insert_link Africa Southern Africa responds swiftly to mpox concerns, remains open and safe for tourism In light of recent global health declarations regarding Mpox, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance reaffirms that Southern Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourism. The Tourism Alliance emphasises the region’s swift and coordinated response to the situation, while highlighting the minimal risk to travellers. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the […] today20 August, 2024
insert_link Africa DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Next Week Amid Global Health Emergency Reuters has it that the Democratic Republic of the Congo expects to receive its first mpox vaccine doses by next week, thanks to support from the United States and Japan, according to the Congolese health minister. Last week, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years due to the rapid spread of a new variant, clade Ib, across Africa. today20 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Senegal Establishes Expert Commission to Review and Rebalance Oil and Gas Contracts Senegal has formed a commission of legal, tax, and energy experts to reassess and potentially renegotiate its oil and gas contracts in the national interest, as announced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Reuters says, this move follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election victory in March, who has pledged to audit and, if necessary, renegotiate contracts with foreign operators to better serve Senegal's interests. today20 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Mpox outbreak in Africa was neglected – it could now turn into the next global pandemic By Wolfgang Preiser, Stellenbosch University; Cheryl Baxter, Stellenbosch University, and Jean Nachega, Stellenbosch University The mpox outbreak in Africa is yet another example of how infectious diseases perceived to be “someone else’s problem”, and affecting mainly poor, developing countries, may suddenly pose unexpected global threats. Other examples of neglected diseases include the West Nile, Zika and Chikungunya viruses. Mpox was discovered in 1958 (in captive monkeys, hence the […] today19 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Genetically modified mosquitoes and malaria in Africa: top scientist shares latest advances By Abdoulaye Diabaté Every year, mosquitoes kill more people than any other animal. According to the World Malaria Report (2023), the African continent bears the brunt of the most deadly mosquito-borne disease, malaria. Africa has 94% of the cases and 95% of the deaths. One tool that’s being considered in the fight against malaria is genetic modification. Several research projects around the world are looking to use […] today19 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Russia-Ukraine war spills into west Africa: Mali attacks signal dangerous times ahead By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University Russia suffered significant blows to its reputation in mid-2024. An attack on its territory by Ukraine came as a surprise. In west Africa, the Wagner mercenary group, supported by Russia, suffered one of its heaviest fatalities in Mali. An alliance of Tuareg rebel groups known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad joined forces in late […] today19 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Sex and alcohol in Nigeria: marketing tactics send dangerous messages to young drinkers By Emeka Dumbili, University College Dublin Nigeria has a high rate of heavy drinking among young people. One study found that 55.8% of teenagers between 15 and 19 years old had engaged in binge drinking in the past month. The World Health Organization has shown that strictly limiting alcohol advertising and reducing alcohol availability are among the most effective measures to prevent heavy alcohol consumption. But Nigeria has […] today19 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Ethiopia’s bold economic reforms target stability and growth, but they come with risks By Tsegay Tekleselassie, Wellesley College Ethiopia’s recent macroeconomic reforms, supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, could have profound implications for the country and the region. The key reforms include the use of a floating exchange rate system and of interest rates as a policy tool. They were introduced just ahead of the approval of a financial package that could eventually amount to about […] today19 August, 2024
insert_link Africa Africa on the UN security council: why the continent should have two permanent seats By Sithembile Mbete, University of Pretoria Africa’s desire to be fully represented in all decision-making organs of the United Nations (UN), particularly in the security council, is informed by three factors. First, repairing the historical injustice of its underrepresentation in global governance. Second, recognising African contributions in shaping the contemporary world order. Third, the urgency of securing the legitimacy of the UN in the face of emerging threats […] today19 August, 2024
