Month: November 2024

 In Nigeria, vulnerable populations, especially those in underserved communities, remain at high risk of infectious diseases, including Lassa fever—an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. Endemic in Nigeria, Lassa fever continues to affect thousands annually, with the dry season (December–April) being the peak transmission period. In 2024, the disease has been particularly severe, with 1,059 confirmed cases reported across 28 states, resulting in 175 deaths (16.6% case […]

 President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested the National Assembly to consider afresh the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment (RICA) Bill out of concern by the President that the draft law may be vulnerable to constitutional challenge. The President has conveyed his concern in writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and has brought this referral to the attention of relevant Ministers. […]

 More than 13 000 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases have been reported in the African region since the start of 2024, as of 17 November. Three countries – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda - account for approximately 97% of all reported cases so far this year. From reinforcing outbreak control measures including health worker training, to the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, and to the development of vaccine […]

 In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 105 million adults are unbanked and lack proper identification documents (http://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr) [1]. Over 350 million adults in Africa live on a cash-only basis (http://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6), without access to financial accounts, credit cards, or lending facilities. Digital currency systems could prove to be key in improving financial inclusion and opening up new opportunities to large underbanked communities in many African countries. Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) (https://apo-opa.co/4g0POSt), the world’s […]

 A historic moment unfolded at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, as 524 members of the African diaspora were officially granted Ghanaian citizenship. This event, the third of its kind under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, celebrated the enduring bond between Ghana and its global diaspora. The ceremony is part of an ongoing initiative that began with the “Year of Return” in 2019, commemorating 400 […]