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Pan African health forum opens with call for swift pandemic response

Pan African health forum opens with call for swift pandemic response

The inaugural conference on public health in Africa (CPHIA 2021) began with leaders, policymakers, and scientists calling for enhanced response to the Covid-19 pandemic in light of new variants…reports Asian Lite News

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame said that reimagining Africa’s public health systems was urgent to boost the continent’s response to the pandemic amid its heavy toll on the economy and livelihoods, Xinhua news agency reported.

Pan African health forum opens with call for swift pandemic response

According to Kagame, the pandemic served as a wake-up call for the continent to invest in resilient health systems, boost local manufacturing of vaccines, drugs, and testing kits besides improving the skills of local healthcare personnel.

The first-ever conference on public health in Africa to take place virtually from December 14 to 16 will provide a platform to share best practices on how to reinvigorate the war against the pandemic, he added.

More than 10,000 participants, including Heads of state and governments, senior policymakers, scholars, advocates, and innovators will participate in the three-day conference convened by the African Union and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Issues to be discussed at the conference include creating a new public health order for the continent, collaborative research, and enhanced surveillance to boost response to future pandemics.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission noted that the continent’s economies, stability, and public health security had been shaken by the pandemic hence the need for a swift, well-coordinated response.

“The pandemic has created the urgency to build a resilient public health order in Africa. We need equitable health systems, research, training, and collaboration to boost response to the pandemic,” said Mahamat.

The continent’s ability to withstand the pandemic’s shocks hinges on improving its capacity to produce diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics amid disruptions in the global supply chains, he added.

ALSO READ: S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

John Nkengasong, the Director of Africa CDC, said the continent has drawn lessons from Covid-19 to strengthen home-grown interventions geared toward minimising strain on the public health systems.

According to Nkengasong, Africa is currently better prepared to respond to future pandemics amid revamped surveillance infrastructure, training of local epidemiologists, and improved public awareness.


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Africa News News World

AFGB approves $210mn loan to unlock Nigeria’s special agro-industrial processing zones

AFGB approves $210mn loan to unlock Nigeria's special agro-industrial processing zones

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has said it has approved a $210 million loan to unlock Nigeria’s agriculture sector potential and promote industrialisation through the development of strategic crops and livestock…reports Asian Lite News

In a statement on Tuesday, the bank said the loan, with $160 million directly offered by the bank and $50 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), will co-finance phase 1 of the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program in Nigeria that could affect the lives of millions of people in Africa’s most populous country.

The AGTF, set up by the AfDB and the People’s Bank of China, finances eligible sovereign and non-sovereign guaranteed development projects in Africa, Xinhua news agency reported.

AFGB approves $210mn loan to unlock Nigeria’s special agro-industrial processing zones

The SAPZ program is a flagship of the bank’s Feed Africa Strategy, with plans to establish these zones in 18 African countries, including Nigeria, according the AfDB.

The AfDB’s financing for this program represents “one of the bank’s most ambitious operations in terms of scale and scope to date,” said the statement, adding phase 1 of the project will target seven Nigerian states and the country’s Federal Capital Territory and is expected to benefit about 50 million people.

“The project will support Nigeria’s efforts to raise agricultural productivity, promote investment, create wealth and jobs, and transform rural areas into corridors of economic prosperity,” said the statement.

ALSO READ: AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

The first phase of the SAPZ program will be implemented with co-financing from other partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development, in the amount of $538 million, it added.

Nigerian government and the AfDB signed the SAPZ agreement in December 2019 to explore development solution in the rural landscape for agricultural transformation across the most populous African country.

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Africa News News World

Cape city to create car-free zone to ensure safe dining

Cape city to create car-free zone to ensure safe dining

South Africa’s legislative capital of Cape Town announced that the city would create car-free zones in order to ensure safe outdoor dining…reports Asian Lite News

The move also aims to help restaurants in the summer, which is the peak tourism season, with the tourism and hospitality sector supporting tens of thousands of jobs, as the city is trying to counteract the abrupt international cancellations following the detection of the Omicron Covid variant, reports Xinhua news agency.

Cape city to create car-free zone to ensure safe dining

“While we cannot help every restaurant, we hope this innovation will make a positive difference in the lives of many hospitality workers,” Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said in a statement.

The first car-free zone will be set up on Saturday in a section of the main street in the busy city centre from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and will thereafter expand to other streets, including Long Street, a popular hangout place, according to the statement.

“We know the impact that Covid has had on Cape Town businesses and the thousands of Capetonians they employ. Innovative thinking is needed to help get our economy through this wave, and we are committed to doing what we can,” said the Mayor, adding that the idea was raised by a Cape Town resident on social media.

Hill-Lewis encouraged residents to support the local restaurant trade while staying safe this summer.

Mugging and other crimes against tourists and residents are common in the city, including its tourist spots, yet it still holds a great fascination for a large number of visitors.

Following the travel bans, the city a week ago relaunched a pocket-friendly campaign that offers discounts on flights, accommodation and attractions around Cape Town to attract domestic travellers in summer.

ALSO READ: AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

The Western Cape government earlier on Monday said the province, which hosts Cape Town, has officially entered the fourth wave of Covid-19 infections, in terms of the technical definition provided by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, meaning the number of newly-confirmed cases in the province reaches 30 per cent of the peak of the previous wave based on a seven-day moving average, which is about 1,100 new cases daily.

The province’s Premier Alan Winde urged residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, wear masks, ensure good ventilation with lots of fresh air, and avoid indoor meetings while keeping good hygiene and staying home when feeling sick.

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MBR tours pavilions of Central African Republic and Kyrgyzstan

MBR tours pavilions of Central African Republic and Kyrgyzstan

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited Expo 2020 and toured the Central African Republic’s pavilion at the mega global event along with Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic…reports Asian Lite News

At the pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the efforts of the Central African Republic to use technology to combat deforestation and protect wildlife.

MBR tours pavilions of Central African Republic and Kyrgyzstan

Located in the Sustainability District, the Central African Republic’s pavilion showcases the country’s initiatives and achievements; tourism attractions and plans to develop the sector, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy; and its rich natural resources, mainly diamonds.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also visited the pavilion of Kyrgyzstan located within the Opportunity District at Expo 2020 and met with Akylbek Japarov, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

Welcoming Kyrgyzstan’s participation in Expo 2020, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said Expo 2020 offers a platform to showcase Kyrgyz culture and the country’s vision for the future. His Highness exchanged views on a range of issues of common interest with Japarov and discussed ways of boosting cooperation between the UAE and Kyrgyzstan in various fields, especially education and healthcare.

ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020

The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan praised the robust ties between the UAE and his country and highlighted the educational projects that the UAE helped develop in Kyrgyzstan.

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Africa News COVID-19 World

S. African President tests Covid positive

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is receiving treatment for mild Covid-19 symptoms after testing positive for the virus…reports Asian Lite News

The President, who is fully vaccinated, started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier on Sunday, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

The President is in good spirits but is being monitored by the Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force, it added.

S. African President tests Covid positive

Ramaphosa is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.

The President also just wrapped up his visit from four West African states including Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.

The Presidency said he and the South African delegation were tested for Covid-19 in all the countries.

ALSO READ: AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

Ramaphosa also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on December 8.

The President said his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure.

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Africa News Travel World

Nigeria Govt ban arrivals from four countries over new Covid-19 variants

Nigeria Govt ban arrivals from four countries over new Covid-19 variants

The Nigerian government has announced its intention to ban arrivals from Canada, Britain, Argentina and Saudi Arabia from Tuesday, after the four countries added Nigeria on their “red list” and banned foreign travels from the country after detection of a new coronavirus variant…reports Asian Lite News

The decision was to reciprocate restricted flights from Nigeria into those countries over the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, said Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika on Sunday at a news conference in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.

Sirika added that if those countries placed Nigeria on a red list, they lacked the moral right to have their airlines fly into Nigeria on commercial operations, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nigeria Govt ban arrivals from four countries over new Covid-19 variants

“I participated in a meeting with the Covid-19 task force, and we gave our input that it is not acceptable to us and we recommended that Canada, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Argentina be put on the “red list”,” he said.

“As they did to us, if they do not allow our citizens into their countries…They are not supposed to come in. I am very sure in the next three days, on Monday or Tuesday, all those countries will be put on the red list of Covid-19,” the Minister added.

ALSO READ: Travel bans on S. Africa will affect local economy recovery

Sirika apologised to Nigerians, intending to travel to those countries, but said the Nigerian government’s decision was in the interest of the country.

Nigerian authorities have confirmed six imported cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country since the country reported first Omicron cases On December 1.

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Africa News News World

AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union (AU), has called for supporting initiatives in the manufacture of essential medicines and vaccines beyond Covid-19 in the continent as this was key to global health security…reports Asian Lite News

Mahamat made the remarks at the Vaccines and Global Health Security Session of the Group of Seven Foreign and Development Ministerial meeting, according to an AU statement.

AU Chair urges support for vax, medicine manufacture in Africa

Mahamat stressed that the availability of vaccines against Covid-19 and the virus’ different variants is vital for Africa and the rest of the world, reports Xinhua news agency.

Regarding the delivery of vaccines, the AU Commission chairperson pointed out that Africa has seen disproportionate delays, in comparison with the rest of the world, when it came to vaccines ordered from the market and those pledged under COVAX, the global vaccine equity mechanism.

“Only 7 per cent of Africans have been vaccinated, compared to 70 per cent of people around the world,” Mahamat said.

According to the AU Commission chief, when the Covid-19 pandemic started in early 2020, Africa requested to have the same access to vaccines at the same price when they became available.

“Two years later, we witnessed that these assurances of global solidarity were ignored,” Mahamat said.

He further questioned the global community’s commitment and solidarity with Africa, regarding which he singled out the recent treatment of Southern African countries in connection with the Omicron variant.

“Now more than ever, the world must honor its commitments with urgency. Vaccine nationalism is self-defeating and suicidal in a global pandemic,” said Mahamat.

ALSO READ: S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

Noting that the continent with a population of 1.3 billion accounts for about 14 per cent of the world’s population, but produces less than 0.1 per cent of global vaccines, he emphasised the need to enable Africa’s capabilities.

In April this year, the AU launched the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing, which aimed at ensuring timely access to vaccines to protect public health security.

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Africa News India News World

S. African national stabbed to death by a friend in Bengaluru

S. African national stabbed to death by a friend in Bengaluru

A South African national was stabbed to death by a friend following a quarrel between the two in Bengaluru…reports Asian Lite News

The victim has been identified as South African national Victor.

The police rushed to the spot and gathered CCTV footage in the area and launched a hunt for the accused who escaped after killing Victor on Sunday night.

S. African national stabbed to death by a friend in Bengaluru

According to the police, Victor was walking with the accused, who is said to be his friend, near Kullappa Circle in Kammanahalli at about 10 p.m. The two then started to argue.

The accused stabbed Victor with a knife in abdomen and chest and escaped from the spot. Though locals tried to shift Victor, who was severely bleeding, to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

ALSO READ: S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

The Banasawadi police, who are investigating the case, are gathering inputs about the deceased and the accused person to ascertain the exact cause of the murder.

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Africa News Arab News World

Somali army kills five al-shabab terrorists

Somali army kills five al-shabab terrorists

Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA) have killed five al-Shabab terrorists in security operations which were conducted in the southern part of the country…reports Asian Lite News

The SNA commanders told Radio Mogadishu on Sunday that several al-Shabab hideouts were also destroyed in the operations which took place in the past 24 hours at Gambarey, Dawacale, and Geediyan villages in the Lower Shabelle region, reports Xinhua news agency.

Somali army kills five al-shabab terrorists

“The army also drove out some of the terrorists who were causing serious problems to the locals,” said the state-owned radio as the SNA commanders vowed to continue with the onslaught until their forces flush out the militants in the area.

According to the state-owned radio, the villagers welcomed the ongoing security operations, saying they were delighted with the current military achievements which will result in peace in the area.

ALSO READ: At least 8 killed in car blast in Somali capital

The SNA backed by the African Union Mission in Somalia drove al-Shabab out of Mogadishu in 2011.

But the terror group is still capable of conducting attacks, targeting government installations, hotels, restaurants and public places.

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Africa News COVID-19 World

S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

South Africa’s Competition Commission has reached an agreement with two major laboratories Ampath and Lancet to reduce the price of Covid-19 PCR test prices from 850 to 500 rand ($53 to $31)…reports Asian Lite News

The Competition Commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele announced this on Sunday at a press briefing, reports Xinhua news agency.

He stated that in October they received a complaint from Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) of some laboratories charging exorbitant prices for PCR tests.

S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

The Competition Commission chose not to fine the two laboratories but agreed on price reduction.

“PCR tests have become essential in the fight against Covid-19. While there are other forms of testing, the PCR tests are required by doctors and various institutions, including for travel purposes,” he said, adding that the new price will be effective immediately.

He called on other laboratories charging high prices to reduce or face prosecution.

ALSO READ: African nations join hands against plastic pollution

“The Commission’s investigation also revealed that the Pathology Groups have been earning significant profits since March 2020, especially in the current financial year to date. Firms are still able to exploit consumers by earning excessive profits on essential products or services.

“We also call upon all labs conducting PCR tests to be sensitive to the plight of the public in this time, and use the settlement as a guidance,” Bonakele said.