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The UN Security Council on Tuesday called on the new interim leadership of Libya to swiftly form an inclusive Government and make necessary preparations for December’s presidential and parliamentary elections.  Last week, the 74-members of the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) chose an interim Prime Minister and President of its new executive council, charged with leading the country to elections, planned for 24 December this year.  In a Presidential Statement, issued by the representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for February, the Security Council welcomed the agreement “as an important milestone in the Libyan political process” and urged the interim leadership “to improve services and launch a comprehensive national reconciliation process”.  Withdraw all foreign forces, mercenaries  The 15-member Council called on all parties to implement the October 2020 ceasefire agreement in full, urging UN Member States “to respect and support the full implementation of the agreement, including through the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya without further delay.”  They also called for full compliance with the Council-imposed arms embargo by all Member States, in accordance with the relevant resolutions.  The Security Council further underlined the importance of a credible and effective Libyan-led Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism under the auspices of the UN, and welcomed the swift deployment of an advance team to Libya. It added that it looked forward to receiving proposals on the tasks and scale of the mechanism from the UN Secretary-General.  New head of UN Mission takes up functions  On Monday, Ján Kubiš took up his functions as the new Special Envoy on Libya and head of the UN Support Mission in the country (UNSMIL), highlighting the Organization’s commitment to a stable, prosperous, sovereign and unified Libya.  According to a news release issued by UNSMIL, Mr. Kubiš spoke by phone with senior Libyan officials, including the President of the Presidency Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as with key regional and international interlocutors.  The UN Special Envoy also spoke with Mohammad Younes Menfi, President of the Presidency Council designate and Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, Prime Minister designate. They discussed the way forward to ensure a smooth transition of power to the new unified interim executive authority, the news release added.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.Media filesDownload logo

Libya: Security Council urges interim leadership to prepare for December polls

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Some 20 UN peacekeepers serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, were injured on Wednesday, after their temporary base came under attack in the restive central region of the country. In a statement, MINUSMA said that the ‘blue helmets’ under fire were able to repel the attackers, who fled after delivering a “robust response”. The base was located in Kéréna, in the vicinity of Douentza, where peacekeepers have been carrying out numerous security operations in recent months, according to head of the mission. It has been a deadly year so far for those putting their lives on the line from the mission. Five peacekeepers died in one week during attacks in mid-January.  ‘Cowardly attack’ Special Representative and MINUSCA chief, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, “strongly condemns this cowardly attack against the peacekeepers”, said the statement, adding that the main objective of the UN security operations has been “to help reduce violence against populations, restore calm in areas where community tensions are reported, and reduce the threat of improvised explosive devices”. The Malian Government has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild the volatile country’s institutions following a series of setbacks since early 2012 that fractured the country, including a failed coup d&#39;état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the short-lived seizure of its northern territory by radical extremists. Last year military leaders staged a coup, and in September, agreed to establish a transitional Government for a period of 18 months, promising fresh elections and a return to civilian rule. Mali for the Malians The MINUSMA chief has ensured that “all measures” have been taken the ensure the injured blue helmets “receive prompt and appropriate treatment”, according to the press release, and he wished all of those serving in what is the world’s most dangerous peacekeeping operation, a speedy and full recovery. Mr. Annadif said that operations by MINUSMA troops to secure areas from extremist and other armed groups, were succeeding against “the enemies of peace”, and that the mission remained committed “alongside the Malians, for the Malians.”Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.Media filesDownload logo

Mali: Around 20 UN peacekeepers injured in major attack on MINUSMA base

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Daily: Laboratory test: 6,554 Severe cases: 243 New recovered: 793 New deaths: 9 New cases: 683 Total: Laboratory test: 2,020,994 Active cases: 15,283 Total recovered: 126,797 Total deaths: 2,167 Total cases: 144,249Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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New cases: 328 Total active cases: 14,357 Total currently admitted: 214 (31 new) Total number of tests conducted: 165,033 (2,365 new) Total confirmed cases: 28,050* Total recovered: 12,583 (518 new) New discharges from treatment units: 24 Total deaths: 900 (17 new) *Out of these, 134 lost to follow-up and 76 outcome under investigation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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Tests conducted: 8,573,464 Positive cases identified: 1,482,412 Total recoveries: 1,374,368 Total deaths: 47,145 New cases: 3,159Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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Download logoMinister of Health Lizzie Nkosi announces six new COVID-19 deaths in Eswatini, taking total deaths to 616. &#8220;May their souls rest in peace.&#8221; New cases: 53 Total cases: 16,341 Active cases: 3,717 New recoveries: 98 Total recoveries: 11,955 New deaths: 6 Total deaths: 616Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 10 February 2021 confirm 31 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 39,942. The breakdown of the new cases are: 31 contacts and alerts: Kampala (12) Arua (3), Amuru (3), Bukwo (2), Lira (2), Mbale (1), Wakiso (1), Kalaki (1) Nakapiripirit (1), Butaleja (1), Masaka (1), Mayuge (1), Mbarara (1) and Jinja (1).Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health &#8211; Republic of Uganda.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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Download logoDeaths from COVID-19 in Africa have surged by 40% in the last month, pushing Africa’s death toll towards 100 000 since the first reported case on the continent on 14 February 2020. This comes as Africa battles new, more contagious variants and gears up for its largest-ever vaccination drive. Over 22 300 deaths were reported in Africa in the last 28 days, compared with nearly 16 000 deaths in the previous 28 days. The continent is expected to reach 100 000 deaths in the coming days. Thirty-two countries reported a rise in deaths in the last 28 days, while 21 reported flat or falling rates. Africa’s COVID-19 fatality rate rose to 3.7% during the last 28 days compared to 2.4% in the previous 28 days and is and is now well above the global average. This spike in mortality comes as Africa’s second wave of cases which began in October 2020 seems to have peaked on 6 January 2021. The second wave spread much faster than the first and is far more lethal. “The increasing deaths from COVID-19 we are seeing are tragic, but are also disturbing warning signs that health workers and health systems in Africa are dangerously overstretched. This grim milestone must refocus everyone on stamping out the virus,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. In the second wave as cases surged far beyond the peak experienced in the first wave, health facilities have become overwhelmed. Preliminary reports which WHO has received from 21 countries show that 66% reported inadequate critical care capacity, 24% reported burnout among health workers and 15 countries reported that oxygen production, crucial for severely ill COVID-19 patients, remains insufficient. The one-year milestone comes as the continent faces the spread of new strains of virus. Variant 501Y.V2 (also known as B1.351), first identified in South Africa, has been detected in eight African countries, while the VOC202012/01 variant (also known as B1.1.7) initially identified in the United Kingdom has been detected in six countries on the continent. This week South Africa announced that it will pause the roll-out of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine because of a study indicating that the vaccine is less effective in preventing mild and moderate infection with the 501Y.V2 variant that is dominant in the country. “This is obviously very disappointing news, but the situation is very dynamic. While a vaccine that protects against all forms of COVID-19 is our biggest hope, preventing severe cases which overwhelm hospitals is crucial,” said Dr Moeti. “If cases remain mostly mild and moderate and don’t require critical care then we can save many lives. So, my message is, go out and get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available in your country.” On 10 February 2021, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, known as SAGE, strongly recommended that countries use the AstraZeneca vaccine, for priority groups, even if variants are present in a country. These preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. WHO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new data become available. New variants are likely to emerge as the virus continues to spread so preventive measures must be maintained even as Africa gears up to start vaccinations against the virus. “The pandemic is far from over, and vaccines are just one crucial tool in our fight against the virus. We must boost investments and support for our health workers and health systems by sticking to mask wearing, regular hand cleaning and safe social distancing,” said Dr Moeti.  Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Her Excellency Dr Hala Zaid, Minister of Health and Population, Egypt and Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene &#038; Tropical Medicine, Professor of Global Health and Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission on COVID-19. Also on hand to answer questions were Dr Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme Coordinator, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Nsenga Ngoy, Emergency Response Programme Manager, WHO Regional Office for Africa.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Coronavirus – Africa: Rising mortality as Africa marks one year of COVID-19

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Download logoThe Rugby Africa (RA) (www.RugbyAfrique.com) Referee Committee, formally launched at its inaugural meeting in December, was founded to – amongst others &#8211; establish an African referee panel, monitor its growth and development, further the development of African match officials and monitor the Laws of the Game and playing trends on the continent.  “The Referee Committee is the culmination of close to 10 years of work that RA has done to develop a panel, with the first month-long referee camps held in Stellenbosch in 2013. Thanks to our dedicated partnerships with SARU and the FFR to fast track and promote our referees, this official commission goes one step further in structuring our efforts and to professionalise our competitions management,” explains Nasser Bougja, RA Executive member. The Committee comprises six panel members: four drawn from the RA Executive Committee, including RA Referee Manager Mudiwa Mundawarara, RA Unstoppable Ambassador Peris Mukoko and Clement Sinkamba, President of Zambia Rugby Union. Completing the panel is Eugene de Villiers and Salem Attalah, representing one referee performance consultant each from the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and the French Federation of Rugby (FFR), respectively. The Committee will not only focus on panel referees, but also place emphasis on advancing women referees – thus developing a network of referee coaches in core countries that act as a feeder system into the Rugby Africa panels. To this end, Rugby Africa has co-opted distinguished Kenyan referee Peris Mukoko, a RA Unstoppable Ambassador, as their first interim Referee representative. “Peris has a passion for refereeing and brings two perspectives to the Committee: the referees’ perspective and the women’s perspective,” notes panel member and RA Referee Manager Mudiwa Mundawarara. Mukoko, a former player turned referee, has notched a long list of accolades. A certified World Rugby Educator and Match Officials Coach, she is also a RA Women in Rugby Network Committee Member, and has been an active Level 2 Rugby Referee since 2008.  As Kenya’s first female referee, Mukoko also serves on the Board of the Kenya Rugby Union and, in 2014, was nominated by Confederation of African Rugby as one of the three leading Women Referees in Africa. &#8220;I am humbled by the nomination and excited to get an opportunity to continue to serve the game in another capacity, plus an amazing chance to interact with referees from different unions across Africa. I look forward to learning from and partnering with the committee members in advancing the quality of referring standards across the continent,” enthuses Mukoko. Future Growth With distinctly different backgrounds and a complementary vision of strengthening the development of arbitration in Africa, the panel is committed to enhancing referee profiles on the continent. “Rugby in Africa is progressing at great speed. The coaches have more knowledge about the game and the organisation of it, the players are stronger and have an optimal technical preparation, the leaders better organised, trained, and ambitious, the refereeing and the referees also have their place in this project of a continent that wants to take up the challenge,” says Salem Attalah, representative for French Federation Rugby (FFR). Though the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the sporting calendar, Rugby Africa has been active in its educational and developmental activities, holding virtual training sessions and numerous online workshops and courses with World Rugby and in partnership with SARU and FFR. These are set to continue this year, with an even greater focus on the development of the RA talent pool, and the continued development of women in rugby. “The establishment of the Rugby Africa Referee Committee marks a significant step in enhancing the quality of refereeing on the African continent and assisting in the development of new and exciting talent that could feed into the structures in future,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO and Secretary of Rugby Africa. “Referees play a vital role in the game of rugby union, and SARU is proud to participate in this initiative and assist in raising the profile of referees in Africa.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.For media enquiries please contact: N: Fathima Ebrahim E: Rugby@apo-opa.com News &#038; results: Follow @RugbyAfrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Website: www.RugbyAfrique.com About Rugby Africa: Created in 1986, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), previously the African Confederation of Rugby (Confédération Africaine de Rugby – CAR), is one of the six regional associations composing World Rugby (WorldRugby.org), the international organization responsible for the governing of Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens. Rugby Africa unites all African countries which play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes the qualifying competition for the Rugby World Cup, and Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. Rugby Africa counts 39 member unions.

Rugby Africa announces establishment of Referee Committee

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Download logoThe Mozambique Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Area 1 Project and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) have jointly received the prestigious Global Multilateral Deal of the Year 2020 award by the print and online publication Project Finance International (PFI). The project, the single largest foreign direct investment in Africa to date with a value of over $24 billion, will exploit Mozambique’s immense offshore natural gas reserves, which can potentially transform global energy markets. The African Development Bank signed an agreement for a $400 million senior loan to finance the project in July 2020. In signing the loan agreement, the African Development Bank joined a global syndication of commercial banks and export credit agencies that are providing financing. This financing includes direct loans as well as export credit agency-covered loans with 16- and 18-year tenors. The project is implemented by an international consortium of energy developers and operators led by Total as the operator of the project. It includes Mitsui, Oil India, Bharat Petroleum, PTTEP, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Mozambique&#39;s national oil and gas company, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH).  The consortium is providing the balance of financing through equity. Financial closing on the project is expected in 2021. Mozambique is expected to become one of the world’s largest LNG exporters. Its gas represents an important source of LNG supply diversification. The project will boost the country’s ability to meet energy demand through gas-fired electricity and will support its ambitious goal to provide universal access to energy to its citizens by 2030. The project can also potentially feed downstream industries that use natural gas, such as fertilizer and electricity producers. It can thus become an engine for agricultural development and trade across the Southern African Development Corporation region.  PFI is the leading source of intelligence on global project finance. In its award announcement, it noted that the project had faced many challenges in securing financing, including the COVID-19 pandemic.  “I still find it remarkable how so many project financings were transacted this year,” including the Mozambique LNG deal, said PFI’s Editor Rod Morrison. “The multilaterals played a key role in getting the project financed,” Morrison said. In addition to the African Development Bank, PFI cited the participation of United States Export Import Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation as critical.      In addition to loan financing, the Bank played a lead role in ensuring the project’s compliance with strict environmental and social standards. It also invested in strengthening the capacity of small and medium enterprises to enter the project’s supply chains and promote good standards of governance and transparency in Mozambique. Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, said: “I am delighted with the award of the Global Multilateral Deal of the Year 2020 to the African Development Bank and the Government of Mozambique LNG Area 1 Project, by Project Finance International. This great recognition reinforces the African Development Bank’s leadership and role in helping to structure financing and attract investments to Africa. The $24 billion project, which was structured at the Bank’s Africa Investment Forum, is Africa’s largest foreign direct investment. We will work with all partners to ensure that this project helps to unlock greater economic growth for Mozambique and benefits millions of people in the country, while building climate resilience.” Overall, the project aligns with a number of the African Development Bank’s strategic goals and its country strategy for Mozambique and for Southern Africa. These goals include boosting employment, expanding universal electricity access and leveraging natural resource development for investment in sustainable infrastructure. Fernando Balderrama, Chief Investment Officer with the Bank, said: “We are excited about the growth and industrialization opportunities created through this project for the Mozambican population.” He added: “The African Development Bank will continue to play a convening role to facilitate and assist with the suitable implementation of this investment, advocating for international best practice, small and medium enterprise development and diversification, women’s empowerment, job creation, and other critically important considerations.”Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media Contact: Olufemi Terry Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: o.terry@afdb.org About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB.org) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

African Development Bank and Mozambique LNG Area 1 Project win Multilateral Deal of the Year Award for $24 billion global syndicated finance

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1,131 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria; Lagos-297 FCT-194 Kaduna-83 Kano-59 Oyo-58 Taraba-53 Imo-52 Osun-47 Plateau-45 Edo-43 Akwa Ibom-42 Rivers-42 Ogun-29 Kwara-24 Benue-21 Nasarawa-16 Ekiti-7 Bauchi-6 Delta-6 Bayelsa-4 Sokoto-2 Gombe-1 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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Total cases: 16,941 (+130) Recovered: 13,389 (+401) Active cases: 3,323 In critical condition: 18 Tests: 931,150 (+4,963) Test positivity rate: 2.6% Recovery rate: 79% Deaths: 229 (+3) | 1.3%Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (10 February 2021)

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The Government of Nigeria and the United Nations system have reiterated their commitment to ensuring substantial and positive changes in Nigeria’s food systems. “Nigeria is working with the UN and other stakeholders to ensure that the nation’s food systems are more sustainable, inclusive and resilient,” said the National Convenor of Nigeria Food Systems Summit Dialogues, and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Olusola Idowu, at a webinar for journalists, held on Monday, 9 February 2021. To achieve this, Mrs. Idowu explained, National Food Summit Dialogues would be organized across Nigeria and there would be a harvest of contributions towards shaping the pathways that will lead to collective determination of sustainable food systems and how they will contribute to achieving food security in Nigeria. She further noted that the dialogues would consider how it would be possible to assess progress towards improved food systems as well as determine who needed to be involved in achieving the overarching objective of building effective food systems in Nigeria. The National Convenor added that Food systems touched every aspect of human existence. ”In Nigeria and elsewhere in the world, the management of food systems profoundly affects the health of the people, as well as the health of the environment, economies and cultures.” The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, emphasized the importance of sustainability of the food system. “We need to put in place systems to ensure that we produce enough food for the current generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to have access to adequate food and proper nutrition.” He said, “As the population continues to grow, and with the many players in the food industry, there is greater need for all of us to understand how we will ensure availability of quality food in quantities that will cater for the needs of all people in a sustainable way.” Mr. Kallon underscored the importance of the media in ensuring sustainable food systems. “Without the media, all dialogues would be likened to ‘winking in the dark’, no one sees what you are doing. Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant press in a pluralistic media ecosystem and populated by professionals who constitute one of the world’s best.” He explained and urged media partners to get in the flow of the UN Food Systems Summit, and to support “our efforts by encouraging debate and discussion among the population on issues of sustainable food systems for the country. On COVID-19 and the food systems, the Resident Coordinator noted that coronavirus pandemic has brought to the fore the connection between food, health and quality of life, and also how many of our food systems are failing us, especially where inequality is most prevalent. “The pandemic has powered an unprecedented global appetite for change that must be channeled into transforming food systems to be more inclusive, more equitable and more sustainable. We must come together as stakeholders to build back better.” He said. “While we must understand the purpose of current food systems, their functions and our own vision in the next decade. We need to also know the changes that need to be made for food systems to meet the SDGs expectations by 2030 and how stakeholders need to effectively work together or differently for collective action,” said the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Country Representative, Mr Fred Kafeero. He explained that Government, Food producers and processors, traders, donors and all partners needed to evaluate the current realities, to know what is currently working or not and the lessons  learned from what is not working, make recommendations for improvement and take action towards achieving sustainable food systems for Nigeria by 2030. Speaking on the UN Food Systems Dialogue and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of safe and nutritious food, said: “ One out of every 3 children in Nigeria is stunted; 1 in 10 children is wasted. This is not only a personal tragedy for families but also has a direct impact on human resources. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s food system has failed children, young people and adults in delivering safe, nutritious food.’’ “The UN is looking at a fundamental shift from feeding people, particularly children, to nourishing them. This would require transforming food systems and moving away from food production as a goal to looking at production as a tool to ensure nutrition security. UN is committed to working with the government, communities, traditional institutions, private sector and civil society, to achieve this.” He added WHO Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo noted, “Nigeria already has a good number of policies and regulations, but what we need now is implementation.  There is a need to generate game changing solutions that can catalyze shift in consumption through changes in food policy, food environments, private sector and offering and consumers behavior.” Highlighting that Non-Communicable Diseases are the most common causes of death and disability worldwide, Dr Mulombo who was represented by Dr Kelias Phiri Msyamboza, called for a transition towards diets which are healthier and more sustainable, economically equitable and socially just, taking into account the local context and cultural identity. &#8220;Around the world, more than enough food is produced to feed the global population—but over 690 million people still remain hungry&#8221; said, Mr. Mohamed Yahya UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria. He observed that successfully tackling these challenges required a major shift from our current consumption patterns to sustainable nature-positive production at scale. “This has become a necessity, as our food system is currently limiting our ability to achieve the SDGs&#8221;. He added. The Representative of IFAD in Nigeria, Ms Nadine Gbosa, called for inclusion of pro-poor nature-based solutions and climate change and environment policies to improve the capacity of the poor to manage risks. “Effort must be focused on making value chains inclusive through the generation of decent employment and improving resilience through social protection; while food systems transformation should be anchored in small- and medium-scale production, family farmers, women and workers in food value chains” Ms Nadine who was represented by Ms Florence Iseko, said and highlighted the need to address specific barriers to inclusive, equitable livelihood development; as well as the legal, institutional and market constraints to the realization of equity within food systems. Speaking on “Building Resilience to Vulnerabilities, Shocks and Stresses”, Representative and Country Director, WFP Nigeria, Dr. Paul Howe, noted that “We need to explore solutions to ensure that if there’s a shock, vulnerability or stresses, food systems maintain their functionality and keep going. Or, if there’s a disruption, it’s able to recover quickly.” He informed that the UN would work with stakeholders from across society to build food systems that withstand future shocks and stresses; as well as food systems that are truly resilient and will be strong taking us into 2030 to help us achieve Zero Hunger. In September 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will convene a Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Ahead of the summit, UN Member States have been asked to convene national dialogues. Nigeria’s inception dialogue on the UN Food Systems Summit, therefore, holds on 23 February 2021.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Nigeria.Media filesDownload logo

FG, UN to Ensure Substantial and Positive Changes in Nigeria’s Food Systems

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GE (NYSE: GE) (www.GE.com) has announced the appointment of Mohammed Mijindadi as President of GE Nigeria. In this role, Mohammed will focus on strengthening GE’s impact in Nigeria, building strong stakeholder relationships across Power, Healthcare, Aviation and Renewable Energy sectors, and supporting the businesses to develop and execute the market strategy. Mohammed brings over 20 years of deep domain experience as well as global and regional leadership expertise. He has been with GE for the last 13 years in various commercial country and regional leadership business roles. A graduate of the GE Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP), Mohammed has progressed through varied, complex assignments including Commercial Excellence Leader, Strategic Sourcing Leader and Business Development. Prior to joining GE, Mohammed worked in several US multinationals in the transportation, services, construction, and entertainment industries. Commenting on the appointment, Jaime Morais, President, GE West &#038; Central Africa said, “We are privileged to have Mohammed take up the leadership of GE in Nigeria. His track record of building and managing relationships as well as pushing to deliver business results will serve us well as we position to support our businesses for growth, transformation and operational performance in such an important and high priority market.” “With a growing population and huge infrastructure needs, Nigeria continues to represent a significant market opportunity for GE, and I am excited to take on this challenge to drive GE’s growth in Nigeria, building on its 120 plus years of impact on the continent. I’m looking forward to working across our businesses in Power, Healthcare, Renewable Energy and Aviation to create value for the country, our customers and our team on critical themes such as decarbonization and digitalization, as we rise to the challenge of building a world that works.” Mijindadi said. Mohammed serves on the boards of GE international Operations Nigeria (GEION) and GE FZE entities in addition to other external boards. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) in Civil Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia and an M.B.A in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College, PA. GE has been operating in Nigeria for over 40 years, with businesses spanning across key sectors including, power, healthcare, aviation, and renewables. Today, GE provides gas power technology, services and solutions in the country. Our Healthcare solutions are improving access and quality of care across the country in public and private healthcare centers, while our Renewables and Grid Solutions business is providing reliable and affordable green power as well as complete, engineered solutions for power generation companies, utilities, and industries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.Media Contact: Anne Ezeh Gas Power Communications Director Sub-Saharan Africa +234 7031779857 Anne.Ezeh@ge.com Rania Rostom Chief Innovation &#038; Communications Officer GE International markets +971 528007444 rania.rostom@ge.com About GE: GE (NYSE:GE) (www.GE.com) rises to the challenge of building a world that works. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today the company’s dedicated team, leading technology, and global reach and capabilities help the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. GE’s people are diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest level of integrity and focus to fulfill GE’s mission and deliver for its customers. For more information, please visit www.GE.com and follow GE’s social media accounts on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3rNI8d7) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/373Ml4m). Media filesDownload logo

Mohammed Mijindadi Appointed as President for General Electric in Nigeria

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Download logoThe WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has issued interim recommendations for use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (AZD1222).  Here’s a brief summary; you may access the guidance document here.  Who should be vaccinated first? While vaccine supplies are limited, it is recommended that priority be given to health workers at high risk of exposure and older people, including those aged 65 or older. Countries can refer to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap and the WHO Values Framework as guidance for their prioritization of target groups. Who else can take the vaccine? Vaccination is recommended for persons with comorbidities that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.  Although further studies are required for persons living with HIV or auto-immune conditions or who are immunocompromised, people in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling.  Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to allow others who may need the vaccine more urgently to go first. Vaccination can be offered to breastfeeding women if they are part of a group prioritized for vaccination. WHO does not recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding after vaccination.  Should pregnant women be vaccinated? While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe COVID-19, very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy.  Pregnant women may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks.  For this reason, pregnant women at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (e.g. health workers) or who have comorbidities which add to their risk of severe disease, may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider. Who is the vaccine not recommended for? People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take it. The vaccine is not recommended for persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies. What’s the recommended dosage? The recommended dosage is two doses given intramuscularly (0.5ml each) with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks.  Additional research is needed to understand longer-term potential protection after a single dose.   Is it safe? While this vaccine has yet to be recommended for an Emergency Use Listing by WHO, it has undergone review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and consequently meets WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration. The EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for people aged 18 and above.  The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a group of experts that provides independent and authoritative guidance to the WHO on the topic of safe vaccine use, receives and assesses reports of suspected safety events of potentially international impact.  How efficacious is the vaccine? The AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy. Does it work against new variants? SAGE has reviewed all available data on the performance of the vaccine in the settings of variants of concern. SAGE currently recommends the use of AZD1222 vaccine according to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap, even if virus variants are present in a country. Countries should assess the risks and benefits taking into consideration their epidemiological situation. Preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. As new data become available, WHO will update recommendations accordingly.  Does it prevent infection and transmission? No substantive data are available related to impact of AZD1222 on transmission or viral shedding. In the meantime, we must maintain and strengthen public health measures that work: masking, physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds, and ensuring good ventilation.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

Coronavirus – The Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Every morning when the Ethiopian road race champion, Negasi Haylu Abreha, wakes up he has no idea whether his family are alive. He has no way of being able to call home or message them immediately to check. The 20-year-old Team Qhubeka (UCI Continental team) rider is currently living in a shared apartment in Lucca, Italy, now anxiously waiting for the cycling season to come around again. But he really just wants to see his family. Why? Negasi, who in 2021 will ride his second year with the Team Qhubeka Continental team, is from Mek’ele, the main town in the region of Tigray, Ethiopia. It’s a region that’s seen conflict arise between national government forces and the region’s ruling party, following an outbreak of hostilities in early November. It’s a situation that’s continued unabated, which at the time of writing has seen the United Nations declare its concern over a potential humanitarian crisis in the region. This conflict arose on 4 November 2020, the exact same date that Negasi travelled from Bologna to Rome after the conclusion of racing for the season for the NTT Continental cycling team. He was returning home to his family after his first full season with the team having shown tremendous promise. Once in Rome he was set to catch a flight to Addis Ababa and then an onward connection to Mek’ele. After arriving and waiting to board his flight he received a phone call from Team Manager Kevin Campbell, who had been at home scrolling through the news feed on his phone and taken note of the reported tensions arising in northern Ethiopia. After further investigation and attempting to contact the Ethiopian embassy to get clarity on the current situation, it was clear that the people from the region of Tigray were to be cautious as all domestic flights to the region were cancelled immediately. If Negasi had boarded his flight he would have been stranded in Addis Ababa and there was major concern that his safety could be at great risk. It was agreed that it would be better to wait until there was more information regarding the situation, and only return home when safe to do so. This decision created an immediate situation at the airport as Negasi&#39;s luggage had already been loaded onto the Addis Ababa-bound flight and required one of our team’s staff members, Martina Alessandri, explaining the situation to airport officials over the phone. The youngster then opted to sleep in the airport, hoping to get onto the first flight back to Bologna; however, as the ticket office only opened after 6am he eventually was only able to return later that afternoon. Negasi returned to the team house in Lucca, alone, as all of his teammates had already left for home, and stayed until the end of the month, at which point the rental agreement for the premises came to an end. With the situation over a return home to Ethiopia still unclear he moved indefinitely into the apartment of another staff member, Damian Murphy, until there was an option for him to be hopefully be reunited with his family. That has never happened so he will wait now until early March when the team house is available again to join his Continental teammates for the start of their 2021 season. His hopes of a return home on hold, indefinitely. In his own words It is very difficult (to stay in touch with my family) because all the network coverage in Tigray has been shut off. I am sometimes able to call my mom on a Sunday. We keep the calls very, very short. It is usually &#8220;Hello Negasi, we are okay, everyone is fine and we love you. Ciao.&#8221; My mother told me to never ask more about the situation over the phone out of fear for their safety.   I am very scared for my family and friends. I only see pictures of what might be on social media or what people send me. I know the places in the pictures from my home region, and I can see the death, destruction and poverty happening there now.  For sure it&#39;s difficult (for me at the moment). I have stress for my family but also, I am very grateful and happy because I have people around me from the team that are helping me a lot. The team give me a place to stay, provide all my food and make sure I am always able to train. I am still motivated to train because I know If I can be successful, I can help my family more. I am very happy to be in this team. They are like family to me now: Kevin, Martina, Oksana, Damian &#8211; everyone, they all help me a lot. The team has provided me with a big opportunity.  If I wasn’t a bike rider I would be in Ethiopia now where it would be dangerous and a very difficult life. In my region and hometown many people are dying every day. Maybe it is between 500 &#8211; 700 people who are dying every day. There is no food or water, they have closed everything. There are no shops and businesses open. My parents can do nothing. My brother is older than me, he is a hairdresser but he cannot work now. I have three younger sisters, normally they should be in school, but all the schools are closed. With the help of a friend I was able to send them some money last year. But for now they all do nothing, they just survive. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.Media Contact: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033 About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS (www.TeamQhubeka.com) is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016. We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France. We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception. We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa. About Qhubeka: Qhubeka (www.Qhubeka.org) is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs. A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.  All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release. Media filesDownload logo

Negasi Haylu Abreha: The rider who can&apos;t go home

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.Media filesDownload logo

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