insert_link Health / Medical INTERVIEW: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month: A Conversation with Bianca Özcan Windhoek, Namibia – In a recent interview with Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen, Bianca Özcan, a passionate advocate for rare diseases, highlighted the critical issues surrounding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) during August's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. Bianca began by addressing the profound impact SMA has on individuals and families. "SMA is a rare, progressive neuromuscular condition characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, which can severely affect daily activities such […] todayAugust 9, 2024 10
insert_link Interview Transcripts INTERVIEW: Penda Negonga Outlines Namibia Progressive Party’s Vision on Key Issues Windhoek, Namibia – In a recent interview with Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen, Penda Negonga of the Namibia Progressive Party (NPP) outlined his party’s strategies for tackling some of Namibia’s most pressing issues: unemployment, housing, and LGBTQIA+ rights. As Namibia heads towards its national elections later this year, these topics are expected to be pivotal in shaping the country's future. Addressing Unemployment Negonga emphasized the NPP's commitment to tackling Namibia's soaring […] todayAugust 9, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Minister in the Presidency says the Cabinet has noted the significant improvement in the healthcare system S.A's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the Cabinet has noted the significant improvement in the healthcare system, including an increase in life expectancy to 66-years. This progress is attributed to enhanced healthcare interventions, such as expanded antiretroviral therapy and vaccination programmes. According to Ntshavheni, the rise in life expectancy and reduction in infant mortality highlights the positive impact of government health initiatives on public well-being: todayAugust 9, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Tragic Boat Explosion in Bayelsa, Nigeria, Claims 20 Lives At least 20 people died in Bayelsa, Nigeria, when a wooden boat carrying traders caught fire and exploded on a river says Reuters. The boat was transporting goods to coastal communities, a routine trip in the region. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, with over 200 deaths reported last year, often due to overcrowding and poor maintenance. todayAugust 9, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Protests Erupt in Kenya as Civil Society and Youth Groups Demand President Ruto’s Resignation Protests in Kenya are ongoing as civil society groups organizations and a coalition of youth groups take to the streets to force President William Ruto to resign. Organizers say it is a response to the high cost of living, severe unemployment, and corruption. Kenyan President William Ruto has urged youth in the country not to proceed with protests urging them to seek peace. Daniel Kijo has more. todayAugust 9, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa ANC’s national executive committee has called for the eradication of complacency The ANC's national executive committee has called for the eradication of complacency, corruption, and incompetence within its ranks. The party urges for a dynamic, accountable structure to ensure leadership meets ANC manifesto commitments. Briefing the media on the recently concluded lekgotla, ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula called for internal reform to address governance weaknesses and enhance the party's effectiveness in advancing its transformative agenda: todayAugust 9, 2024 16
insert_link Africa WHO warns M-Pox outbreak in Africa could pose a public health emergency The World Health Organization says it has raised its response to the mpox outbreak in over a dozen African countries. Parts of Africa are witnessing an "unprecedented" spike in mpox cases with 15 countries reporting outbreaks. The WHO is trying to determine whether the outbreak in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of international concern. Corresponding for us is Jody Jacobs. todayAugust 9, 2024 14
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of Namibia Forecasts Economic Growth of 3.1% for this year The Bank of Namibia’s August 2024 Economic Outlook predicts a 3.1% growth for Namibia’s economy ifor this year, with a slight increase to 3.9% in 2025. Global growth is expected to be 3.2%, rising marginally to 3.3% in next year. While the 2024 forecast remains unchanged, the 2025 projection has been adjusted upward by 0.1 percentage points due to revised growth estimates for China. Josefina Oskar, the Bank’s Communications Practitioner, […] todayAugust 9, 2024 30
insert_link Namibia NamCor Terminates Managing Director Immanuel Mulunga’s Contract The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia and its Board of Directors have announced the immediate termination of Managing Director Immanuel Mulunga's contract. NamCor's Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations, Paulo Coelho, provided the details. todayAugust 9, 2024 30
