Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

.

As countries in the region respond to ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, Zambia continues to take proactive steps to strengthen its preparedness and response capacity through targeted investments in surveillance, digital tools, and pandemic planning.

With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, Zambia has recently scaled up a series of critical capacity-building initiatives focused on Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), Go.Data, and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) -constituting a comprehensive approach to health emergency readiness.

Strengthening frontline surveillance with IDSR training

At the heart of outbreak detection and response is a strong surveillance system. Through the rollout of the 3rd Edition of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) training, WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health to equip frontline health workers with the skills needed to detect, report, analyze, and respond to priority diseases and public health events. 

The training – implemented across districts in high-risk provinces – covers the entire surveillance cycle, including case identification, reporting, data analysis, outbreak investigation, risk communication, and use of electronic systems (eIDSR/DHIS2). 

By addressing gaps in training coverage at health facility level, the initiative is improving the timeliness, completeness, and quality of surveillance data, ensuring that potential outbreaks are detected early and acted upon swiftly. 

Enhancing outbreak response with Go.Data

Complementing IDSR efforts, WHO and the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) are piloting the Go.Data platform, a digital tool designed to strengthen outbreak investigation and contact tracing.

Through dedicated training sessions, frontline surveillance teams in Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Muchinga provinces are gaining practical skills in using Go.Data to register cases, trace and monitor contacts, and generate real-time data for decision-making. 

By digitalizing contact tracing workflows, the platform improves coordination, enhances data quality, and supports faster response – critical in managing outbreaks such as mpox and potential viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola. 

Preparing for future pandemics through influenza planning

Recognizing the ongoing global threat posed by respiratory pathogens, WHO has also supported the Ministry of Health to convene a multisectoral workshop to validate Zambia’s National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from across sectors to strengthen readiness for pandemic influenza through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aligned with the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework. 

By incorporating lessons learned from COVID-19 and other public health emergencies, the validated plan will guide early detection, rapid response, effective coordination, and equitable access to services during future pandemics. 

A timely investment in health security

These efforts come at a critical time for Zambia and the region. The persistence of EVD outbreaks in neighbouring countries underscores the importance of robust surveillance systems, trained health workers, and coordinated preparedness plans.

Together, the IDSR training, Go.Data implementation, and pandemic influenza planning form a complementary and integrated approach to strengthening Zambia’s health security architecture – ensuring the country is better prepared not only for current threats, but also for future epidemics and pandemics.

Partnerships driving impact

These initiatives are made possible through strong collaboration between the Government of Zambia, WHO, and partners, with financial support from Irish Aid and the Pandemic Fund. Their contributions are helping to build a resilient health system capable of protecting lives, detecting threats early, and responding effectively to public health emergencies.

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

Source: APO

.

The ECOWAS Commission convened the Annual Regional Stakeholders’ Meeting of the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP) in Abuja, Nigeria, from 19–20 May 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from ECOWAS Member States, National Border Offices, and officials of the ECOWAS Commission to review the implementation progress of cross-border cooperation initiatives under the ECBCSP 2023–2027 framework.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the ECOWAS President H.E Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, and the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou SYLLA in his opening presentation, the Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and tourism, Mr. Albert SIAW-BOATENG, highlighted the strategic importance of the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme as a multi-sectoral regional development initiative aimed at promoting peace, security, regional integration, and sustainable socio-economic development across border communities.

He noted that the programme supports joint development initiatives and local community projects that empower citizens, strengthen cooperation among Member States, and enhance social cohesion throughout the region. Mr. Siaw-Boateng also presented an overview of the ECBCSP 2023–2027 implementation framework, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration and coordinated action among Member States to address common cross-border development challenges.

So far member states have received $100,000 subvention each for the implementation of cross- border cooperation projects in which they delivered presentations on the status of implementation of the ongoing projects within their respective countries. Several countries showcased completed and ongoing community-based interventions such as the rehabilitation of schools, healthcare, construction of boreholes and wells, and provision of public sanitation facilities aimed at improving living conditions in border communities.

The meeting further served as a platform for Member States and the ECOWAS Commission to identify joint zonal cross-border projects, strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and address implementation challenges in line with the objectives of the ECBCSP 2023–2027.

The ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme continues to play a critical role in advancing regional integration and fostering inclusive development by encouraging practical cooperation among border communities across West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

Senegal has once again emerged as the overall champion of the 14th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 14), concluding a thrilling three-day competition at the Serrekunda East Mini Football Stadium in The Gambia.

In a fiercely contested final, the Senegalese team, fondly known as the Lions defeated Nigeria 3–2 to retain their title as West African champions. The victory secured Senegal the championship trophy, gold medals, and a grand prize of $10,000. Nigeria finished in second place with $6,000, while host nation The Gambia claimed third place with a prize of $3,000 in the team category.

The tournament featured high-level competition across multiple weight categories, showcasing the strength and diversity of traditional wrestling across the region. In the Individual Competition Highlights, in the women’s 66kg category, Ebipaté Mughengofa (Nigeria) claimed gold, while Bakayoko Nogona (Côte d’Ivoire) secured silver, and Safiétou Goudiaby (Senegal) took bronze. While in the 76kg category, gold went to Youin Amy (Côte d’Ivoire), silver to Biogos Ebi (Nigeria), and bronze to Khady Diandy Badji (Senegal).

The men’s categories were dominated by Senegal. In the 86kg category, Mbaye Diop (Senegal) secured gold, followed by Boni Iliassou (Benin) with silver, and Moro Ibrahim (Ghana) with bronze. In the 100kg division, Siny Sembene (Senegal) took gold, Babacar Mboge (Gambia) won silver, and Ballo Alexis (Côte d’Ivoire) earned bronze. In the heavyweight 120kg category, Ngagne Sene (Senegal) claimed gold, while Fuseini Issah (Ghana) took silver and Arices Djiame (Gambia) secured bronze.

Prize money for individual categories ranged from $1,000 for bronze medalists, $1,500 for silver, and $2,500 for gold winners.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the tournament.

He extended special gratitude to President H.E. Adama Barrow for facilitating The Gambia’s hosting of the event, and to Bakarie Y. Badjie the Gambian Minister for Youth and Sports development, for his commitment and excellent collaboration.

Dr. Njoaguani also commended the 11 participating countries, wrestling federations, athletes, and supporters for their contributions, noting that their involvement continues to sustain the TOLAC tradition.

“The competition reflects ECOWAS’ continued commitment to promoting African cultural values, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening unity among member states through sport as a tool for diplomacy and cooperation,” he stated.

In a symbolic closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Gambian National Sports Council officially handed over the hosting baton to his counterpart from Côte d’Ivoire, confirming that the next edition of the tournament, TOLAC 15, will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire in 2027.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

.

Eritrean nationals residing in Luxembourg and Germany have celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”

At the celebratory event in Luxembourg on 16 May, Mr. Russom Habtai, representing the Eritrean community, congratulated the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces, and called on the Eritrean community to strengthen its organizational capacity and contribution to national development drives.

Noting that the Eritrean people have ensured their independence and national sovereignty in unison by foiling all sorts of hostilities, Mr. Michael Tesfay, First Secretary at the Eritrean Embassy in Belgium, said that the colorful celebratory event attested to that.

Eritrean nationals in the German cities of Stuttgart, Kassel, Cologne, and Ulm enthusiastically celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”

At the event in Stuttgart, Mr. Yohannes Woldu, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, congratulated the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces, and said that the contribution Diaspora nationals are making to national development programs attests to their commitment and love of country.

At the celebratory event in Kassel, Mr. Kibreab Tekeste, Eritrea’s Consul General in Frankfurt, delivered a message of congratulations.

Similarly, nationals in Stockholm, Sweden, celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal, featuring sports and general knowledge competitions as well as cultural programs.

Nationals in the Norwegian city of Trondheim and its environs also enthusiastically celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary, featuring various programs.

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

Source: APO

.

Progressing through his official engagements on La Digue, President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, made his fifth stop on the island with visits to the District Administration Office and the island’s library.

At the District Administration Office, discussions focused on matters relating to community services and the daily needs of residents as the President continued his engagements with public institutions and stakeholders.

Continuing his programme, President Herminie also toured the island’s library in the spirit of cultivating active learning and enhancing knowledge among young people and the wider community.

During the visit, staff members highlighted concerns regarding the limited size of the facility, explaining that the library regularly accommodates a large number of students and children despite restricted space capacity.

Discussions centred on the growing demand for educational and reading spaces on La Digue and the importance of providing an environment conducive to learning, literacy, and personal development.

President Herminie took note of the concerns raised and acknowledged the significant role libraries continue to play in supporting education and lifelong learning within communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.