Category: MIL-OSI

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Kenya Operationalises the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Operational Plan 2025/2026

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Health, through NASCOP, NSDCC, KRCS, county governments, partners and communities, is committed to ending new HIV infections in Kenya. Under the leadership of Dr Mulwa, Head of NASCOP, the team is driving the implementation of the HIV Prevention Operational Plan 2025/2026 a key framework supported by The Global Fund and other partners to strengthen HIV prevention efforts across the country.

The plan underscores Kenya’s progressive approach to combination HIV prevention, offering a range of proven and emerging options including condoms, the dapivirine ring, long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), and the innovative twice-yearly long-acting Lenacapavir injection.

The phased rollout will begin in ten priority counties, which together account for approximately 53% of all new HIV infections, focusing on eligible populations, including vulnerable groups in closed settings.

Beyond expanding access to prevention tools, the plan recognises HIV prevention as both a human rights and sustainability priority. Capacity building is central to this effort, beginning with the training of healthcare professionals.

The ongoing training of national-level trainers is equipping facilitators with advanced skills to ensure the effective rollout and use of new prevention methods, including Lenacapavir — keeping Kenya at the forefront of innovation in the global HIV response.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

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Kenya: Ambassador Guo Haiyan Attends Africa International Agricultural Expo (2025 AIAE)

Source: APO


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On October 28, the 2nd Africa International Agricultural Expo (2025 AIAE) opened in Nairobi with the support of Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The event brought together over 200 policymakers, innovators, farmers, investors, and trade facilitators, along with more than 160 exhibitors from Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. Ambassador Guo Haiyan and Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary for Agriculture, addressed the audience at the Opening Ceremony.

Ambassador Guo said that Africa is a land with vast potential for agricultural development and agricultural modernization is one of the pillars of China-Africa cooperation. China initiated the Agriculture and Livelihood Partnership Action at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Since then, substantial progress has been made across multiple fronts.

She highlighted that China is committed to bringing more high-quality African agricultural products to its domestic market. It will make full use of platforms such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, advance the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for all eligible products, and continue to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa.

More than 100 Chinese agribusinesses participated this expo. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

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Union of the Comoros: Launch of the maritime corridor project supported by the African Development Bank Group to the tune of $137 million

Source: APO

The President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, presided over the official launch ceremony for the Maritime Corridor and Regional Trade Facilitation Project (https://apo-opa.co/4hA9Zsl), financed by the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) to the tune of $137 million.

Senior Bank officials attended the ceremony, which took place on 27 October 2025, in Moroni.

The Bank Group’s financing consists of a principal grant of $135 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional window, and another grant of $2 million from the Transition Support Fund, a mechanism for countries in transition.

Other partners, including the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the French Development Agency, will be joined by the European Union and the European Investment Bank in co-financing the project, mobilising together more than $110 million in additional funding. The Global Centre for Adaptation has also provided support for the assessment of climate risks to port infrastructure and adaptation options to be considered in the design of the structures.

The project aims to modernise port infrastructure that is essential to the economic development of the islands of the Union of the Comoros, facilitate trade and strengthen regional connectivity. It will enable the Indian Ocean archipelago to capitalise on its strategic geographical position in the Mozambique Channel and become a logistics hub between Africa and Asia.

“The maritime corridor we are launching today is an eloquent testimony to our ability to build a resilient nation, fully integrated into regional and continental dynamics,” said President Assoumani. “It is a living symbol of our openness to the world, a bridge between people, a vehicle for trade, cooperation and shared prosperity,” he added.

Comorian Minister of Maritime and Air Transport, Yasmine Hassane Alfeine, praised the African Development Bank Group as “a loyal strategic partner whose technical and financial support consistently accompanies efforts to realise a vision of development based on sustainability, integration and infrastructure resilience.”

“Today, thanks to this strengthened corporation, we are taking a new step in the modernisation of our port and maritime infrastructure, with the prospect of creating a special economic zone,” added Alfeine.

The project is aligned with the Bank Group’s 2024-2033 Ten-Year Strategy and the “Four Cardinal Points” of the institution’s president, Sidi Ould Tah. It will enable the construction of resilient infrastructure and the development of agricultural and fisheries value chains and will facilitate the creation of thousands of jobs for young people and women.

“This flagship project of the Comoros Emerging Plan 2030 will contribute to developing value chains in agriculture and fisheries, while creating economic opportunities for young people and women,” said Laté Lawson Zankli, Country Programme Advisor, representing the Bank Group at the ceremony.

Since the beginning of its cooperation with the Union of the Comoros in 1977, the African Development Bank Group has financed nearly 40 operations for a cumulative amount of approximately $530 million. The sectors covered by these investments are transport, energy, agriculture and governance. This new project confirms the pan-African development finance institution’s commitment to supporting the archipelago in its journey towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.

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

Media contact:
Christin Roby
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

Media files

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President Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter strengthen economic ties on Swiss train journey

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter strengthen economic ties on Swiss train journey

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – Aboard a special train gliding through the serene Swiss countryside, President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation held a working breakfast with Swiss business leaders – a meeting that symbolised shared economic ambition between the two nations.

The early morning journey from Kehrsatz Station to Uzwil unfolded against a backdrop of breathtaking Swiss landscapes, rolling hills, pristine lakes and quaint villages – setting a picturesque scene for a conversation rooted in trade, investment and innovation.

The engagement, attended by representatives of Switzerland’s leading industries, focused on strengthening economic relations and fostering direct exchanges between South Africa and the Swiss private sector. Discussions highlighted opportunities in industrial modernisation, life sciences, logistics, financial services and skills development.

Delivering remarks on the train, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with Swiss business leaders. 

“It is really a pleasure for us to be on a moving train and having the opportunity to have breakfast and also to have interactions with people in Swiss government and business leaders. We really, truly value this. 

“This is our second day here in Switzerland. This has been a State Visit of note. It’s unprecedented for us to have this extended level of discussions and being exposed to the business community in the presence of the President and other officials in government,” the President said. 

He said the discussions aboard the moving train represented not only a deepening of ties between governments, but also an invitation for the private sector to play a greater role in advancing shared prosperity. 

“So, we really welcome this. We look forward to a wonderful exchange. Some of you are already invested in South Africa and we are here to appeal for you to invest even more. So don’t think that this is a free train ride, we want more investments in South Africa,” the President said. 

Welcoming the delegates aboard the train, President Keller-Sutter echoed the sentiment, describing the gathering as a continuation of the productive engagements that have defined President Ramaphosa’s State Visit. 

“I would like to welcome you to the second day of the South African State Visit. We are really happy to also welcome the delegation from the Swiss economy; some really fine businesses are represented today. We are happy to have an exchange with you, Mr President, along with your delegation.

“We talked about the excellent relationship we have between South Africa and Switzerland. Yesterday we also saw several memoranda of understanding to deepen our relationship in various fields being signed,” she said. 

As the train coursed through the Swiss landscape, the breakfast meeting became a moving symbol of collaboration, one that not only celebrated the friendship between South Africa and Switzerland but also looked ahead to a future of deeper economic engagement and shared growth. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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SAPS process to select police trainees still underway

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS process to select police trainees still underway

The South African Police Service (SAPS) process to select 5 500 police trainees is still underway, with thousands of applicants still undergoing the first step, which is the psychometric and integrity testing assessments. 

According to SAPS, the process is being undertaken in all nine provinces. 

“The multi-phase selection process also entails a physical fitness evaluation, vetting, and a medical examination to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are enlisted.

“It should be noted, while all young people who meet the basic requirements were invited to apply, preference will be given to those who are in possession of a tertiary qualification on the level of NQF 6 and higher as well as those who are in possession of a driver’s licence,” the police said.

On the closing date, 18 July 2025, SAPS received over a million applications, of which 334 765 are graduates who hold qualifications in policing, law, forensic investigation, and other fields of study. 

SAPS advises all applicants who have applied to remain patient, as recruitment teams will communicate with suitable applicants. 

Training is expected to commence in 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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US tariffs push South Africa to diversify trade reach

Source: Government of South Africa

US tariffs push South Africa to diversify trade reach

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is hopeful of reaching a trade agreement with the United States soon, following ongoing text-based negotiations aimed at addressing the impact of steep tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.

Speaking during a media briefing in Bern, Switzerland, on Wednesday, where he is undertaking a State Visit, President Ramaphosa confirmed that both South Africa and Switzerland have been among the countries hardest hit by the 30% tariffs. 

“Yes, we are two countries (South Africa and Switzerland) that have unfortunately been hit by very high tariffs. I do understand from my discussions with the President that Switzerland is involved in negotiations with the Americans, and so we are now involved in text-based negotiations with them, and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to reach success in or achieve success in our negotiations,” he said. 

The President said the imposition of the tariffs has forced South Africa to re-evaluate its trade strategy and broaden its global partnerships.

“But more importantly, what these tariffs have done is to make us want to diversify our trade reach, and we, as South Africa, have been looking at spreading our trade wings more effectively to other markets,” he said.

He highlighted South Africa’s growing engagement with Southeast Asian nations as part of this diversification effort.

“We’ve just returned from Southeast Asia, where we visited three countries – Vietnam, Indonesia, as well as Malaysia. We have been trading with these countries, but our engagement with them, I believe, will catapult our trade involvement with them to a higher level,” President Ramaphosa explained.

READ | President Ramaphosa calls for enhanced ASEAN-AU cooperation

The President said the same momentum would now be directed towards deepening economic ties with Switzerland, following what he described as a highly successful State Visit focused on trade and investment.

“Similarly, we expect that we will be able to raise trade dealings with Switzerland to a higher level as well, following on this very successful State Visit focused on trade matters, and our various trade departments and economic departments are going to follow through in many ways,” he said.

While acknowledging the negative impact of the tariffs, President Ramaphosa said the development has also opened new avenues for South Africa to explore broader trade partnerships.

“Whilst imposition of tariffs is quite negative, it also opens up opportunities… We should look at it as an opportunity opener, so that we have more trade possibilities with other countries, and certainly in our case, to do so with Switzerland,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Union des Comores : lancement du projet de corridor maritime soutenu par le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement à hauteur de 137 millions de dollars

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le président de l’Union des Comores, Azali Assoumani a présidé, la cérémonie officielle de lancement du Projet d’aménagement d’un corridor maritime et de facilitation du commerce régional, financé par le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) à hauteur de 137 millions de dollars américains.

De hauts responsables de la Banque ont assisté à cette cérémonie qui a eu lieu, le 27 octobre 2025, à Moroni.

Le financement du Groupe de la Banque est composé d’un don principal de 135 millions de dollars du Fonds africain de développement, le guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque, et d’un autre don de 2 millions de dollars issus du Fonds d’appui à la transition, un mécanisme destiné aux États en transition.

D’autres partenaires : la Banque mondiale, la Banque islamique de développement, l’Agence française de développement, auxquels se joindront l’Union européenne et la Banque européenne d’investissement, cofinanceront le projet en mobilisant ensemble plus de 110 millions de dollars supplémentaires. Le Centre Mondial pour l’Adaptation a également fourni un appui pour l’évaluation des risques climatiques sur les infrastructures portuaires et des options d’adaptation à prendre en compte dans la conception des ouvrages.

Le projet vise à moderniser les infrastructures portuaires essentielles au développement économique des îles de l’Union des Comores, à faciliter les échanges commerciaux et à renforcer la connectivité régionale. Il permettra à l’archipel de l’océan Indien de tirer parti de sa position géographique stratégique dans le canal du Mozambique et de devenir un pôle logistique entre l’Afrique et l’Asie.

« Le corridor maritime, que nous lançons aujourd’hui, est le témoignage éloquent de notre capacité à bâtir une nation résiliente, pleinement intégrée dans la dynamique régionale et continentale », a déclaré le président Assoumani. « Il est le symbole vivant de notre ouverture au monde, un pont entre les peuples, un vecteur de commerce, de coopération et de prospérité partagée », a-t-il ajouté.

La ministre comorienne du Transport maritime et aérien, Yasmine Hassane Alfeine, a salué le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement comme « un partenaire stratégique fidèle, dont l’appui technique et financier accompagne, avec constance les efforts pour concrétiser une vision de développement fondée sur la durabilité, l’intégration et la résilience des infrastructures. »

« Aujourd’hui, grâce à cette corporation renforcée, nous franchissons une nouvelle étape dans la modernisation de nos infrastructures portuaires et maritimes, avec en perspective la création d’une zone économique spéciale », a ajouté Mme Alfeine.

Le projet est aligné sur la Stratégie décennale 2024-2033 du Groupe de la Banque et les « Quatre points cardinaux » du président de l’institution, Sidi Ould Tah. Il permettra de construire des infrastructures résilientes et de développer des chaînes de valeur agricoles et halieutiques et facilitera la création de milliers d’emplois en faveur des jeunes et des femmes.

« Ce projet phare du Plan Comores Émergent 2030 contribuera à développer les chaînes de valeur dans l’agriculture et la pêche, tout en créant des opportunités économiques pour les jeunes et les femmes », a souligné Laté Lawson Zankli, conseiller sur les programmes pays, représentant le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement lors de la cérémonie.

Depuis le début de sa coopération avec l’Union des Comores en 1977, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a financé près de 40 opérations pour un montant cumulé d’environ 530 millions de dollars. Les secteurs concernés par ces investissements sont les transports, l’énergie, l’agriculture et la gouvernance. Ce nouveau projet confirme l’engagement de l’institution panafricaine de financement du développement à accompagner l’archipel dans sa marche vers un développement durable, inclusif et résilient.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Christin Roby
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures 
media@afdb.org

Media files

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Désarmement et démobilisation de 88 ex-combattants Retour, Réclamation, Réhabilitation (3R) à Noufou

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Des opérations de désarmement et de démobilisation d’environ 88 ex-combattants du mouvement Retour, Réclamation, Réhabilitation (3R) ont été lancées le 29 octobre 2025 dans la localité de Noufou (Mambere-Kadeï), à 190 km de Berberati. Cette initiative, qui a reçu l’appui sécuritaire, logistique et technique de la MINUSCA, s’inscrit dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du processus de paix consécutif à l’accord signé le 11 juillet 2025 à Bangui entre le Gouvernement centrafricain et les groupes armés Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) et 3R (Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation).

Conduite par l’Unité d’Exécution du Programme national de Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réintégration et Rapatriement (UEPNDDRR), cette opération marque une étape importante dans les efforts de stabilisation de la République centrafricaine.

Le chef de mission de l’UEPNDDRR, le Commandant Namboro Kette Abdoulaye, a salué la volonté politique des autorités centrafricaines et l’engagement des groupes armés à tourner la page de la violence. « Cette opération de désarmement et de démobilisation est le résultat d’une volonté politique affirmée des autorités centrafricaines et des groupes armés d’emprunter le chemin de la paix », a-t-il déclaré, invitant les combattants à rejoindre cette dynamique, tout en leur garantissant la protection de l’État.

De son côté, Siwo Tchirgou, chargé des relations extérieures du mouvement 3R, a exprimé sa gratitude envers le Gouvernement et ses partenaires, notamment la MINUSCA, pour leur soutien constant au processus de paix. « Nous devons œuvrer pour que chaque partie respecte ses engagements. C’est à cette condition que les combattants encore dans la brousse auront le courage de sortir et de déposer les armes », a-t-il plaidé.

Représentant la MINUSCA, Sam Howard, coordonnateur DDR à Bouar, a rappelé l’appui multiforme apporté par la Mission aux opérations de désarmement et de réintégration. « Le rôle de la MINUSCA consiste à veiller à la transparence du processus DDR en assurant un appui technique, logistique, sécuritaire et financier », a-t-il expliqué.

Il a également mis en avant les activités de sensibilisation menées auprès des ex-combattants sur les opportunités offertes dans le cadre de leur réintégration. « Il n’y a aucun perdant à l’issue du processus DDR. Les ex-combattants non éligibles pour intégrer les forces de défense et de sécurité pourront bénéficier d’autres initiatives, telles que les projets de réduction de la violence communautaire mis en œuvre par la MINUSCA », a-t-il ajouté.

L’appui de la MINUSCA à cette opération se traduit également par une campagne médicale gratuite, destinée à offrir des soins de santé aux ex-combattants et à la population de Noufou.

Représentant le maire de la localité, Kombo Pascal, conseiller municipal, a salué cette initiative qui apporte l’espoir de la paix et du développement. « Nous sommes heureux de voir les autorités nationales et les groupes armés donner une chance à la paix. Avec cette paix, nous pourrons, avec l’appui de tous, œuvrer au développement de Noufou », a-t-il affirmé.

Pour sa part, Amadou Ibro, chef du village de Noufou, a exprimé les attentes des populations locales. « Nos besoins de développement sont énormes. Nos routes sont en mauvais état, nous manquons d’eau potable, d’écoles et de centres de santé », a-t-il déploré, appelant le gouvernement et ses partenaires à saisir cette dynamique de paix pour relancer le développement dans la région.

Les ex-combattants, après la visite médicale, ont reçu leur carte de démobilisation, ainsi que les kits et le pécule prévus dans le cadre du programme. Cette opération, qui fait suite à celles menées à Maloum et à Koui, se poursuivra dans les prochains jours.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Centrale thermique de Maria-Gléta 2 : Modernité et performance toujours au rendez-vous après 36.000 heures de marche sur les moteurs

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Conduit par le Coordonnateur, Monsieur Janvier YAHOUEDEHOU, le collège des Ministres Conseillers a effectué une visite à la Centrale thermique dual-fuel 127 MW de Maria-Gléta 2, dans la commune d’Abomey-Calavi, le mardi 28 octobre 2025. 

Inaugurée en 2019, cette infrastructure énergétique moderne constitue aujourd’hui un maillon essentiel du dispositif national de production d’électricité. Dotée d’une capacité installée de 127 MW, la centrale fonctionne avec sept moteurs dual-fuel, capables d’utiliser aussi bien le gaz naturel que le fuel lourd, selon la disponibilité des ressources. 

Après cinq (5) années d’exploitation sans arrêt, la Centrale de Maria-Gléta 2 affiche des performances remarquables, ayant déjà franchi le cap des 36.000 heures de marche. Ce résultat témoigne de la fiabilité de ses équipements et de la qualité du suivi technique assuré par les équipes chargées de son exploitation. 

Cette visite guidée des Ministres Conseillers, conduite par le Directeur Général de la SBPE, Monsieur Éméric TOKOUDAGBA, s’inscrit dans une dynamique de suivi de la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques dans le secteur énergétique, pilier stratégique du développement économique du Bénin. Elle a permis aux visiteurs de constater de visu le bon fonctionnement des installations et les efforts continus du Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON pour garantir un approvisionnement électrique stable et durable à la population. Une dynamique saluée par les Ministres Conseillers, qui invitent les populations à toujours accompagner les efforts du gouvernement pour un Bénin rayonnant. 

Avec la Centrale de Maria-Gléta 2, le Bénin poursuit sa marche vers l’autonomie énergétique et le renforcement de ses capacités de production pour accompagner la croissance économique et le bien-être des citoyens.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Parliament joins global movement to eradicate TB

Source: Government of South Africa

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has signed the Barcelona Declaration on Tuberculosis (TB), which signifies South Africa’s formal commitment to a renewed global parliamentary movement aimed at eradicating TB within a generation.

The declaration was co-signed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, during a special signing ceremony in Parliament on Tuesday.

In her speech at the ceremony, the Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s leadership role in the fight against TB.

She emphasised that despite being a treatable disease, TB continues to pose a significant health challenge worldwide.

“To raise the level of awareness, parliamentarians across the globe decided to become a voice that mobilises society… by advocating for better investments by government in addressing the disease,” Didiza told MPs. 

She further highlighted Parliament’s commitment to “mounting popular campaigns that highlight the importance of treating the disease and also complying with treatment for those who have the disease”.

The signing ceremony coincided with the official launch of the South African TB Parliamentary Caucus, held in the presence of parliamentary peers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the Chairpersons of Health Portfolio Committees from Lesotho and Zambia, who attended to demonstrate regional solidarity. 

The event also followed a statement in the National Assembly, presented by the Minister of Health, outlining government’s ongoing fight against the TB scourge.

READ | Motsoaledi calls on MPs to lead the fight against TB

The Barcelona Declaration, first adopted by international parliamentarians, recognises that TB has killed more people than any other infectious disease in human history and continues to claim 1.5 million lives annually.

“It calls for the disease to be treated as a global political priority, demanding accelerated progress, investment in research, and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for all.” 

The declaration urges signatories to encourage governments to increase investments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB, while promoting affordable and accessible healthcare for all TB patients.

It also calls on leaders to support research and innovation for new TB drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.

In addition, it emphasises the importance of integrating care for co-infections such as HIV and diabetes, and mobilising community and civil society participation to combat stigma and ensure treatment adherence.

By signing the Declaration, the Parliament of South Africa joins a global parliamentary caucus that collaborates with the World Health Organisation, Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and other multilateral organisations to end the TB epidemic within a generation.

The Speaker emphasised that the ceremony symbolises Parliament’s renewed commitment to health equity and global solidarity.

She highlighted the need for activism by Members of Parliament on this matter and encouraged the TB Parliamentary Caucus to be a champion towards eradicating TB in the country and globally. 

In South Africa, TB has been the country’s leading cause of death for several years and continues to pose a significant public health threat.

Despite significant progress, in 2023 alone, approximately 56 000 lives were lost to this disease. 

Didiza said the Barcelona Declaration represents both a national commitment and a continental responsibility, reaffirming that South Africa’s Parliament will remain a strong advocate for universal health access, regional collaboration, and community mobilisation against TB. – SAnews.gov.za