Posts

Posted on

SA becomes first African country to register groundbreaking anti-HIV injection lenacapavir

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has announced the registration of lenacapavir, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection.

In March 2025, Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, applied to SAHPRA, the local drug regulatory authority. 

Two weeks ago, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026. 

The Minister was speaking at the national roundtable on lenacapavir access and sustainability in South Africa. 

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the Department of Health held a multi-stakeholder roundtable session to discuss the country’s readiness to implement lenacapavir.

Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug that offers six months of protection with just two annual doses.

At a national roundtable meeting, Motsoaledi highlighted the drug’s potential to address critical gaps in current HIV prevention methods.

Meanwhile, SAHPRA stated that the review process was done in collaboration with the European Medicines for All Procedure. 

“This procedure enables the European Medicines Agency, together with the participating regulatory authorities, to provide scientific opinions on high-priority medicines, such as lenacapavir, intended for markets outside the European Union.

“The benefits of this pathway are to strengthen regulatory systems and accelerate access to essential medicines,” the watchdog explained.

This product, developed to prevent new HIV infections, is a six-monthly injection. 

There is an initiation dose of a subcutaneous injection with tablets taken on days one and two. 

“It is used to reduce the risk of HIV in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg, are HIV negative, and are at risk of getting HIV,” SAHPRA said.

According to the SAHPRA, lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should always be used in combination with safer sex practices, such as using condoms, to reduce the risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections.

“The registration of lenacapavir is a game-changer, given the high prevalence rate of HIV in South Africa. This product is the most effective HIV prevention measure thus far,” said SAHPRA CEO, Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela. 

Earlier this month, Motsoaledi announced that government plans to integrate lenacapavir into domestic financing mechanisms, aiming for routine funding after two years.

READ | PEPFAR Bridge Plan to boost HIV/AIDS treatment in SA

He stated that Gilead and six pharmaceutical companies, including one in Egypt, will produce the jab for US$40 per person per year, which is a significant reduction from US$28 000, reducing costs by 700 times.

In addition, Motsoaledi stated that pharmaceutical companies like Hetero and partnerships with the Gates Foundation will produce generic versions, while South Africa actively pursues local manufacturing capabilities.

SAHPRA is tasked with monitoring, evaluating, investigating, inspecting and registering all health products. 

This includes clinical trials, complementary medicines, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics and has also added the responsibility of overseeing radiation control in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Élections générales de 2026 au Bénin : De nouveaux dispositifs de Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes (l’ANIP) pour l’accompagnement des candidats

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans le cadre des élections générales prévues pour le 11 janvier 2026, l’Agence Nationale d’Identification des Personnes (ANIP) informe l’ensemble des candidats des partis politiques que des dispositifs d’appui sont mis en place pour faciliter l’obtention des pièces d’identification (Certificat d’identification Personnelle, Acte de naissance sécurisé, Certificat de résidence, …etc.) requises à la constitution de leurs dossiers de candidature.

Ainsi, en cas de difficulté à obtenir une pièce d’identification, les candidats sont invités à appeler gratuitement le numéro vert 7054, disponible 7 jours sur 7, de 08h à 21h, ou à se rapprocher :

– des chefs d’unités de l’ANIP installés dans toutes les mairies du Bénin et dans les arrondissements des communes à statut particulier ; 
– ou encore des délégués départementaux pour l’identification des personnes, au niveau des préfectures.

Lors de ces démarches, les candidats sont tenus de préciser l’élection à laquelle ils sont candidats.

Les responsables de l’Agence au niveau local sont habilités à accompagner les candidats dans le traitement de toute demande relative à l’identification personnelle.

L’ANIP réaffirme son engagement à garantir à chaque citoyen éligible l’accès effectif aux services d’identification, dans le respect des textes en vigueur, afin de permettre la pleine participation de tous aux échéances électorales à venir.

Fait à Cotonou, le 26 octobre 2025

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

Posted on

Elle transforme des vies et les soins chirurgicaux : la première femme chirurgienne pédiatrique de Mercy Ships au service des enfants d’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

En tant que première femme chirurgienne pédiatrique africaine à se porter bénévole auprès de Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org), le Dr Justina Seyi-Olajide brise les barrières et entre dans l’histoire. Non seulement elle réalise des opérations chirurgicales qui transforment des vies, mais elle questionne également l’état des soins chirurgicaux en Afrique de l’Ouest.

Chirurgienne pédiatrique audacieuse et brillante originaire du Nigeria, le Dr Seyi-Olajide apporte plus de 13 ans d’expérience à l’hôpital du Global Mercy™, le plus grand navire-hôpital civil au monde. Travaillant aux côtés de l’équipage en Sierra Leone, un pays qui ne compte qu’un seul chirurgien pédiatrique pour toute sa population (https://apo-opa.co/47mPg6r), elle était déterminée à apporter sa pierre à l’édifice pour combler l’énorme fossé en matière d’accès aux soins chirurgicaux.

Formée au Nigeria, elle a obtenu son diplôme de médecine à l’université Ahmadu Bello et a suivi une formation en chirurgie à l’hôpital universitaire de Lagos. Membre du Collège des chirurgiens d’Afrique de l’Ouest (WACS / West African College of Surgeons) et du Collège américain des chirurgiens (ACS / American College of Surgeons), elle poursuit actuellement un doctorat et une spécialisation à Montréal, preuve que son engagement envers l’excellence ne connaît pas de frontières.

« Le fait de venir d’un pays à faible ou moyen revenu n’est pas une raison pour rester en marge », déclare le Dr Seyji-Olajide. « Je dois faire partie du projet. Je veux participer au changement en cours. » 

En tant que chirurgienne en exercice au Nigeria, elle est pleinement consciente du besoin désespéré de soins chirurgicaux en Afrique de l’Ouest. Et en tant que spécialiste en pédiatrie, elle sait quelles vies elle est appelée à transformer personnellement.

« Environ 40 à 45 % de la population de la plupart des pays d’Afrique subsaharienne est composée d’enfants de moins de 15 ans », souligne-t-elle.

Les journées du Dr Seyi-Olajide à bord du Global Mercy sont bien remplies, depuis les visites et les opérations tôt le matin jusqu’aux contrôles tard dans la nuit des patients en convalescence. Elle décrit cette expérience très exigeante comme profondément gratifiante et unique en son genre.

« Il ne s’agit pas seulement de soigner le patient », explique-t-elle. « Il s’agit de prendre soin de la personne dans son ensemble. C’est ce qui se passe ici. »

Animée par sa passion de transformer concrètement la vie des enfants qu’elle aime, le Dr Seyi-Olajide explique que c’est l’impact potentiel de la chirurgie pédiatrique qui l’a attirée vers cette spécialisation.
« Lorsqu’un enfant arrive pour une opération, nous faisons tout notre possible, et lorsque cet enfant repart en bonne santé, la joie sur le visage de ses parents en dit long », témoigne-t-elle avec un immense sourire. 

Au-delà de la salle d’opération, son influence s’étend à la recherche chirurgicale mondiale. Elle a récemment dirigé une analye globale des méthodes de dépistage des anomalies congénitales dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire (PRFI) (https://apo-opa.co/4oFr9Hj), qui a permis d’identifier des solutions pratiques pour améliorer le diagnostic et le traitement précoces.

En combinant l’excellence clinique, le leadership académique et une profonde bienveillance pour les populations défavorisées, le Dr Seyi-Olajide contribue chaque jour à redessiner l’avenir de la chirurgie pédiatrique en Afrique. Et, par conséquent, la vie des enfants africains.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

Pour plus d’information sur Mercy Ships, contactez :
international.media@mercyships.org

À propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships est une organisation humanitaire internationale qui déploie les deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux civils au monde, l’Africa Mercy et le Global Mercy, pour fournir des soins de santé gratuits et de première qualité aux plus démunis. L’ONG internationale soutient également le développement des systèmes de santé des pays hôtes par la formation des professionnels de la santé et la rénovation d’infrastructures. Fondé en Suisse en 1978 par Don et Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships est intervenu dans 55 pays. A bord de ses navires, une moyenne de 2 500 bénévoles par an, issus de 60 pays, contribuent à l’œuvre de Mercy Ships. Des professionnels tels que chirurgiens, dentistes, personnel infirmier, formateurs dans le domaine de la santé, cuisiniers, marins, ingénieurs et agriculteurs dédient leur temps et leurs compétences à cette cause. Avec des bureaux dans 16 pays et un Centre opérationnel pour l’Afrique basé à Dakar, au Sénégal, Mercy Ships se met au service des nations en restaurant santé et dignité.

Media files

Posted on

4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) Closes with Launch of ‘The Durban Promise’

Source: APO


.

The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) closed on 25 October with the launch of The Durban Promise. This outcome document synthesises conference recommendations to define Africa’s roadmap toward self-reliance, sustainability, and leadership in global health. The document will inform upcoming policy discussions, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, aimed at accelerating Africa’s progress on health equity, solidarity, and universal health coverage. 

The Durban Promise includes seven continental commitments:

  1. Mobilise Africa’s Wealth and Innovation for Health Sovereignty
  2. Strengthen Governance and Accountability
  3. Reinvest in PHC and Community Systems
  4. Foster Regional Solidarity and Market Efficiency
  5. Build Integrated, Climate-Resilient and Pandemic-Ready One Health Systems
  6. Reframe Health as a Strategic Investment
  7. Transform This Moment into Africa’s Leadership Era

“This moment enables South Africa to carry the voice of the continent into the G20 deliberations—championing fair global health financing, resilient systems, and recognition of Africa as a strategic contributor, not a passive recipient,” said Professor Olive Shisana, CPHIA 2025 Co-chair, in her remarks during the closing ceremony.

CPHIA 2025 brought together nearly 20,000 participants from over 72 countries — both online and in Durban —from across governments, academia, and civil society. Held under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security,” the conference was hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and co-organised with the Government of South Africa and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention. 

CPHIA 2025 featured three high-level plenary sessions, 20 abstract-driven sessions, eight special sessions and 48 side events from partners, the Africa CDC and AfricaBio. There were also 235 virtual posters and 90 in-person abstract presentations, along with 24 exhibition booths demonstrating cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and services. 

“In all the conversations that came through, we got to hear that Africa is ready to meet the moment. Africa’s season, and Africa’s moment to lead, is now,” said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

CPHIA 2025’s closing ceremony also featured three awards:

  • Best Young Investigator for bringing fresh thinking, ingenuity, and passion to transform health and science was given to two individuals who presented their research at the conference:
    • Dr.  Noluxabiso Mangwana, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa
    • Ms. Diana Imoli, Kenya Medical Research Institute
  • Best Oral Abstract for the most compelling presentation:
  • Eric Angula, Casual Foundry
  • Prof Olive Shisana, co-chair of the CPHIA 2025 Scientific Programme Committee and President of Evidence Based Solutions
  • Distinguished Scientist for an individual who has made remarkable contributions to research and public health:

In reflecting on the conference outcomes and the awards presented at the closing ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya said: ‘‘Together, we decided to affirm our collective ambition to accelerate Africa’s journey towards sovereignty. It has been inspiring to hear directly from all of you, and especially from young people, about the exceptional work being done to support public health and to ensure strong health systems across Africa.’

Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, Chair of Bio Africa Convention, commented on what the conference accomplished this year, and the role of future CPHIA convenings. “What we saw over the last three days was groundbreaking research tackling very critical health issues. We engaged in some exciting and engaging panel discussions and had some dynamic exhibitions showcasing Africa’s ingenuity. This conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration.”

In closing the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya announced that the fifth edition of CPHIA would take place in November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Posted on

United Nation (UN) Reinforces Commitment to Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Tanzania

Source: APO


.

A UN Town Hall in Tanzania marked the conclusion of a three-day workshop on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), bringing together 21 UN PSEA Focal Points for capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The session was graced by Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Coordinator for improving the UN response on PSEA, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator, who both reaffirmed the UN’s zero-tolerance policy and called for strengthened prevention, accountability, and survivor-centred responses across all operations.

The workshop, organized by the Resident Coordinator’s Office with support from WHO, WFP, and IOM—aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and build institutional capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. WHO played a key role in providing technical support and guidance to ensure that PSEA measures are effectively integrated into health programmes and community engagement efforts.

The Town Hall reaffirmed the UN’s shared commitment to fostering dignity, respect, and trust within the workplace and in engagement with communities, ensuring that every individual is protected from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Posted on

Tanzania Steps Up Maritime Health Security: Building Capacity to Inspect and Certify Ships for Public Safety

Source: APO


.

 In a major step toward strengthening regional health security, Tanzania has officially gained the capacity to inspect ships and issue internationally recognized Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This milestone enhances the country’s ability to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases through maritime routes and positions Tanzania as a leader in port health preparedness.

This week, 45 Port Health Officers from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar completed intensive training in Dar es Salaam, facilitated by international experts from the World Health Organization (WHO). The program equips officers to conduct ship sanitation inspections and assess compliance with global public health standards—an essential function at designated Points of Entry (PoEs).

Dr. Amour Selemani, Head of Port Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative:

“Tanzania’s ports—especially Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara—serve as critical gateways for over seven neighboring countries. Empowering our officers to issue SSCs ensures we meet international standards while safeguarding regional health.”

The training supports Tanzania’s commitment to the Pandemic Fund initiative, launched recently in Mwanza by the Deputy Prime Minister. The initiative aims to strengthening  systems for pandemic preparedness and response in Tanzania.

Under IHR 2005, WHO member states are required to build core capacities at PoEs, including seaports. SSCs either Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC) or Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC)are issued following inspections of potable water systems, food storage, waste management, vector control, and overall hygiene conditions aboard vessels.

Dr. George Kauki, WHO-Tanzania’s Surveillance Officer, described the phased training approach: “We began with virtual modules, followed by hands-on sessions tailored to Tanzania’s maritime context. Only officers trained by WHO-accredited experts are authorized to inspect and certify ships.”

Participants were drawn from key ports across the country, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kigoma, Mtwara, and Tanga, as well as Malindi, Wete, Mkoani, Fumba, and Mkokotoni in Zanzibar—ensuring national coverage and operational readiness.

Dr. Amour further confirmed that essential inspection equipment is already in place, with additional tools being procured through WHO support under the Pandemic Fund.

This achievement not only strengthens Tanzania’s maritime health surveillance but also sets a precedent for neighboring countries. It reinforces Tanzania’s leadership in advancing global health security and demonstrates its commitment to implementing international standards at critical entry points.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Posted on

Transforming Data into Action: Tanzania Launches New Health Portal

Source: APO


.

Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, has launched a new and improved National Health Portal — a transformative step toward enhancing access to quality health data and promoting evidence-based decision-making across the country.

The upgraded platform provides a centralized, user-friendly space for accessing routine health data, surveys, reports, and thematic insights. It empowers health professionals, policymakers, and partners to use real-time data to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and monitor national progress.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, “The National Health Portal serves as the official platform for disseminating health information and statistics from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. Established in 2015 under the Monitoring and Evaluation section, it was designed to provide quick and easy access to data across the health sector.”

The portal, which is updated quarterly with data from multiple reporting sources, reinforces transparency, accountability, and data-driven health planning. It serves a wide range of users — from government agencies and development partners to researchers, civil society organizations, and the general public.

Reaffirming WHO’s support, the World Health Organization Health Systems Coordinator, Dr Fedjo Galbert noted, “WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Tanzania in strengthening health information systems and advancing data use for action. Reliable, accessible data is essential for guiding policies, improving health services, and achieving better outcomes for all.”

Together, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners are ensuring that data is not just collected — but translated into action that saves lives and strengthens Tanzania’s health system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Posted on

International Relations (IR) Committee Chair Supports the Minister of Justice’s Response to the Unauthorised Letter by Departmental Official

Source: APO


.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, supports the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi’s instruction for the withdrawal of the unauthorised letter issued by the departmental official which led to a Sherriff to serve the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Ms Francesca Albanese with court papers yesterday.

The department has established that the service of the process was effected without the knowledge or approval of either the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development or the Director-General, who serves as the Head of the Central Authority, as is required by Section 40(2) of the Superior Courts Act, 2013 (Act 10 of 2013).

Mr Mahumapelo further supports the instruction of the Minister for the withdrawal of the irregular service of the process and the Minister’s instruction for an internal consequence management. “We appreciate the reaffirmation of the department’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, respect for international law, and South Africa’s diplomatic and international obligations,” emphasised Mr Mahumapelo.

Mr Mahumapelo said that it is regrettable that neither the Director General nor the Minister gave effect to the request for service of the process, which was a request purportedly made by the Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, Christians for Israel, USA.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Posted on

Uganda: Deputy Speaker calls for graduate-creativity in job market

Source: APO


.

Graduates have been urged to take advantage of available government programmes and funds to develop income-generating projects that will enable them become job creators rather than job seekers.

Speaking at the 27th graduation ceremony of Nkumba University on Saturday, 25 October 2025, the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Uganda requires leaders who can innovate solutions to existing social and economic challenges.

“What lies ahead is the responsibility to use the knowledge, skills and values you have gained here to transform your lives and those of the people around you. In an age of global disruption and innovation, your generation must be agile, creative and proactive,” Tayebwa said.

He commended Nkumba University’s initiative of a digitally-enabled community-centred early childhood project that will equip from 32 primary schools across Uganda with skills to effectively integrate e-learning into their teaching practices.

“This is truly the way forward. The only way we can help young learners quickly embrace the digital age is by introducing them to technology early on. I request you, graduates, to go and replicate this in your communities,” Tayebwa said.

The Deputy Speaker also commended private universities in the country for their role in filling the education gap and bringing the academic space closer to communities.

“Universities like Nkumba have played a critical role in democratizing the education sector. If we had only remained with government institutions, I do not know where all the students from our secondary schools would be admitted,” Tayebwa said.

Nkumba University Chancellor, Emmanuel Katongole urged the graduates to exude confidence, competence, creativity and good character, which he said will empower them to step into boardrooms, workplaces and communities with courage. 

“As Chancellor, I have conferred upon you your awards, but remember, your real graduation begins tomorrow. When all is said and done, degrees may open doors, but it is these four virtues that will keep those doors open and allow you to walk through them with dignity and purpose,” Katongole said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega appreciated government’s support to the university through a tax waiver of Shs4.4 billion which had accumulated in tax arrears from 2014 to date, which he said was a great boost to the university’s recovery.

“Nkumba University also received a capitalization grant of Shs300 million from the Ministry of Education and Sports to support its infrastructure development, which we are grateful for. I also request government to support us in establishing state-of-the-art laboratories for artificial intelligence and data science to be housed in the new ICT centre of excellence block,” Prof. Lubega said.

At this year’s graduation, Nkumba University registered a total of 2,087 graduates, with 25 graduating getting Doctorates of Philosophy (PhDs), 418 Masters degrees, 1025 with Bachelor’s degrees, 217 with postgraduate diplomas,   263 with undergraduate diplomas and 139 with certificates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Posted on

Inauguration Ceremony of the President Elect Dr. Mathew Antonio Patrick Herminie, 6th President of the Republic of Seychelles

Source: APO


.

The Inauguration ceremony of His Excellency Dr. Mathew Antonio Patrick Herminie, 6th President of the Republic of Seychelles, will be held today, Sunday 26th October 2025, at Stad Linite, Roche Caiman at 5:30pm.

The ceremony will also be broadcast live on SBC 1, TeleSesel and Radyo Sesel

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.