbol of courage and hope in blindness, which serves as traffic sign and courtesy request from police, motorists and pedestrians to give the right of way to the blind, including, access to all public transports.     

The Proclamation also adds that it is the sole responsibility of the Government of Liberia to recognize and protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens, particularly, those who are physically challenged including the blind. 

 Approximately, 285 million people worldwide live with impaired vision and blindness and of these, 39 million people are blind; 246 million have moderate or severe visual impairment while 19 million children are visually impaired or blind, as 82 percent of the people live with blindness at age 50 and above in low-income countries across the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO

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Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 09h00 host a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, Northern Cape.

This activity will form part of the Government’s country-wide G20 outreach programme. The objectives of the outreach are to:

– Create awareness about South Africa’s membership to the G20;

– Inform the public about South Africa’s role as the Presidency of G20 through profiling lead roles and achievements of South Africa’s contribution to the continent and the African Union through trade and financial policy statements;

– Solicit stakeholder engagement and advocacy for South Africa’s role in the G20 with various stakeholders; and,

– Profile the outcomes of the 130 identified G20 meetings, including the summit through both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

The dialogue will be preceded by the visit of the Deputy Minister and other leadership to housing project in Roodepan at 09h00, and then proceed to the Roman Catholic Church for engagement with the community leadership that will commence at 10h00.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli, as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for the France Baard District, will use the opportunity to engage the Roodepan leadership on the District Development Model in general and how it will better the lives of the people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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he Portfolio Committee on Police resolved to adjourn its scheduled meeting with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Civilian Secretariat for Police, which was set to assess the 2024/25 annual report. This decision follows the absence from the meeting of both the acting Minister of Police and the National Commissioner.

The committee underscored that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable principles in a constitutional democracy, particularly given the serious challenges currently facing the SAPS and the persistently high crime rates affecting communities across the country.

“Accountability and openness are sacrosanct in a democratic institution. Without the executive authority and the accounting officer, it was impossible to interrogate the performance, both financial and against planned targets,” said Mr Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the committee.

The committee expressed its appreciation to the Office of the Auditor-General, which was present and prepared to engage in an in-depth discussion on SAPS’s performance. However, the committee maintained that proceeding without SAPS’s senior leadership would undermine its constitutional mandate of oversight.

Additionally, the committee voiced concern over procedural irregularities regarding apologies from the executive. The acting Minister’s apology failed to follow the standard protocol for official correspondence with the committee. More concerning was the absence of any apology or communication from the Director-General of the Civilian Secretariat for Police.

“What is even worse is that the Director-General of the Civilian Secretariat of Police did not even bother to submit an apology to the committee,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The committee reiterated the importance of the Budget Review and Recommendations Report process as a vital oversight tool used to assess the efficient use of public funds and the achievement of departmental objectives.

It is on this basis that the committee resolved to adjourn the meeting, sending a clear and strong message: oversight cannot be ignored or undermined.

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