Month: October 2024

 Sierra Leone's economy grew by 5.7% in 2023, exceeding expectations, driven by strong performance in the mining sector. However, growth is projected to slow to 4.3% in 2024 due to declining iron ore prices, according to the new World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Update launched today. The report notes a slightly optimistic medium-term outlook, with growth expected to recover to its long-term average of 4.6%, supported by a resurgence in the service […]

 Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) FASHION Awards “Diabetes and Hypertension” to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension and promoting a healthy lifestyle; Last date for Entry Submission: 30th October 2024. Apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com.  Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Call for Applications […]

 A high-level Policy Dialogue for building consensus and political will for policy, legal and institutional reforms and the development of strategies to strengthen land administration institutions is has kicked off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. “The dialogue includes the preparation of a strategy/roadmap to ensure that historical women’s land rights issues are addressed. This will be included in a policy brief to be produced as part of the outputs of […]

 President Isaias Afwerki and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest at State House yesterday evening. The two leaders underscored the imperative of further bolstering the bilateral cooperation of the two sisterly countries in the heavy tasks of the maintenance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and unity of Somalia; which remains a prerequisite for its development against the backdrop of […]

 The paramount chief of the Dorma Traditional Council and president of the Bono House of Chiefs, Osagyefuo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has expressed renewed confidence in the government’s Agenda 111 initiative following a recent courtesy visit from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. During the VP's tour, the chief and his elders participated in a Stakeholder Consultation Forum held on Wednesday, October 9, at the Dormaahene Palace, where they engaged in […]

 The consequences of delayed justice can be dire, sometimes taking the shape of revenge attacks and further crimes being committed. Residents of Pibor and its Greater Administrative Area are familiar with this scenario, as their justice system relies on customary legal practices, with overburdened local chiefs presiding over county courts. Now, however, change is in the offing. Local authorities recently received a newly constructed justice centre, funded by the United […]

 Despite important progress towards integrating eye health into primary health care services in African countries, a dire shortage of financial resources, combined with the concentration of scarce human resources in urban areas and low community awareness, continues to threaten the gains. One in every six blind people globally live in Africa, along with 26 million others grappling with some degree of visual impairment. Yet statistics show that despite the onerous […]

 About 2.8 million people in and around El Fasher in North Darfur currently have no option to escape or to access much needed assistance, said a group of non-government organisations (NGOs) working in Sudan. About 500,000 people are living in Zamzam refugee camp near El Fasher which is experiencing famine. Aid workers from international NGOs working in El Fasher said children were witnessing atrocities no child should see which was impacting their behaviour with […]

 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Coumba D. Sow of Senegal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Togo, with the host Government’s approval, starting on 5 October. Ms. Sow has 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian assistance.  Previously she served as Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rwanda and in Djibouti, as FAO Coordinator of the Emergencies and Resilience for West Africa and the Sahel, and in other senior […]