MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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Health authorities in Mozambique have intensified emergency response to assist hundreds of thousands of people devastated by severe flooding in the southern and central regions since mid-December 2025. 

The flooding has affected more than 720 000 people, with 75% residing in Gaza Province. Around 100 000 people are being housed in 113 temporary accommodation centres in Gaza, Maputo, Sofala, Manica, Tete and Zambezia provinces, and Maputo City. 

The response includes prepositioning essential supplies, with a focus on cholera and other health priorities, coordinating the response at national, provincial and district levels and strengthening active surveillance, prevention and disease control.

As part of preparedness for health emergencies such as these, World Health Organization (WHO) has helped strengthen early warning and risk monitoring systems in Gaza, Tete and Maputo provinces since August 2024. This includes training surveillance officers and distributing 266 tablets—almost two-thirds of these in Gaza Province—for real-time data collection and transmission.  

On 23 January 2026, a team of experts from WHO and the health sector of Maputo Province visited three accommodation centres, one in Maputo Province and two in Gaza Province, to conduct a health needs assessment. During the mission, the team interacted with the heads of the centres, managed by the municipality and the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction. The findings of the needs assessment will help to fill gaps in the provision of health services at the centres.  

“Health services are present in all the accommodation centres visited, which is encouraging. The government and health authorities responded in a timely manner to support the affected population,” says Dr Sheila Nhoni, health emergency officer at WHO Mozambique. Dr Nhoni also stresses the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment, uninterrupted primary healthcare services and effective referral systems to reduce preventable illness during the rainy season.

Given the severity of the situation in Gaza, WHO has deployed two rapid responders to strengthen coordination with partners, support health care provision in accommodation centres and monitor epidemiological trends on potential waterborne or vector-borne disease outbreaks. 

“Floods do not only displace families, they disrupt access to basic health services. In Boane and other districts Ministry of Health is working side by side with local health teams to ensure that pregnant women, children and the most vulnerable continue to receive care, even in temporary accommodation centres. Health care must continue, even when entire communities are under water,” says Dr Anabela Langa, from Maputo Province Health Sector. 

A WHO medical coordinator has also been deployed and integrated into an interagency emergency medical team to strengthen response capacity on the ground, support clinical coordination and ensure the quality and continuity of health care provided to affected populations. Cases that require specialized care are referred to the nearest health unit or referral hospital.

WHO also participates in daily coordination meetings, contributes to the Ministry of Health’s Daily Emergency Response Bulletin and provides ongoing technical guidance to ensure an effective, coherent, and aligned response at all levels.

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

Source: APO

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Following the Joint External Evaluation conducted in September 2024, Kenya has validated its second-generation National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II) ahead of its official launch later this year.

The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) is a multi-year plan that is critical to ensuring that national capacities for health emergency preparedness, response and recovery are planned, built, strengthened and sustained, to serve vulnerable populations. It promotes health and keeps people safe and secure, contributing to global health security.

The validation workshop brought together 60 participants from government ministries, academia, research institutions and implementing partners, including the Ministry of Health, Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of interior, Ministry of Environment, County governments, KEMRI, WHO, Palladium, partners and stakeholders.

The process followed a comprehensive costing exercise completed in August 2025, during which over 50 participants developed a fully costed strategy and operational plan. The plan reflects lessons learned from disease outbreak preparedness and response, and addresses gaps identified in recent evaluations.

“While capacity is being built in emergency preparedness, there are things holding us back such as our inability to access funds immediately,” said Dr Victoria Kanana Kimonye, Emergency Preparedness and Response at KNPHI.

The plan prioritizes strengthening sub-national systems to contain emergencies locally before they escalate and tapping into existing but underutilized resources. “The resources exist, but as a health fraternity we have not learned how to access them through existing processes and guidelines,” said Dr Kimonye.

Integration of Kenya’s multiple digital systems for surveillance, emergency response an d laboratory work is another key focus, alongside strengthening collaborative surveillance across One Health sectors including animal health and environment to improve response efficiency.

WHO has provided technical guidance, templates and tools throughout the costing and validation process. “This ensures the plan is feasible, realistic and implementable,” said Dr Martins Livinus, WHO Kenya’s Team Lead for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “As Secretariat to the International Health Regulations (2005), WHO is here to guide and support Kenya and its partners.”

The Kenya National Public Health Institute will coordinate implementation and use quarterly monitoring to track progress. The national launch is scheduled for later this year.

“This is not only a health sector plan,” Dr Kimonye concluded. “It is a whole of government and whole of society approach to protect Kenyans from the next pandemic.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Kenya.

Source: APO

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The visit by President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, to the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai formed part of ongoing efforts by the Government to expand access to specialised oncology care, enhance health sector capacity, and deepen international healthcare partnerships.

Seychelles’ interest in the visit lies in exploring opportunities for access to high-quality oncology services for Seychellois patients. The Centre’s advanced equipment, specialised medical expertise, and comprehensive patient care services make it a potential referral destination for cancer treatment under the consideration of the Ministry of Health.

The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre receives patients from across the world and is internationally recognised for its high standards of clinical care, cutting-edge medical technology, and specialised expertise in cancer treatment. Proton Therapy represents one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment, allowing for greater precision, reduced side effects, and improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Discussions with the management of the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre also focused on avenues for strengthened cooperation in healthcare, including capacity building, professional exchanges, and collaboration through physical and virtual platforms. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential use of telemedicine to facilitate consultations, knowledge sharing, and continued engagement between health professionals and patients in both countries.

The visit demonstrating the Government’s commitment to improving access to world-class cancer care, specialised healthcare services for its citizens, while strengthening partnerships with leading international medical institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Information conducted its annual activity assessment meeting on 5 February in the capital to review achievements registered in 2025 and discuss the implementation of the 2026 Action Plan.

At the meeting, the Minister of Information, Mr. Yemane Gebremeskel, presented a comprehensive, data-driven report outlining activities implemented during 2025, challenges encountered, and areas requiring further improvement. He also briefed participants on programs charted out for 2026.

The Minister indicated that 90 percent of the programs planned for 2025 were successfully implemented. These included the migration to advanced media facilities, modernization and installation of static and mobile studios, transition from SD to HD production systems, as well as the digitization of archives and documents, among others.

He further noted that the non-implementation of some planned activities—such as training programs, the full transition to HD television distribution, shortages of qualified human resources for television and radio programs transmitted in local languages, and geographic limitations affecting FM radio coverage—remained among the key challenges.

Mr. Yemane also provided an extensive briefing on the Ministry’s 2026–2030 strategic plan.

Participants held detailed discussions on the report presented and adopted a number of recommendations.

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

Source: APO

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World “International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation,” 6 February, was observed in Asmara at the Central Region level under the theme “Towards 2030: No End to FGM without Sustained Commitment and Investment.”

Noting that the practice of female genital mutilation is currently declining at the national level, Col. Gebrehans Woldegergis, Director General of Social Services in the region, called for integrated efforts to eradicate the practice in all regions of the country.

Indicating that five sub-zones in the Central Region have been declared free of female genital mutilation, Mr. Tekie Qeleta, Director General of Administration and Finance in the region, urged coordinated efforts by the public and stakeholders to ensure that the remaining sub-zones follow the initiative.

At the event, a general knowledge competition among women was conducted, and the Fiori cultural troupe presented cultural and artistic performances depicting the significance of the day.

According to research conducted in 1995 and 2010, the prevalence of female genital mutilation has been declining over time at national level.

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

Source: APO

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The office of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students in Halhal sub-zone, as part of efforts to strengthen youth organization, has formed youth friends committees in nine administrative areas of the sub-zone.

Mr. Abdurahman Hamed, head of the union branch in the sub-zone, said that the objective of the initiative was to enable youth to organize themselves under the union and become beneficiaries of the opportunities it provides.

He also stated that enhancing political awareness among youth, developing their economic and social capacity, and increasing productivity are among the key programs receiving due attention from the union branch.

The participants, on their part, called for the organization of vocational training programs in administrative areas that lack such opportunities, as well as the conduct of sustained seminars on the objective situation in the homeland.

Mr. Girmatsion Abraha, administrator of the sub-zone, and Mr. Suleiman Omar, secretary of the PFDJ in the sub-zone, noting that the activities being carried out to enhance the political, economic, and social capacity of youth are aimed at increasing productivity, called on youth to organize themselves under the union branch.

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

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation also marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 through their “Our Africa” TV Program.
• Merck Foundation CEO and African First Ladies continue their partnership to Advocate for Girl Education to End FGM Across Africa.
• Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasizes that Girl Education is Key to Ending Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage and Breaking Infertility Stigma around women.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with African First Ladies, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 through their “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda” programs. Merck Foundation has also powerfully addressed the harms and dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through a dedicated episode of their Pan-African TV program, “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”.

Watch the Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Ending FGM here: https://apo-opa.co/3Mt4W1A

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign expressed, “FGM is a harmful practice that violates the rights and dignity of millions of girls and women across Africa and beyond. It has no health benefits, only harms. Together with my dear sisters, the African Ladies, we are committed to breaking the silence, raising awareness, and empowering communities to stand against this deeply rooted tradition. Together, we can create a future where every girl has the freedom to live a healthy, empowered, and dignified life.”

“Through a specially dedicated episode of our very popular “Our Africa” TV program, we have communicated in detail the harms of FGM and appealed to African communities to stop this harmful practice. Moreover, together with African First Ladies, we annually launch our More Than a Mother Awards to recognize the best media work, films, songs, and fashion designs that raise awareness on ending FGM, supporting girls’ education, and addressing other sensitive social issues”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Submit the entries for Awards here: https://apo-opa.co/3NWa6nn

“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” is a pan African TV program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

The TV program has been broadcast on prime TV stations of many African countries including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Zambia, Namibia etc, and is currently available on Social Media handles of  Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4acpZNL), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4kizsHX), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4ryM0gM) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4qjZBrc)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4cjKqee), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4am5qPf), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4aEMJqb) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4rytm8T)).

As per WHO, around the world, over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM. Africa accounts for the largest share of this total, with over 144 million. This accounts to more than 60% of the total cases.

“I firmly believe that education is one of the most essential pillars of women’s empowerment and plays a vital role in eliminating harmful practices like FGM, which serve no benefit to anyone. Therefore, through our “Educating Linda”, in partnership with First Ladies of Africa, we have provided till date more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. Through these scholarships we have supported the education of girls from several African countries including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has benefitted thousands of girls by distributing essential school items, and through their awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education.  

Read Educating Linda Storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/4byP7ke#

Watch Merck Foundation Animation Films on supporting girl education:

• Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/4qptJlg
• Ride Into the Future: https://apo-opa.co/4klKE6Q

Listen to Merck Foundation songs to support women empowerment and girl education:

1. Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sung by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia: https://apo-opa.co/4rA2kxU
2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/3ZR6eqf
3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/4rzKsTF
4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4rALG1g 
5. Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/4cbrzlA
6. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/4aeSDxQ
7. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/3MgpBpt

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!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4aiK7xK

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4cjKqee), X (http://apo-opa.co/4aEMJqb), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4am5qPf), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rytm8T), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4tiKy3S) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4r7zsxa).

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.