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As of 20th April 2021, we report 100 new cases out of 6,204 tests (2% positivity), 40 recoveries &#038; 0 new deaths (MTSRIP).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).
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Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (20 April 2021)

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Total cases: 24,005 (+71) Recovered: 22,560 (+152) | 93.9% Active cases: 1,118 In critical condition: 6 Tests: 1,264,616 (+4,092) Test positivity rate: 1.7% Vaccinated: 349,702 Deaths: 327 (+1) | 1.4%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (20 April 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
H.E Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy convened an extra ordinary meeting of Ministers of Air Transport and key stakeholders on 15th April 2021 to discuss this issue of green vaccine passport/certificates with objective to agree on a common African position and establish a mechanism to properly communicate the position to responsible institutions and partners.

The meeting was co-chaired by H.E Didier Manzengu Makangu Minister of Transport of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chair of the AU Transport Sub Committee and H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, AUC Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy
The meeting brought together African Ministers in charge of Air transport and their representatives from the following Member States: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Tunisia, Togo, Senegal and South Africa.
Other High level Representatives of air transport institutions, Regional Economic Communities and industry partners from EAC, UNECA, the group of African Ambassadors at the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) other ICAO AFI group members and ICAO Regional Directors, Secretary General of African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Secretary General of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Regional Vice President for Africa &#038; Middle East at International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Director of Africa CDC attended the meeting.
The main objective was to present to the African air transport Ministers the proposed common position paper the issue of vaccine passport and its implication to international travel with the view to make appropriate recommendations. All the participants confirmed their support to the African common position and the roadmap developed by the African Union Commission.
In his remarks, the Chair of the AU Transport Sub Committee, H.E Didier Manzengu Makangu appreciated the initiative taken by African Union Commission to develop a common position on the issue of vaccine passport and called the other Ministers of Air Transport to support the proposal for the benefits of the African citizen
H.E Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy Dr.Amani Abou-Zeid informed the meeting that the various initiatives taken by the AU Department of Infrastructure and Energy in collaboration with African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Africa CDC, ICAO, AFRAA, IATA and other air transport stakeholders to ensure a sustainable restart and recovery of the African air transport sector are facing important challenges including travel bans and restrictions preventing african citizen to travel to other continents. Moreover, some developed countries have recently introduced an initiative of green vaccine passports/certificates, making it a mandatory entry requirement for African countries.
Ambassador Vincent Banda, ICAO AFI group coordinator also expressed ICAO support to the initiative of AUC and the developed African common position. He recalled that Recommendation 19 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Recovery Taskforce (CART) emphasizes that Vaccination should not be a pre-requisite for international travel.
The meeting made a call to all Countries in the different World regions that have introduced or are in the process of introducing vaccine passports as a pre-requisite for international travel to refrain from doing so given that so far, the vaccine has not been made widely available as confirmed by the WHO, and that the African Continent still has considerable number of its citizens who have not yet received the vaccines. The meeting also recommended that the PCR test or antigen test be maintained as the only requirement until when vaccines become widely available.
African Member States were also encouraged to adopt digital test wherever possible as verifiable health credentials and as a trusted platform for traveller information and to coordinate all the concerned stakeholders to implement the “ Call for action on safe re-opening of borders” developed by the AU Multi-sectorial taskforce on “ Saving lives, saving economies and livelihoods.”
As a way forward it was agreed to communicate the adopted African common position to AU Policy organs, Ministers of Health and ICT, other regions including EU and international partners.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

African Ministers of Air Transport adopt Common Position regarding International Travel

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To coincide with National Youth Month, which celebrates South Africa&#39;s young people and commemorates the Soweto Youth Uprising of 16 June 1976, we&#39;re inviting South Africa and pan African businesses to nominate the rising under-35s making a difference in their organisations to be featured in our June 2021 #YouthMatters content exclusive.

Sponsorship opportunities to underwrite this valuable content exist as monetised or prize donations.
Celebrating the rising under-35s making a difference in your sector
Ensure the rising stars in your region get the recognition they deserve, as our editors celebrate and acknowledge the contribution and excellence of youthful diversity to business across 18 sectors, this June on Bizcommunity.
This year on 16 June, commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. Join us to honour the contribution of youth making a difference to business in your region.
Nominees will stand a chance to be featured as top-story news in Bizcommunity’s month-long #YouthMatters focus; empowering Africa’s future leaders.
The month-long feature will take the form of a profile of under-35 nominees within your organisation.
Criteria to be supplied for feature:
 	Company name: 	Industry sector: 	Nominee name: 	Job title: 	Job description or job responsibilities: 
You may wish to supply any of the following supporting information:
 	Is especially talented in an area of expertise: 	Particularly passionate or knowledgeable about any particular aspect of their industry or field of research: 	Showing great initiative, blazing trails, most likely to succeed because: 	Creating a following or influencing via social media accounts: 	Using new digital technologies or media to advance your organisation or sector: 	Optimists and changemakers in: 	Show special leadership potential in: 	Goes the extra mile or caring for others: 	Any unusual habits, hobbies: 	Inspires others in some way: 	Has won any industry awards: 
Nominate: To feature your under-35s, across any of 18 industries, email our editors at youthmatters@bizcommunity.com
Sponsor: To sponsor this valuable content initiative or prizes, which will also include practical empowerment information to help equip the youth for the world of work, contact sales@bizcommunity.com
Sponsorship packages
 	Top story branding on #YouthMatters content throughout Youth Month in June 	Newsfeed: Run-of-site newsfeed link 	Special section: Sponsor banners and headers 	Multimedia interview: Or opinion piece with sponsor stakeholder 	Social media: Sponsor tagging on all #YouthMatters posts and shares 
Contact sales@bizcommunity.com for a proposal or call us to chat about your content strategy on +27 21 404 1460
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 			 		 	 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity.
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Calling rising stars under-35 for feature on Africa’s leading business media

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5G introduces unprecedented speeds and network capacity for consumer and business services, empowering a fully digitalized society; 5G networks retain Etisalat’s technology leadership in the region; 5G introduces early use cases such as enhanced mobile broadband while addressing Industry 4.0 digital transformation opportunities

Etisalat, one of the leading telecommunications operators in emerging markets recognized by Ookla® Speedtest® as the world’s fastest mobile network in 2020, together with Nokia (www.Nokia.com), as a key partner, has deployed 5G network, providing enhanced mobile broadband services and expanding 5G coverage and revenue opportunities. Nokia’s 5G portfolio supports Etisalat’s mission of driving the digital future to empower societies.
Etisalat has a proven history of bringing the latest in technology and broadband services to the United Arab Emirates to support economic growth and innovation. Similarly, Etisalat is building an autonomous 5G network using Etisalat A3 platform, where Nokia has worked with Etisalat to deliver best-in-class customer experience, as 5G’s ultra-high bandwidth and low-latency enrich service offerings and transform business models. 5G capabilities enable innovative applications in areas such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). It also addresses Industry 4.0 opportunities to benefit enterprises from various Internet of Things (IoT) use cases in areas such as energy, healthcare, education, transport and entertainment, providing new revenue opportunities.

Haitham Abdulrazzak, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat said: “As a true pioneer, we have always embraced the latest technologies to drive the Digital Future to empower society. Accordingly, we are building an autonomous 5G network and are very excited about how 5G can transform industrial and consumer services. The 5G services we have rolled out truly enhances lifestyles and delivers significant gains in productivity in the UAE, contributing to the national innovation strategy.”

Saeed Al Zarouni, SVP, Mobile Network, Etisalat, added: “Etisalat’s technical teams have closely worked with Nokia to build the 5G network smoothly and enabled 5G coverage with ultra-high speed and low latency services in the UAE. The high capacity 5G network also allows us to provide services to a large number of customers. Rolling out 5G network is in line with our focus on digital innovation and investments in next generation telecom technologies.”  

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “With this deployment, Nokia is supporting Etisalat achieve its vision of driving the digital future. Along with consumers’ expectation to get the latest telecom services experience, the current period has also shone a spotlight on just how important networks are for people and businesses. With this next generation 5G network deployment, we are excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with Etisalat to deliver the full transformational benefits of 5G.”

Nokia has deployed its AirScale radio platform, based on 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standards. The network uses massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (mMIMO) radio technology to improve network capacity, provide broader coverage and increase network speeds.

Resources: 
 	Web page: Nokia 5G (https://nokia.ly/2Pe63Vu) 	Nokia’s 5G commercial contracts (https://nokia.ly/2Pe6dw4) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nokia.
Media Inquiries: Kannan K Nokia Media Relations Phone: +971 529 823 406 E-mail: kannan.k@nokia.com
Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com
About Nokia: We create technology that helps the world act together.
As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
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Etisalat and Nokia provide ultra-fast 5G broadband services in the UAE

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Dany Mawas, Regional Director at INFINOX Capital (www.INFINOX.com) says there are several factors that are required for successful trading, and this is especially important for beginner traders to take note of.

“Trading is increasing in popularity in Africa, with more people spending time online and seeking additional incomes as a result of COVID-19, however many don’t know where to begin,” he says.

In order to assist these potential traders, Mawas points out some some key do’s and don&#39;ts that beginner traders should consider to start successfully trading:

Do have a game plan: Without a decisive game plan in place, trading can be considered exceptionally high risk and more of a gamble instead of a smart investment strategy. It is important to research and develop an approach that works based on the financial markets. For example, traders should consider rules that must be satisfied before entering into a trade such as ‘is the trade following the same trajectory as the greater market’, amongst others.

Do join a community: Another way to develop a strategy is to join a community trading app, such as IX Social. This allows traders to access key financial markets while sharing knowledge, trades and experiences with like-minded traders. Essential for beginners, IX Social allows traders to auto-copy top traders, with options to source the most followed, best live trades, most copied trades, and the most profitable trades &#8211; all instrumental in building trading acumen.

Do your research, and then do some more: The internet is full of valuable information available at the touch of a button. As such, online traders should always do their due diligence when it comes to the broker they plan to partner with, including the markets they plan to invest in.

Don’t fall victim to scams: Trading scams have been around since the advent of the practice, and while the schemes may be evolving, beginner traders should equip themselves with adequate knowledge and education before entering the market. Adding to this, traders should only partner with reputable brokers that offer a variety of investment opportunities, coupled with complying and being recognised by legitimate and prominent regulatory authorities. It&#39;s also important to note that brokers with a physical presence in the countries they operate in can offer an additional layer of client service and assistance to traders.

Do set a budget: As with the majority of investments, online trading comes with a high risk of losing money due to poor investment choices. Unless a trader has an endless supply of funds, they should instil a budget they can afford to lose without it impacting their direct livelihoods.

Don’t put your eggs in one basket: It&#39;s important to have a well-diversified portfolio to take advantage of any market condition. Those looking to diversify their portfolios can start by investing in asset classes that have low or negative correlations so that if one trade falls the other can potentially counteract it. Furthermore, ETFs and mutual funds are easy ways to select asset classes that will diversify your portfolio.

Don’t let emotions take over: While many beginner traders fall privy to this, trading based on an emotional impulse often results in traders buying and selling at inopportune times. One needs to understand the motivations behind emotional trading to mitigate the risk of making poor trading decisions.

“While trading offers great benefits, it is vital for traders to follow a set of guidelines and helps bring consistency to their strategy. This will ensure their longevity, and prosperity, in the game,” concludes Mawas.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of INFINOX Capital.
Contact details on behalf of INFINOX: Nosipho Mlotsana nosipho@eclipsepr.co.za Tel: +2721 023 0440 Cell: +2778 792 3281
About INFINOX: INFINOX is an award-winning and market leading online trading platform. Founded in 2009, with the vision of delivering a customer-focused trading experience, INFINOX has been offering its clients premium service in a range of asset classes. We empower traders and help them gain access to markets so they can trade forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and futures; using our fast, efficient and reliable trading technology.
We are committed to providing our clients with outstanding service, and offer a dedicated multi-lingual support team that’s available 24 hours a day 5 days a week. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced trader, INFINOX provides the relevant tools to help you get started and improve your trading strategies. We offer instant funding options and the ability to withdraw your money swiftly.
Founded in London, our operations in Africa are authorised and regulated by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB), Registration No. SIA-F188.
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Do’s and don’ts for successful online trading

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Women’s Rugby action in Uganda resumed with a lot of vigor and excitement after a year of no play. The teams were subjected to COVID19 testing before the tournament officially kicked off. A total of 11 teams participated (7 in central and 4 in Eastern region) in the rugby 10s tournaments over the weekend. The regional 10s will continue in Central, Eastern, and Northern Uganda on a tier points system.  Tier 1 teams comprise of experienced and seasoned players while Tier 2 is made up of new and upcoming players with limited experience and exposure.

Bugema RFC, Bumageni RFC, Mbale Eagles RFC and Nyondo RFC formed the Eastern block of participating teams while Avengers, Black Pearls and Thunderbirds (Tier 1); Black Diamonds, Blue Whales RFC, Ewes RFC and Lady Swans RFC (Tier 2) formed the central block of the regional women&#39;s tournaments respectively. The national team management teams were in attendance to identify players for U20 and the senior national team so as to create a sustainable pathway for the women&#39;s game in Uganda. Due to the ongoing pandemic, no fans were allowed but there was a provision for people to watch the games at the comfort of their homes through a livestream.
In the Eastern region 10s, Mbale Eagles won their first game against Bumageni (44-00) and won their second game against Nyondo (38-00). Bugema lost all their three games while Bumageni won one against them (48-00). Nandudu Monica was the top try scorer with 30 tries while Matsula Nambozo registered 20 conversions.
In the Central region, Black Pearls won their two games (31-05) against Thunderbirds and (26-00) against Avengers. The Avengers registered one win against Thunderbirds (22-12). Emilly Lekuru emerged the MVP of the senior’s category while Isabella Abbo emerged MVP of the Age grade side.
‘’I would like to thank the Uganda Rugby Union spearheaded by our president Mr. Godwin Kayangwe that committed to ensure that women’s rugby resumes. It was an exciting weekend to see our ladies back on the field proving that indeed women in rugby are unstoppable and if the playing field is leveled, every young girl has an opportunity to showcase their talent. With increased visibility, resources and mentorship, growing women’s rugby is possible. Rugby is an important tool in empowering girls and women and each one of us has a key role to play in promoting the game.’’-Women’s Representative, Regina Lunyolo.
Action returns this weekend with second round circuits when Bumageni RFC host the Eastern regional tournament on Saturday 24th April 2021 whereas Black Pearls RFC will host on Sunday 25th April 2021 at Kings Park in Bweyogerere, Kampala.
Table Standings
Central region tier 1:
 	Blue Whales- 9pts 	Black Diamonds- 6pts 	Lady Swans- 3 pts 	Ewes-1 point 
Teams Standings 
Central Region Women’s Senior Teams:
 	Black Pearls-6pts 	Avengers-4pts 	Thunderbirds-2pts 
Eastern Region:
 	Mbale Eagles-9 pts 	Nyondo-6 pts 	Bumageni-3pts 	Bugema-1pt Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Uganda Rugby Union.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com
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Uganda Women’s Rugby Action Resumes

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The 8th edition of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) Africa Asia Luminary will be co-chaired by H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, First Lady of the Republic of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation; The President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. EDGAR LUNGU and Chairman of Merck KG executive board, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp will officially inaugurate the “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” Online; 19 African First Ladies will be the Guests of Honor and Ministers of Health, Gender, Information, Education and Science &#038; Technology from 25 African countries to participate; More than 2000 healthcare providers, policymakers and media from over 70 countries will benefit from the Luminary.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck Germany, will conduct their annual conference, the 8th Edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary” from 27th April to 29th April 2021 in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The conference will be conducted on a virtual platform, and will be inaugurated by H.E. Mr. EDGAR LUNGU, The President  of Zambia along with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and is co-chaired by H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasized, “We are proud to welcome our Guests of Honors and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of 19 African Countries and African Ministers of different sectors from more than 25 countries. Together, we will discuss our strategy to build healthcare capacity and establish a strong platform of specialized trained medical experts to be the first in their countries and to define interventions to break infertility stigma and support girl education. This annual scientific and social education program will also engage healthcare providers, academia and media in an open dialogue and deliberations on various topics with the aim to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions.”
Following the Inauguration of the Luminary, on the 27th of April, a high-level panel meeting of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee, will be conducted together with 19 African First Ladies to discuss healthcare and social issues that can be addressed to contribute to the Social and Economic Development in Africa; and advance healthcare, media and awareness capacities and capabilities in these countries. The African First Ladies attending the conference as Guest of Honor are:
 	H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia Co-chairperson of 8th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 	H.E. Mrs. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola 	H.E. Mrs. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana 	H.E. Madam SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso 	H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi 	H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic 	H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of The Congo 	H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia 	H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana 	H.E. Madam DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of the Republic of Guinea 	H.E. Mrs. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia 	H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi 	H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique 	H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of the Republic of Namibia 	H.E. Madam AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU- MAHAMADOU, The First Lady of the Republic of the Niger 	H.E. Dr. Mrs. AISHA MUHAMMADU BUHARI, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 	H.E. Mrs. FATIMA MAADA BIO, The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone 	H.E. Mrs. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe 
“I am looking forward to welcome my dear sisters, Her Excellencies, for the conference. Moreover, I am also very happy that during the conference will also mark an important occasion; the 4th Anniversary of Merck Foundation”, added Senator, Dr. Kelej.
On the 28th of April, MARS- Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit will he held where a High-Level Panel Discussion with Ministers of Health, Science and Technology, Education, Information And Gender and MARS Researchers will be held with the objective to empower African young researchers &#038; women researchers, advancing their research capacity and empower them in STEM.
On the third day, 29th April, Merck Foundation Health Media Training will be organized for the African and Latin American Media fraternity to emphasize the important role that media plays to break the stigma around infertility, in raising awareness about infertility prevention and empowering girls and women through education.
Other important scientific sessions  in different  medical fields  will also be held in parallel on Day 2 and Day 3 of the Luminary.
During Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, in order to contribute to the social and economic development of Africa and Asia, more than 2000 Healthcare providers, policy makers, academia, researchers and health media from more than 70 countries from Africa, asia and Latin America iwill benefit from the three days conference that contain valuable educational and social development sessions in four languages; English, French, Spanish and Portuguese by top International experts in Diabetes, Fertility, Oncology, women health, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory and Acute Medicine and Health Media with the aim to raise health awareness and improve disease management, early detection and prevention, build healthcare capacity and improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across the three continents.
The Luminary’21 will also mark the announcement of two awards for media fraternity, Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Mask Up With Care” Media Recognition Awards 2021; two awards for fashion fraternity, Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Make Your Own Mask” Fashion Awards 2021; in addition to Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021.
Countries participating in the 8th Africa Asia Luminary include:
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d&#39;Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 8th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary will be streamed live on 27th April, from 14h to 18:030h (Gulf Standard Time) and on 28th and  29th April 2021 from 13h to 18:00h (Gulf Standard Time), @ Merck Foundation Facebook page (https://bit.ly/3v5WB5z) and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook page. (https://bit.ly/3sGXPCF).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: bit.ly/2LdbD8F Twitter: bit.ly/2LesKH8 YouTube: bit.ly/3sdHMxm Instagram: bit.ly/2LC26rm Flickr: bit.ly/2XqzQdU Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com Download Merck Foundation App: https://bit.ly/2MmNvAU
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 &#038; 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. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (bit.ly/2MU6Fht), Twitter (bit.ly/3scVf8t), Instagram (bit.ly/3boJ0jr), YouTube (bit.ly/3sf4aWX) and Flicker (bit.ly/3snPHZ8).
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Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2021, 8th edition to be conducted on 27th to 29th April 2021, with 19 African First Ladies as Guests of Honor

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Following recent demonstrations and other violence around North Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 120 wounded people are being treated at Beni General Referral Hospital and Bethesda Hospital in Goma (also known as CBCA Ndosho Hospital) with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has also provided medical supplies to other facilities treating the wounded.

On 14 April 2021, medical teams supported by the ICRC were treating 51 wounded people at Beni General Referral Hospital, including nine admitted in connection with the recent demonstrations. Another six people wounded in other demonstrations were being treated in Butembo and Oicha, outside Beni. Between 12 and 14 April, 36 people wounded north of Goma were admitted to Bethesda Hospital, bringing the total number hospitalized there to 68.
&#8220;Currently almost all 74 beds at Bethesda Hospital are occupied, and all 43 beds at Beni General Referral Hospital are occupied,&#8221; said Kelnor Panglungtshang, head of the ICRC&#39;s subdelegation in Goma. &#8220;Our teams have been mobilized for more than a week to help hospitals cope with the influx. We&#39;ve also provided medical supplies and medicines to help hospitals, including the Congolese National Police Hospital, cope with the growing number of patients.&#8221;
The ICRC is also monitoring whether medical personnel are being allowed to carry out their activities unhindered. Medical workers, facilities and transport must be respected and protected, and all necessary measures must be taken to ensure that the wounded and sick have safe and timely access to proper care. All of this is critical in situations of violence.
In addition, the ICRC has heard reports of children losing contact with their families during the recent violence north of Goma. The organization is in contact with the local Red Cross to assess whether and how it might be able to help.
The ICRC has been helping to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other violence in North Kivu since 1993. It provides support to several medical facilities that stabilize and treat people wounded in the violence. Those most seriously injured are transferred to Bethesda Hospital in Goma, where the ICRC has set up a war surgery programme.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

DR Congo: Worrying influx of wounded people at Beni and Goma hospitals

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Under normal circumstances, one would expect frontline health workers to be lining up in thousands to receive the much-anticipated lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine that does not only offer scientifically proven protection to them but also saves the lives of the eager patients.

The COVID-19 outbreak has ushered in some strange behaviours among some front-line health workers in Uganda among which is vaccine hesitancy. Who could have imagined that health workers would be hesitant about a vaccine whose benefits they know very well?
Strangely, some have retreated to the end of the vaccination line in a wait-and-see posture, while for others it is an outright no to the vaccine – at least for now.  
Official figures from the Ministry of Health indicate that out of over 80,000 health workers expected to receive the vaccine, slightly over 10,000 had been vaccinated by 31st March 2021. This is not only strange but also worrying, given that health workers are often looked at as influencers, whose opinion and actions tend to determine uptake of services such as the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination.  
The situation was worsened by misinformation and negative rumours peddled on social media and the doubts cast over the AstraZeneca vaccine that were beamed to the world from some WHO regions. This is the worst nightmare every communicator or mobilizer dreads especially when tasked to promote or create demand for a health product over which their very own are hesitant, thereby fuelling larger community doubt.
“During mobilization in the different hospital departments, most health workers confessed that they would not take up the vaccine because some of their senior doctors had told them about the possible long term adverse health effects of the vaccine,” Jude Kaliisa, the social mobilizer for Hoima Regional Referral vaccination centre said when asked to explain this hesitancy.
That response set the scene and summarized the task ahead of the Ministry of Health and WHO field team based in Hoima. There was no time to lose or room for failure given that the Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng had made it clear at the national launch of the COVID-19 vaccination at Mulago National Referral Hospital that health workers were not only the priority group given the nature of their work but most importantly they should set an example for the rest of the country.
Therefore, vaccine hesitancy by health workers was least expected as this would derail the programme which is unacceptable. Consequently, targeted messages were designed and several one-on-one or group sessions were organised to address hesitancy and doubt among health workers. Using Information, Communication and Education materials from the Ministry of Health and WHO country office, facts were synthesised, misinformation corrected, rumours dispelled, and benefits of the vaccine clearly explained.
On the day the vaccine was launched in the sub-region, WHO team members had to take the vaccine in full view of other health workers and the community to assure them of its safety and efficacy. It was therefore great relief when, after a few engagements and demonstration, several health workers such as nurse Margret from Kagadi Hospital agreed to be vaccinated for their “own safety but also to protect their communities.”
“At first I doubted the vaccines when one of the doctors I look up to refused to receive it. However, after a one-on-one with the WHO officer, I made up my mind to get the jab to protect myself, patients, and family members,” said nurse Margret.  At present that is the trend, and many health workers are increasingly taking up the vaccine in the sub-region.
The role of peer influence was well demonstrated in the uptake of the vaccine at Kagadi hospital. For instance, some health workers hesitated because their leader, the head of the case management team had not yet taken it.  “Doctor, we want to see you take the first jab then we follow,” they requested him at the launch function. He complied while explaining, that the COVID-19 vaccine is an individual decision that should be taken with informed consent which they all should exercise.
In addition, the health workers in the sub-region are now vaccination ambassadors as they encourage clients of the hospital who fall under the targeted groups to immediately take up vaccine.
“I heard from the nurse at the waiting area in the Out-Patient Department encouraging people above 60 years and those with diseases such as high blood pressure, and diabetes to get vaccinated because they are at risk. I had to get the vaccine to protect myself and live longer to see my children get married and bear me grandchildren,” said 60-year-old Miriam Kwikiriza as she exited the OPD at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
As indicated, initially, the turn-up of health workers was low in most district vaccination centres in the sub-region. They have since taken up the vaccine and figures from the district health offices show that by the second week of April 2021, over 800 out of 1,000 health workers have been vaccinated in Hoima, 111 out of 250 in Kiryandongo; 82 out of 262 in Bulisa; 62 in Kibaale.  
At Hoima Regional Referral Hospital vaccination centre, the situation is even better with 358 out of 400 health workers vaccinated. It should be remembered that vaccine hesitancy in this district started at this centre following doubts by some senior consultants. They are now encouraging other health workers to take up the vaccine after Continuous Medical Education sessions were held from which they got more scientific information on the vaccine.
“The side effects are normal and are part of the reactions like any other drug and they will go after two days,” Dr Charles Barungi a senior gynaecologist assured one of the nurses who was complaining about the mild side effects.
Meanwhile, the District, Ministry of Health and WHO field teams have intensified their activities in the sub-region as the vaccination is cascaded to other priority groups. They are relying on direct engagements, group meetings, using influencers and change agents to break the barriers. These are age-old and proven interventions that should help to return the situation and circumstances to normal default.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Frontline Health workers in Hoima District Hesitate about COVID-19 vaccination, then Embrace it after WHO Assurance

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The Gambia has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third African country to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated the disease as a public health threat.

Trachoma is a neglected tropical eye disease that mainly affects children, with infection less common with increasing age. In adults, women are up to four times more likely than men to be affected by the late complications of trachoma mainly due to their close contact with infected children.
A 2018–2019 survey on trachoma trichiasis (an advanced stage) in The Gambia found that the prevalence of the disease among people aged 15 and above ranged from 0% to 0.02%, beating the threshold required for the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. This a huge achievement when compared with the mid-80s when a national survey estimated that the disease was responsible for almost one in five cases of blindness countrywide.
The Gambia’s success in eliminating trachoma is largely attributed to strong collaboration with partner organizations to implement the WHO-developed SAFE strategy, which entails surgery for trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes), antibiotics to clear infection, and facial cleanliness and environmental improvement (particularly increased access to water and sanitation) to decrease transmission.
At the heart of the efforts against trachoma are The Gambian community volunteers who have played a crucial role in mobilizing communities and promoting behaviour change.
“This is a remarkable achievement that has saved many children, mothers and families from preventable visual impairment or blindness and improved their quality of life and well-being,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “It is also a clear sign that we can achieve significant milestones through dedicated efforts in tackling health challenges in the region.”
Progress against neglected tropical disease has alleviated the human and economic burden they impose on the world’s most disadvantaged communities. The 2021–2030 global strategy on neglected tropical diseases seeks to prevent, control or eradicate 20 diseases or disease categories by 2030.
Globally, trachoma is a public health problem in 45 countries with an estimated 137 million people living in trachoma-endemic areas. Of the 45 endemic countries for trachoma worldwide, 29 are on the African continent.
Significant progress has been made in the African region in the control of trachoma over the last couple of years. The number of people that required treatment with antibiotics for trachoma in the region fell by 72 million from 189 million in 2014 to 117 million in 2020.
Despite The Gambia’s achievement, non-formal schools, especially those located in previously trachoma-endemic areas, remain a concern due to poor living conditions such as overcrowding and inadequate sanitary facilities, water supply and basic hygiene. The schools pose a challenge to sustaining the achievement as pupils come from both within and outside The Gambia, increasing the risk of transmission across geographical locations. WHO and the government will continue to closely monitor these schools and the communities to ensure there is a rapid, proportionate response to any resurgence of the disease.
“I congratulate the Gambian health workers for the hard work that resulted in the elimination of trachoma as a public health threat in The Gambia. The work does not stop here. We still count on your continued effort to in monitor the trend and provision of the needed care to sustain the great gains. Please keep up the excellent work,” said Dr Desta Alamerew Tiruneh, WHO Representative in The Gambia.
The disease 
Trachoma is a devastating eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection spreads from person to person through contaminated fingers, fomites and flies that came into contact with discharge from the eyes and nose of an infected person.
Environmental risk factors for trachoma transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, inadequate access to water as well as access and use of proper sanitation facilities.
Repeated infections in early childhood lead to scarring of the inner side of the upper eyelids resulting in inwards turning of the eyelid margin with the lashes touching the globe, a painful condition known as Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT), which if left untreated results in visual impairment and blindness.
GET2020
In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET2020). With other partners in the Alliance, WHO supports country implementation of the SAFE strategy and strengthening of national capacity through epidemiological assessment, monitoring, surveillance, project evaluation and resource mobilization. Elimination of trachoma is inexpensive, simple and extremely cost effective, yielding a high rate of net economic return.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

The Gambia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

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The Government of Rwanda will in March 2022 host the inaugural IUCN (www.IUCN.org) Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) to discuss conservation of the continent’s protected areas. This comes after the relaunch of APAC in Kigali, Rwanda on 20th April 2021.

The congress which will be held from 7th – 12th March 2022 will be convened by the Government of Rwanda, the International Union for Conservation of Nature &#8211; World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) (www.AWF.org) in collaboration with partners.
Speaking at the relaunch event, the Chief Guest Dr Jeanne d&#39;Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment – Republic of Rwanda said: “Having been an IUCN Member since 2016, Rwanda is very proud to take up the global conservation leadership mantle and become the first African country to host the African Protected Area Congress. The Government of Rwanda recognizes the role of protected and conserved areas in ensuring the conservation of nature, sustaining ecosystem services and promoting sustainable development. We are indeed hopeful that through these efforts and deliberations obtained through the congress, Rwanda and the rest of Africa will be on the right trajectory towards recovery of our protected and conserved areas.”
Key conservation organizations and development partners have been actively engaged in the planning process for APAC, the first of its kind continent-wide gathering of African leaders, citizens, businesses and interest groups to discuss the role of protected areas in conserving nature and promoting sustainable development in Africa.
Deliberations convened around the themes Protected areas, People and Biodiversity aim to generate pathways that build and empower the current and the next generation of leaders to realize an African future where wildlife and wildlands are valued as an asset that contributes to development.
Luther Anukur, IUCN Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa said: “Protected and conserved areas play an important role in securing the resilience of ecosystems to help Africa build back better from COVID-19 and to reduce risks of future pandemics. APAC is a joint effort from conservation partners and African leaders. It is expected to contribute to African Union’s Agenda 2063 of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”
“One major lesson we have drawn from the past year is that overnight transformational change is possible. A different world, a different economy is suddenly dawning. Through this continental partnership, Africa will be able to present a unified front towards delivering a lasting balance between people, prosperity and our planetary boundaries. African Wildlife Foundation takes great pride in the central role we are playing to raise an African constituency in conservation and this congress is one of the major steps towards achieving this,” said AWF CEO, Kaddu Sebunya.
Through the congress, all partners hope to achieve African leadership commitment towards creating a unified African voice in conservation that will value African people and nature through effective protected areas.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).
Editor’s Notes: The APAC initiative will enhance the status of conservation in Africa by engaging Governments, the Private Sector, Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and Academia to shape Africa’s Agenda for Protected and Conserved Areas to better deliver benefits for people and nature.
The Africa Protected Area Congress will be held in Kigali, Rwanda in March 2022. Further details on the participation, venue and duration will be released in subsequent communication after the launch.
Media contact: For interviews and media queries contact Caroline Nyamamu at Caroline.Nyamamu@iucn.org or Wambui Odhiambo of AWF at wodhiambo@awf.org
About IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas: IUCN&#39;s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is the world&#39;s premier network of protected area expertise, administered by IUCN&#39;s Global Programme on Protected Areas. WCPA works by helping governments and others plan protected areas and integrate them into all sectors; by providing strategic advice to policy makers; by strengthening capacity and investment in protected areas; and by convening the diverse constituency of protected area stakeholders to address challenging issues.
About African Wildlife Foundation: The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands.
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The Inaugural IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress Officially Relaunched

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More than 200,000 Zimbabweans have returned home over the past year due to the economic fallout from COVID-19 in countries where they had been working. 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing nurses to help Zimbabwean officials conduct COVID-19 tests. Other services include critical risk communications and disease surveillance activities, infection prevention and control, protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Reintegration Assistance. 
IOM Zimbabwe Chief of Mission Mario Lito Malanca noted the number of returns exceeded expectations, highlighting the massive socio-economic impact the virus has had across the regions requiring a refocus on long-term solutions. 
“Without these measures, we will see many returnees falling deeper into crisis, resorting to negative coping mechanisms, and possibly being forced to migrate once again through irregular means,” he said. 
More than 1.9 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Southern Africa since March 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and over 60,000 lives were lost. Worst hit were the three main destination countries for Zimbabwean migrant workers: South Africa, Malawi and Botswana. 
An IOM survey of the returnees found that, in most cases, the decision to return was linked to the impacts of the pandemic, including financial challenges, hunger and loss of accommodation, lack of access to medical assistance, mental health support, identity document issues and the risk of assault in the country where they were working.   
The survey also found that the returnees have professional skills ranging from construction to trading, agriculture, catering, painting, and domestic work.   
The Zimbabwean Government’s guidelines require returnees to have valid COVID-19 certificates prior to entering the country. Without a valid test certificate, they are sent to provincial quarantine centres in Beitbridge, Plumtree and Chirundu to await testing. 
With support from IOM and its Development Fund (IDF), the Government of Zimbabwe is engaging with its neighbours toward bilateral agreements to tackle the push factors of the returns, while setting up internal mechanisms of socio-economic reintegration through employment assistance projects. 
On Thursday 22 April, IOM and the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa are organising a virtual webinar on Zimbabwe Diaspora engagement for development. The objective is to initiate a sustained dialogue between the Government of Zimbabwe and its Diaspora on development-related issues. Registration can be completed here. 
IOM Zimbabwe’s recently launched USD 38.9 million Crisis Response Plan 2021 aims to strengthen COVID-19 preparedness and response capacities well into 2021 and to promote socio-economic reintegration through self-employment, community income projects and livelihood activities targeting 1.7 million people. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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More than 200,000 People Return to Zimbabwe as COVID-19 Impacts Regional Economies

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Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, will visit the Africa Centres for Disease control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in Addis Ababa. This visit marks the start of the implementation of the EU&#39;s new €100 million humanitarian initiative in support of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Africa. As announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the G7 meeting in February 2021, this €100 million initiative is part of the European Commission&#39;s efforts to ensure equitable and fair access to safe and effective vaccines to all. By joining forces with the Africa CDC and other international partners, the European Commission aims to support a fast and safe rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in Africa.

Following his meeting with the Head of the Africa CDC, Dr. John Nkengasong, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, stressed: “I am delighted to announce today the start of a new chapter in the EU&#39;s partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This additional EU funding in support of the rollout of vaccination campaigns against the coronavirus pandemic in Africa will help to ensure that no one is left behind, including people in hard-to-access humanitarian crisis settings. I look forward to an even closer cooperation with the Africa CDC in the future, to strengthen our readiness and efficient preparedness to respond together to the challenges of tomorrow.”
This EU initiative, with a steering role of the Africa CDC, will support two complementary dimensions of the vaccination campaigns in Africa:
 	One track of indicative €25 million in funding will aim to support the rollout of the vaccination campaign in African countries. This will include the support of capacity building of national health authorities and health care workers as well as the support to managing the information and coordination platform on vaccination. It will also address critical logistical gaps, including equipment. This implementation at country and continental level will ensure better and independent monitoring of the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns across Africa, supporting Africa CDC&#39;s ongoing work. From a long-term perspective, it would also seek to reinforce national health systems&#39; resilience to address future epidemic outbreaks. 	The second track of an indicative €65 million in funding aims to support the rollout of vaccination campaigns in specific humanitarian settings, notably in conflict and hard-to-reach areas, implemented through needs-specific activities, in close cooperation with various EU humanitarian partners. 	A further €10 million is in reserve, to be allocated to any of two tracks as needed. 
Background
In February 2021, President von der Leyen announced that an additional €100 million would be provided in humanitarian assistance to support the roll-out of vaccination campaigns in Africa in cooperation with the Africa CDC. The €100 million are mobilised as part of the EU&#39;s Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve. This funding comes on top of the funding already mobilised by the EU and its Member States as part of the Team Europe approach.
In April 2020, the European Commission together with High Representative/Vice President set out plans for a targeted EU response to support partner countries&#39; efforts in tackling the coronavirus pandemic combining resources from the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions, as ‘Team Europe&#39;. By 1 January 2021, Team Europe had already supported partner countries around the world with more than €26 billion, 65% of the overall response package that now stands at over €40 billion and exceeding the original €20 billion pledged.
Team Europe is also working to ensure global, equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and supporting the rollout of vaccination campaigns, while exploring possibilities for boosting local manufacturing capacity. The EU played a leading role in setting up the COVAX Facility, the global initiative that allows high-income countries to fund vaccines for low and middle-income countries and where Team Europe is one of the leading donors, with over €2.2 billion.
The EU humanitarian support to COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Africa will be implemented in partnership with the Africa CDC, and channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross movement and humanitarian non-governmental organisations. This funding will support vaccination campaigns in countries with critical humanitarian needs and fragile health systems to ensure that the most vulnerable have access to safe and effective vaccines. It will also contribute to strengthening the health systems in Africa so that the continent is better prepared against future outbreaks, delivering on the commitments made under the EU–Africa partnership.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Commission.

EU launches EUR100 million humanitarian initiative to support COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Africa

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$6.5 million from the Government of Japan. This contribution is timely at the start of the lean season when more than 7.2 million people in South Sudan are expected to face acute food shortages.

This latest contribution consists of US$4.5 million for life-saving food assistance to people who are severely food insecure and US$ 2 million to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience.
WFP will use this contribution to support 115,000 people in Jonglei, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes States, where food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels due to continuing violence, two years of excessive flooding, displacement and the loss of livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure and homes that have left millions of people highly vulnerable and unable to provide for themselves.
“It is our sincere wish that Japan’s grant helps save the people from food insecurity accelerated by natural disaster, communal violence and displacement and bring those suffering people back to a normal living environment which is the precondition to pave the way to nation building and economic development in South Sudan,” said H.E. Tsutsumi Naohiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan.
The contribution will also support WFP’s livelihoods and resilience-building programmes, which include creation of community assets such as access roads and multi-purpose water points. These communal assets are geared towards improving families’ access to local markets to sell their produce and purchase food and other essentials, as well as their access to clean water.
“We are grateful to Japan for this timely contribution at a time when food needs are the greatest but funding for humanitarian assistance is dwindling because of the economic impact of COVID-19. This noble gesture demonstrates the government of Japan’s commitment towards alleviating suffering and contributing to peace in South Sudan,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP’s Country Director in South Sudan. “It is a great boost towards our saving lives and changing lives efforts.”
The Government of Japan has funded food assistance to developing countries since 1968. Japan has supported WFP’s work in South Sudan since 2013, contributing more than US$35 million.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Japan donates US$6.5 million to WFP to stem food insecurity in South Sudan

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Recent clashes between government forces and rebel groups in northern Central African Republic (CAR) have forced more than 2,000 refugees to cross into Chad in the past week.

The new arrivals from CAR’s Kaga-Bandoro region told our teams in Chad that they fled clashes, as well as acts of violence, pillaging or extortion from rebel groups as government forces were closing in on them. As people headed for the border, others from Batangafo and Kabo on the road leading to Chad followed suit due to fear of attacks.
To reach Chad, people had to wade shoulder-deep through the Grande Sido river, with the some carrying their few belongings on their heads. The refugees are now settled in Gandaza village and the bordering town of Sido, although some are having to resort to crossing back into CAR to find food or salvage what little is left from their properties.
Shelter, food and water, as well as access to sanitation and health care, are the most urgent needs of the refugees. UNHCR’s ability to meet their basic requirements is severely constrained by a lack of funding and resources.
Fighting in northern CAR reignited due to an armed rebellion following contested elections in December, uprooting hundreds of thousands of people inside the country and across borders into neighbouring states. The influx had considerably slowed since mid-March after government forces and their allies reclaimed most of the rebel strongholds. This has allowed 37,000 formerly internally displaced people to return to their areas of origin, who now need help to rebuild their lives.
Chad currently hosts close to 11,000 of the total 117,000 Central African refugees who also fled to neighbouring Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo in the wake of the post-electoral violence, which also displaced 164,000 people inside the country.
The CAR humanitarian crisis is one of the most underfunded UNHCR operations globally, with only 12 per cent of the US$164.7 million requirement currently met despite the scale of displacement. Nearly one third of the country’s population is now uprooted following a decade of instability.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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More refugees arrive in Chad following recent clashes in Central African Republic

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Two years on from the launch of a pilot programme, more than 1.7 million doses of the world’s first malaria vaccine have been administered in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, benefitting more than 650 000 children with additional malaria protection.

The number of children reached in this relatively short period indicates strong community demand for the vaccine as well as the capacity of the countries’ child immunization programmes to deliver the vaccine on a novel schedule (4 doses up to about age 2 years).
At a time when global progress in malaria control has stalled, the protection provided by the RTS,S malaria vaccine, when added to currently recommended malaria control interventions, has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives per year.
“Ghana, Kenya and Malawi show that existing childhood vaccination platforms can effectively deliver the malaria vaccine to children, some of whom have not been able to access an insecticide treated bed net or other malaria prevention measures,” says Dr Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. “This vaccine may be key to making malaria prevention more equitable, and to saving more lives.” 
“Over the last 2 decades, we have achieved remarkable results with existing malaria control tools, averting more than 7 million deaths and 1.5 billion cases of the disease,” says Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “However, progress towards key targets of our global malaria strategy remains off course. To get back on track, new tools are urgently needed – and malaria vaccines must be a critical component of the overall toolkit.”
Insights generated by the pilot implementation will inform a WHO recommendation on broader use of the vaccine across sub-Saharan Africa.  Global advisory bodies for immunization and malaria are expected to convene in October 2021 to review RTS,S data and consider whether to recommend wider use of the vaccine.
“In some ways malaria is the child health emergency of a lifetime – or many lifetimes – in Africa. We applaud the work of participating countries that has resulted in malaria vaccine pilots with strong vaccination coverage that will add to our understanding of the RTS,S vaccine’s potential to improve child health and strengthen malaria control – and, potentially, reverse trends,” says Dr Akpaka Kalu, Team Leader for Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases in the WHO African Region.
Meanwhile, the most recent World malaria report found that over the last four years progress in reducing malaria has hit a plateau. In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million malaria episodes and 400 000 deaths from the disease. Over 90% of malaria deaths occur in Africa, the majority — more than 265 000 – in young children.
RTS,S is the first and, to date, the only vaccine that has been shown to reduce malaria in children, including life-threatening severe malaria, related hospital admissions and the need for blood transfusions. The vaccine is currently being piloted in areas of moderate to high malaria transmission where malaria can account for up to 60% of childhood outpatient visits to health facilities.
The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme supports the country-led introduction of the RTS,S vaccine in childhood immunization; and, separately, the evaluation of how best to reach children with the recommended four-dose regimen, the impact on severe malaria and on lives saved, and vaccine safety in routine use.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

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Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (20 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (20 April 2021)

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Frontline Health workers in Hoima District Hesitate about COVID-19 vaccination, then Embrace it after WHO Assurance

The Gambia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

The Inaugural IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress Officially Relaunched

More than 200,000 People Return to Zimbabwe as COVID-19 Impacts Regional Economies

EU launches EUR100 million humanitarian initiative to support COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Africa

Japan donates US$6.5 million to WFP to stem food insecurity in South Sudan

More refugees arrive in Chad following recent clashes in Central African Republic

RTS,S malaria vaccine reaches more than 650 000 children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi through groundbreaking pilot programme

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