Author: prtimesafrica

  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    International Rescue Committee (IRC) Chad prepares for cholera outbreak as World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of regional spread.

    “Following concerns expressed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the spread of the unprecedented Cholera epidemic in Sudan to neighbouring countries, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching prevention efforts, including raising awareness amongst vulnerable communities of how to prevent the spread of disease, to prepare for a possible cholera outbreak. With the rainy season approaching in Chad, health teams warn that the risk of an epidemic is increasing. We know how quickly flooding can overwhelm sanitation systems and create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of cholera. We’re working closely with communities to raise awareness and reduce risks before the disease reaches eastern Chad. This includes surveillance at the borders and awareness-raising in the camps, where the IRC is actively involved, alongside coordination with the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and partners to strengthen overall response preparedness.”

    In Sudan, which is now the largest displacement crisis in the world, the epidemic saw a dramatic resurgence at the end of May, with more than 82,000 cases and over 2,100 deaths reported across the country, with Khartoum, South Darfur and East Darfur showing increasing trends.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The World Health Organization (WHO) actively responds to anthrax epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) The close collaboration between the human, animal and environmental health services is designed to protect lives in response to health emergenciesGOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, In mid-May, 57-year-old Pierre* was admitted to a health centre in the Lubero area after suffering from severe itching on his right hand, followed by pruritus and a swelling of his forearm. He was treated and, given the unusual symptoms, samples were collected and sent for analysis at the laboratory of the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Goma. An alert was previously issued at the end of March 2025 following the death of dozens of buffalo and hippopotamuses in Virunga National Park in North Kivu. Samples taken on 29 March from a recently deceased hippopotamus and examined at the Goma veterinary laboratory revealed the presence of spores of the bacillus responsible for anthrax.Anthrax is a bacterial zoonosis (disease transmissible from animals to humans) that generally affects ruminants (cows, sheep and goats). Humans can become infected through contact with a sick animal or contaminated products (such as meat, blood, wool, hides and bones). All forms of human anthrax (cutaneous, gastrointestinal and respiratory) require hospitalization and medical treatment. To ensure a multi-sectoral response to this concerning health situation, the national departments of health, environment, fisheries and livestock, with support from partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, FAO and CDC Africa, have put the “One Health” approach into practice. The close collaboration between the human, animal and environmental health services is designed to protect lives in response to health emergencies. A delegation from these departments and organisations visited the Binza and Rutshuru health zones from 25 to 28 May 2025 to strengthen surveillance and the response to outbreaks of suspected cases of anthrax in the Binza and Lubero health zones. “One of the high-impact measures led by the national authorities with the support of partners was the development of the national multi-sector anthrax preparedness and response plan. Through this common approach to the response, we can ensure a comprehensive response, from prevention activities to the clinical management of patients. We are confident that this health threat will soon be over,” said Dr Aline Katerekwa Ntamushigo, Medical Supervisor at the National Programme for Emergencies and Humanitarian Action (NPEHA). “Our discussions with those involved on the ground are helping us to manage this risk effectively to protect people, animals and the environment.” Since the announcement of the epidemic, WHO has supported the response on several levels. Dr Célestin Ndaliko, epidemiologist in charge of surveillance at the WHO Office in the DRC, was a member of the response team that went to Binza. “There are major challenges in terms of disease detection. So, every anthrax investigation becomes an act of resilience, a glimmer of hope to prevent the spread of this devastating disease.” As of 26 May 2025, 24 suspected human anthrax cases had been reported, alongside the deaths of 9 goats, one cow, 60 hippopotamuses and 27 buffalo reported in four health zones in the eastern province of North Kivu.“Our support has been provided at several levels, and we are particularly keen to provide appropriate care for those affected. In most cases, the disease can be cured with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a health professional,” explained Dr Leopold Ouedraogo, Emergency Manager in the provinces of North and South Kivu.WHO has made more than four tonnes of medicines available to 12 health facilities, a large quantity of which has been handed over to the authorities in the Binza health zone in Rutshuru territory. “So far, even if our Binza health zone has not yet recorded any human cases, we have what it takes to prevent and be ahead of what could happen,” said Dr Bernard Kakule, Chief Medical Officer for the Binza health zone.WHO has played a central role in cross-border coordination between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, facilitating communication and collaboration between the two countries in response to the re-emergence of anthrax in humans and animals. Surveillance has thus been strengthened, notably by activating the “One Health” unit in Rutshuru, to ensure early detection and rapid response in high-risk health zones by integrating the human, animal and environmental dimensions of health. To build local capacity, the WHO has also supported the training of community relays, the development of awareness-raising materials and the conduct of public and door-to-door awareness-raising campaigns on disease prevention measures. The Organization also donated prevention kits (chlorine, hand sanitizers), essential medicines and medical equipment for treatment, and encouraged collaboration with technical partners such as INRB to improve epidemiological surveillance. Despite security and logistical challenges, WHO’s support has enabled the foundations to be laid for a coordinated response, while highlighting the need for greater commitment to community awareness-raising, the safe management of carcasses and the vaccination of animals at risk. Since the epidemic was announced, 24 people have been treated in health facilities in the Binza and Lubero health zones, including Pierre, who has been discharged from the hospital and resumed his life. On the ground, our teams are still working hard to continue protecting people and their herds, working together in the face of a common threat.
  • Untitled post 3289
    Malawi Secures Gains Against Polio, Strengthens Health Systems
    Malawi is taking strategic steps to sustain its hard-won gains against polio and strengthen its broader health system after officially closing its reimported wild poliovirus outbreak. The country has made significant progress in:
    – Polio Transition Planning: Malawi held a National Polio Transition Planning meeting to ensure the infrastructure built to eradicate polio continues to serve communities.
    – Sustaining Gains*: The transition plan aims to protect polio assets, including trained personnel and disease surveillance systems, and integrate them into the national health system.
    – Long-Term Resilience: Malawi’s plan supports national ownership of essential polio functions, including surveillance, immunization, and outbreak response.
    Key Highlights:
    – Malawi was certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2020 but detected a reimported case in 2022.
    – The country responded swiftly and successfully interrupted transmission by May 2024.
    – The Polio Transition Plan will help secure critical capacities and align them with the Ministry of Health-led Immunization Programme.
    Expert Insights
    – Dr. Patrick Wataya Chirwa emphasized the need to strengthen Malawi’s ability to manage core functions nationally.
    – Sarah Wanyoike highlighted the importance of integrating service delivery and strengthening surveillance across the board.
    Next Steps:
    – Malawi will focus on optimizing existing systems, integrating surveillance efforts, and building multisectoral collaboration.
    – The country will require cross-cutting collaboration among government agencies, local health authorities, partners, and civil society.
    Conclusion
    Malawi’s National Polio Transition Plan is a blueprint for sustaining polio eradication efforts and advancing universal health coverage and equity. With support from WHO and partners, Malawi is committed to staying polio-free and healthier for generations to come.
  • Building local value through skills development at the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025.

    Building local value through skills development at the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025.

    Building local value through skills development at the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025.

    LKDF Forum 2025: Boosting Local Skills for Sustainable Global Supply ChainsGOTHENBURG, Sweden, July 2, 2025 — The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), backed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), hosted the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025 at the World of Volvo in Gothenburg and online. Themed “Skills Development and Local Value Addition: Ensuring Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains,” the event emphasized the critical role of localized skills in sectors like manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and industrial processing for fostering resilient economies and enabling multinational corporations and developing nations to prosper.UNIDO’s Director General Gerd Müller opened the Forum, urging increased investment in skills to build competitive, resilient supply chains with greater local value, market access, and prosperity. Sida’s Maria Tegborg reinforced the importance of technical and vocational education (TVET) in closing skills gaps and enhancing economic outcomes responsibly.The Forum highlighted systemic workforce development, supported by strong policies and transparent supply chains, as vital for sustainable growth. Local priorities were a key focus, with Enabel’s Charlotte Vanstallen stressing that initiatives must align with community ambitions to ensure scalability and impact. Discussions also emphasized soft skills, sustainability literacy, ESG compliance, and professionalizing the informal economy through social procurement to promote fair wages and ethical sourcing.Cross-sectoral partnerships, such as UNIDO’s Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDP), were showcased as effective models for aligning vocational training with industry needs, integrating technical and sustainability skills. The event drew 37 in-person and 231 online participants from diverse sectors, including Sida, the European Commission, the African Union, Volvo Group, Siemens Healthineers, and others.Day one concluded with a call to align industrial policies with education reforms, strengthen global cooperation, and prioritize local communities. On day two, a co-creation workshop with UNIDO and Volvo Group sparked 13 new PPDP project ideas, followed by a visit to the Volvo Trucks Experience Facility, where participants explored innovations and tested vehicles.The Forum underscored that sustainable industrialization hinges on inclusive, partnership-driven approaches to skills development and local value creation.
  • PR TIMES AFRICA SPOTLIGHT: Meet Winnifred Kyei Selby

    PR TIMES AFRICA SPOTLIGHT: Meet Winnifred Kyei Selby

    PR TIMES AFRICA SPOTLIGHT: Meet Winnifred Kyei Selby
    Young Ghanaian social entrepreneur Winnifred Kyei Selby is making waves with her innovative ventures. Highlights include:
    – Co-founding Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative at 15
    – Launching Afrocentric Bamboo Initiative at 17
    – First Ghanaian inducted into the Royal Institute of Singapore in 2018
    She leads the EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative, promoting education in Ghana.
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) applauds Mali’s adoption of landmark law to protect stateless people.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) applauds Mali’s adoption of landmark law to protect stateless people.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) applauds Mali’s adoption of landmark law to protect stateless people.

    The law builds on Mali’s accession to the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions in 2016

    GENEVA, Switzerland, June 30, 2025UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the recent adoption of Mali’s groundbreaking legislation to protect the rights of stateless people and resolve their plight.

    The law builds on Mali’s accession to the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions in 2016. Comprising 28 articles, it provides a definition of a stateless person, outlines their rights and duties, and provides long-term solutions. It applies to stateless migrants and those born in Mali, guaranteeing rights to health care, education, employment, housing and justice on an equal basis with Malians. The law also protects stateless people from penalties for not having legal documents, prohibits their expulsion (with certain exceptions), and offers a path to Malian nationality or having Malian nationality confirmed.

    In Mali, a considerable number of undocumented residents, individuals belonging to nomadic groups, long-term refugees and those in remote border villages are at risk of statelessness or are of undetermined nationality. These communities often struggle to access civil registration and prove their nationality. Since 2017, supported by UNHCR, Mali has taken action to address these issues. Nearly 2,400 individuals at risk of statelessness have been naturalized, and over 30,000 have received birth certificates and other civil documents. Awareness campaigns and partnerships have also helped improve understanding and access to legal identity, even in hard-to-reach areas.

    “The adoption of this law is a major step forward in the protection of human rights in Mali and a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to end statelessness. It is a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable individuals,” said Georges Patrick Menze, acting UNHCR Representative in Mali. “We are proud of our partnership with the Government of Mali and will continue supporting its efforts to ensure that everyone has the right to a nationality”.

    UNHCR remains committed to actively supporting the Government with the effective implementation of the new law and sustaining progress in addressing statelessness, and emphasizes the importance of continued support from international partners and donors.

  • Pr Times Africa person of the week. Aziz Akhannouch: A Leader in Moroccan Politics and Business:

    Pr Times Africa person of the week. Aziz Akhannouch: A Leader in Moroccan Politics and Business:

    Aziz Akhannouch is a prominent figure in Moroccan politics and business. As the 17th Prime Minister of Morocco, he has been instrumental in shaping the country’s policies and direction since October 2021. Here are some key aspects of his background and career:
    Early Life and Education:
    Born on August 16, 1961, Akhannouch is a Berber, an indigenous ethnic group in Morocco. He comes from a wealthy family and has a strong educational background, which has served him well in his business and political pursuits.
    Business Career:
    Akhannouch is the CEO of Akwa Group, a leading energy and chemicals conglomerate in Morocco. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its operations and strengthened its position in the market. Akhannouch’s business acumen and strategic vision have contributed significantly to the company’s success.
    Political Career:
    Akhannouch’s political career began to take shape in the 2000s. He served as Minister of Agriculture from 2007 to 2021, playing a crucial role in shaping Morocco’s agricultural policies and promoting the sector’s growth. His experience in government and his understanding of the complexities of Moroccan politics have prepared him well for his current role as Prime Minister.
    Prime Minister of Morocco:
    As Prime Minister, Akhannouch has been working to address various challenges facing Morocco, including economic development, social welfare, and regional stability. He has been focused on implementing policies that promote economic growth, improve living standards, and enhance Morocco’s global competitiveness.
    Leadership Style:
    Akhannouch’s leadership style is characterized by his business background and his ability to bring a pragmatic approach to governance. He is known for his emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and results-driven policies.
    Overall, Aziz Akhannouch is a significant figure in Moroccan politics and business, with a proven track record of leadership and achievement. His experience and expertise have positioned him well to lead Morocco forward and address the country’s challenges
  • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission holds technical meeting for the establishment of economic and social council in west Africa.

    Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission holds technical meeting for the establishment of economic and social council in west Africa.

    Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission holds technical meeting for the establishment of economic and social council in west Africa

    The two-day meeting brings together officials from the relevant ECOWAS Departments, Directorates and Divisions, including consultants and partners

    The ECOWAS Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), is holding a technical session to advance the course of the establishment of an Economic and Social Council of West Africa (ECOWAS-ECOSOC), beginning from the 26th of June 2025 in Niger state, Nigeria.

     

    The two-day meeting brings together officials from the relevant ECOWAS Departments, Directorates and Divisions, including consultants and partners charged with building on the earlier phases of consultations within the context of the wider efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, peace and security while strengthening political stability, security, participatory governance and citizen’s inclusion in the region.

    In his opening remarks, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Amb Abdel-Fatau Musah charged participants to be mindful of the goal of an ECOWAS-ECOSOC which is to constitute that bridge of a powerful voice to interface with decision makers and at the same time being a reverse influential organ of citizenry engagement.

    He noted that the idea of an ECOSOC for ECOWAS is to mutually reinforce everyone through an institutionalized people’s organ with a facilitating platform that is a voice of the regional community’s farmers, young people’s organizations, non-governmental organizations, women, youth and professional groups, etc.

    The Commissioner added that through ECOWAS-ECOSOC as an authentic voice of the people, “we are our own architects, the People’s social wellbeing in order to truly attain a people-centered development. The benefits will be for all as the proposed organ should be insulated from the control of national governments being an authentic voice of the people” He added.

    Following the welcome address by the Ag Head, Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Mr. Constant Gnacadja, the facilitator and former Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E Toga Gayewea McIntosh gave an overview of the previous consultative meetings.

    There were also goodwill messages from the representatives of ECOWAS Commission’s partners- the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) as well as the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.

    At the meeting, participants will examine, among others, the justification of ECOSOC, membership and eligibility criteria, structure and sustainability.

    A firmly established ECOWAS-ECOSOC is seen as movement that can play a crucial role in identifying emerging social and economic trends and issues by strengthening the use of dialogue, advocacy, as well as policy recommendations in the resolution of common challenges of poverty, inequality, political instability, environmental difficulties and conflict.

    The technical meeting builds on the foundations laid by the earlier held Internal consultative Meeting of ECOWAS Staff, which took place on the 12th to 13th of December 2023 in Lagos, the regional consultative meeting of civil society organizations that happened on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2024 in Abuja and the experts’ group meeting which held on the 12th and 13th of June 2024, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

  • Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services

    Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services

    Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services
    Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services The two organizations will also collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting the regional and broader African AI ecosystem JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 30, 2025, Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African AI Association (SAAIA), an industry body focused on growing responsible AI adoption, to deliver artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaas) across the African continent. In terms of the agreement, SAAIA’s more than 3,000 AI practitioners, comprising entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of the wider business community in South Africa, will have access to Cassava’s data centre GPUs to develop and deploy local AI solutions and initiatives. The two organisations will also collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting the regional and broader African AI ecosystem.Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem “We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.As South Africa’s leading AI ecosystem builder, the South African Artificial Intelligence Association is focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in the country by uniting thousands of AI practitioners across the commercial, government, academic, startup, and NGO sectors. SAAIA also hosts the largest AI event in Africa, AI Expo Africa, and serves as a driving force behind trade and investment in the continent’s rapidly expanding smart technology segment.“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa. Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw. Cassava’s collaboration with SAAIA reinforces its commitment to providing world-class digital solutions and advancing responsible AI adoption, innovation, and growth in Africa. It follows Cassava’s recent announcement of plans to build Africa’s first AI factory, providing local businesses, governments, and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI computing capacity. This aligns with Cassava’s vision of being the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets, empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy.
  • CORRECTION: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs

    CORRECTION: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs

    CORRECTION: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs

    CORRECTION: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs The Coca-Cola system supported more than 1 million jobs across its value chain on the continent in sectors like retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and servicesJOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 27, 2025 Across 54 African markets, The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, collectively known as the Coca-Cola system, contributed $10.4 billion in economic activity across its value chain in 2024. The Coca-Cola system and its value chain supported more than 1 million jobs in retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services in Africa. The Coca-Cola system purchased $4.3 billion from suppliers in Africa in 2024, representing 83% of the system’s total procurement on the continent. The Coca-Cola Company (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) announced the results of a comprehensive, Africa-wide socio-economic impact study during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.The study shows that the Coca-Cola system, made up of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, working with a wide network of suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and customers, contributed $10.4 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Africa in 2024.Our long-standing presence in Africa, working with locally owned bottlers and suppliers, allows us to drive more sustainable growth and contribute to the continent’s development The Coca-Cola system supported more than 1 million jobs across its value chain on the continent in sectors like retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services. This included 36,800 direct Coca-Cola system jobs, plus 987,000 indirect jobs that are supported across the value chain, meaning the system collectively supported 27 additional jobs for every job it directly creates.The study, conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, shows that the system invested $4.3 billion in the African economy in 2024 through the purchase of goods and services from local suppliers, representing 83% of its total procurement.“Our long-standing presence in Africa, working with locally owned bottlers and suppliers, allows us to drive more sustainable growth and contribute to the continent’s development,” said Luisa Ortega, president of the Africa operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company. “Our unique operating model allows us to make a lasting impact in local communities.”The company’s portfolio in Africa includes a wide range of brands in several beverage categories. Ingredients and packaging used by the Coca-Cola system in Africa are mostly locally sourced, supplied, produced, manufactured and distributed.“The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to Africa remains steadfast,” Ortega said. “The Coca-Cola system has announced investments of nearly $1.2 billion on the continent over the next five years, and we are hopeful that stable and predictable policy environments will enable more investments in the months and years ahead. Additionally, the Coca-Cola system will invest nearly $25 million by 2030 to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African markets.”This study highlights the Coca-Cola system’s role in Africa’s long-term growth and driving more sustainable development across the continent. The approach adopted by Steward Redqueen integrates client-provided operational data with trusted third-party economic sources and industry benchmarks. More than just measuring direct contributions, the analysis uncovers economic interlinkages, showing how the Coca-Cola system drives production, generates income, and supports employment across a spectrum of industries and geographies. Teodora Nenova Managing Partner at Steward Redqueen added: “Our impact assessment reveals the wide-reaching economic footprint of the Coca-Cola system across Africa. The findings highlight the scale of the Coca-Cola system’s local presence and its ongoing contribution to economic opportunity and livelihoods across the continent.

Hot daily news right into your inbox.

Headline

Never Miss A Story

Get our Weekly recap with the latest news, articles and resources.
Cookie policy
We use our own and third party cookies to allow us to understand how the site is used and to support our marketing campaigns.