Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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“The thin line between justice denied and justice served is determined by investigation.”

This simple but profound statement by warrant officer, Michael Dhieu Malual, perfectly captures how he has harnessed the power of newly developed investigation skills into meaningful outcomes for victims of crime in Bor.

After receiving five-days of specialized training by United Nations police officers serving with the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, he was able to successfully deliver justice for victims of an armed robbery.

It was in the middle of the night when an offender broke into the victim’s home, threatening the residents with a gun, and running off with a bag full of clothes and other belongings.

“The residents informed the police about the crime, and we cordoned off the scene before marking, photographing and packaging the evidence,” recalls warrant officer Dhieu. “A few days later, we found the perpetrator wearing the same clothes that he had stolen, and we were able to get these identified by the owner. We further investigated and were able to take the case successfully to court.”

This positive outcome was achieved with the support of the UN police who provided Dhieu and 30 others, including eight women, from the police force, riverine crime unit, traffic and criminal investigations teams with intensive training over a five-day period.

“We were able to absorb the importance of a meticulous approach to investigation, including how a single fingerprint, a careful interview, or a well-documented chain of custody can mean the difference between justice served and justice denied,” Dhieu explains.

The officers did a deep dive into the craft of criminal investigation, including securing crime scenes, recording evidence and interviewing victims, witnesses and perpetrators, and compiling case files for prosecution.

Beyond technical skills, officers also strengthened their understanding of legal frameworks guiding their work, the importance of respecting victim and offender rights, and the need for collaboration with prosecutors and other agencies.

They explored all aspects of crime from violence and theft to fraud, cybercrime, and environmental offenses and the different investigative approaches each requires, ranging from proactive tactics to reactive responses, forensic science, and community partnerships.

UN Police Commander, Mwewa Mervyn Musonda, stressed the importance of a collaboration approach to training where officers share their experiences, reflect on challenges, lessons learned and explore shared solutions for securing a safer South Sudan.

“Our mandate is to pass on the skills that we have learned through our experience in our respective countries so that our South Sudanese colleagues can be aware of domestic and international practices and processes,” he said.

As the participants return to their communities, the impact of this training will be measured in every case they investigate, every victim they assist, and every act of justice they help deliver.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Monday, December 1, 2025 as World AIDS Day to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday, in recognition of the immense contributions of the United Nations to combat HIV and AIDS.

The Proclamation calls upon all citizens, governmental and non-governmental institutions, faith-based and traditional leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, and development partners to join the National Aids Commission, organize and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s World Aids Day will be celebrated on the Grounds of the Capitol Building in Monrovia under the global theme: “OVERCOMING DISRUPTION, TRANSFORMING THE AIDS RESPONSE,” and the National Theme: “MOBILIZING DOMESTIC SUPPORT, TRANSORMING THE AIDS RESPONSE,” with His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, serving as Keynote speaker.

The proclamation noted that United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has designated the 1st Day of December of each year as World AIDS Day, a time to raise awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, to honor those who have lost their lives, and to show solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS as well as those at risk. 

The proclamation also stated that Liberia has a generalized HIV epidemic with reproductive aged population showing HIV prevalence of 2.1% (2013 LDHS), with an estimated HIV population of 36,000. 

The presidential proclamation further disclosed Significant variations in HIV prevalence and exist between and within regions and counties. HIV prevalence is higher in urban (2.6%) than in rural (0.8%) areas. The South-Central Region has the highest prevalence of 2.8% among the five regions and Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties have the highest HIV prevalence among the 15 counties and together account for abhout 70% of the burden of disease in the country.

The proclamation further indicated that it is in line with the principles of creating awareness of the threat of HIV and AIDS, embodied in the policies of the Government, as adopted, are in accordance with those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), to educate and keep the Liberian people aware of the threat of AIDS.

Since the diagnosis of AIDS in 1981, it has continued to pose a serious problem and threats to the health and wellbeing of the human race of which the People of Liberia are of no exception, the Proclamation added.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO

A leader in industrial automation and digital transformation solutions for over 30 years, Adroit Technologies (https://AdroitSCADA.com/) is advancing its cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into an AI-powered Water Management Platform, designed to tackle one of South Africa’s most urgent infrastructure challenges: non-revenue water losses.

The R&D presents an opportunity to develop a first if its kind, AI-driven ‘pseudo-metering’ capability, a potential breakthrough feature that can infer consumption and pressure data in areas where physical meters are not installed. “We have proven the initial concept and have now secured the support of the government and other industry leaders to develop this AI-driven platform, confirms Frits Kok, Co-CEO at Adroit Technologies.

With nearly 40% of the country’s treated water lost to leaks, theft, and ageing infrastructure, Adroit Technologies is exploring new ways to enhance intelligent, data-driven water management. Using advanced machine learning (ML) and neural network algorithms, the research platform can analyse existing telemetry and SCADA data to detect leaks, forecast demand, and infer flow rates in areas without sensors, paving the way for more efficient, transparent municipal water systems in the future.

“South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges demand smarter, data-driven solutions,” stresses Kok. “Our current R&D is focused on developing next-generation AI capabilities that will, in time, complement our existing water management technologies, which are already helping utilities reduce water losses and make informed operational decisions today.”

Addressing a National Challenge

Urban growth, vandalism, and limited monitoring capacity have severely strained South Africa’s water systems. In many municipalities, leaks and pump failures are discovered only after outages occur.

Adroit Technologies’ ongoing research aims to integrate new AI tools seamlessly with existing SCADA and telemetry systems to deliver predictive analytics, real-time alerts, and actionable insights, helping engineers identify hidden losses and optimise operations before crises arise.

The AI-driven ‘pseudo-metering’ can infer consumption and pressure data where physical meters are missing or damaged. This innovation has the potential to help under-resourced municipalities monitor network conditions that were previously ‘data blind.’

Research with Real-World Impact

Adroit Technologies’ current research is focused on developing a scalable, national-level AI framework that leverages forecasting, anomaly detection, and digital twin modelling to enhance decision-making and support more efficient water use.

A hybrid neural network architecture (CNN-LSTM) and self-healing data middleware are being designed to operate effectively even with incomplete or delayed data, a common challenge across South Africa’s municipalities.

“This research is about enabling resilience,” adds Hugo Pienaar, Director of Digital Services at Adroit Technologies. “By combining AI with decades of SCADA expertise, we are helping municipalities envision how to predict issues before they happen and manage scarce water resources more efficiently.”

A Smarter, Sustainable Future

While Adroit Technologies continues to its R&D into AI-powered water management capabilities, the company already offers a proven suite of water management and SCADA solutions that empower utilities to detect leaks, optimise assets, and improve operational efficiency.

As the R&D programme progresses, these new AI capabilities will be introduced into Adroit’s product range, ensuring that customers can benefit from the latest innovations in predictive maintenance, data analytics, and infrastructure optimisation, all designed to strengthen South Africa’s water security and sustainability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Adroit Technologies.

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at https://Media.NGAGE.co.za/.

Adroit Technologies Contact:
Dave Wibberley
Phone: 011 65 88100
Email: DaveW@adroit.co.za

Media Contact:
Andile Mbethe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: https://NGAGE.co.za

About Adroit Technologies:
Adroit Technologies is a trusted industrial software and digital solutions partner with over 35 000 installations worldwide. Backed by Mitsubishi Electric and operating as co-developer of the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite (MAPS), Adroit serves customers in more than 40 countries across six continents. The company specialises in SCADA systems, industrial automation, digital transformation, cybersecurity compliance, and analytics solutions for mining, water, energy, and manufacturing industries.

Website: https://AdroitSCADA.com/

Source: APO

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At the maternal and child health centre of Agua Grande in the country’s capital, São Tomé, it’s vaccination day. By 9:00, the benches are filled with mothers cradling their babies and fathers watching over older children, while health booklets pass quietly from hand to hand amid the conversations. In the adjacent rooms, nurses prepare the vaccines, call families one by one and carefully record the data. Calm and trust fill the space.

Jucilène da Trindade, 35, a mother of three, waits for her turn with her youngest, child two-year-old Mateus. “With three children, my days are full! But I always find the time to get them vaccinated. It protects them and saves me medical expenses, giving them a safer future,” she confides, holding her son’s blue health booklet close to her.

Da Trindade is not only an attentive mother. She has also become a point of reference for other mothers in her neighbourhood. She encourages her neighbours to vaccinate their children, supports young mothers and relays information to her community.

Eunice Carvalho, 21, benefits from her support. “Jeanna is my very first child. I do everything to keep her healthy. Since my daughter was born, every visit to the centre to get her vaccinated reassures me that she grows up protected and safe,” she says proudly, holding the carefully filled pink booklet for her 15-month-old.

Community mobilization is one of the pillars of São Tomé and Príncipe’s success in vaccination. In 2019, coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine reached 94%, well above the regional average of 74%.

To strengthen routine immunization, World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the government in improving quality of care. This support has included integrated supervision in health districts, training technicians in data management and quality, enhanced strategic planning and better coordination between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and district teams.

The country has also eliminated neonatal tetanus and remains polio-free. “Seeing polio and neonatal tetanus disappear from my country is a tremendous satisfaction. On vaccination days, parents come on their own. Knowing that our work saves lives is a daily source of pride,” says Ana Lucia, a nurse for ten years at the Agua Grande maternal and child health centre.

Like everywhere else, the COVID-19 pandemic put this dynamic to the test. In 2023, vaccination coverage dropped to 87%. But the national response, with partner support, was rapid, structured and innovative. Supplementary vaccination activities were intensified, with a particular focus on districts with low coverage. The active search for zero-dose and under-vaccinated children by mobile teams at community level—supported by community health workers and civil society organizations—helped raise awareness and catch up children who were behind on their vaccination schedule.

WHO supported the introduction of new vaccines, vaccination campaigns and community mobilization to boost demand for immunization services. “The very essence of vaccination takes on a human face here: protecting children, strengthening family trust and building healthier communities. São Tomé and Príncipe shows that despite challenges, progress is possible,” says Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, WHO Representative in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The strong collaboration between the government, health professionals, communities, technical and financial partners is widely praised. “São Tomé’s example illustrates the strength of partnership. The government, health professionals and communities are working together to ensure sustainable access to vaccines,” notes Dr Antoinette Awaga, head of the transition team for middle-income countries at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

These advances rest on an accessible health system, regular campaigns, staff training and better information for families. EPI is at the heart of the country’s progress.

“Over the past decades, EPI has been one of the strongest pillars of disease prevention and the promotion of our population’s health. Thanks to collective work with all actors, many lives have been saved and the future of countless children protected,” says Dr Solange Barros, EPI coordinator for São Tomé and Príncipe.

Beyond saving lives, vaccination acts as a lever for development. It reduces healthcare costs, improves school attendance, strengthens family productivity and creates a lasting bond between communities and their health system.

“Here, we don’t come just for a vaccine, we come for the future. Vaccinating my children is an act of love and responsibility,” concludes Jucilène as she leaves the health centre, her baby on her back.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Sao Tome and Principe.

Source: APO

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In flood-prone Adamawa State, north-east Nigeria, early health preparedness helped protect thousands of vulnerable people from preventable disease outbreaks during the 2025 rainy season.

Through a government-led intervention coordinated by the Adamawa State Ministry of Health (SMOH) with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), health teams were deployed ahead of peak flooding in seven high-risk local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Numan, Girei, Lamurde, Fufore and Demsa.

The actions were funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Government and People of Japan. The anticipatory response focused on preventing malaria, cholera and other flood-related diseases, while ensuring continuity of essential health services for displaced and vulnerable populations.

Reaching communities before the floods

In Fadde Gassol, Yola South, 25-year-old pregnant Aisha Bello received a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN), malaria prevention, and antenatal care from a WHO/CERF-supported mobile health team.

“The medical team came before the floods became worse,” she said. “This prepared me to stay healthy and deliver my baby safely.”
Her experience reflects the broader impact of early action across affected communities.

Life-saving results

As flooding disrupted access to several settlements, health teams delivered integrated services, including malaria and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) management, maternal and child health care, routine immunisation, nutrition screening, mental health support, hygiene promotion and referrals for gender-based violence services.

With CERF and Government of Japan funding, and WHO technical support:
•    5000 LLINs were distributed to high-risk households to prevent malaria.
•    3000 pregnant women accessed antenatal care, with hundreds receiving intermittent preventive treatment for malaria.
•    Three Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) and three Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) were established to ensure rapid cholera response.
•    250 sanitation facilities were disinfected, and key water sources chlorinated to reduce cholera transmission.
•    Thousands of people received cholera and hygiene prevention messages.
•    Hundreds of displaced households received WASH dignity kits to support safe sanitation and hygiene practices.

“We crossed flooded paths to reach communities that had not seen a health worker in weeks,” said Fatima Musa, a frontline health worker. “Despite the difficulties, communities welcomed us and trusted our support.”

Strengthening local preparedness

WHO also supported state-level emergency preparedness, especially for cholera, through:
•    Prepositioning of emergency medical supplies
•    Training of frontline health workers
•    Strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems
•    Supporting coordination through the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC)
“CERF and Japan’s support enabled us to move before the crisis peaked,” said Dr Abdulhakeem Yusuf, WHO Adamawa State Coordinator. “This prevented outbreaks, reduced suffering and protected the most vulnerable, especially women and children.”

Strong coordination through PHEOC

Coordination for flood preparedness and response was conducted through the Adamawa State PHEOC, bringing together key partners including WHO, OCHA, UNFPA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and local humanitarian organisations.

“Strong coordination helped us move early and reach more people before needs escalated,” said Momsiri Wesley Biyama, Head of OCHA Sub-Office in Adamawa.
Huzaifatu Mohammed, Adamawa Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, added:
“Our volunteers worked alongside health teams in difficult terrain. Through the PHEOC coordination mechanism, services reached communities that would otherwise have been cut off.”

Sustaining the gains

Despite the progress, recurring floods driven by climate change continue to pose risks. Additional investments are needed to expand anticipatory action, strengthen surveillance, improve WASH infrastructure and reach more remote communities.

WHO, the Adamawa State Government and partners remain committed to sustaining and scaling these interventions ahead of future flood seasons to protect lives and strengthen community resilience.

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

Source: APO

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Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in the country’s public health response. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the initiative will generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with technical support from WHO, recently concluded a five-day planning workshop. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and international partners to finalize the technical protocol and operational strategy.

Nigeria is the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national AMR survey. The country was selected based on its strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.

Why Surveillance Matters

Nigeria ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to AMR. In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to AMR—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases (Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance – GRAM, IHME, University of Washington, 2023).

Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between US$2,371 and US$29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84% (Poudel AN et al., PLoS One, 2023).

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure. Surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions.

“This planning workshop marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s AMR response,” said Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, NCDC. “With WHO’s support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”

Survey Objectives and Scope

The survey will:
•    Establish a national baseline on AMR prevalence to monitor interventions.
•    Assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations.
•    Contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10% by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.).
•    Strengthen routine AMR surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.

Using WHO’s standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.

Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.

Building National Capacity

WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment:

“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.” 

Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”

Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:

“This survey is about more than data. It’s about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”

Supporting Global Health and Universal Health Coverage

AMR is a global health challenge. Nigeria’s participation contributes to regional and international efforts to monitor resistance and coordinate responses. The survey also supports the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

By improving diagnostics, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, and promoting responsible antimicrobial use, the initiative will help reduce treatment failures and advance Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), national health security, and the National Health Sector Renewed Investment Initiative.

A Shared Commitment

AMR is among WHO’s top global health priorities. Nigeria’s efforts supported by WHO, NCDC, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the Global Fund, demonstrate strong national ownership and multisectoral collaboration.

Through science, partnership, and evidence-based action, Nigeria is laying the foundation to safeguard lives, preserve the efficacy of essential medicines, and build a healthier future.

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

Source: APO

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On Sunday, 30 November 2025, the City of Dakar, host of the event, welcomed the official launch of the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture. The opening ceremony was held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ousmane Sonko. Jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, the initiative gives concrete expression to a project conceived nearly thirty-eight years ago, aimed at strengthening regional integration through arts and culture.

In his address, the Mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall, recalled Senegal’s legendary hospitality, described as the “Land of Arts and Culture,” and highlighted Dakar’s plural identity as a “cosmopolitan, lively and vibrant city.” He underscored ECOFEST’s vocation as a bridge between West African peoples and as a platform dedicated to the promotion of talents that shape the cultural vitality of the region.

For his part, Prime Minister H.E. Ousmane Sonko recalled that the Festival seeks to promote integration, social cohesion, peace and development through culture. This ambition is fully aligned with the resolve of the Government of Senegal to make culture a pillar of economic and social development, as well as an essential vector of sovereignty.

Delivering her message on behalf of Dr. Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr commended the leadership of the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his commitment to culture and sub-regional integration. She also extended her gratitude to the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, for his decisive role in the realization of ECOFEST. She further paid glowing tribute to the artists, creators, religious and traditional leaders who embody the living memory of the peoples of West Africa.

Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050 – “An ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All” – the Festival highlights culture as a key lever for social cohesion, lasting peace and inclusive development. In a regional context marked by political and security crises, the chosen theme, “Political Mutations and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?” invites reflection on the role of the arts as spaces for expression, resilience and the reconstruction of social bonds. ECOWAS recalled that culture has always been at the heart of the dynamics of resistance and renewal, from the great West African empires to the present day.

The ceremony was enhanced by performances from renowned artists: Sidiki Diabaté (Mali), Ismaël Lô (Senegal), Solange Cesarovna (Cabo Verde) and Gyakie (Ghana). Through the subtle notes of the kora, traditional dances and powerful voices that resonated within the Grand Théâtre Doudou N’Diaye Coumba Rose, the audience and officials shared a moment of deep emotion and artistic communion.

ECOFEST 2025 will run until 6 December, featuring a rich programme of exhibitions, concerts, performances, professional meetings, workshops and cultural exchanges. This first edition seeks to showcase the diversity of artistic expressions from a region of multiple identities, united by a shared cultural heritage.

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