Category: MIL-OSI

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South Africa-Italy Agriculture Forum to strengthen agricultural ties

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa-Italy Agriculture Forum to strengthen agricultural ties

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida, will next week host the inaugural South Africa-Italy Agriculture Business Forum in Cape Town as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing and trade.

The forum, scheduled for 9 and 10 June 2026 in the Western Cape, is expected to bring together business leaders, innovators and policymakers from both countries to explore new opportunities for investment, technology exchange and market access.

Held under the theme, “South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf,” the forum aims to advance economic development through international collaboration and promote sustainable growth within the agricultural sector.

The forum will be a key opportunity to open up new avenues for investment and industrial cooperation, strengthening a growth axis aimed at the internationalisation of African agriculture.

The two-day event will begin with a high-level institutional plenary session, thematic panel discussions and business-to-business and business-to-government meetings involving delegates from both countries. The second day will feature site visits to local companies operating within the agricultural value chain.

Discussions will focus on a range of strategic sectors, including agri-food production, fruit and vegetable cultivation, food processing, packaging solutions, agricultural machinery and equipment, agri-technology and digital agriculture, livestock innovation, water and natural resource management, climate-resilient farming, protected agriculture, sustainability and carbon farming.

As part of the visit, Steenhuisen and Lollobrigida are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, innovation and market access. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Diplomatie et coopération régionale : le Président Ndayishimiye en audience avec le Programme Alimentaire Mondial (PAM) et la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs (CIRGL)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre du renforcement de la coopération internationale et de la consolidation de la paix et du développement dans la région des Grands Lacs, le Chef de l’État burundais et Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a accordé, ce jeudi 04 juin 2026 au Palais de Gitega, des audiences à deux hautes personnalités respectivement Monsieur Jean-Noël Gentile, Représentant du Programme Alimentaire Mondial (PAM) venu lui présenter ses adieux au terme de son mandat au Burundi, et Dr MUBITA LUWABELWA, Secrétaire Exécutif de la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs (CIRGL).

À cette occasion, Monsieur Jean-Noël Gentile a exprimé sa profonde gratitude pour l’accompagnement dont il a bénéficié tout au long de sa mission et a salué l’hospitalité du peuple burundais. Il a également promis de demeurer un Ambassadeur du Burundi partout où ses futures fonctions l’amèneront.

Pour sa part, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye a salué la franche collaboration du PAM ainsi que son engagement effectif en faveur de la sécurité alimentaire, de l’action humanitaire et du développement du programme des cantines scolaires. Il a souhaité voir ce programme s’étendre et se pérenniser davantage, au vu de son impact positif sur les conditions d’apprentissage des élèves, notamment dans les écoles à régime d’internat.

Enfin, le Chef de l’État a remercié Monsieur Jean-Noël Gentile pour les résultats obtenus grâce à l’appui du PAM et lui a souhaité plein succès dans les missions qui lui seront confiées à l’avenir.

Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, Président de la République du Burundi et Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine, a également reçu en audience au Palais de Gitega, Dr MUBITA LUWABELWA, Secrétaire Exécutif de la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs (CIRGL), quelques mois après sa prise de fonction en novembre 2025.

À cette occasion, Dr MUBITA LUWABELWA a présenté sa feuille de route axée sur la paix, la sécurité, la consolidation de la stabilité régionale ainsi que la dynamisation de l’économie à travers le corridor du lac Tanganyika. Il a également sollicité les orientations et l’appui du Chef de l’État dans l’accomplissement de sa mission au sein de cette importante organisation régionale dont le siège est à Bujumbura.

En retour, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye a salué cette vision, prodigué des conseils pratiques au nouveau Secrétaire exécutif et lui a souhaité plein succès ainsi que la bienvenue au Burundi.

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Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and Women in Law and Development (WiLDAF) Train Women Cross-Border Traders in The Gambia

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with Women in Law and Development (WILDAF), organized a five-day training workshop in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, from 18 to 22 May 2026. The overall objective of the workshop is to strengthen the capacities of women traders and entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector to enable them to better understand, use, and comply with the legal, regulatory, and policy instruments that govern their business activities.

In her opening remarks, delivered on behalf of Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Miatta French, ECOWAS Permanent Representative to The Gambia, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a people-centered community characterized by peace and shared prosperity. She emphasized that this activity is in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which places women and youth at the core of the region’s development agenda and community activities.

She reaffirmed the critical role women play in cross-border trade, highlighting the tangible progress made in recent years toward their empowerment. She underscored ongoing efforts to implement policies aimed at improving the conditions of women entrepreneurs and traders across the region.

Of note is the three-year work plan of the Women in Trade Sub-Committee under the Regional Trade Facilitation framework. This plan outlines targeted interventions, including the development of women-friendly border infrastructure, the adoption of a simplified trade regime, and the establishment of effective mechanisms for reporting incidents of harassment at border crossings, among other strategic actions.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Mr. Jammeh, emphasized that cross-border trade remains a critical driver of economic integration, growth, and resilience in West Africa. He noted that it facilitates the movement of goods and services across national borders, strengthens regional value chains, and promotes the free movement of people—key pillars underpinning the ECOWAS vision.

He further highlighted that, across West African economies, informal cross-border trade accounts for a significant share of regional commerce. This sector plays a vital role in supporting livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security, with women forming the backbone of cross-border trading activities in the region.

Mme. Antoinette Mbrou, Coordinator for West Africa of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), expressed her sincere appreciation to the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG) for its outstanding collaboration and steadfast commitment to the organization’s activities. She underscored the importance of strengthened collaboration among civil society organizations, public institutions, and regional partners in promoting women’s participation in regional trade. She noted that such synergies are essential to overcoming the structural barriers that hinder women’s economic potential.

In concluding her remarks, she reaffirmed her conviction that investing in women produces transformative and lasting impacts. She posited that educating women strengthens families, supporting women traders stimulates economic growth, and empowering women across the region contributes to sustainable progress in food security and overall regional development.

During the five days, participants acquired a solid understanding of the legal frameworks governing cross-border trade in West Africa, particularly within The Gambia. They also developed their capacity to identify and comply with the required documentation for lawful business operations. They learned to recognize the value of formalizing their economic activities, including its immediate and long-term benefits.

Furthermore, the training strengthened participants’ communication and advocacy skills, enabling them to effectively engage decision-makers and defend their economic rights. At a collective level, participants developed a structured advocacy plan outlining priority actions to be pursued with relevant authorities. In addition, a comprehensive mobilization and awareness-raising strategy was established to enhance knowledge and empowerment among women traders within their communities, thereby contributing to more inclusive and sustainable regional trade practices.

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

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Eritrea: Seminar to Nationals in The Hague

Source: APO

Mr. Negassi Kassa, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the European Union and Benelux countries, conducted a seminar for nationals in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 31 May.

At the seminar, Ambassador Negassi provided an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland, as well as regional and global developments, and called on nationals to strengthen organizational capacity and participation in national affairs.

Ambassador Negassi further noted that in this volatile time, Eritrea is focused on implementing development programs, ensuring its internal peace and stability, as well as making its modest contribution to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Mr. Kibreab Tewolde, head of Consular Affairs, also provided a briefing on the efforts being exerted to provide timely and efficient consular services.

Commending the participation of nationals in the Netherlands in national affairs, Mr. Isak Minasie, head of Public and Community Affairs, called for strengthening contributions to the boarding school projects.

The participants expressed conviction to strengthen unity and participation in national affairs.

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

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Eritrea: Training on Photography and Video Production

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Information has provided two months of theoretical and practical training on photography and video production to its members and partner institutions.

At the concluding event of the training on 4 June, Mr. Abdullahi Mohammed-Nur, head of human resources development at the Ministry, said that the Ministry of Information is regularly organizing training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of its members and developing media production in content and quality. He also indicated that 19 members of the Ministry of Information, including 10 females, two from the Ministry of Marine Resources, and one from the Ministry of Public Works participated in the training program. He also commended the interest the trainees demonstrated during the training program.

The training covered basic concepts of still and video cameras, basic photography, alignment and coordination of photos, lighting, color and sound, construction of photo history, as well as photo evaluation.

The participants, commending the training they were provided, expressed that the knowledge they gained from the training will have a significant contribution in producing quality photo and video productions.

Mr. Solomon Berhe, Director General of Press at the Ministry of Information, handed over certificates of participation to the trainees.

In related news, the Department of Culture and Sports of the Southern Red Sea Region has provided two months of training on traditional musical instruments to youth in the region.

Ms. Hawa Mohammed, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, said that the training, which was the first of its kind, will have a significant contribution in transferring knowledge of traditional musical instruments to generations.

Ambassador Mohammed Seid Mantai, Governor of the Region, expressed his expectation that the trainees will serve their society with the knowledge they have gained from the training.

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

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Qatar, France Discuss Iran Mediation Efforts and Regional Crises in High-Level Call

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 04, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a telephone conversation on Thursday from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Noel Barrot, focusing on regional diplomacy and efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Doha and Paris.

The call also addressed ongoing mediation efforts involving the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with both sides examining developments linked to attempts to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels.

In addition, the discussion covered the evolving situations in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and the occupied Palestinian territories, amid continued regional instability.

Both ministers stressed the importance of coordinating international efforts to support mediation aimed at reducing escalation and promoting stability across the region.

HE Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for all parties to engage constructively with current mediation initiatives, warning that sustainable progress requires addressing the root causes of crises through dialogue and peaceful solutions.

He reiterated Qatar’s position in support of diplomatic efforts that could lead to a lasting agreement and help prevent renewed escalation in the region.

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Lebanese President Holds Talks with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 04, 2026
HE President of the Lebanese Republic Joseph Aoun held a telephone conversation on Thursday with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, during which the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in Lebanon.

At the start of the call, HE President Aoun conveyed his greetings to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, wishing him good health and continued prosperity for Qatar. HE Sheikh Mohammed, in turn, relayed HH the Amir’s greetings to HE the Lebanese president and expressed wishes for Lebanon’s continued progress and stability.

The discussions focused on cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Lebanese Republic and explored ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. The two sides also reviewed recent developments in Lebanon.

During the conversation, HE Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the State of Qatar’s condemnation of ongoing Israeli attacks on the Lebanese Republic, describing them as a dangerous escalation, a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a breach of international humanitarian law.

He also reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region.

The Qatari prime minister further underscored Doha’s longstanding support for Lebanon, reiterating Qatar’s commitment to the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The call reflects continuing diplomatic engagement between Qatar and Lebanon amid regional tensions and ongoing efforts to support stability and security in the country. 

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South Africa welcomes AU’s year of water declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa welcomes AU’s year of water declaration

South Africa has welcomed the African Union’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Water, an important recognition that water security is fundamental to achieving the continent’s developmental aspirations.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM), held in Boksburg, Johannesburg, on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the declaration appropriately places water at the centre of discussions on economic growth, climate resilience, food security, public health and sustainable development.

“It also reinforces the urgency of strengthening investment in water infrastructure, water resource protection and climate adaptation across the continent,” Majodina said.

The inaugural Council of Ministers meeting of INMACOM, a regional body responsible for the cooperative management of the Incomati and Maputo river systems, coincided with the fifth anniversary of the commission’s establishment.

The Minister said the meeting reflected the enduring importance of regional cooperation in managing shared water resources.

“Rivers do not acknowledge borders; they connect landscapes, communities, economies and ecosystems. In doing so, they remind us that our futures are inextricably linked,” Majodina said.

She noted that the meeting was taking place during Africa Month, which commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union.

She said the work of INMACOM embodies the principles of Pan-Africanism, regional integration and African-led solutions to common challenges.

Majodina also highlighted South Africa’s role as co-host, alongside France, of an upcoming global dialogue on investment in water.

She said the initiative presents an opportunity to mobilise international partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms and strategic investments needed to address growing global water challenges confronting nations across the world.

“It is a recognition that water is no longer simply an environmental issue, but a strategic development imperative and a critical enabler of economic transformation,” she said.

Majodina stressed that water has become an increasingly strategic resource in the 21st century, playing a central role in economic growth, climate resilience, social stability and regional integration.

“Around the world, the question of how nations share and manage water resources is becoming one of the most important determinants of sustainable development.”

She said Southern Africa’s experience demonstrates how countries can use cooperation to manage shared resources for mutual benefit rather than allowing them to become sources of conflict.

Through our shared commitment to transboundary water governance, we have demonstrated that water can serve not only as a resource for development, but also as an instrument for peace, diplomacy and regional unity. The establishment of INMACOM five years ago represented a significant advancement in this vision.

“Through the signing of the Establishment Agreement, our Member States reaffirmed their collective commitment to the equitable and reasonable utilisation, protection, sustainable development and integrated management of the Incomati and Maputo watercourses,” Majodina said.

Strengthening response to emerging challenges

The Minister warned that climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising water demand are placing increasing pressure on water resources across the region.

More frequent droughts and severe flooding events require countries to strengthen their collective capacity to plan, adapt and respond to emerging challenges, she said.

Majodina emphasised that the future resilience of Southern African countries will depend largely on how effectively they manage shared water resources through stronger institutions, scientific research, data-sharing, and innovation.

She reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the objectives of INMACOM and to working with Mozambique and Eswatini to ensure the sustainable management of the Incomati and Maputo river systems, which support agriculture, industry, energy generation, biodiversity, and water supply for millions of people.

Highlighting the broader significance of water security, Majodina said it lies at the heart of Africa’s development ambitions.

“Without water security, there can be no food security. Without water security, there can be no industrialisation. Without water security, there can be no meaningful social development or sustainable economic transformation,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Dr. Rasha Kelej Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and African First Ladies release “Rays of Hope” Animation Film and Storybook to Raise Awareness About Childhood Cancer

Source: APO

  • Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health continues to build cancer care capacity by providing around 269 Scholarships of One-year Clinical Training in many oncology sub- specialties, and One year and Two year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management.
     
  • Merck Foundation is making history in Africa by training the First African Oncologists and First Cancer Care Teams in Countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
     
  • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO together with African First Ladies recently released “Ray of Hope” children’s storybook and Animation Film for Cancer Awareness in three languages. Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4o6Zik8

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) marks ‘World Cancer Day 2026’ together with Africa’s First Ladies and Ministries of Health by continuing to build and advance cancer care capacity through their Cancer Access Program, with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) explained, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through our sustained, everyday efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists.

Together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 269 Oncology Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing the multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In several of these countries, there wasn’t even a single oncologist. We are very proud that we are making history by training the first oncologists and first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and many more.”

Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities.

“Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future,” Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained.

As part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has to date provided 269 Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries as per the following:

Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Genito Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, and Oncology Nursing.

Moreover, Merck Foundation provides One-year and Two-year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Haematology, and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.

The 34 countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

According to WHO data (2022), Africa sees roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases and up to about 700,000 cancer deaths each year. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are much higher than in many other regions of the world, reflecting late diagnosis, limited access to care, and gaps in health systems. Therefore, Merck Foundation’s oncology scholarships play a critically important role in strengthening cancer care capacity across the continent.

Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes. To raise awareness about it, we have recently launched a children storybook and its adaptive animation film “Ray of Hope”, in partnership with African First Ladies. The story deals with childhood cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognizing early warning signs.”

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here:

https://apo-opa.co/43ROVHy#

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/4o6Zik8

Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.

Dr Judith Mkwaila, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, “It was a great honor and privilege to be awarded the Merck Foundation Scholarship to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, India. The fellowship gave me both, theoretical and hands-on training in complex oncological procedures for head and neck cancers, breast, upper gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. I was exposed to a multidisciplinary team approach in cancer care hence deepening my knowledge and skills in multimodality approach to cancer treatment for both curative and palliative purposes. Due to the knowledge and skills acquired through the training, I was able to start a General Surgical Clinic and become the First and Only Female Chief Surgeon at the Mzuzu Central Hospital. I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity given to me to pursue this fellowship program and for continuing this noble cause of increasing access to high quality cancer care.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: 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/4ug3O12
X: apo-opa.co/3SmobMQ
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/43gHnhq
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4e0bSNu
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4uem1w3
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4o9qzm1
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: apo-opa.co/43RqLwS

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/4ug3O12), X (apo-opa.co/3SmobMQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43gHnhq), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4uem1w3) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4o9qzm1).

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.

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A shot in the arm against HIV: President Ramaphosa launches Lenacapavir

Source: Government of South Africa

A shot in the arm against HIV: President Ramaphosa launches Lenacapavir

In a decisive move to ramp up the prevention of HIV, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially launched the game changing HIV prevention medication Lenacapavir in a ceremony on Friday.

The drug is administered via injection twice a year and offers a welcome relief from daily pills or the bi-monthly injections.

At the launch held at the Lillian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga, President Ramaphosa said the day marks a “turning point in our nation’s fight against HIV”.

“To us, Lenacapavir is not just a medicine or a drug; it represents a major turning point in South Africa’s national story.

“It represents one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the advent of antiretroviral treatment. It represents the triumph of science over despair. It represents the power of innovation to save lives,” the President said.

According to 2025 Statistics South Africa records, an estimated 8.15 million people in South Africa are living with HIV, with millions on treatment.

“Few countries have carried the burden of HIV as heavily as South Africa.

“We have buried too many mothers and fathers. Too many sons and daughters. Too many teachers, workers, healthcare professionals and community leaders. The HIV epidemic has left scars on our society that can never be fully erased. 

“Yet it is also true that few countries have responded with the courage, resilience and determination that South Africa has shown. Together, we built the largest HIV treatment programme in the world. Together, we fought for affordable medicines,” President Ramaphosa stated.

Now with Lenacapavir sharpening South Africa’s treatment arsenal, there is optimism for a possible future where the nation is freed from the burden of HIV.

“[Lenacapavir] represents hope… [for] young women who continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection; hope for families and communities that have lived through decades of loss; hope for a generation that may one day know HIV not as a threat, but as a chapter in history.

“Lenacapavir gives us an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention. A single injection administered twice a year can provide powerful protection against HIV infection. This is not merely a medical advance. It is a practical intervention that can transform lives.

“It reduces barriers to adherence. It expands choice. It strengthens dignity, and it empowers people to take control of their health and their future,” President Ramaphosa noted.

Ready for the rollout

The President highlighted that some 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts are poised to deliver this transformative intervention, with an ambitious target of reaching some 1 million people by the end of 2027.

“Over the next three years, we aim to reach three million people. This is not simply a health target. It is a nation-building target.

“Every HIV infection prevented is a life protected, a family preserved, a future secured,” he said.

The President cautioned, however, that Lenacapavir is “not a silver bullet” and that its success will depend on education, user responsibility and an end to “stigma and discrimination”.

He reiterated that South Africa now stands on the precipice of a new chapter in the history of the country’s HIV response, defined by science, partnership, “dignity, choice and hope”.

“One day, future generations will look back on this period and say that this was the moment when humanity finally gained the upper hand against HIV. That this was the moment when an HIV-free generation moved from aspiration to possibility. And that this was the moment when South Africa once again helped to lead the world towards a better future.

“Let us sustain the effort until this battle is won. Together, we can protect a generation. Together, we can end new HIV infections. Together, we can end AIDS as a public health threat.

“Together, we can build a healthier, stronger and more hopeful South Africa,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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