Africa

Nigeria has taken a significant leap forward in the battle against malaria, receiving a remarkable shipment of one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, courtesy of the Gavi Alliance. This marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing struggle against this deadly disease. The vaccination campaign is slated to kick off in November, focusing on the states of Kebbi and Bayelsa, both of which suffer from high rates of malaria. With this move, Nigeria finds itself among the pioneering countries globally to embrace…

In the vibrant neighborhoods of Epworth and Mbare in Harare, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has embarked on a crucial mission: empowering the youth to confront mental health issues through a unique peer-led initiative. Equipped with specialized training, educators affiliated with MSF deliver essential psychological first aid. They bridge young individuals with critical mental health resources, encompassing a range of services such as medical care, HIV testing, STI management, contraceptive options, health education,…

Baking temps are on the docket for certain nations in the Horn of Africa, courtesy of alarming weather forecasts from the Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC), the brain of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional crew, as disclosed on a Wednesday. As of June 19, 2024, folks in Kakuma, located in the parched northwest corner of Kenya's Turkana county, scrape out groundwater from the dry riverbed. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) NAIROBI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The mercury's set to rise, amping up…

In a groundbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially reported that Rwanda is spearheading the world's inaugural clinical trial aimed at treating the Marburg virus disease. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the collaborative effort with the organization, which involves testing a medication currently employed for COVID-19 management—Remdesivir—alongside an antibody specifically engineered to combat the Marburg virus. “This initiative showcases our collective…

The latest provincial election results strongly suggest that Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), is on track to clinch victory. According to initial tallies, Frelimo is in front across all eleven provinces. Nevertheless, election monitors are expressing skepticism about the fairness of the process, claiming it fell short of international standards. Reports are filtering in about chaotic ballot counting, ballot boxes that weren’t secured properly, allegations of vote…

Bishop Samuel J. Quire, the prominent leader of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, has recently expressed deep concerns regarding reports of several congregations pondering a split from the denomination. Their contemplation of such a move stems from the heated discussions surrounding the acceptance of same-sex marriage within the church. Quire firmly emphasized that no congregation under the Methodist banner is entitled to sever ties, highlighting that those contemplating such a decision are straying from the…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Nigeria’s Jigawa state, where a catastrophic fuel tanker explosion has claimed the lives of over 90 individuals. Eyewitness accounts reveal that crowds had gathered around the tanker in the aftermath of the accident, driven by desperation to siphon off fuel when disaster struck. “It's concerning that, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement urging the public to maintain a safe distance from fuel tanker mishaps, people continue to jeopardize their safety,” expressed a…

The government has announced an ambitious 25-year development strategy designed to enhance competitiveness, promote sustainable resource management, and uphold exemplary governance, establishing a foundation for economic autonomy. Dubbed "Senegal 2050," this initiative aspires to raise per capita income by an impressive 50% over the next five years. There’s also a goal to extend the average life expectancy by three years and to mitigate national debt and fiscal deficits. The overarching intention is to diminish reliance on…

In the wake of a catastrophic blaze at Mbare Musika, Zimbabwe’s largest informal retail hub, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has instituted a State of Emergency. This decision comes as a response to the widespread devastation that impacted roughly 4,000 vendors, leaving many grappling with the loss of merchandise valued in the thousands. The flames, which raged through the market, not only destroyed goods but also disrupted the livelihood of countless traders. “This unfortunate incident has turned many lives upside down,”…

Yet again, Nigeria's national electricity grid has taken a nosedive, leaving citizens in the dark just a day after power was reinstated. Numerous distribution companies, such as the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, have alerted their customers about the latest outage. Although these power firms are reportedly scrambling to restore electricity, the exasperation among the populace and local businesses is palpable, stemming from a…