Author: prtimesafrica

BAIDOA, Somalia, July 7, 2024/ — The Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, visited today the South West State, as part of his first round of in-person engagements with Federal Member States’ leaders.

“I am pleased to be back in Baidoa, South West State. I thank President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team for warmly welcoming me and my colleagues today,” said Mr. Swan at a joint press conference after concluding meetings with the President and members of his Cabinet.

The meetings focused on a wide range of key topics related to security and state-building in Somalia and the South West State.

“I commend President Abdiaziz’s commitment to advancing state-building as well as to fight Al-Shabaab in the South West State. The United Nations is committed to supporting the government’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and development across Somalia,” noted Mr. Swan.

Among the national priorities discussed were issues related to the constitutional review and plans for elections.

“We acknowledge that President Abdiaziz has played a constructive role in these processes,” said Mr. Swan.

In his remarks, the Acting UN Special Representative also highlighted the effective partnership between the UN in Somalia and the South West State in advancing police development as well as women’s participation in the security system, through collaborative efforts in the Joint Police Programme.

Humanitarian and development concerns

Despite significant resources in agriculture, livestock and fishery, South West State was historically the epicenter of several episodes of severe food shortages. In recent months, climate change and insecurity led to increased food insecurity and prompted larger numbers of people to flee towards urban centers such as Baidoa, looking for livelihood opportunities.

Current statistics show that more than 950,000 people in the Federal Member State’s Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions experience high levels of acute food insecurity, and almost 370,000 children face global acute malnutrition.

“The UN family and humanitarian partners are also working hand to hand with the South West State to address urgent humanitarian needs of populations,” said Acting UN Special Representative Swan.

UN agencies, funds and programmes present in the South West State provide support to communities and internally displaced people through a wide array of interventions including food assistance, health and education services, and reintegration activities.

Mr. Swan was accompanied by Wafaa Saeed, the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); René Nijenhuis, the Deputy Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and Felicia Mandy Owusu, the Deputy Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“Our presence together here in South West State is a testimony of the steadfast, collective support of the UN system to the government and people of South West State,” he added.

The Acting UN Special Representative thanked President ‘Laftagareen’ and his government for their strong collaboration.

“Let me conclude by reiterating the UN’s commitment to support South West State in its state- and peace-building priorities and in its response to humanitarian needs and building development for its people,” noted Mr. Swan.

The top UN official previously visited Somalia’s Jubaland and Galmudug states.

James Swan was appointed to his current position by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 14 May 2024. He previously served as the the UN chief’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022.

 

NEW YORK, United States of America, May 2, 2024/ — Kenyan authorities have not responded adequately to flash floods resulting from heavy rains, Human Rights Watch said today. The floods have left at least 170 people dead; displaced more than 200,000; destroyed property, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the country; and exacerbated socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Kenya’s government has a human rights obligation to prevent foreseeable harm from climate change and extreme weather events and to protect people when a disaster strikes. Extreme weather events such as flooding are particularly threatening for marginalized and at-risk populations, including older people, people with disabilities, people in poverty, and rural populations.

“The unfolding devastation highlights the government’s obligation to prepare for and promptly respond to the foreseeable impacts of climate change and natural disasters,” said Nyagoah Tut Pur, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Kenyan authorities should urgently ensure support to affected communities and protect populations facing high risk.”

Kenya and most of the East Africa region has been lashed by relentless and devastating downpours in recent weeks, as an El Niño weather pattern exacerbates the seasonal rainfall. Recent studies suggest that climate change could be a contributing factor. The government has acknowledged that the extreme weather events were predictable.

Over the last few days, social media videos and mainstream media reports indicate that the affected people were receiving little to no support from the government to reach safety and to access essential services such as shelter, health care, and food assistance. Media reported that police and rescue teams’ help lines were unresponsive in some locations.

In its plans to combat climate change, including the comprehensive National Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027 and its disaster response plans, Kenya identified flooding as a risk, identified areas that could be affected, and highlighted ways to mitigate it. The country also has a national disaster management unit.

As early as May 2023, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the country would experience enhanced rainfall due to El Niño between May-July and October-December, continuing into early 2024.

That same month, the government announced that at least 10 billion Kenyan shillings (about US$80 million) would be released to prepare a nationwide response. The Public Finance Management Act of 2023 requires county governments to set aside 2 percent of their annual budgets for disaster response. However, the government failed to put in place a timely national response plan. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health started coordinating with county governments to stock up medical supplies and begin cholera vaccinations. But in October, President William Ruto announced, mistakenly, that Kenya would not experience El Niño rains as earlier predicted.

Between October and February, 1,781 people died because of riverine floods, flash floods, and landslides, caused by heavy rains in the Western, North Eastern, Central, and Coastal regions. The Kenya Red Cross Society also reported an increase in waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea.

It is unclear what happened to the funds that had been set aside for the response, with some media reporting that the money was misappropriated. In November, parliament approved an additional 8.2 billion Kenyan shillings (about $60.7 million). An official with the Kenya Red Cross Society told Human Rights Watch that Kenya seems to have the requisite capacity and resources to adequately prepare for the heavy rains, but the government was slow to act despite warnings from the meteorological department and its partners.

Despite these harsh lessons from seasonal rains in late 2023 and meteorological department warnings, the authorities did not take appropriate measures to avert further disaster in early 2024 and were slow to respond, Human Rights Watch said. It was not until April 24, after nearly a month of heavy rains and many deaths, that President Ruto announced the creation of a multi-agency team to manage the response. Opposition leaders and clergy have called on the government to declare a national disaster and to hold accountable those responsible for inaction.

In low-income neighborhoods in Nairobi like Mathare, Mukuru Kwa Jenga, and Kariobangi, the flood impact has been quite severe due to less solid structures, congestion, and poor sanitation infrastructure, leaving people homeless and creating public health risks like malaria, cholera, and diarrhea. A well-known human rights activist, Benna Buluma, known as Mama Victor, was among 10 people who died on April 4 trapped in their houses by floods.

On April 29, the Mathare Social Justice Centre said on social media that at least 200 people had been displaced and still had not received support from county or national governments for temporary shelter, food, and other needed items.

The authorities should conduct a thorough and credible investigation to identify what went wrong and lessons learned, Human Rights Watch said.

The meteorological department has stated that the rains will continue in May.

On April 30, the government announced that people living in at-risk locations should relocate within 48 hours or be forcefully evicted.

Kenyan authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all possible steps are taken to prevent or alleviate human suffering arising from the ongoing floods and to realize the rights to life, health, housing, food, water, and sanitation of those most affected. The authorities should ensure that the response is inclusive and respects people’s rights.

“The government should ensure a timely and effective approach to disaster management,” Pur said. “This could ensure that future catastrophes are not as devastating and deadly.”

 

 

HARARE, Zimbabwe, May 10, 2024/ — Meet Mary Mungwere. She is a Village Health Worker (VHW) in Ringari Village, Makonde District and attached to Umboe Clinic.

When she received training for cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA testing in November 2023, Mary wasted no time in mobilizing her community through door-to-door interactions. Fast forward to today, Mary’s efforts have resulted in 75 women being screened in her community alone, contributing to over 30,000 tests conducted in Mashonaland West Province.

“We were trained in November, and only two VHWs received that training from this area,” said Anna. “After that, we started mobilizing communities, and I service beyond five villages and now, some of those not yet tested come to my house looking for screening services.”

One such beneficiary, 42-year-old Maroro Nyumbwe, shares her story.

“I did the test, and after two weeks, I was called to the clinic to collect my results. They were positive, and further tests were done to confirm my diagnosis. Although it was tough news, I am grateful for the early detection.”

Umboe Clinic, nestled within the hard-to-reach part of Makonde, Mashonaland West Province, is one of 22 primary level facilities providing cervical cancer screening closer to and within communities. The clinic is one of the facilities chosen for a pilot programme which commenced in 2023 and aimed to enhance screen services in rural areas.

“Working with VHWs we have trained them to collect samples to bring to the facility using integrated transport system, so we have decentralized services to village level,” said Dr Celestino Dhege Provincial Medical Director for Mashonaland West.

He added, “While the need to strengthen vaccination is imminent, we have to strengthen screening for women who are no longer eligible for HPV vaccination.”

Recently, the clinic hosted a team led by the Minister of Health Dr Douglas Mombeshora and a high-level delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters, including the Director for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr. Bente Mikkelsen. Their visit, which was part of a three-country mission aimed to assess the country’s progress in cervical cancer elimination and explore avenues for collaboration.

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Zimbabwe, ranking fourth globally and regionally, with alarming incidence and mortality rates. Annually, approximately 3,043 women in Zimbabwe are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and tragically, 1,976 lives are lost to the disease. While Zimbabwe has established screening programmes, access remains uneven. As of 2019, only 20% of the population had access to screening services, with urban areas exhibiting alarmingly low rates of 3% and rural areas slightly higher rates at 10%.

“While we have made significant progress in eliminating our efforts, access to these essential services remains uneven across Zimbabwe,” said Dr. Mombeshora. “Women in rural areas, and even more in urban centers, continue to face challenges in obtaining screenings and other preventive measures.”

Despite this, Zimbabwe has made commendable strides in its response to cervical cancer. In 2018, the country introduced an HPV vaccination program with an impressive coverage rate of 89.7% in its inaugural year. To improve screening services, Zimbabwe now has over 200 sites conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and 60 sites performing HPV tests, facilitating early detection and prompt intervention. The recent programme where VHWs are engaged to provide screening will also enhance capacity and expand access to these services. Additionally, efforts to raise awareness and improve access to screening and treatment services are ongoing.

The visit by the WHO HQ NCDs team marks a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s fight against cervical cancer. Collaboration with international partners and advocating for access to pledged funds present opportunities to scale up interventions and expand access to life-saving services. A comprehensive, costed plan will provide a roadmap for targeted interventions, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and sustained momentum in the fight against this devastating disease.

“Eliminating cervical cancer in Zimbabwe requires a multi-pronged approach,” noted Dr. Mikkelsen, “with a focus on scaling up screening, vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns. To achieve this, we need to build a strong case and secure the commitment of all stakeholders for a clear path forward.”

In 2018, WHO adopted a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. This ambitious plan aims to achieve several key goals by 2030: vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, ensuring 70% of women receive high-performance screening tests at 35 and 45 years old, and treating 90% of women diagnosed with precancer or cervical disease. Additionally, 90% of women with invasive cancer will receive management by 2030. WHO is actively supporting Zimbabwe with technical expertise to help the country reach these critical targets.

 

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 5, 2024/ — Experts from ECOWAS member states gathered at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja on July 2, 2024, to review the progress of the new ECOWAS headquarters construction. The meeting, chaired by the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Mr Naha Francis Ako, included key stakeholders such as the ECOWAS Commission project management team, the Acting Director of Transport, Mr Chris Appiah, and the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr Seydou Kassory Bangoura, along with representatives of the Nigerian government. This gathering aimed to ensure the project remains on schedule and to address any potential challenges.

The purpose of the meeting was to examine the progress of work on the site and any obstacles that may arise to ensure its timely completion. Following the technical meeting, attendees participated in a field visit to the headquarters project location to assess the progress of the work firsthand. The agenda included a detailed presentation of the progress report, an on-site inspection, and deliberations on key recommendations to ensure the project remains on track. Additionally, the participants viewed a video presentation by the Chinese construction team, providing an overview of the ongoing construction activities.

In his welcome address, the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr Seydou Kassory Bangoura, emphasized the importance of the new headquarters, stating, “This meeting marks another important step in actualizing our dream of providing the commission with a modern and conducive work environment that will lead to better productivity from all staff members and eliminate the recurrent expenditure associated with office space.” The Acting Director of Transport, Mr. Chris Appiah, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the project, noting, “The significance of this project cannot be overstated as it represents a major milestone in our regional integration efforts.”

The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Mr Naha Francis Ako, underscored the importance of collective efforts, saying, “Let us work together to make this project a success and a proud legacy for our region.” Mr Ako also expressed the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting the project: “The Nigerian Government is dedicated to the successful completion of this project, which will stand as a testament to our collective efforts towards regional integration and development.”

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the report and a formal closing ceremony.

 

 

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LONDON, United Kingdom, July 5, 2024/ — Reacting to the hiring by the Nigerian oil regulator of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and S&P Global to help scrutinize the sale of Shell’s onshore assets in the country, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria Director, said:

“The government regulator overseeing Shell’s sale of its onshore assets in Nigeria must avoid any perceived conflict of interests by ensuring and guaranteeing the full independence of any consultants it uses to review Shell’s proposed sale of its assets in Nigeria.

“The decision by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to hire BCG, which already performs a wide variety of other work for Shell, to help assess this sale is concerning. It is similarly worrying that S&P Global, which also plays a key role in rating Shell’s debt and creditworthiness as well as providing other services to the oil company, is also involved.

“Given the enormous human rights risks at stake it is essential that reviews of the sale are not just independent – but seen to be independent. Shell must be held fully to account for the oil spills related to the business it is selling, which for decades have polluted the environment, contaminated drinking water and poisoned agricultural land, fisheries and people.

“Any assurances from these consultancy groups that their reviews will be divorced from their wider commercial interests with Shell are unlikely to allay worries that they could soft pedal on the remedies required to address the human rights abuses related to Shell’s activities.

“It is also essential that the potential buyers of the business have the ability and financial stability to manage the operations safely and effectively to ensure local communities are not exposed to further harms. The deal should not be allowed to proceed unless a series of safeguards are in place that fully protect people’s rights.”

Background

Shell announced in January that it had agreed to sell the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium, which comprises four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group, in a deal worth up to US$2.4 billion, financed partly with a loan to the buyers from Shell.

 

 

 

Merck Foundation CEO announce Rwandan winner of their Media Awards to break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education and Diabetes- Hypertension awareness

 

KIGALI, Rwanda, July 5, 2024/ — Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from Rwanda. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am very excited to announce the winners from Rwanda and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, concluded Senator Kelej.

Rwandan Winner of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023:

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

• Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda. Third Position, Online Category

Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
• Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
• Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
• Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
• Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
• Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
• Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Print Category, Namibia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
• Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Radio Category, Namibia (First Position)
• Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
• Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
• Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
• Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
• Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
• Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
• Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
• Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
• Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
• Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
• Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
• Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
• Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.lerenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
• Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
• Jessy NZENGU, lualabamaprovince.com, DRC (First Position)
• AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
• Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
• JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)
• Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
• Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
• Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
• Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Odimegwu Onwumere, thenigerianvoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
• Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
• Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Online Category, Namibia (First Position)
• Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
• Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
• Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Online Category, Namibia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
• Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
• Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
• Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
• Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
• Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development, DRC (First Position)
• Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
• Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
• Petga Tonga Valgadine, lavoixdukoat.com, Cameroon, (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi (First Position)
• Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
• Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries
6. Latin American Countries
7. Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

 

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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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 and scientific research capacity 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: https://apo-opa.co/3XMeTur, Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3VUObwW, Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4bCeEFj, YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3VQXoqb and Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3XTphAu.