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.

Systemic change in terms of the way we produce, consume and treat the environment needs to happen live – in our brains, corporate board rooms, and parliaments. In order to better understand how people around the globe perceive a transformation from a linear take-make-waste economy to a circular refuse-reduce-rethink society, the Vienna-based non-profit organization REVOLVE Circular (www.Revolve.media/Circular) and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at the Utrecht University (https://bit.ly/3tkzrIf) will launch #ImagineCircularity (www.Imagine-Circularity.world) on 19 April 2021 &#8211; the first ever survey seeking to understand how people around the globe envision a more circular economy.

The circular economy is still a relatively new paradigm which different stakeholders understand, apply and promote in a different manner. Some also criticise the concept for focusing narrowly on resource challenges and resource efficiency while neglecting environmental and societal concerns. The first global survey on the circular economy entitled ‘Imagine Circularity’ will seek to understand how consumers, producers and product designers perceive the circular economy. The findings shall feed into policy-making processes, influence corporate decision-making, and help change consumption patterns globally.
“Let’s be honest: the necessary transformation from a linear economy obsessed with an economic growth paradigm to a circular and inclusive society will not happen in well-written reports, press releases or in Zoom meetings”, says Sören Bauer, President of the Austrian non-profit organisation REVOLVE Circular. “Fifty years after the US American musician Gil Scott-Heron released ‘The revolution will not be televised’ (https://bit.ly/3dXIdFI), a funky spoken word poem, we pay tribute to him and repeat his bold statement: You have to understand and change your mind before you change the way you live, the way you consume and the way you move ahead. Our claim that the circular transformation will not be live-streamed means that no one will ever be able to capture in zoom, MS Teams meetings or YouTube the systemic change that needs to happen in terms of consumer behaviour, and the way we produce and run the global economy. This change has to happen live &#8211; in our brains, corporate board rooms, and parliaments.” 
Imagine Circularity has been designed as a survey that introduces each participant to a range of basic concepts related to the circular economy and in turn enhances participants’ circular literacy. As an opinion poll, its results will provide insights on the different understandings and perceptions on the topic across a wide range of stakeholders and countries. The aim is to engage one million participants from around the world in order to produce a representative sample of global views and understandings. Walter Vermeulen from the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands explains: “In our partnership with REVOLVE Circular we provide expertise from many years of sustainability and circular economy research to ensure the global survey is methodologically strong and captures circularity in a holistic manner. In addition to a global report, we hope to be able to produce a range of country, city, and industry reports, as many various partners from different countries are already planning to join us in this global effort. We will also use the survey’s findings for producing scientific evidence on how different stakeholders in various world regions and industries understand and perceive the circular economy globally.” The Copernicus Institute is the main partner of the global survey initiative which will initially be launched in English only. Up till 30 November 2021, partners can join the survey initiative by translating it into their respective language; in addition, they can extend the generic survey and adapt it into a culturally customized version for their respective country.
Jocelyne Landry Tsonang from the Executive Team of the African Circular Economy Network ACEN (www.ACEN.africa) says: “We are very interested in joining this global initiative to find out how people in Africa envisage a circular economy. Our experience shows that there are five main challenges and barriers to a more circular Africa. First and foremost, are the lack of institutional capacity and proper understanding of the concept as many policy-makers have simply not yet grasped the various benefits and the scope of circularity for the continent. Related to that is the misconception that a circular economy is the same as waste management and recycling which are only the last resort: Circularity starts with designing ‘out waste,’ usually referred to as ‘circular design’. A further big worry are regulatory frameworks – in Africa, they either do not exist or are often counterproductive. It will be a major challenge to establish ‘pro-circularity regulations’ in Cameroon, let alone on the continent as a whole”, says the Cameroon-based entrepreneur.” Last but not least, there is the need and the opportunity to embed circular economy education in curricula and practice it in schools &#038; campuses which would enable the younger generation to work towards a circular Africa.”
Circular Economy for Dummies
Imagine Circularity is only one of many efforts around the globe to educate citizens, policy-makers, corporate decision-makers, and others on the opportunities, benefits, and necessity for a different economic model. In the United States of America, Kyle J. Ritchie and Eric Corey Freed have now co-authored the book “Circular Economy for Dummies” (www.CircularEconomyforDummies.com) which will be available as of 27 April. “It is important to acknowledge what I consider a pretty simple truth: We cannot rely on individuals to make the ‘right’ purchasing practices and change their buying behavior without a proper incentive in place. This isn’t to say humans are inherently bad and selfish; I’m simply saying if we could solely rely on the individuals of this world to shape a brighter future, we wouldn’t still be utilizing Styrofoam to keep our $1 coffee hot, despite knowing how detrimental it is as a material”, explains Kyle J. Ritchie who is also Education Sustainable Design Lead at CannonDesign. “From that platform of understanding then, we can accept that the structures of our society must change to incentivize individuals to make better decisions and support the circular management of products and materials. Only political and corporate leaders hold the potential to adjust the transition from linear to circular by providing incentives to the individual. By accepting this, we must then educate our political and corporate leaders on how to properly implement and roll-out those incentives in a way that is not overly disruptive to the current structures in place.” 
Partners around the world invited to join 
All interested parties are now invited to join REVOLVE Circular and the Copernicus Institute to bring the global opinion poll to their university, city, country or industry. In Italy, Chile and India, several circular economy organisations are already starting to join forces to co-create their respective national version of the survey. Imagine Circularity will go live on 19 April; the early birds’ deadline to join is 14 May, followed by the final deadline of 30 November. Throughout 2021, the original English version will be extended to versions in multiple other languages such as German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and other, and the survey will end on 15 January 2021. A global report and several country and industry reports are anticipated for March 2022.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of REVOLVE Circular.
For editors: Several presentations and background are available at Home &#8211; Imagine Circularity
Media contact: soren@revolve.media T. +43 664 530 7334 E. soren@revolve.media W. revolve.media/circular
About REVOLVE Circular: REVOLVE Circular (Revolve.media/Circular) is a non-profit organization based in Vienna, Austria. It advocates globally for a more circular economy by showcasing its contours, ripples and clusters: contours as it provides independent and constructive reporting; ripples by brokering knowledge; and clusters by researching and teaching the circular economy. For more information: Revolve.media/Circular
About the Copernicus Institute: The mission of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Utrecht University) is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society through the development of excellent and relevant knowledge, to influence political and private decisions by communicating this knowledge and by educating the change agents of the future. Given the integrated nature of sustainable development issues, knowledge development often benefits from a multidisciplinary focus.
Media files

#ImagineCircularity: the circular transformation will not be live-streamed

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.
The World Health Organization and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF) today signed a memorandum of understanding to scale up collaboration and boost access to health services in Francophone countries.

The agreement, finalized at a ceremony held at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, focuses on advancing universal health coverage, fighting malaria and collaborating on the development of the WHO Academy, which aims to train millions of health workers worldwide. It will also support COVID-19 response efforts, including on promoting equitable access to vaccines.
&#8220;Our actions, supported by this memorandum of understanding, must contribute to the development of social protection and universal access to public health services in the French-speaking countries,” said Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, IOF Secretary General. “This is a fundamental right for individuals and an essential condition for the socio-economic progress of our countries.”
Ms Mushikiwabo added: “This memorandum of understanding aims to bring IOF political and diplomatic support to some of WHO’s priorities.”
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the MoU signing further bolstered an already strong partnership with IOF, and would play a vital role in promoting and protecting people’s health, including in the response to COVID-19.
“Strengthening the relationship between WHO and the IOF comes at a crucial time, when the world needs even closer collaboration to fight COVID-19 and address existing health challenges, from malaria to inequitable access to health services,” said Dr Tedros. “Expanding universal health coverage and equipping current and future health systems with highly trained health workers are essential steps that WHO and IOF will continue working on together.”
Under the MoU, the IOF will work through advocacy actions, to promote and protect people’s access to the fundamental human right to health, in doing so supporting WHO’s work with national, regional and global authorities to advance access to universal health coverage. The MoU will, in particular, promote multilingualism, including use of the French language, in health promotion and training materials. Another key focus is promoting health education for young women and girls, including on sexual and reproductive health.
With 88 Member States and governments, the International Organization of the Francophonie (IOF) counts among its missions the promotion and protection of fundamental rights, among which the right to Health. Several Resolutions on this subject were adopted at the Francophonie by its governing bodies, the latest of which was approved by the Francophonie Ministerial Conference in November 2020, on &#8220;Living together during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-COVID world.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF) sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen access to health in Francophone countries

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.
On March 4th, UNESCO Madagascar presented the results of the study &#8220;Analysis of Out-of-School Children Data and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Madagascar,&#8221; conducted within the framework of the Global Out-of-School Children Initiative (OOSCI), for the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS).

With 258 million children, adolescents and youth out of school worldwide, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), many countries are still struggling with the lack of education. In response to this situation, UIS has launched five country studies, including one in Madagascar &#8211; a country where legislation emphasizes compulsory school attendance from age 6.
Results of the study in Madagascar:
The percentage of children not in school by level:
&#8211; Preschool (under 5 years old): 40% representing between 285,000 and 316,000 children
&#8211; Primary: 22% to 27% representing between 751,000 and 921,000 children
&#8211; Lower secondary: 30% to 40% representing between 741,000 and 1 million children
&#8211; Upper secondary: more than 60%, or nearly 1.4 million adolescents
The issues related to late entry, high school re-sits and dropouts at the primary level are among the most important problems of the Malagasy education system. Children enrolled in primary school are at greater risk of dropping out, where they have only a 33% chance of reaching the final grade. However, once students reach lower secondary school, they have a 73% chance of reaching the last grade, and those who reach upper secondary school have an 87% chance of reaching the last grade.
The proportions of out-of-school boys remain higher than those of girls in the 5-14 age groups, but girls are more likely to be out of school once they are older than 15. Across all dimensions of exclusion, out-of-school children are more likely to come from the poorest households, to be orphans, to have disabilities, and to live in rural areas or in certain regions in the south and southwest of the country.
Several demand and supply factors may explain school exclusion. At the household level, economic difficulties in the household, the low perception of the direct benefits of education combined with the need for labor in agricultural activities or herding, particularly for boys, explain a large part of the phenomenon of children not attending school. Early marriages, on the other hand, are a source of school dropout for young girls. As for schools, the cost of education, the distance from the school and the existence of incomplete schools with a discontinuity in educational offerings, the low qualification of teachers, and the existence of community teachers paid by parents have a significant influence on non-enrollment and dropout.
These data were collected in close partnership with the Malagasy Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Technical and Professional Education and the National Statistics Institute in Madagascar, and will be taken into consideration for policy and planning purposes and to facilitate synergies between the different stakeholders involved.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

School exclusion in Madagascar during COVID-19

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.
The Government is presenting an extensive investment in global health totalling more than SEK 2.5 billion to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines, prevent and manage the risk of corruption and counter displacement effects on health systems in the world’s poorest countries.

More than a year has passed since WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Worldwide, over 130 million people have been infected and at least 2.8 million people have lost their lives. Meanwhile, 114 million people have lost their jobs, 120 million have been pushed into extreme poverty and for more than 168 million children schools have been closed for almost a full year. The fact that we now have safe and effective vaccines is a major success, but to be effective the vaccines must reach all countries, not just the richest. COVAX, the global vaccine initiative, has already reached more than 100 countries – with more than 60 countries receiving donor funded doses – [HH1] but more resources are needed for these efforts to continue. Global access to vaccines is not just a question of solidarity – without vaccines, there is an increased risk of harmful mutations that threaten all countries including Sweden, economic recovery will be hampered and years of development risk being lost. The pandemic has also led to extensive displacement effects on health systems in the world’s poorest countries. That is why there is a need for continued investments in essential preventive measures such as routine vaccination and resilient health systems. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of corruption when there is such great global demand for vaccines.
The Government is responding to the challenges through a comprehensive global health initiative:
 	Instructions to Sida will be made more explicit, with an emphasis on counteracting displacement effects and investing in resilient health systems. 	The Government [intends to/will] also contribute SEK 2.25 billion to COVAX, which together with previous contributions amounting to SEK 200 million will make Sweden the world’s largest donor to COVAX in terms of population size. The contribution is made via the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), with payments over a 10-year period. 	At the same time, Sweden will also provide an additional SEK 250 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) to ensure access to essential vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries. 	The Government has decided to provide SEK 10 million to Transparency International to combat corruption and counterfeit vaccines during the vaccination phase. In addition, Sweden will take part in a global initiative to leverage new technologies to help ensure that vaccines actually reach their intended destination. 
Sweden’s increased support to COVAX is presented today via a video message from Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in connection with the virtual launch of the COVAX AMC Investment Opportunity, together with heads of state from Colombia, El Salvador, Moldova, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, and Cabo Verde, hosted by the US.
“This initiative demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to global health and access to COVID-19 vaccines in particular. This makes Sweden the world’s largest donor to COVAX relative to our population, and the fourth largest donor overall. We’re doing this to show solidarity, but also to contribute to our common goal to end the pandemic,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation Per Olsson Fridh.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government Offices of Sweden, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Sweden to make major investment in global access to vaccines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance and The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) are proud to announce collaboration to promote, support and facilitate bilateral trade and investment opportunities from Canada into Kenya.

The first engagement will be a virtual trade mission to Kenya from Canada in May.

The 3-year agreement MoU was signed today during the Second Session of the Binational Commission meeting between the Governments of Kenya and Canada – and is subject to ongoing renewal.

“This MoU will solidify the existing trade relations between Kenya and Canada and establish strong bonds between the two countries that will go a long way to boost private sector trade and investment. The MOU will also enable us to exchange business information with CACB which is critical especially to our members who wish to expand their coverage to international market,” explained Ms. Carole Kariuki Karuga, KEPSA CEO.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance is the apex body of private sector in Kenya.

The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is a 27-years old organization committed to accelerating trade, business and investment between Canada and Africa.

‘Nairobi is a vital gateway not just to Kenya and the region, but the continent’s economies of the future in Africa,’ noted Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

‘KEPSA is world leader in the private sector, showcasing excellence on the global stage. This MoU is a great honour for The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, our leadership, and all our members across Canada,’ says Deepak Dave, the organization’s long-standing representative in Nairobi and Chief Risk Officer at the African Trade Insurance Agency.

‘The joint intended results of the co-operation agreement between CACB and KEPSA seeks to increase two-way trade and investment between Canada and Kenya in all sectors &#8211; while laying the foundations to explore trade missions to Kenya by The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and to Canada by KEPSA,’ said Sebastian Spio-Garbrah, Chair of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Guided by this MOU, CACB and KEPSA will work together towards on a case-by-case basis exploring events together, exchange of business information and reciprocity members of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance to enjoy the privileges of membership afforded to CACB members, and to ensure KEPSA members are well-positioned in the Canadian market for investment and trade in all sectors and that CACB members are well-positioned in the Kenyan market for investment and trade in all sectors.

“As KEPSA, we remain committed to establishing progressive business and trade partnerships with Canada and other similar minded parties for a mutual benefit of our members as well as those of our CACB counterparts,” said Ms. Carole Kariuki Karuga, KEPSA CEO.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
For more info kindly contact: In Kenya Carole Kariuki Karuga, MBS, HSC | Chief Executive Officer Kenya Private Sector Alliance | 5th Floor, Shelter Afrique Building, Mamlaka Rd P.O. Box 3556-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Office: +254 20 2730371/2/2727936 | Fax: +254 20 2730374 Cell: +254 720 340949 / +254 735 999979 | ceo@kepsa.or.ke
In Canada Garreth Bloor, President The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Tel: +1.647.667.1223 Email: garreth@canadaafrica.ca
Manulife Building RTO 55 Bloor Street West, PO Box 19553 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T9
Media files

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business announce major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

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.
Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ján Kubiš concluded his first visit to the African Union in Addis Ababa and discussions on ways to strengthen the UN-AU cooperation in support of Libya and the region.

During his visit, Special Envoy Kubiš met with the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye. They agreed to elevate and strengthen the United Nations- African Union partnership, coordination and cooperation for the benefit of the people of Libya and lasting peace, security and stability in the country and the region. They discussed ways to intensify the UN-AU cooperation in numerous areas, especially in helping Libya to pursue national reconciliation and social cohesion, and the holding of national elections on 24 December 2021, in countering illicit movement of weapons and armed groups.  

The Special Envoy also met with the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Ms. Amira El Fadil. The meeting touched upon a range of issues, with a focus on migration and refugee issues, respect for their rights and the international humanitarian law and the revitalization of the joint Tripartite Task Force, which brings together the AU, European Union (EU), and the UN, notably the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and UN High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR).  
The Special Envoy expressed his appreciation for the continuous and strong productive engagement of the AU in the UN-facilitated Libyan dialogue under the Berlin process, and for the crucial role of the AU in helping Libya to reach lasting peace, security and stability.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Special Envoy of UN Secretary- General for Libya discusses UN-African Union cooperation in support of Libya with AU Commissioners in Addis Ababa

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.
Nairobi hosts EU-Africa Green Talk dialogue on sustainable development impact of local projects; Dialogue between European Investment Bank, Portuguese Embassy in Kenya, financial community and development stakeholders confirms importance of green investment.

The Secretary General of East African Community today joined more than 150 African business leaders, financial experts and diplomats in the Nairobi EU-Africa Green Talk to share investment best practice and outline how to mobilise private sector support for sustainable development across Africa.
“Recent innovative investment across East Africa has transformed access for millions of people to clean water, renewable energy and finance essential for a better and more sustainable future. Today’s Nairobi Green Talks allow innovative solutions and technical best-practice to be shared with the rest of Africa and the world. The East African Community commends the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union and the European Investment Bank for their engagement with East African partners to further strengthen sustainable investment in the years ahead.” said Dr Peter Mathuki, incoming Secretary General of the East African Community.
Participants highlighted how recent and future private sector led clean energy, sustainable transport and business investment across East Africa can unlock economic opportunities, strengthen resilience to COVID-19, increase protection from a changing climate and ensure more sustainable use of resources in the future.
“Partnership between Africa and Europe is key to increasing investment essential to combat climate change and create new opportunities. The Portuguese EU Presidency and European Investment Bank are pleased to join forces with East African business, political and conservation partners to learn from each other and ensure that lessons learnt in East Africa can make a enhance sustainable development around the world. The impressive examples of successful sustainable investment from across this region will be shared with Africa, European and global green leaders in Lisbon later this month.” said H.E. Luisa Fragoso, Ambassador of Portugal to Kenya.
The practical discussions included examples of how conservation investment was protecting thousands of jobs in rural communities and how technology is improving opportunities for low-income small-holders across Kenya.
“Today’s Nairobi Green Talks bring together private and public partners from across East Africa. Together we share a common goal of accelerating and increasing sustainable investment that both unlocks economic and social opportunities, and ensures a more sustainable future for this planet and its people.” said Catherine Collin, Regional Representative of the European Investment Bank in East Africa.
“In recent years floods and drought across Ëast Africa have shown the devastating impact of a changing climate on livelihoods, business and infrastructure. TradeMark East Africa is committed to addressing increasingly severe climate change impacts on economic activity and trade. We aim to catalyse green growth, exports and investment through improved trade systems and corridors. However more trade can mean more emissions, so it is important to invest in reducing the carbon footprint of trade. Private sector capital will have a key role to play in making this a reality The Nairobi Green Talks show how African and international partners are working together to deliver a green transition and more sustainable future.” said Frank Matsaert, CEO of Trade Mark East Africa.
The virtual dialogue, organised by the European Investment Bank and Portuguese Embassy in Kenya, and moderated by Trade Mark East Africa CEO Frank Matsaert, is one of more than 25 events being held across Africa and Europe ahead of the High-Level Green Investment Forum taking place in Lisbon on 23rd April.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).

East African and international political leaders and financial experts highlight green investment best practice

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.

Vaccines are largely known to be safe and effective in protecting people against deadly and disabling infectious diseases. Currently, there are vaccines that are effective against over 20 diseases. Overall, it is estimated that vaccines save the lives of up to 3 million people annually.  

However, over time, vaccination programs have faced several challenges prominent of which is the increasing vaccine hesitancy among the public. Hesitancy has particularly affected the newly introduced COVID-19 vaccines including the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
In the West Nile sub-region of Uganda, the response especially among frontline health workers was not any different. Initially, the acceptance or willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine was notably low with only a few accepting to be vaccinated. 
For instance, in Arua City, less than 10% of the frontline health workers were vaccinated in the first two days and only 26% of the registered health workers agreed to be vaccinated according to the district records. 
 “The first few days of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign were marked by a rather poor turn-up for vaccination due to a number of reasons ranging from administrative challenges. Key among these was hesitancy from the front-line health workers who were our first target,” says Dr Apangu Pontius, Acting District Health Officer of Arua City. “We only managed to tackle this issue and improve turn up by embarking on effective vaccine safety communication targeting the priority group,” he adds.  
Yet, health experts continued to be concerned about the difficulty of ending the COVID-19 pandemic without vaccinating enough people to attain herd immunity which is crucial because it will lead to de-congestion of Intensive Care Units, continued delivery of essential health services and restoration of normal social and economic activities.
While several people understand the benefits of vaccination and have responded positively, a significant proportion continues to have concerns about the safety of vaccines. 
WHO risk communication teams in the region have responded to these concerns by designing and implementing orientation sessions for the target groups. They are providing accurate and scientifically proven information on the vaccine and tackling rumours and misinformation. This has contributed to increased vaccine uptake among frontline health workers, teachers, and security personnel.
 “If it wasn’t for the COVID-19 vaccination continuous medical education organized at the facility by the WHO and the district health team, I wouldn’t have accepted this Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. It has received a lot of negative publicity through social media and in the news about leading to blood clots in a few people,” says Sister Hellen Lumago, the In-charge, Lodonga Health Center IV. 
Despite, the achievements to date, a multitude of gaps and challenges still exist in the population especially regarding vaccine safety. This is inevitable and expected especially when introducing a new vaccine.  
An effective risk communication strategy can go a long way in allaying concerns, addressing rumours and misinformation and in the process contributing to wider coverage and containment of the outbreak. Health workers in West Nile sub-region are doing exactly that.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa. Media files

WHO Builds trust for COVID-19 Vaccination and Addresses Hesitancy in West Nile Sub Region

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.

New Cases: 1 Total Confirmed: 4,009 Deaths: 79 Recovered: 2,832 Total in quarantine: 49 Discharged from quarantine: 14,711
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information and Communication, Sierra Leone. Media files

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (13 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.
UN-Habitat has disbursed the first tranche of direct cash transfers of USD 70 each to 250 vulnerable households in Western Kismayo as part of the COVID-19 response within a larger project funded by the Government of Sweden which addresses youth and urban regeneration in Somalia. The same 250 households will each receive a total of USD 210 over a three – month period to support their families in an initiative which will benefit over 2,000 people indirectly.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted Somalia’s economic recovery and the government shutdowns have impacted the most vulnerable communities including urban communities in one of Somalia’s largest cities, Kismayo whose dwellers are the main targets of this intervention,” said Falastin Omar, Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Somalia Programme.
In addition to direct cash transfers, the COVID-19 response strategy will provide access to water and ensure handwashing facilities are available in the informal settlements of Kismayo as well as selected public places.
“Somalia is facing multiple and recurring shocks that have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the decrease in remittances, job opportunities and the increasing cost of basic commodities, something has to be done to help the poor and vulnerable. This programme provides cash transfers for that purpose. We are happy to see our support helping people make ends meet, and are happy to work together with the UN, the Jubaland Administration and the local communities to contribute to sustainable development efforts in Kismayo,” said the Ambassador of Sweden to Somalia, Staffan Tillander.
The communities in the west of Kismayo city were excluded from the 2019-2020 -relief support as focus shifted to communities in the riverine areas along the Juba River due to persistent flooding that caused displacement.
“This intervention is timely because in addition to the loss of livelihood from the pandemic, the economic impact was worsened by the prolonged drought and severe climatic changes,” said the Mayor of Kismayo, Ibrahim Mohamed Yusuf.
This COVID-19 response initiative is part of the USD 4.6 million Youth and Urban Regeneration Project (YOURS) funded by the Government of Sweden. The project will contribute to reducing spatial urban inequalities by promoting sustainable urban regeneration, youth development and re-integration of marginalised groups through building capacity of government institutions and socio-economic resilience of urban communities. Over the next 3 years, YOURS will be implemented with local and regional authorities across the project locations including Baidoa, Dollow, Kismayo and Mogadishu. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Habitat.

UN-Habitat and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) partner in cash transfer initiative to cushion Kismayo residents from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

New cases: 13 Cumulative confirmed cases: 33,872 Active cases: 1,008 Total recovered: 31,572 (25 new) Currently admitted in treatment units: 19 (2 new) New discharges from treatment units: 2 Total tests conducted: 224,959 (323 new) Total deaths: 1,133 (1 new) Total vaccinated to date: 229,220 (16,605 new)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi. Media files

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (13 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.

Daily: Laboratory test: 7,601 Severe cases: 967 New recovered: 1,838 New deaths: 22 New cases: 1,568

Total: Laboratory test: 2,460,888 Active cases: 55,462 Total recovered: 173,818 Total deaths: 3,230 Total cases: 232,512
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia. Media files

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (13 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.

Newly confirmed cases: 162 Recoveries: 263 Active cases: 1368 Deaths : 11
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia. Media files

Coronavirus – Namibia: COVID-19 update (13 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.

Three patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in Central and Southern Red Sea Regions.

Out of these, two patients are from Quarantine Center in Asmara, Central Region while the other patient is from Quarantine Center in Assab, Southern Red Sea Region.
On the other hand, thirty five patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in the Southern Red Sea (33), and Central (2), Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.
The total number of recovered patients has accordingly risen to 3231 while the number of deaths stands at ten.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has increased to 3469.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea. Media files

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (13 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.

Tests conducted: 10,181,143 Positive cases identified: 1,559,960 Total recoveries: 1,485,315 Total deaths: 53,423 New cases: 847
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health. Media files

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (13 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.
991 people have tested positive to the disease, from a sample size of 6,417 tested. Our positivity rate is at 15.4%. Total confirmed positive cases are now 147,147 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,571,244.

County distribution; Nairobi 296, Kiambu 67, Uasin Gishu 66, Kericho 58, Nakuru 44, Kisumu 41, Machakos 39, Mombasa 38, Meru 34, Kitui 30, Kajiado 28, Nyeri 24, Makueni 24, Garissa 24, Taita Taveta 22, Busia 19, Kilifi 13, Murang’a 13, Trans Nzoia 13, Baringo 12, Bungoma 11, Nyandarua 10, Kakamega 9, Isiolo 8, Vihiga 7, Laikipia 7, Bomet 6, Homa Bay 4, West Pokot 4, Kirinyaga 4, Elgeyo Marakwet 3, Nandi 3, Siaya 3, Mandera 2, Kisii 1, Kwale 1, Narok 1, Tharaka Nithi 1 and Wajir 1.

370 patients have recovered from the coronavirus disease, 214 from Home Based and Isolation Care while 156 are from various health facilities. Total recoveries now stand at 99,580.

26 deaths have been reported, one occurred in 24 hours, 15 within the last one month &#038; 10 being late death reports from facility record audits on diverse dates. This now pushes our cumulative fatalities to 2,394.

New deaths by age; 0-9 years (1), 10-19 years (0), 20-29 (0), 30-39 years (2), 40-49 years (0), 50-59 years (8), 60 years and above (15).

Cumulative deaths by age; 0-9 years (47), 10-19 years (18), 20-29 (95), 30-39 years (214), 40-49 years (327), 50-59 years (540), 60 years and above (1,153).

 	1,607 patients are admitted in various health facilities countrywide. 	5,996 patients are on Home Based Isolation and Care.  	239 patients are in the ICU, 47 of whom are on ventilatory support &#038; 161 on supplemental oxygen. 	31 patients are on observation. 
293 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen with 271 of them in general wards and 22 in High Dependency Units (HDU).

VACCINATION: A total of 526,026 people had been vaccinated with the Astrazeneca vaccine. From this number 122,984 are Health Workers, 42,343 Security Officers, 76,753 Teachers and 283,946 are other members of the public who include those at 58 years and above.

Gender: 296,724 (56.5%) are Males and 229,118 (43.5%) are females. Total doses distributed to the 9 regional stores are 999,000. Balance at the Kitengela Central Vaccines stores is 121, 000.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (13 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.

74 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-30 Enugu-11 FCT-11 Akwa Ibom-8 Osun-5 Kaduna-4 Ebonyi-2 Rivers-2 Ekiti-1

163,911 confirmed 154,225 discharged 2,061 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Media files

APO

#ImagineCircularity: the circular transformation will not be live-streamed

WHO and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF) sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen access to health in Francophone countries

School exclusion in Madagascar during COVID-19

Sweden to make major investment in global access to vaccines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business announce major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Special Envoy of UN Secretary- General for Libya discusses UN-African Union cooperation in support of Libya with AU Commissioners in Addis Ababa

East African and international political leaders and financial experts highlight green investment best practice

WHO Builds trust for COVID-19 Vaccination and Addresses Hesitancy in West Nile Sub Region

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

UN-Habitat and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) partner in cash transfer initiative to cushion Kismayo residents from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Namibia: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

News Tips

Advertise With Us

APO

#ImagineCircularity: the circular transformation will not be live-streamed

WHO and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (IOF) sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen access to health in Francophone countries

School exclusion in Madagascar during COVID-19

Sweden to make major investment in global access to vaccines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business announce major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Special Envoy of UN Secretary- General for Libya discusses UN-African Union cooperation in support of Libya with AU Commissioners in Addis Ababa

East African and international political leaders and financial experts highlight green investment best practice

WHO Builds trust for COVID-19 Vaccination and Addresses Hesitancy in West Nile Sub Region

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

UN-Habitat and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) partner in cash transfer initiative to cushion Kismayo residents from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Namibia: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (13 April 2021)

News Tips

Advertise With Us

Newsletters