Category: MIL-OSI

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Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to lead 2025 Heritage Day celebrations 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, acting as the President, will officiate the 2025 Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sport Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape.

Taking place on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, the event is organised in collaboration with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Western Cape Provincial Government.

According to the Presidency, this year’s Heritage Month is celebrated with the theme: “Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.”

This year’s Heritage Day will focus on the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future.

The celebrations on Wednesday are expected to focus on how society, through culture, continues to evolve in response to social, economic, and technological challenges.

“It will also focus on museums as custodians of memory and knowledge, and as institutions that are uniquely positioned to lead the shift. 

“Museums are at the heart of transformation and are part of heritage sites that are traditionally tasked with the collection, preservation, and exhibition of cultural artefacts,” the advisory read. 

Over the years, the Presidency stated that there has been a need for museums to urgently reposition themselves as spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement. 

“South Africa’s heritage sector has long been a cornerstone of our national identity, collective memory and reconciliation. So, our museums as cultural and heritage institutions play a vital role in healing communities and preventing the recurrence of past injustices,” said the Deputy President. 

He added that there was a growing need to re-evaluate how heritage is understood and accessed by the citizens, in line with the country’s evolving social, economic and technological challenges.

“Thus, the commemoration of Heritage Month this year provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on this shift and explore how memory can be transformed into momentum by using heritage as a tool for innovation, job creation, social cohesion, as well as nation-building,” Deputy President Mashatile added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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World Bank Establishes Regional Hub for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in Riyadh

Source: APO


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The World Bank announced today the opening of a new regional hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region. The Riyadh hub will be co-located with the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional office.

The Riyadh Hub brings the World Bank’s leadership closer to country teams, clients and regional partners. The MENAAP’s regional Vice President and regional practice directors have relocated to Riyadh, marking a new chapter in the World Bank’s operational footprint.

“Riyadh is not only a gateway to the region’s transformation, but also a powerful platform for global knowledge exchange and policy innovation,” said Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. “It is especially meaningful to mark this relocation on Saudi National Day, a moment that celebrates the Kingdom’s transformation and its growing role as a global convener of development knowledge.”

This milestone aligns with the 50th anniversary of technical cooperation between the World Bank and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the past five decades, the Bank has supported major reforms in key sectors through advisory services, technical assistance, and capacity development.

Recently, the World Bank Group and Saudi Arabia launched a new global Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) in Riyadh to facilitate regional and global knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing global development impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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President Boakai Welcomes New Petroleum Agreement with Oranto; Pledges Responsible Development of Liberia’s Resources

Source: APO


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President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has welcomed the signing of four Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) between the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) and Atlas/Oranto Petroleum, granting exploratory rights over offshore blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris, France.

The contracts, which include a signature bonus of US$12 million and an estimated investment value of US$200 million per block, represent an important step in reviving Liberia’s oil and gas sector after more than a decade of limited activity. They follow a recent agreement with TotalEnergies and further demonstrate Liberia’s readiness to responsibly engage credible investors.

“Our goal is to ensure that Liberia’s resources are managed with transparency and responsibility. These contracts will be implemented with strict standards of environmental protection, strong local participation, and clear accountability so that Liberians benefit directly from the opportunities created.” The President said.

Atlas/Oranto, a privately held African oil group founded in 1991, operates in several African countries. In Liberia, the company’s activities will be guided strictly by national laws and oversight to guarantee responsible exploration.

The Government of Liberia, through the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), expressed appreciation to TGS, its long-standing geophysical and geological partner, for nearly 25 years of support in promoting Liberia’s offshore potential.

President Boakai also commended the efforts of the Liberian negotiating team, led by the LPRA, and with the participation of:

• Hon. Fabian Michael Lai, President & CEO of NOCAL
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning
• Hon. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice

As required by law, the four PSCs will now be forwarded to the National Legislature for ratification. Once approved and signed by the President, they are expected to boost investment in Liberia’s energy sector, create jobs, and contribute to the long-term goals of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for national growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets CEO of Save the Children

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 22, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE CEO of Save the Children, Inger Ashing, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to protect children’s rights in areas of conflict and humanitarian crises, and to enhance international initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of the most vulnerable children.

The two sides agreed to strengthen the partnership between the State of Qatar and the international organization, including launching joint initiatives and projects that contribute to the protection and empowerment of children in crisis-affected communities.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts to protect children and provide them with education and healthcare, based on its priorities in the areas of international cooperation and sustainable development.

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Mise en œuvre du programme GBESSOKÉ : Les transferts monétaires ont démarré (Plus de 20 mille ménages déjà touchés)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Les transferts monétaires aux ménages pauvres du Bénin ont démarré le jeudi 18 septembre 2025. Ainsi, ce vendredi 19 septembre, des bénéficiaires se sont réveillés avec la grosse surprise sur leur téléphone portable. Ces premiers transferts monétaires du Programme de Filets de Protection Sociale Productifs (PFPSP)-GBESSOKE ont touché les 12 communes pilotes couvrant l’ensemble des 12 départements. 

Cette phase pilote affiche des résultats concrets. 20.621 bénéficiaires, dont 85% de femmes, ont reçu une première enveloppe représentant 208.272.100 FCFA mobilisés pour ce premier mois. Et il en sera ainsi chaque mois pendant neuf mois. Un appui productif supplémentaire de 50.000 FCFA soit 2,08 milliards FCFA est prévu au 6ᵉ et 9ᵉ mois pour soutenir les Activités Génératrices de Revenus (AGR). Au terme de cette phase pilote de la première cohorte, c’est environ 4 milliards FCFA déjà mobilisés qui iront vers les populations des 12 communes pilotes. 

Ce n’est pas fini ! Le programme est prévu pour s’étendre à toutes les 77 communes, au fur et à mesure que les travaux évoluent pour la certification des ménages bénéficiaires par l’INStaD. Cette initiative vise à sortir durablement les ménages les plus vulnérables de la pauvreté, en combinant aide financière immédiate et accompagnement productif. 

Avant ce démarrage, le programme a suivi une phase préparatoire méthodique qui témoigne de son sérieux à savoir : 

– Certification des ménages bénéficiaires, conduite sur le terrain par une équipe mixte composée des agents de l’Institut National de la Statistique et de la Démographie et du Ministère des Affaires Sociales et de la Microfinance pour vérifier les foyers réellement en situation d’extrême pauvreté ; 

– Distribution gratuite de cartes SIM sécurisées destinées à recevoir les transferts électroniques, une innovation qui garantit transparence et traçabilité ; 

– Filtrage et validation finale de la liste pour s’assurer que chaque franc mobilisé profite exclusivement aux ménages ciblés ; 

– La mise en place des organes communautaires de gestion des plaintes pour recueillir et traiter de manière équitable, efficace, transparente et participative, les plaintes et doléances dans le cadre de l’exécution des activités du programme.

Ce processus rigoureux, salué par les partenaires techniques et financiers, fait de GBESSOKÉ un modèle de gouvernance sociale. 

Malgré une croissance économique soutenue (6,7 % en 2018 et 6,9 % en 2019), le Bénin compte encore 38,5 % de sa population sous le seuil de pauvreté, avec une prévalence de 44,2 % en milieu rural. Face à ce constat, le Gouvernement a fait du volet social une priorité du Programme d’Action 2021-2026. 

« Avec GBESSOKÉ, nous passons d’une logique d’assistance à une dynamique de résilience économique. Ces transferts sont un tremplin pour que chaque bénéficiaire devienne acteur de son propre développement », a souligné Madame Véronique TOGNIFODÉ, Ministre des Affaires Sociales et de la Microfinance, lors de sa descente à Za-Kpota, à l’occasion de la campagne de distribution des Cartes SIM aux bénéficiaires. 

Le programme ambitionne d’accompagner 150.000 ménages pauvres extrêmes, soit près d’un million de Béninois, grâce : 

– aux transferts monétaires non remboursables assortis d’un suivi rapproché ;

– à l’appui au développement des AGR pour stimuler l’autonomie économique ;

– à la Mise en place de Guichets Uniques de Protection Sociale (GUPS), qui passeront de 85 à 120 sur tout le territoire. 

Le programme GBESSOKÉ ne se limite pas à un simple transfert d’argent. Il s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large du Ministère des Affaires Sociales de la Microfinance qui inclut le Projet ARCH (assurance maladie, crédit, formation), le Microcrédit Alafia et autres programmes mis en œuvre par d’autres sectoriels. Ces programmes complémentaires font du Bénin une référence régionale en matière de protection sociale, en combinant inclusion financière, autonomisation économique et résilience face aux crises. 

L’originalité du programme réside dans son caractère productif : les transferts sont accompagnés d’un suivi personnalisé grâce au réseau de proximité constitué des Relais Communautaires et des GUPS afin que les bénéficiaires puissent investir dans des AGR et renforcer leur capital humain. Cette approche réduit la dépendance et transforme l’aide en véritable moteur de développement communautaire.

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

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Rentrée scolaire 2025-2026 : Le Gouvernement réaffirme sa solidarité envers les familles de militaires tombés en mission

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Et de 6 pour le programme d’appui en kits scolaires au profit des orphelins de militaires décédés en mission ! Initié par le Ministère de la Défense nationale, ce programme qui est à sa 6ème édition a permis, à l’orée de la rentrée scolaire 2025-2026, a plusieurs centaines d’enfants, sur l’ensemble du territoire, de bénéficier de fournitures complètes adaptées à leurs niveaux de classe. Le lancement officiel de cette édition a eu lieu le vendredi 19 septembre 2025, sur la base aérienne de Cotonou, en présence du Ministre de la Défense nationale, Monsieur Fortunet Alain NOUATIN, du Chef d’État-Major Général des Forces Armées Béninoises, le Général de division Fructueux GBAGUIDI, ainsi que de hautes autorités militaires et gouvernementales. 

Ce geste symbolise la reconnaissance et la solidarité de la Nation envers les familles des soldats ayant consenti le sacrifice suprême. Pour les enfants bénéficiaires, il représente aussi un encouragement à persévérer dans leurs études afin de réaliser leurs rêves. Par la voix d’un porte-parole, ils ont exprimé leur gratitude par un mot simple mais fort : « Merci au gouvernement ». 

Cette année, l’initiative a également reçu un soutien particulier de la JAMA’AT AHMADIYYA, partenaire engagé aux côtés des orphelins et des veuves. Son président, Mohamed Loulouman BISSIRIOU, a rappelé que l’Islam accorde une place centrale au soutien des plus vulnérables. La communauté a contribué à travers un don de fournitures scolaires d’une valeur de 3.000 euros et une enveloppe financière de 3 millions de francs CFA. 

Inscrit dans le programme de protection des couches vulnérables, l’appui du ministère vise à réduire les inégalités et à favoriser la réussite scolaire. À cette occasion, le Directeur de Cabinet du Ministre, le Général de brigade Abdoul Baki Sanni BACHABI, a exhorté les enfants à redoubler d’efforts, à écouter ceux qui assurent désormais leur éducation et à éviter les fréquentations pouvant compromettre leur avenir. 

De son côté, le Conseiller Technique aux Affaires sociales du Ministère, Monsieur Franck KOMAHOUÉ, s’est réjoui de l’impact positif du programme, affirmant qu’il a permis de réduire considérablement les abandons scolaires et d’améliorer les performances des bénéficiaires. 

La distribution des kits se poursuivra dès ce mardi 23 septembre 2025 dans les garnisons militaires du nord du pays.

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

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Inauguration des bâtiments de l’École Socle du Savoir par le Chef de l’État

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a procédé, ce 22 septembre 2025, à l’inauguration officielle des bâtiments de l’“École Socle du Savoir”, un établissement construit par la Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza, sur la colline Matongo, commune Nyabihanga, province Gitega.

Cette école d’excellence, érigée dans le cadre de la vision Burundi 2040-2060, se distingue par la diversité de son offre éducative. Outre l’ECOFO, elle comprend des sections Biochimie et Sciences de la Terre, section Économique ainsi que la section Mathématiques-Statistiques. Actuellement, les classes ouvertes accueillent les élèves de 7ᵉ et 8ᵉ année de l’École Fondamentale ainsi que les élèves de 1ʳᵉ post-fondamentale dans les sections Biochimie–Sciences de la Terre et Économique.

Dotée d’un régime d’internat, l’école bénéficie d’infrastructures modernes comprenant trois laboratoires (chimie, biologie et physique), une salle informatique équipée ainsi qu’une bibliothèque richement fournie, offrant ainsi un cadre idéal d’apprentissage et d’innovation.

Dans son allocution de bienvenue, la Première Dame du Burundi, Son Excellence Angéline Ndayubaha Ndayishimiye, fondatrice et présidente de la Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza, a souligné que cette école, d’une capacité d’accueil de 480 élèves, a été pensée pour assurer le plein épanouissement moral, intellectuel et physique des apprenants, dans la perspective de bâtir un avenir prometteur pour la jeunesse burundaise.

Prenant la parole, le Chef de l’État a exprimé sa grande satisfaction d’inaugurer un établissement scolaire qui incarne parfaitement les ambitions de développement et de modernisation du Burundi. Il a salué les efforts de la Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza et encouragé d’autres initiatives similaires, rappelant que l’éducation constitue la pierre angulaire de tout progrès durable.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a, en outre, exhorté les parents à revaloriser l’éducation ancestrale au sein des familles, afin que les enfants, en plus des connaissances scientifiques, grandissent avec les valeurs culturelles et morales qui caractérisent le peuple burundais. Citant l’adage bien connu, il a rappelé que «la science sans conscience n’est que ruine de l’âme».

Il a également mis en avant l’importance des écoles à internat, véritables lieux de formation morale, humaine et intellectuelle, appelant les acteurs privés à y investir davantage pour préparer un avenir radieux à la jeunesse. Le Président a enfin réaffirmé l’engagement ferme du Gouvernement à soutenir et promouvoir la création de telles institutions éducatives, garantes d’une société éclairée et prospère.

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

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President Ramaphosa arrives in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) High Level Segment

Source: APO


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His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States of America to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

The President will on Monday, 22 September 2025 participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.  The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments.

The President will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive.

The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, The President will lead the High level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.  G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace

President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week.

The President is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

UNGA80 High-Level schedule and clean feed available on https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule.

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

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa wishes the Jewish Community Shanah Tova

Source: APO


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President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

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

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Angola strengthens Ebola outbreak preparedness measures

Source: APO


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Following the declaration of Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola is stepping up disease surveillance, prevention and preparedness measures especially in the country’s Lunda Norte province which borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A multidisciplinary team with experts from the National Directorate of Public Health, the National Institute for Health Research, World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), visited  Tchissanda, Fortuna and Nachire border crossings in Lunda Norte to assess and help implement preparedness measures by  local health authorities, as well as raise awareness among  communities about Ebola, its symptoms, early reporting of suspected cases and how to stay safe.

The team provided training on key areas such as the Ebola virus disease identification, infection prevention and control, active case finding, diseases surveillance in communities and at points of entry, sample collection and transportation, as well as risk communication, including strategies to address mis- or disinformation.

In total, 140 officials, including health professionals, community mobilizers, police officers and border authorities, took part in the trainings.

“The Ministry of Health’s priority is to guarantee early detection, appropriate case management, and above all, the protection of both our communities and the health workers in the frontline” says Dr Eusébio Manuel, Head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance at Angola’s Ministry of Health. “We are firmly committed to strengthening Angola’s preparedness against Ebola.”

In addition, more than 150 traditional and religious leaders, midwives, hunters and traditional healers from five municipalities of Luanda Norte took part in the preparedness activities that also aimed to build community trust and align local response with the municipal outbreak preparedness and action plans to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

“Preparing now means saving lives later. Every trained official and every informed community increases Angola’s capacity to respond effectively if the virus crosses the border,” says Dr Noémia Silva, WHO surveillance and immunization officer in Lunda Norte province.

WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level. WHO is working with the national authorities in 10 priority countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to initiate readiness assessments and contingency planning.

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