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As at 06 April 2021, Zimbabwe had 36 966 confirmed cases, including 34 242 recoveries and 1 531 deaths. To date, a total of 139 133 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe.

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 update (6 April 2021)

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Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi&#39;s COVID-19 update on 6 April 2021:

New cases: 4 Total cases: 17 358
Active cases: 62
New recoveries: 5 Total recoveries: 16 623
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (6 April 2021)

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The AU-ILO-IOM-ECA Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration in Africa (JLMP) on March 30 convened its fourth Programme Steering Committee (PSC) meeting that was hosted by the African Union Commission’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs &#038; Social Development (HHS) (https://au.int/en/sa).

The online meeting reviewed the status of ongoing projects, with Commissioner of Social Affairs, H.E. Amira El-fadil, in opening remarks read on her behalf, saying, “We have seen partners constantly making sacrifices for the long-term JLMP vision and we are beginning to see the fruit of these.”
It was observed that despite COVID-19 causing restrictions on travel and the scaling down of activities, partners continued to work flat out to ensure projects remain on course.
The workplan for 2021 was re-evaluated, with several delegates emphasising the importance of building synergies in labour migration initiatives on the continent.
Significantly, a strategic framework and a monitoring and evaluation framework were developed and launched in 2020. This will help to streamline implementation of labour migration governance activities on the continent, with clear responsibilities and roles for partners, under the leadership of AUC.
As it enters its third year the Programme is also attracting the interest of prospective funding partners, with the meeting acknowledging the new $8 million partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), and continuing support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) which, so far, has availed $8.8 million to support JLMP.
The Steering Committee leads the continental Programme by providing strategic guidance and ensuring projects are implemented efficiently, and in line with the African Union (AU) strategy on migration and regional economic communities’ (RECs) frameworks and common approaches on migration.
Three PSC meetings have been organised in January and August 2019 and May 2020, serving to launch key initiatives such as the JLMP Priority Project, as well as to discuss the progress and challenges of the Programme.
This week’s online meeting was attended by representatives of partners who jointly manage the programme. These include the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Representatives of Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as well as one of Africa’s regional social partners, Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) also attended.
Additionally, funding partners such as the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)/Sweden Embassy, the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC)/Switzerland Embassy, were represented.
Officials of the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) updated the meeting on labour migration programmes in their area.
Mr Rabii Sakhi of the Statistics Office of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) acknowledged the support they were receiving from JLMP and said, “We sincerely hope we will continue to get assistance to develop a labour migration policy and to strengthen labour migration governance, an important and sensitive topic in the region”.
Mr. Peter Van Rooij, Deputy Regional Director, ILO Regional Office for Africa said, “…even in this time of crisis the objectives of the JLMP remain particularly relevant for the governance of labour migration in Africa. The JLMP project will allow our partnership to build on the efforts already made and enable us to respond to areas of increasing demand in the region.”
Ms. Maureen Achieng, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission and Representative to the AU and UNECA, on her part noted the progress made and called on more private sector engagement in JLMP to contribute to operationalization of the AfCFTA and economic reconstruction post COVID-19 in order for the programme to have a greater impact for migrants and businesses in Africa.
“For sustainability of the programme, we feel it is important to invite international development institutions including the African Development Bank, the World Bank and others to broaden the scale of the JLMP in terms of funding, thematic coverage and geographical reach across the continent,” she added.
The Programme’s website was also launched during the meeting.
JLMP is a key instrument dedicated to the implementation of the 5th Key Priority Area of the Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments in January 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Its strategy focuses on intra-African labour migration and supports achievements of the First 2023 Ten Year Plan of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and Plan of Action (2018-2030).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) poised to expand support to labour migration governance in Africa

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In a historic and united show of solidarity for a continent that contributes only 5% to global emissions, more than 30 heads of state and global leaders committed to prioritize actions that help African countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and “build forward better.”

Africa now faces the dual onslaught of climate change – currently estimated at between $7 billion and $15 billion each year – and Covid-19, which has claimed 114,000 lives. The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) expects that the impact of climate change on the continent could rise to $50 billion each year by 2040, with a further 3% decline each year in GDP by 2050.

Speaking Tuesday, during a virtual Leaders’ Dialogue convened by the African Development Bank (www.AFD.org), the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA.org) and the Africa Adaptation Initiative, more than 30 heads of state and global leaders rallied behind the bold new Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (https://bit.ly/3cYoMgw). The program’s objective is to mobilize $25 billion to accelerate climate change adaptation actions across Africa.

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and African Union Chairperson, invited his fellow leaders to: “revisit our climate ambitions and accelerate the implementation of our actions planned under our national priorities. To do this we will need to focus on actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change, these include nature-based solutions, energy transition, enhanced transparency framework, technology transfer and climate finance.”

The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program is built to address the impacts of Covid-19, climate change, and the continent’s worst recession in 25 years. This is why today’s unprecedented show of support for the financing of African adaptation is so significant.

According to Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, “The Covid-19 pandemic is eroding recent progress in building climate resilience and leaving countries and communities more vulnerable to future shocks. Africa must make up for lost ground and lost time. Climate change did not stop because of Covid-19, and neither should the urgent task of preparing humanity to live with the multiple effects of a warming planet.”

President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, and Chair of the African Union-led Africa Adaptation Initiative, spoke of Gabon’s record in emission reductions. He said that Gabon is one of the few countries in the world that is carbon positive. “We have to insist that equal attention be paid to climate adaptation and mitigation in climate finance. Africa calls on the developed nations to shoulder the historic responsibility and to join the program to accelerate the adaptation in Africa,” President Bongo said.

African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said: “With our partners, we intend to mobilize $25 billion in financing for the success of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. It is time for developed countries to meet their promise of providing $100 billion annually for climate finance. And a greater share of this should go to climate adaptation. So far, more than 20 trillion dollars have gone into Covid-19 stimulus packages in developed countries. The International Monetary Fund’s plan to issue $650 billion of new Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to boost global reserves and liquidity will be enormously helpful to support green growth and climate financing for economic recovery. I applaud the leadership of the US government and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, especially, on this big push.”


UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “African nations are showing leadership…The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, and many other ambitious African initiatives, must be empowered to fully deliver on their goals. “

Guterres added: “Universal access to energy in Africa, a priority in the coming years, could be provided primarily through renewable energy. I call for a comprehensive package of support to meet these dual objectives by COP 26. It is achievable, it is necessary, it is overdue, and it is smart.”

Speaking on behalf of US President Joseph R. Biden, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said: “The United States remains a committed development partner for Africa and a huge supporter of the African Development Bank. Africa contributed the least to climate change but is suffering the worst of its effects. I congratulate the African Development Bank and the Global Center for Adaptation for developing the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. We support the program… to help ensure that together, we can avoid the worst effects of climate change.”

The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, as launched by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, revolves around several transformative initiatives:

Climate Smart Digital Technologies for Agriculture and Food Security aims to scale up access to climate-smart digital technologies for at least 30 million farmers in Africa. The African Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator will scale up investment for climate-resilient urban and rural infrastructure in key sectors. These include water, transport, energy, and waste management for a circular economy. Empowering Youth for Entrepreneurship and Job Creation in Climate Resilience will provide one million youths with skills for climate adaptation and support 10,000 small and medium size youth-led businesses to create green jobs.  Innovative Financial Initiatives for Africa will help close adaptation finance gaps, enhance access to existing finance and mobilize new public and private sector investment.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said: “As well as facing the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic, countries in Africa are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Tackling this dual challenge requires putting adaptation at the heart of Africa’s recovery – so countries build resilience to climate change and spur economic activity. This pandemic has shown us the importance of investing in people. And that is so, so very valuable for Africa, which has a fast-growing young population. This begins by improving education, healthcare, and food security, and in that context, I warmly welcome the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program.”

Speaking on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Executive of the French Development Agency, Remy Rioux said: “Africa is providing solutions to climate change, including the Great Green Wall and the Desert to Power initiative of the African Development Bank to build the world’s largest solar zone in the Sahel of Africa. France fully supports the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program.”

Moderating the Leaders’ Dialogue, Dr. Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, said: “Africa has a unique opportunity to advance its development exponentially if it invests now in a climate-smart adapted future based on a deep understanding of climate risks and solutions that put nature and people at the center.”

Read the Global Call to Action here (https://bit.ly/3dL0xle)

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: African Development Bank: Amba Mpoke-Bigg a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
Global Center on Adaptation: Alexandra Gee alex.gee@gca.org
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African presidents and global leaders support bold action on climate change adaptation for Africa

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The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour in Africa with a three-hour virtual event on Wednesday, 31 March 2021. The launch provided a platform for African and multi-stakeholders to discuss the progress and remaining gaps in the fight against child labour in the continent.

In Africa, the regional launch of the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour marked a call to a shift from commitment to action towards the achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063 and SDG target 8.7
In a series of interviews, videos and presentations, partners at the forefront of the fight against child labour discussed their individual interventions and plans for how they intend to contribute to the implementation of the African Union Action Plan.
“The African Union’s Ten Year Plan of Action is ambitious and achievable. Over 10 years (2020-2030), we will all work together to protect the rights of all, including children involved in child labour. It is up to us to build the future of our continent,” said the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, H.E. Amira El Fadil.
With already one in five African children working in 2016, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent is expected to push more children into child labour. Indeed, it is estimated that a one percentage point increase in poverty leads to an increase of at least 0.7 percentage points in child labour. The overall situation is of great concern to families, employers and workers in Africa.
“We must protect children’s rights and encourage their return to school. The African Union’s 10-year plan of action must be implemented at all levels to foster the continent’s development and protect children’s rights,&#8221; said Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General.
Panellists recognised the complexity and magnitude of the problem in Africa and discussed the different types of solutions, existing or envisaged, ranging from access to quality education for all, access to social protection, access to decent work for adults, extending the coverage of basic services and awareness raising.
“Today’s event is a demonstration of the existing political will and real commitment to end child labour in Africa,” said Ms Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, who called on governments, social partners and other organizations to allocate the necessary budgets to implement the key policy priorities identified.
“This should not be seen as a cost. It is an investment. An investment in creating a better future for all,” she continued.
Sharing her experience, Dibou Faye, a child labour activist from Senegal, called on stakeholders to redouble efforts in tackling child labour in communities for a brighter future.
“I have been working since I was 7 years old, I never went to school and at the age of 13 a husband was chosen for me. Today, children without education means a society without evolution; child labour destroys dreams, stifles talents and increases poverty,” she said.
The event brought together Ministers responsible for Labour and Social Protection in Africa, representatives of regional economic commissions, continental bodies such as the AU Commissions, and the Pan-African Parliament.
In addition to the Economic Community of West African States, five countries, including Côte d&#39;Ivoire, Morocco, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cameroon and Rwanda, described a number of existing interventions and institutional mechanisms, programmes and milestones, as well as pilot projects.
Discussing how to better address policy dialogue and strengthen existing mechanisms, stakeholders including the ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, the Chair of the Alliance 8.7. and representatives of UNICEF and FAO as well as the Nobel Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi emphasized the importance of supporting the AU Action Plan and called for stronger commitments.
“I call on you today to help fight against child labour by committing to act this year and beyond,” said Congolese musician Lokua Kuanza.
Members of the donor community presented multiple interventions across Africa as well as their projections and pledges for 2021 and beyond. These include the ILO’s projects such as Clear Cotton project in Mali and Burkina Faso, which is funded by the European Union, and Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (Accel Africa), a project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
The representative of U.S. Department of Labour presented their long-standing contribution to the elimination of child labour in Africa through a number of country, regional and global projects. The representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency presented their child labour project in Ghana and their initiative for the elimination of child labour in cacao supply chain in West Africa.
Stakeholders and individuals at the regional, national and organizational level have been encouraged to pledge by identifying concrete actions they will take by December 2021 to help end child labour. The deadline for submitting pledges is 15 May 2021. Under the 2021 campaign, leaders are invited to document their efforts and progress throughout the year through videos, interviews, and blogs and impact stories.
As part of the next steps, the Minister of Labour of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Thembelani Thulas Nxesi, announced that the 2022 Global Conference on Child Labour will be held in Africa for the first time, and hosted by South Africa.
Find more information about the Ten Year Action Plan on Eradication of Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in Africa (2020-2030): Agenda 2063-SDG Target 8.7 @: https://bit.ly/3cXDjJz
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

African Union (AU) and International Labour Organization (ILO) launch International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour paving the way for greater collaboration among stakeholders in Africa

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The transaction is the most recent for the award winning fintech and financial inclusion investment banking franchise of Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com). Partech Africa, a member of the Partech Group, a leading global technology venture capital fund, and Enza Capital invested in the USD 3.6 million extension round &#8211; agreed and structured in 2020 &#8211; bringing the total Series A volume to USD 9.9 million. This adds to the first close which was led by Mobility 54, the Africa-focused venture capital entity backed by the Toyota Group as well as USD 12 million of debt financing raised over the last 18 months, through institutional investors from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and South Africa. Verdant Capital serves as Tugende’s financial advisor and arranger for its equity and debt capital raises.

The MSME credit gap across sub-Saharan Africa amounts to more than USD 331 billion per year, with a gap of USD 37 billion in East Africa alone. The growth of innovative and technology enabled business models, such as Tugende’s, are helping fill the credit gap left by traditional banks. The capital raises for Tugende strengthen its balance sheet and allow the expansion of its loan portfolio. Having built its leading position financing boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) in Uganda, Tugende launched its Kenyan operations in late 2019, kick-starting its regional expansion, while continuing to add new asset products for other types of informal sector clients. The equity investments and partnerships with leading equity firms will also accelerate Tugende’s technology development and organisational growth.

Tugende (www.goTugende.com) uses asset finance, technology, and a high touch customer support model to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) own income-generating assets. Tugende has served over 43,000 clients with more than 16,000 having achieved ownership of at least one asset. Its core asset finance packages include medical and life insurance, training, safety equipment and digital credit profiles in addition to affordable asset finance. Tugende has broadened the productive assets it finances to include fishing boat engines, cars, refrigerators and other income generating equipment and is also currently piloting financing for e-mobility assets. All payments are digital and Tugende provides proprietary credit scores automatically to all clients to help them monitor their performance and unlock new opportunities like discounts and new products. 

Tugende’s Series A transaction cements Verdant Capital’s track record in raising capital for high impact emerging financial technology leaders and bringing these businesses to a broad range of global investors. In recognition of Verdant Capital’s strong capital raising volumes in the last 12 months across East, West and South Africa, Verdant Capital was awarded Best Fintech Capital Raising Team in Africa, by cfi.co in its Q1 2021 business and finance awards. In the recent cfi.co awards, ESG and impact investing themes were writ large with BBVA and Credit Mutual, from Spain and France, respectively, winning accolades for Responsible Investment Management and Neuberger Berman’s award for its North American ESG investment platform.

Verdant Capital won the award following a period of record deal volumes in Africa, with some USD 500 million of capital raising and M&#038;A in the Fintech sector in 2020. Verdant Capital successfully completed transactions in the sector with a total value of USD 40 million in 2020. The capital raises included businesses such as Tugende, Retail Capital, a South African SME-credit tech player, and Planet42, a South African car-subscription business.  Based on the growth in its own pipeline, Verdant Capital expects sector-wide deal volumes in 2021 to exceed the levels set in 2020. 

Verdant Capital’s ability to showcase its clients to a global audience is further enhanced by its proprietary annual global investor conference, Video Africa. The second edition hosted in March was attended by 45 leading specialist investors from 22 countries, showcasing 18 of the firm’s leading fintech and financial services clients from across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
About Verdant Capital: Verdant Capital is a specialist investment bank and investment manager operating on a pan-African basis. Verdant Capital ranked ninth in the DealMakers Africa pan-African investment banking league tables and third in the DealMakers Africa league table for East Africa in 2020. Verdant Capital is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP, with partner firms in over 40 countries, over 500 bankers and completing over 250 transactions a year, is the World’s largest M&#038;A partnership.
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Verdant Capital raises USD 9.9 M Series A equity capital for Tugende, a leading technology enabled MSME lender in East Africa

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministers of Health, have already provided for more than 1100 doctors from 42 Countries with 1 &#038; 2-year specialty scholarship to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in specialties of  Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology &#038; Fertility specialty, to be the first in their countries.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, mark ‘World Health Day’ 2021 together with 19 African First Ladies and the Minister of Health by announcing scholarships in various new specialties for young African Doctors.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation explained, “In line with our vision to strengthen the public healthcare system in  Africa, Asia, and developing countries, on this World Health Day, I am very proud to announce that Merck Foundation have widened the horizons by introducing scholarships for young local doctors in many new underserved specialties including: Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Mental Health: Psychological Therapies, Orthopedic Trauma Science, Paediatric, Emergency Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Pain Management, Psychiatry, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Neuroimaging for research, Urology, Trauma, and orthopedics. We are very proud to invite applications from African and Asian doctors from under-served communities for these scholarships on our mail: info@merck-foundation.com”.
Merck Foundation continues to build healthcare capacity in African, Asian, and Latin American countries with the aim to provide access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further elaborated, “We believe that every patient is important and deserves the best of specialized treatment, irrespective of the geographical parameters. Thus, we at Merck Foundation strongly believe that building professional healthcare capacity is the best strategy to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions for patients in underserved communities.
We have so far provided for more than 1100 Doctors from 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with one &#038; two-year specialty training in multiple fields such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology &#038; Fertility specialty, to be the first in their countries”.
So far, Merck Foundation has provided medical specialty training in various specialties to doctors from the following 42 countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Vietnam, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Sudan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Rwanda, Philippines, Peru, Nigeria, Niger, Nepal, Namibia, Myanmar, Mozambique, Mexico, Mauritius, Malaysia, Malawi, Liberia, Kenya, Indonesia, Guinea Conakry, Ghana, Gambia, Gabon, Ethiopia, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Cambodia, Burundi, Botswana, and Bangladesh.
For Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for the Online Courses, visit our website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
The applications can be submitted along with the CV to: info@merck-foundation.com
To watch the Testimonials of Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Alumni from Africa, pls visit: https://bit.ly/39ObS2V.
 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 together with African First Ladies mark ‘World Health Day’ 2021 by calling for applications for Scholarships for new important Specialities for local doctors across Africa

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This World Health Day, WHO is calling on everyone to participate in building a fairer, healthier world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on inequalities between countries. Amid shortages of essential supplies, African countries have been pushed to the back of the queue in accessing COVID-19 test kits, personal protective equipment and now vaccines. Of 548 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered worldwide, only 11 million or 2%, have been in Africa, whereas the continent accounts for around 17% of the global population.
There are also inequities within countries. Discrimination based on gender, place of residence, income, educational level, age, ethnicity and disability intersect to disadvantage vulnerable populations. Recent data from 17 African countries [1] show, for example, that a person with secondary school education is three times as likely to have access to contraception as someone who has not attended school. Those in the highest economic quintile are five times more likely to deliver their babies in health facilities and have their babies vaccinated with BCG compared to those in the lowest quintile.  
To improve this situation, we need to act on the social and economic determinants of health, by working across sectors to improve living and working conditions, and access to education, particularly for the most marginalized groups. Communities need to be engaged as partners, through their networks and associations, to shape and drive health and development interventions.
A key challenge in overcoming inequities is that there is limited data showing who is being missed and why. To address this, national health information systems need to capture age, sex and equity stratified data. This information can then be used to inform decision- and policy-making.
At WHO, we are working with countries to strengthen capacities to collect, manage and use data, and to enhance monitoring and action to address avoidable inequities. In the past year we have disseminated technical guidance on gender, equity and COVID-19 and trained 30 country teams [2] in gender and health equity integrated programming. The teams are using skills gained to support equitable health response, including to deal with gender-based violence in the context of COVID-19.
Investment is also needed to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage, to protect individuals from financial hardship in accessing needed care and to improve service coverage. Most African countries have initiated reforms in these areas believing that these reforms will in turn contribute to building more resilient health systems and societies.
Moving forward, leaders need to work together to address inequities in their own countries and abroad in the spirit of international solidarity. Specifically, on COVID-19 vaccines, we strongly encourage pharmaceutical companies to expand their manufacturing capacities to overcome current supply shortages. We also encourage wealthy countries to share their doses, so that the most-at-risk populations in all countries can be protected, to save lives and speed-up the recovery from this global crisis.
This World Health Day I call on Member States, partners, civil society, communities, and other stakeholders to intensify work with WHO to achieve Universal Health Coverage, and to invest in addressing the social and economic determinants of health, to tackle inequities and build a fairer, healthier world.
As WHO we remain committed to ensuring that all people in Africa, and globally, can realize the right to good health.
[1] Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, eSwatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritania,  Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
[2] Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte d&#39;Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Liberia, Nigeria, Niger, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

World Health Day 7 April 2021

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COVID-19 has unfairly impacted some people more harshly than others, exacerbating existing inequities in health and welfare within and between countries. For World Health Day, 7 April 2021, WHO is therefore issuing five calls for urgent action to improve health for all people.

Within countries, illness and death from COVID-19 have been higher among groups who face discrimination, poverty, social exclusion, and adverse daily living and working conditions &#8211; including humanitarian crises. The pandemic is estimated to have driven between 119 and 124 million more people into extreme poverty last year. And there is convincing evidence that it has widened gender gaps in employment, with women exiting the labour force in greater numbers than men over the past 12 months.
These inequities in people’s living conditions, health services, and access to power, money and resources are long-standing. The result: under-5 mortality rates among children from the poorest households are double that of children from the richest households. Life expectancy for people in low-income countries is 16 years lower than for people in high-income countries. For example, 9 out of 10 deaths globally from cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
But as countries continue to fight the pandemic, a unique opportunity emerges to build back better for a fairer, healthier world by implementing existing commitments, resolutions, and agreements while also making new and bold commitments.
&#8220;The COVID-19 pandemic has thrived amid the inequalities in our societies and the gaps in our health systems,&#8221; says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It is vital for all governments to invest in strengthening their health services and to remove the barriers that prevent so many people from using them, so more people have the chance to live healthy lives.”
WHO is therefore issuing five calls for action:
Accelerate equitable access to COVID-19 technologies between and within countries
Safe and effective vaccines have been developed and approved at record speed. The challenge now is to ensure that they are available to everyone who needs them. Key here will be additional support to COVAX, the vaccine pillar in the ACT-Accelerator, which hopes to have reached 100 countries and economies in the coming days.
But vaccines alone will not overcome COVID-19. Commodities such as medical oxygen and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as reliable diagnostic tests and medicines are also vital. So are strong mechanisms to fairly distribute all these products within national borders. The ACT-Accelerator aims to establish testing and treatments for hundreds of millions of people in low and middle-income countries who would otherwise miss out. But it still requires USD22.1 billion to deliver these vital tools where they are so desperately needed.
Invest in primary health care
At least half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services; more than 800 million people spend at least 10% of their household income on health care, and out of pocket expenses drive almost 100 million people into poverty each year. 
As countries move forward post-COVID-19, it will be vital to avoid cuts in public spending on health and other social sectors. Such cuts are likely to increase hardship among already disadvantaged groups, weaken health system performance, increase health risks, add to fiscal pressure in the future and undermine development gains. 
Instead, governments should meet WHO’s recommended target of spending an additional 1% of GDP on primary health care (PHC). Evidence reveals that PHC-oriented health systems have consistently produced better health outcomes, enhanced equity, and improved efficiency. Scaling up PHC interventions across low- and middle-income countries could save 60 million lives and increase average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030.
Governments must also reduce the global shortfall of 18 million health workers needed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. This includes creating at least 10 million additional full-time jobs globally and strengthening gender equality efforts. Women deliver most of the world’s health and social care, representing up to 70% of all health and care workers, but they are denied equal opportunities to lead it. Key solutions include equal pay to reduce the gender pay gap and recognizing unpaid health care work by women.
Prioritize health and social protection
In many countries, the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, through loss of jobs, increases in poverty, disruptions to education, and threats to nutrition, have exceeded the public health impact of the virus. Some countries have already put in place expanded social protection schemes to mitigate these negative impacts of wider social hardship and started a dialogue on how to continue providing support to the communities and people in the future. But many face challenges in finding the resources for concrete action. It will be vital to ensure that these precious investments have the biggest impact on those in greatest need, and that disadvantaged communities are engaged in planning and implementing programmes.
Build safe, healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods
City leaders have often been powerful champions for improving health &#8211; for example, by improving transport systems and water and sanitation facilities. But too often, the lack of basic social services for some communities traps them in a spiral of sickness and insecurity. Access to healthy housing, in safe neighbourhoods, with adequate educational and recreational amenities, is key to achieving health for all.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of the world&#39;s population living in extreme poverty are in rural areas. Today, 8 out of 10 people who lack basic drinking water services live in rural areas, as do 7 out of 10 people who lack basic sanitation services. It will be important to intensify efforts to reach rural communities with health and other basic social services (including water and sanitation). These communities also urgently need increased economic investment in sustainable livelihoods and better access to digital technologies.
Strengthen data and health information systems
Increasing the availability of timely, high-quality data that is disaggregated by sex, wealth, education, ethnicity, race, gender and place of residence is key to working out where inequities exist, and addressing them. Health inequality monitoring should be an integral part of all national health information systems.
A recent WHO global assessment shows that only 51% of countries have included data disaggregation in their published national health statistics reports. The health status of these diverse groups is often masked when national averages are used. Moreover, it is often those who are made vulnerable, poor or discriminated against, who are the most likely to be missing from the data entirely.
&#8220;Now is the time to invest in health as a motor of development,&#8221; said Dr Tedros. “We do not need to choose between improving public health, building sustainable societies, ensuring food security and adequate nutrition, tacking climate change and having thriving local economies. All these vital outcomes go hand in hand.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO urges countries to build a fairer, healthier world post-COVID-19

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A new report by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and UNDP presents the key results from the evolving partnership between the two organizations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 3 million people infected and almost 100,000 lives lost across the continent, the report places a spotlight on societal resilience across sectors, the sheer determination by Africans to minimize the health impact, as well as the social disruption and economic consequences of the pandemic.

From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the African Union was one of the first regional institutions to adopt a Joint Continental Strategy for the COVID-19 Outbreak (https://bit.ly/39Kb6E7). Within the framework of the Strategy, and in consonance with UNDP’s corporate offer to help countries prepare for, respond to and recover from COVID-19, the Regional Bureau for Africa established a strong partnership with the Africa CDC. 

Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Deputy Director of the Africa CDC, stated, “Throughout Africa, people are looking inward for the innovations that will move the continent forward. We’re looking ahead, to anticipate the needs of the next generations and envision a better future. And we’re looking to each other, to build the communities, the countries and the continent that we all know are possible.”

Africa CDC has partnered with the UNDP along with other partners in the implementation of the continental strategy against COVID-19 on all fronts. These activities include: supporting the AUC in studying the impact of COVID-19 on governance, peace and security (https://bit.ly/2ReW6HZ); backing country offices and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence during the pandemic; supporting the procurement of personal protective equipment for countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); bolstering health systems; supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) (https://bit.ly/3cVUyuT) to create innovative solutions for African problems; and building the capacity of target groups such as health workers, faith-based organizations, civil-society organizations, youth and women’s groups and leading health institutions.

“At the start of 2020, many would have bet their gold that sub-Saharan Africa was not the likely home for inventions. And yet here we are, witnessing an incredible display of possibility. Africa is managing the complexity of this devastating pandemic and looking for solutions to end it,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa.

While recent evidence on an emergent ‘third wave’ across parts of the continent remains concerning, this report reinforces the importance of whole-of-society partnerships in curbing and recovering from the pandemic.

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3ulN1eG
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Through the pandemic and beyond: New report reveals regional partnerships are key to COVID-19 recovery in Africa

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, continues to work around the clock to assist thousands of people reaching safety in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. A recent attack by insurgents on the coastal town of Palma has forced out at least 11,000 people, with thousands more reported to be trapped inside the area.

Civilians have been arriving in Pemba, Nangade, Mueda and Montepuez by foot, road, and boat since 24 March, in the aftermath of the attack. Humanitarian flights that helped evacuate hundreds initially have now been suspended pending further clearance by authorities.
UNHCR teams in Pemba have received worrying reports from displaced populations that over 1,000 people fleeing Mozambique and trying to enter Tanzania were not allowed to cross the border to seek asylum. We are following up on these reports in Tanzania. UNHCR calls on Mozambique’s neighbours to provide access to territory and asylum procedures for those escaping violence and seeking protection.
Three years of turmoil in the north of the country has displaced nearly 700,000 inside Mozambique – most during the last year. UNHCR officials have warned that this number could cross the million mark by June this year if the ongoing violence does not stop.
UNHCR is putting in place measures to receive more arrivals in the coming days. Our staff are reaching areas outside Pemba to assist newly displaced people.
The majority of new arrivals are women and children with few belongings, most showing signs of severe trauma following the atrocities they witnessed and worried for those relatives who were left behind. The sudden and deadly nature of the attacks have left families torn apart, many still unable to leave. Among the vulnerable groups arriving in Pemba were unaccompanied children, separated families and older people.
UNHCR and its partners have been distributing relief items, including blankets and sleeping mats. Some people are being accommodated in a transit centre in Pemba, set up by the Government, while the majority of displaced people are living with relatives and friends whose scarce resources are being rapidly exhausted.
We are identifying the most vulnerable cases in need of urgent assistance and referring them to services, and tracing and reuniting lost family members. Nearly 80 per cent of separated individuals are women and children. UNHCR is also training partner organization staff on protecting displaced people from gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
The escalation of violence in Cabo Delgado has severely impacted health, water, and shelter facilities and access to food in the region. This harrowing humanitarian crisis is compounded by an already fragile situation of chronic underdevelopment, consecutive climatic disasters, and recurrent disease outbreaks including, most recently, COVID-19.
More resources are badly needed as underfunding is hampering our humanitarian response. UNHCR appeal for our Cabo Delgado of US$ 19.2 million is just under 40 per cent funded
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

UNHCR scales up response as thousands flee attacks in northern Mozambique

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On the eve of his departure after more than four years as the UN’s top envoy in South Sudan, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission thanked the people of South Sudan for their support and wished them well.

“I have so much admiration for the South Sudanese who I have enjoyed working alongside immensely. They are tough, resilient, and remarkably patient. I am inspired by their seemingly endless hope as they fight against huge odds to achieve the much brighter future they deserve,” said David Shearer. “I will miss this young country and wish it well from the bottom of my heart.”
“I urge the people and leaders of South Sudan to remain united and energized to push the peace process forward to fully implement the revitalized agreement and hold elections so communities across the country can finally enjoy true peace and prosperity,” he said.
“I have been extremely privileged to support South Sudan as it makes the difficult transition from war to recovery and peace. As my four years of service comes to an end, I am proud of the progress that has been made, including the ceasefire, peace deal, formation of a transitional Government and the installation of local leaders in the states.”
“I am also pleased and encouraged to see that most people who once fled in fear to UN Protection of Civilians sites have either returned home or are living in newly transitioned displacement camps under the responsibility of the South Sudanese Government.”
David Shearer said that, while important progress has been made, the peace process remains fragile and there is still much to be done, including picking up the pace on constitution-making, transitional justice, and economic reform. He said that courageous decisions need to be made to unify the armed forces of all sides.
The SRSG paid tribute to the UN agencies which have stood by South Sudan for many years and the almost 20,000 UN peacekeepers who are helping reduce violence and are bringing diverse communities together to reconcile and build peace.
“UNMISS is a stabilizing force that extends well beyond our physical presence. Our independent surveys have consistently shown that we are welcomed by nearly 80 percent of South Sudanese,” he said. “We are fully committed to securing durable peace by working closely with all political parties alongside regional and international partners.”
“As I said when I came to South Sudan, our success will be measured by the downsizing of our presence. That has started. Over the coming year, there will be a reduction of our military and police peacekeepers by around seven percent.”
UNMISS is also re-focusing its efforts to ensure it is fit-for-purpose in the evolving political and security situation.
“We are redeploying staff and resources to build the capacity of important local institutions, including the courts, the justice system and the national police, and prioritizing technical support for security sector reform as well as the election process. Protection is best done through fair and effective rule of law.”
David Shearer particularly thanked humanitarian workers for their provision of life-saving assistance to millions of people in need.
“Humanitarians are working in remote, difficult and, sometimes dangerous conditions to deliver much-needed support to vulnerable communities across South Sudan. I thank them for their courage in risking their own health and wellbeing to help others.”
“As I depart this country, my thoughts and best wishes are with the people of the world’s newest nation who we are here to serve and support in their journey towards lasting peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Media files

Departing UNMISS Chief sends message of peace to the people of South Sudan

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58 children and women previously abducted from their families during inter-communal violence were returned to their families, as part of a Save the Children-led partnership with UNMISS and other agencies.

The children and women were abducted from across the country, including Akobo, Walgak, Pierri, Lankien, Pibor and Maiwut.  The children range in age from two to eighteen with some separated from their families for more than five years. 
The return and reunification process is the result of a goodwill agreement facilitated by UNMISS with support of community leaders, the Government of South Sudan, Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund, as well as other organizations and agencies.
Save the Children with its local partners were active participants in the peace conversations, as well as leading the family tracing and reunification of women and children. The family tracing and reunification process is being supported by a grant of more than USD $1.5 million to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Save the Children, through the Reconciliation, Stabilization and Resilience Trust Fund.
Boyoi*, 16, was abducted from Pibor in May 2020 when she was just 15. When her village was attacked by armed youths, her family scattered in different directions. Boyoi, her mother, sisters and brother were all abducted and taken to different locations after the attack. From Pibor, Boyoi found herself in Pieri, a four-day-walk away. Eventually, Boyoi and her mother were identified among other abductees in Pieri and kept under protection by Community Aid Organization, a partner of Save the Children. Boyoi is now back with her family in her home village.
Boyoi said:
“When we were attacked in May 2020, we ran in different directions. My mother, brother and sisters were taken by the attackers into different directions. I didn’t know that they were also abducted like me. For me I was also taken alone by the abductors. That was a long journey. It took us four days walking to reach to the abductors town. I didn’t know the whereabouts of my parents including my brother and sisters.  One day, I came to the market with the daughter of the man who abducted me. In the market, I met my mother and I decided to follow her to where she is living. For me, if the government or NGOs say they want to take me back to my father, I am willing to go”.
Rama Hansraj, Save the Children’s Country Director in South Sudan, said:
“Family tracing and reunification goes to the very heart of what we do at Save the Children. It’s the process of bringing children back to the people who love them, who miss them, and who are best placed to give them the care and security they need to live and grow and survive.
“Children who have been abducted from their families during conflict must be protected, treated as victims and supported to recover and reintegrate with their communities. The experience of being associated with an armed force or group can have an immediate and lasting impact and consequences for boys and girls. This includes death, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse, physical injury or disability and the long-term impact of chronic health conditions, including sexually transmitted infections.
“Save the Children is proud to work alongside our partners and UNMISS to perform this critical work. We look forward to continuing to working with our partners and governments to rebuild the lives of these families and bring greater peace and hope to South Sudan.”.
In South Sudan, Save the Children is the leading agency in family tracing and reunification and, with our partners, we are really proud that so far we have been able to reunify around 7000 children that were separated from families because of the conflict.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

Save the Children and partners return 58 abducted children and women to their families

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South Sudan’s COVID-19 vaccination drive kicked off today with health workers getting their first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine at Juba Teaching Hospital. The first person in the country to be vaccinated against the virus was the Hon. Minister of Health Elizabeth Achuei.

In the coming weeks and months, all frontline health workers in South Sudan will be offered the vaccine through a national vaccination campaign. Subsequently, people with co-morbidities and people above 65 years of age will also be offered the vaccine. 25 March 2021, South Sudan received 132,000 doses of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX facility.
“The first phase of the vaccination is conducted in Central Equatoria State targeting health care workers as well as persons aged 65 years and older, given their increased risk of severe disease and death due to a potential COVID-19 infection”, said Minister of Health Hon Elizabeth Achuei. “The aim of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine is to protect the prioritized groups against COVID-19”.
South Sudan aims at vaccinating 40 per cent of its population against COVID-19. The COVAX facility has committed to providing half of the required doses meaning 732,000 doses in total. Therefore, the vaccination must be done in phases as the vaccines arrive.
&#8220;This is a significant moment for the people of South Sudan. “said Patience Musanhu, Gavi Senior Country Manager for South Sudan. &#8220;By protecting the most vulnerable groups, we can save lives, take pressure off health systems and ease the economic burden brought on by the pandemic.&#8221;
A person being vaccinated with the Astra Zeneca vaccine requires two doses to ensure optimal immune response against the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 vaccination in South Sudan will be provided on a voluntary basis and free of charge.  All people receiving the vaccine will be asked to consent prior to being vaccinated.
“The COVID-19 vaccination marks an important step towards control of COVID-19 in South Sudan, which pose a threat to our well-being”, said Dr Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Representative a.i. for South Sudan. “Safe, effective, and quality vaccines for COVID-19 are our best hope for bringing the pandemic under control, together with other public health interventions, such as physical distancing, washing hands and mask use”.
Over several months, COVAX partners have supported governments and partners, particularly in low-income countries including South Sudan, to prepare for the vaccination roll-out. This includes assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, supporting cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.
“If there is one lesson we can draw from the pandemic, it is that we need more partnerships like these in the world,” said the UNICEF South Sudan Representative Hamida Lasseko. “UNICEF is proud to have made vaccine deliveries all over the world including South Sudan on behalf of COVAX. Children in South Sudan are now safer because the warm hands of health workers are safer through vaccination.
While people at risk of developing severe illness if infected with COVID-19 are waiting to be vaccinated, we all must contribute to stop the spread of the disease in South Sudan. This means adhering to the simple, yet very effective prevention measures such as keeping a six-feet distance in public places and good hand hygiene.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) &#8211; South Sudan.

Coronavirus – South Sudan: COVID-19 vaccination kicks-off in South Sudan

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Scheldeprijs has traditionally been the mid-week Belgian Classic, splitting the two monuments, Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. This year, with Paris-Roubaix being postponed, Scheldeprijs will close out the Spring Cobble Classics season for many riders.

Team Qhubeka ASSOS (TeamQhubeka.com), has this year enjoyed its most successful Belgian Cobble Classics campaign, and will certainly also be looking to end on a positive note at Scheldeprijs.
The mostly flat 194km route no doubt favours the fast men, with a bunch sprint deciding all recent editions of the event. This year is expected to be no different and so Team Qhubeka ASSOS will have its complete sprint train at the start.
Victor Campenaerts, Dimitri Claeys, Lasse Norman Hansen, Giacomo Nizzolo, Matteo Pelucchi, Andreas Stokbro and Max Walscheid will be our team on the start line tomorrow.
Lars Michaelsen &#8211; Sport Director It has been a long but very enjoyable 2-week period here in Belgium with a nice core group of riders and staff. We have come very close to the top step of the podium on a few occasions and tomorrow at Scheldeprijs we have one final opportunity to try and achieve that goal. A sprint can be expected tomorrow but the race is not totally straight forward for the sprinters, there is always wind to consider at Scheldeprijs and a constant fight for position is a certainty. The cold front that is sweeping through Belgium at the moment together with the usual wind chill factor will add to the test tomorrow. We have a strong team though and we will all be giving our best for that top result.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
Media Contact: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka (Qhubeka.org) is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go. 
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.
Media files

Sprinters to have one final classics opportunity at Scheldeprijs

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Six patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka and Anseba Regions.

Out of these, five patients are from Quarantine Centers in Adibara (3), Ali-Ghidir (1), and Goluj (1), Gash Barka region. The sixth patient is from the Quarantine Center in Keren, Anseba Region.
On the other hand, six patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in the Central Region have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.
The total number of recovered patients has accordingly risen to 3064 while the number of deaths stands at ten.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country to date has increased to 3340.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea. Media files

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (5 April 2021)

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New confirmed cases: 96 Deaths: 1 Recoveries: 12 Active cases: 1980
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia. Media files

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Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 update (6 April 2021)

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Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) poised to expand support to labour migration governance in Africa

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