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Angola strengthens health security with advances in compliance with International Health Regulations

Source: APO


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Angola has taken a decisive step towards strengthening national health security by completing the 2025 State Party Annual Report (SPAR), a central instrument of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). With this assessment, the country has consolidated the progress made in epidemiological surveillance, emergency preparedness and multisectoral coordination, as well as identifying challenges and priorities for strengthening the response to future threats to public health.

On 19 and 20 February, representatives from various sectors met in a multisectoral workshop to validate the report, with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This initiative made it possible to analyse national performance, identify gaps, and agree on strategic measures to align national health systems with global health security standards.

The IHR-2005 is the main international legal instrument that guides WHO Member States in the prevention, detection and response to public health emergencies, while ensuring the continuity of global traffic and international trade. For Angola, the SPAR process represents an opportunity to develop critical capacities and ensure compliance with international standards.

“The completion of the SPAR 2025 report demonstrates Angola’s commitment to strengthening preparedness and health security.  The WHO remains fully committed to supporting the country in implementing priority actions and addressing identified gaps,” said Dr Walter Firmino, WHO emergency officer in Angola.

During the process, essential capacities were analysed, including surveillance, rapid response, risk communication, points of entry, laboratories and intersectoral coordination. The integrated approach adopted during the performance analysis, which links human, animal and environmental health, strengthens the national capacity to prevent outbreaks, detect threats in a timely manner and respond efficiently.

According to Dr Eusébio Manuel, head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, ‘with the completion of SPAR, Angola reaffirms its commitment to the international community by strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving emergency response and consolidating resilient health systems’.

The validation of SPAR 2025 is part of a broader strategy to strengthen health security in Angola, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the WHO. This strategy aims to strengthen emergency response capacity, improve disease surveillance and align national policies with global standards, which are key factors in building trust between partners and positioning Angola as a country that is increasingly prepared to deal with threats to public health.

The meeting brought together representatives from various sectors and adopted the ‘One Health’ approach, considered essential for preventing, detecting and responding in a coordinated manner to health risks that simultaneously affect people, animals and the environment.

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

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Eritrea: Ministry of Agriculture celebrates International Women’s Day

Source: APO


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Members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch at the Ministry of Agriculture celebrated International Women’s Day, 8 March, under the theme “Our Values – Our Shield” on 5 March.

The event was attended by Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture; Ms. Tekea Tesfamicael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women; Mr. Salah Ahmedin, Chairman of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students; as well as representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Eritrea and the Development Bank of Africa.

Noting the significance of conscious and active participation for the total emancipation of women, Minister Arefaine called on members of the union branch at the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen their participation in the realization of the road map, “Ensure Nutritious Food for All, Everywhere.”

Ms. Senait Mehari, head of Social and Economy at the National Union of Eritrean Women central office, noting the significance of the participation of all sectors for the realization of the total emancipation of women, commended the participation of women professionals at the Ministry of Agriculture in the development of natural and nutritious agricultural products.

Ms. Heran Yosief, head of the union branch at the Ministry, said that 8 March is celebrated as a day on which Eritrean women renew their pledge to strengthen participation in national development programs while confronting all sorts of challenges. She also expressed readiness to contribute what is required of them.

The event featured cultural and artistic programs, as well as the handing over of certificates of recognition to veteran women members of the Ministry who served with commitment.

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

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Eritrea: International Women’s Day celebration in Gash Barka Region

Source: APO


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International Women’s Day, 8 March, was celebrated at the regional level in the Gash Barka and Anseba Regions under the theme “Our Values – Our Shield.”

At the celebratory event conducted in Mogolo at the Gash Barka Region level, Ms. Yihdega Yohannes, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the region, presented a statement on behalf of the union branch, while heads of branch offices of the union delivered messages of solidarity.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the region, said that 8 March is the day on which Eritrean women review and renew their pledge to preserve the equal economic, political, social, and administrative participation they secured through their struggle and to transfer it to the young generation.

At an event conducted in Keren at the Anseba Region level, Ms. Amna Hassan, head of the union branch, noting the significance of International Women’s Day in general and in Eritrea in particular, called for greater effort to transfer the history of Eritrean women to the young generation.

The events in both regions featured cultural and artistic programs depicting the day.

In the same vein, Mr. Haben Tadesse, Prosecutor in the Anseba Region, conducted a seminar on “Law and Women” for students of Hamelmalo College of Agriculture on 4 and 5 March, while Ms. Aberash Habtai, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Sawa and Higher Education Institutions, conducted a seminar for members of the Defense Forces on “Values of the Eritrean People Yesterday and Today.”

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

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BMA to host anti-corruption campaign at Maseru border

Source: Government of South Africa

BMA to host anti-corruption campaign at Maseru border

In a continuous effort to root out fraud and corruption at South Africa’s ports of entry, the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF), under the chairpersonship of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), is taking its message of the impact of corruption to the Maseru port of entry.

Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato – together with the acting SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, Home Affairs Director General, Tommy Mokhode and Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale – will lead the campaign on Tuesday, 10 March. 

Leaders of these institutions will lead by example by publicly signing a pledge against corruption, while also calling on officials at the border to follow suit. 

As part of the programme of the BMAICF, offenders who have been convicted of acts of corruption will share their experiences to encourage officials to serve with integrity so that they do not find themselves on the wrong side of the law. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Deputy Minister Morolong to undertake a working visit to Kenya

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister Morolong to undertake a working visit to Kenya

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong will undertake a working visit to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the communication space with the East African nation.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Kenya in the areas of information, communications and digital transformation,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

The Deputy Minister’s visit will be from 08-12 March 2026.

As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Morolong will attend the TikTok 2026 Safer Internet Summit scheduled for 10-11 March.

The visit will also include a series of high-level bilateral meetings and structured media engagements. 
“These engagements are intended to further strengthen cooperation between South Africa and Kenya and to explore opportunities for collaboration in sectors of mutual strategic interest,” said the GCIS.

This series forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the two countries on matters relating to digital innovation, communications policy, and the broader digital economy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin

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Qatar Sends Fifth Identical Letter to UN, Security Council Regarding Latest Developments of Iranian Attack on Its Territories

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, March 6, 2026

The State of Qatar has sent a fifth identical letter to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and HE Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of March, Michael Waltz, regarding the latest developments of the Iranian attack on its territories.

This attack constitutes a blatant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

The letter was sent by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

The letter noted the continued attacks targeting Qatari territories, explaining that the Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026, that Qatar was subjected, starting at 11:51 AM, to several waves of missile attacks, consisting of 14 ballistic missiles and four drones launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The armed forces successfully intercepted 13 missiles, while the last missile fell in Qatari territorial waters. Four drones were also successfully intercepted without any casualties.

The letter clarified that all damages and losses resulting from the attacks will be assessed by the relevant authorities, adding that it will keep them informed of developments.

The letter reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of this attack and it’s right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, in a manner commensurate with the nature of the aggression, in defense of its sovereignty and to safeguard its security and national interests.

The State of Qatar also requested that this letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Chicago, Illinois to deliver tribute to late Eminent Human Rights Campaigner Dr Jesse Louis Jackson Sr

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at Chicago O’ Hare International Airport in the state of Illinois in the United States of America.

President Ramaphosa will join members of the Jackson family, the PUSH Rainbow Coalition, the broader US Civil rights movement and other American and international dignitaries in paying tribute to the late Rev. Dr Jesse Louis Jackson. 

The President will deliver his tribute during the Private Homegoing Celebration (Funeral).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Rev. Jackson at the age of 84.

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle was a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.

In 2013, the Rev. Jesse Jackson was awarded South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver for dedicating his life to challenge societies and governments to recognise that all people are born equal, and that everyone is in equal measure entitled to life, liberty, prosperity and human rights. 

The award honoured his excellent contribution to the fight against apartheid.

His campaigns for an end to apartheid included disinvestment from the apartheid economy and challenging the support the regime enjoyed in certain circles and institutions internationally.

NOTE TO EDITORS 
Saturday, 7 March 2026
Private Homegoing Celebration – Rainbow PUSH Coalition
930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, IL 60615
Doors Open: 8:00 AM
Service: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM US CST

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Malaysian Prime Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Friday from HE Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr. Anwar Ibrahim.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Iranian attack on Qatari territory constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar’s national sovereignty, is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness, and cannot be justified under any circumstances. His Excellency noted in this context that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and undermines the foundations of the understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries are based.

His Excellency also stressed the need for the immediate cessation of all escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, and the prioritization of reason and wisdom, in order to contain the crisis in a manner that preserves the region’s security.

For his part, HE the Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed his country’s concern over the developments in the region, calling for de-escalation, the exercise of restraint, and a return to negotiations and diplomatic solutions to avoid further instability.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Prime Minister of North Macedonia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 06, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Friday received a phone call from HE Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve disputes through peaceful means.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Iranian attack on Qatari territory constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar’s national sovereignty, is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness, and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

His Excellency noted in this context that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and undermines the foundations of the understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries are based.

His Excellency also stressed the need for the immediate cessation of all escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, and the primacy of reason and wisdom in addressing the crisis in a manner that preserves regional security.

For his part, HE the Prime Minister of North Macedonia expressed his country’s concern over the developments in the region, calling for de-escalation, the exercise of restraint, and a return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Czech Prime Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 06, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Friday received a phone call from HE Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis.

During the call, they discussed developments related to the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve all disputes through peaceful means.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed during the call that the Iranian attack on Qatari territory constitutes a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness, and cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext. 

In this context, he noted that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good intentions and threatens the foundations of understandings upon which the bilateral relations between the two countries were built.

His Excellency also stressed the need for an immediate halt to any escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, prioritizing the language of reason and wisdom, and working to contain the crisis in a manner that preserves the security of the region.

For his part, HE the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic expressed his country’s concern over developments in the region, calling for de-escalation, the exercise of restraint, and a return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos.