The United States has imposed sanctions on relatives of Daniel Ortega, targeting members of his inner circle over alleged involvement in opaque business dealings. Measures focus on restricting financial access and international operations linked to key economic sectors. Washington argues the measure is aimed at increasing pressure on the government without directly harming the wider population . Analysts say the sanctions reflect a broader strategy to weaken entrenched power structures surrounding the ruling family. The move comes amid continued international concern over governance and transparency in Nicaragua. It also signals ongoing tensions between Managua and Western governments.

Rights body demands end to violations and democratic restoration

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has called on Nicaragua’s government to cease human rights violations and restore democratic institutions. In a recent statement, the body warned that serious abuses persist amid a prolonged political crisis. It highlighted ongoing concerns over arbitrary detentions and restrictions on civil liberties . The commission urged authorities to guarantee fundamental rights and reopen democratic space. Observers say the statement adds to mounting international pressure on Managua. The government has yet to signal any policy shift in response.

Nicaragua and Russia to test dengue vaccine

Nicaragua is preparing to collaborate with Russia on trials for a dengue vaccine, as part of efforts to tackle a growing public health challenge. Officials confirmed that preliminary steps are underway, although details about trial locations and timelines remain unclear. The initiative reflects closer bilateral ties between Managua and Moscow in recent years. Health experts note that dengue remains a major concern across tropical regions, increasing the importance of vaccine development. Authorities say the project could strengthen national healthcare capacity. However, further information is still pending as preparations continue.

Opposition calls for democratic transition

Opposition groups have issued a declaration calling for a democratic transition in Nicaragua, urging greater international involvement. The coalition argues that sustained pressure is needed to address what it describes as systemic repression. Leaders highlighted the need for free elections, institutional reform and the restoration of political freedoms. The announcement reflects continued mobilisation among opposition movements, many operating from exile. Analysts say unity among opposition factions remains a key challenge. The statement underscores ongoing political tensions within the country.

US sanctions interior ministry official

The United States has also sanctioned a senior official within Nicaragua’s interior ministry, intensifying pressure on the government. The measures target individuals accused of involvement in repression and abuses against political opponents. Washington has increasingly focused on specific figures linked to security and judicial structures. Officials said the sanctions aim to hold those responsible accountable while signalling support for democratic principles. The move forms part of a wider pattern of targeted measures against the Nicaraguan leadership. The government has rejected such actions as external interference.

Under global and continental targets, countries are expected to significantly reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 2025. However, the report notes that only five African countries are currently on track to meet the 2025 reduction targets.

The stagnation comes despite the rollout of malaria vaccines in 24 African countries and the scale-up of dual active-ingredient insecticide-treated nets, which are designed to combat insecticide resistance. While these tools represent scientific progress, the data suggest they have not yet translated into large-scale reductions in cases and deaths.

The report warns that Africa’s fight against malaria is facing multiple structural pressures. These include funding shortfalls, population growth, climate-related disruptions, and biological threats such as drug and insecticide resistance.

A significant concern highlighted in the report is the decline in external financing. Official Development Assistance for malaria has fallen, and replenishment targets for major global funding mechanisms have not been fully met. The report cautions that sustained funding gaps could reverse hard-won gains.

Climate variability is also contributing to malaria transmission patterns. Flooding and changing rainfall patterns have expanded mosquito breeding conditions in some regions. At the same time, rapid population growth increases the number of people at risk and raises the cost of maintaining prevention coverage.

Drug resistance remains another emerging threat. Partial resistance to frontline treatments has been detected in parts of Africa, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of existing therapies.

The report makes clear that while new technologies are critical, they are not sufficient on their own. Without stable financing, strong health systems, climate resilience planning and sustained political commitment, Africa risks missing its 2030 malaria elimination targets.

For now, the data signals a warning: innovation alone will not end malaria. Progress depends on whether countries and partners can close funding gaps, strengthen accountability and scale interventions at a pace that matches the burden.

It follows the confirmation of 30 polio cases so far this year, a sharp improvement on last year’s toll but still a reminder that transmission persists.

More than 400,000 frontline vaccinators are moving door to door, supported by thousands of police officers deployed amid intelligence warnings of possible militant attacks. Vaccination teams have repeatedly been targeted by extremists who claim, without evidence, that polio campaigns are a Western plot.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal urged families to cooperate with vaccination teams, warning that complacency could reverse gains. Each new infection, he said, risks condemning a child to lifelong paralysis while keeping communities vulnerable to wider outbreaks.

Afghanistan is the only other country where polio remains endemic. Officials said synchronised drives on both sides of the border are essential to interrupt cross-border transmission, which has historically undermined national progress.

Despite the latest cases, health authorities pointed to a dramatic long-term decline. Pakistan has reduced polio incidence by more than 99 per cent since the 1990s, cutting tens of thousands of annual cases to a few dozen. Two of the three strains of wild poliovirus once circulating in the country have already been eliminated.

That progress was underscored at a recent World Health Organization and Aga Khan University forum in Karachi, where international and national experts concluded that eradication in Pakistan is scientifically achievable. 

Pakistan’s programme is often cited as one of the most extensive public health operations in the world, with a dense network of emergency operation centres and one of the most sensitive surveillance systems globally. 

International advisers said the remaining challenge is not the effectiveness of the vaccine but reaching every last child, particularly in insecure or hard-to-access areas.

Officials described the current campaign as part of the “last mile” — the most difficult phase of eradication, when case numbers are low but the risk of resurgence is high. 

According to officials, a DNA test has confirmed the identity of the last victim of the Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, bringing the death toll to 260. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board and 19 others on the ground, with one survivor reported. Previous estimates had pegged the death toll higher, but 240 bodies were identified before this confirmation. Medical authorities indicated that the DNA matching process was complex due to severe damage to many bodies.

Mahaa News office vandalised in Hyderabad, allegations against BRS

Reports confirm that unidentified assailants attacked the office of Mahaa News in Hyderabad, vandalising vehicles and property on June 28. Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor has condemned the incident, attributing responsibility to BRS party leaders. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is scheduled to visit the affected channel's office as authorities continue to investigate the attack.

Saquib Nachan, alleged ISIS leader, dies in Delhi Hospital

Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, alleged chief of ISIS India , has died in a Delhi hospital following complications from a brain haemorrhage. Nachan, previously convicted for his involvement in the 2002-03 Mumbai blasts, was under medical care after being admitted from Tihar Jail. His death raises concerns over the ongoing investigations into terrorism in India.

India's unvaccinated children: Global ranking reevaluated

India has been reported to have the second highest number of unvaccinated children globally, with 1.4 million behind Nigeria's 2.5 million, according to The Lancet. However, analysis suggests that these figures may not accurately reflect India's vaccination efforts due to its large population. Experts highlight the need for more nuanced comparisons to understand the context of vaccination rates in such a populous nation.

Air India flight returns to Mumbai due to cabin emergency

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai made a precautionary return on June 27 after a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and provided support to passengers affected by the disruption. This incident follows other recent reports concerning aircraft safety and security measures within the airline.

Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, after losing a parliamentary no-confidence vote amid weeks of public protests over an alleged corruption case in Ulaanbaatar. A parliamentary statement confirmed his resignation following the secret ballot. Oyun-Erdene acknowledged the challenges of his tenure, including the pandemic, regional conflict, and economic difficulties. He will serve as interim prime minister until a successor is appointed within 30 days, the Indonesia Times reports.

Mongolia reports over 5,000 measles cases

Mongolia’s measles outbreak has surpassed 5,000 cases, primarily affecting school-age children who received only one vaccine dose, according to Newkerala . The National Centre for Communicable Diseases emphasised the need for two doses to ensure full protection. Health authorities are urging parents to complete their children's vaccination schedules to prevent further spread.

COP17 in Mongolia will unite 197 Parties to address desertification, degradation and drought

Delegates from all 197 Parties—alongside heads of state, ministers, international organisations, scientists, civil society, and the private sector—will gather in Mongolia for COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to craft solutions to desertification, land degradation, and drought . The conference will coincide with the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, spotlighting sustainable rangeland management and the livelihoods of over one billion people who depend on these ecosystems.

Mongolia and Turkmenistan strengthen bilateral ties

Mongolia and Turkmenistan signed multiple cooperation documents during the state visit of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Ulaanbaatar, according to the Mongolian presidential office. The agreements include a joint statement on advancing bilateral relations and several memoranda of understanding in health, education, science, media, culture, and light industry, reflecting both countries’ commitment to deepen sectoral cooperation.

Mining and services to drive economic growth in 2025

Mongolia’s economy grew by 4.9% in 2024, supported by mining and services, though at a slower pace than in 2023. Growth is expected to accelerate to 6.6% in 2025 and moderate to 5.9% in 2026, according to the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Outlook report published in April 2025. The expansion will be led by increased copper concentrate production at the Oyu Tolgoi mine and a gradual recovery in agriculture following severe livestock losses in previous years.

Developed by Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen University, and Wantai BioPharm, this vaccine positions China as the second nation after the United States to supply high-valency HPV vaccines independently.

What is a valent?

In HPV vaccines, valent refers to the number of HPV strains targeted. A nine-valent vaccine, like Cecolin 9, protects against nine HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58), covering strains responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers and other HPV-related diseases, compared to bivalent (two strains) or quadrivalent (four strains) vaccines. This broader coverage enhances protection against cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related cancers.

Clinical success and accessibility

Since 2019, Cecolin 9 underwent five clinical trials across China, involving over 11,000 volunteers aged 9 to 45. Results, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases , show a 98% protection rate against persistent HPV infections lasting over 12 months and 100% efficacy against cervical infections for types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Notably, for girls aged 9 to 17, two doses suffice to match the immune response of three doses in women aged 18 to 26, making it China’s only two-dose HPV vaccine for this age group.

The vaccine’s immune response is comparable to international counterparts like Gardasil 9 for at least 30 months post-immunisation.

Global Implications

Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women globally in 2022 , claims over 340,000 lives annually, with 70% of cases linked to HPV types 16 and 18. With China’s Cecolin 9, this menace could be potentially curbed due to increased production capacity and enhanced global supply and accessibility.

China’s move has seen 40% of Chinese girls aged 13 to 14 receiving free HPV vaccinations in 2024 . This aligns with the WHO’s 2030 goal to vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15.

The country is the 19th in Africa to add the malaria vaccine to its routine immunisation program.

The vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, is given in four doses at six, seven, eight, and 18 months. Health officials say it will help prevent severe malaria cases and save many lives.

Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda.

It accounts for 40 percent of outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions, and 14 percent of hospital deaths.

In 2023, Uganda was among the five African countries with the highest malaria cases, alongside Nigeria , Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, urged parents to get their children vaccinated.

"The vaccine is a big step in our fight against malaria. It could prevent at least 800 severe cases every day and save families from spending money on treatment," she said.

Health workers have been trained, and millions of vaccine doses have been sent to health centres across the country.

Officials are also working with community leaders and religious groups to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.

The campaign is supported by Gavi, the World Health Organisation , UNICEF, and other partners.

Zambia will begin distributing oral cholera vaccines in the first week of December, focusing on 54 identified cholera hotspots to prevent outbreaks during the rainy season. The country has 2 million doses on hand, with 3 million more expected soon. Enhanced surveillance and oral rehydration points have been established in these areas. Efforts include collaboration with community volunteers to promote hygiene. During the 2023-2024 outbreak, Zambia saw over 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths.

Social media monetisation

Zambia's government plans to update the Internet Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act to monetise social media, according to Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa. He clarified that this initiative aims to enhance the act without limiting citizens' freedom of expression on social media. The government is already working on repealing and replacing the existing IBA Act.

Almost a quarter of Zambians practice open defecation

On World Toilet Day, November 19, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, highlighted that 24% of Zambians still practice open defecation, which worsens disease transmission, particularly in vulnerable communities. The commemoration at Chinika Secondary School aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation for public health.

Fugitive MP arrested in Zimbabwe

Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, a fugitive Zambian MP facing robbery charges, has been arrested in Zimbabwe after escaping custody in August. Banda fled through a window at Chipata Central Hospital while under police guard. A bounty of 2 million kwacha (approximately $72,000) was placed on him. He was arrested in Harare at a rented flat and will be extradited to Zambia. The Zambian government is investigating those who facilitated his escape, and opposition figures have decried the situation as politically motivated, claiming the charges against him are aimed at silencing dissent related to alleged state abductions.

Zambia and Zimbabwe experience simultaneous blackout

Zambia and Zimbabwe experienced simultaneous nationwide power blackouts on the night of Sunday, November 24, likely due to a disturbance on power lines connected to South Africa's Eskom utility. The outages began at 8:15 PM in Zambia and 8:25 PM in Zimbabwe. Both state power companies, ZESA and ZESCO, reported system disturbances leading to the loss of power supply. Restoration efforts began immediately, with power largely restored in Zimbabwe by 3 AM the following day. Both countries face significant power generation shortfalls due to low water levels at the Kariba Dam, resulting in widespread and prolonged power cuts, particularly in Zimbabwe where cuts can last up to 18 hours a day.

In a public statement, Amarkhil called on community leaders and parents to support the vaccination effort. "There are no confirmed positive polio cases registered in Afghanistan in 2024. The ministry is trying to eradicate this wild virus by launching vaccine campaigns," he emphasised, highlighting the importance of cooperation from tribal elders, religious scholars, and parents to ensure effective implementation.

The announcement follows recent reports of uncertainty over polio campaigns in the country. On September 16, the United Nations announced that Afghanistan's Taliban government had suspended polio vaccination campaigns. The next day, however, the Taliban-led Health Ministry disputed this, calling the UN’s statement "false."

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries globally where the polio virus is still endemic. As of October 28, the global count for confirmed polio cases in 2024 has reached 64, with 23 cases reported in Afghanistan and 41 in Pakistan. This is a significant increase from the 12 cases recorded last year, split equally between the two countries.

WHO declares Egypt malaria-free

Egypt has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after decade-long efforts by the country to eliminate the disease. This makes Egypt the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve the feat. The other two are the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Read more here .

Nigeria's Tinubu names seven ministers, sacks five in cabinet reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his 45-member cabinet, naming seven new ministers, sacking five and reassigning 10 others to new portfolios, a spokesperson said on October 23. The ministers of finance, defence, national planning and two junior energy ministers all retained their positions. Read more here .

600 million Africans without electricity: This company has a wind-powered solution

Co-founder of Minagie Energy, a Ghanaian-based company is addressing the energy needs of some 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electricity. Read more here .

Asia

Vietnam closes major airports amid typhoon warning

Vietnam closed four major airports on October 27 as Typhoon Trami threatened. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) announced that the closures aim to keep air travellers safe from the typhoon, which could bring heavy rainfall and high winds to central Vietnam. The country is also restricting coastal activities to help limit storm damage. Read more here .

We’re still not at our destination: Filipino actor Miles Ocampo on film’s global growth

Popular Filipino actress Miles Ocampo has shared her insights on the growth of the Filippino film industry in an exclusive interview with Global South World, acknowledging both achievements and areas for improvement. Read more here .

Scores of illegal Indian migrants deported from US

An unspecified number of Indian nationals have been returned to their home country through a ‘charter removal flight’ conducted by the United States. The migrants who couldn’t establish legal basis to remain in the US were removed as part of ongoing repatriation efforts by the US. Read more here .

Latin America

World’s first vaccine to neuter dogs for a year is launched in Chile

Chile has introduced a vaccine that neuters dogs for a year, offering an alternative to permanent surgical castration. Described as the first of its kind globally, the vaccine prevents sexual behaviour and reproduction, according to its creators. Saenz and his team have been developing the vaccine since 2009, and it began distribution in Chile this month. Read more here .

In Guatemala, families mourn the migrants who never reached the USA

Relatives of a couple from Guatemala who drowned while trying to travel through the River Rio Grande to the US have paid their last respects. Rossanna and Widman drowned as they tried to wade across the notorious part of the river that links Piedras Negras, Mexico, with Eagle Pass, Texas, on Feb. 24, just two among the hundreds of people who lose their lives trying to cross into the U.S. every year. Dozens of community members filed through the streets to mourn the popular 26-year-old, often called by his middle name Alex. Rossanna, his 25-year-old partner, was buried in San Juan La Laguna, near her family. Read more here .

Argentina’s government overhauls tax agency amidst austerity measures and rising poverty

Argentina’s government announced the restructuring of its tax system on Monday, October 21, as part of ongoing austerity measures aimed at improving the nation’s financial stability. Xinhua reports that the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP) will replace the newly established Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency, designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

"This is the first vaccine of this type in the world for dogs," said Leonardo Saenz from the University of Chile's veterinary sciences faculty.

Saenz and his team have been developing the vaccine since 2009, and it began distribution in Chile this month. The vaccine stimulates antibodies to halt the production of sex hormones in both male and female dogs for a full year.

"This immunological product we designed has a similarity, let's say, to a hormone found in mammals, present in both males and females. Therefore, the generation of these antibodies binds to this natural, endogenous hormone and blocks it," Saenz explained. It prevents the hormone from having its effect, thereby stopping the hormone production cascade and sexual behaviour in animals.

The Egalitte vaccine has been patented in 40 countries, including the United States , Argentina, Brazil, and throughout the European Union. In Chile, the cost is $50 per injection.

Ivan Gutierrez, a 27-year-old student, took his dog Franchesco to a veterinary clinic in Santiago for the vaccine. "I didn't really want him to have the operation," he said. "So, I looked for a less invasive option that wouldn't affect him as much."

An alternative method of temporary sterilization involves inserting a hormonal implant under the skin, but Saenz cautioned that it can cause side effects. The new vaccine aims to provide a safer and reversible option for dog owners.

The R21 vaccine expected to be cost-free to citizens was developed by scientists at the Oxford University and made by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.

A total of 1 million vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country by the end of October.

So far, 846,200 doses of the vaccine have already been secured in partnership with the global vaccine group Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). 153,800 more are expected to follow.

It will be administered in four doses.

According to Nigerian Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, the first phase of the rollout will begin in Kebbi and Bayelsa where high numbers of malaria cases have been recorded.

Over 800,000 doses are set to be distributed during the first phase. Children under one year of age will be mandated to take the vaccine as part of the country’s routine immunisation programme.

"The arrival of the malaria vaccine is a monumental step in our national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality," Pate was quoted in a joint press release by the partners.

Nigeria is the third country to receive the vaccines following its launch in Ghana and Kenya in 2023.

According to the 2023 World Malaria Report , nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected, the report further noted.

On Monday, September 9, a bomb attack on a polio vaccination team injured nine people, an incident claimed by the Islamic State group.

Additionally, at least two police officers and one polio worker have been shot dead in separate attacks since the start of the latest vaccination drive.

These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence targeting polio workers and their security escorts, primarily in the restive border areas near Afghanistan.

" "We are boycotting (providing security for) the polio campaign. We demand that the killer of our martyred policemen be arrested before more policemen are killed in the future. We demand the arrest of all the killers," said Habib Ullah Wazir, a Bannu Policeman.

The strike and ongoing violence pose a significant challenge to Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, despite extensive vaccination campaigns. This year, Pakistan has recorded 17 polio cases, a sharp increase from six cases in 2023.

Health officials had aimed to vaccinate 30 million children in a week-long campaign, but the strike and security concerns have disrupted these plans.

This was contained in a global study released by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on July 15.

According to the report, there was a significant reduction in the number of children who have not received any doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP1) in 2023 in Brazil. The number reduced from 710,000 in 2021 to 103,000 in 2023.

Similarly, the numbers for DTP3 reduced within the same period from 846,000 to 257,000.

Agencia Brasil reports that Brazil moved from its 7th-rank position among countries with the most unimmunised and unvaccinated children after showing steady progress in 14 of the 16 immunisations surveyed.

Head of Health in UNICEF Brazil, Luciani Phebo highlighted the country’s win after years of low coverage of child immunisation performance but urged that more should be done.

“It is essential to continue moving even faster to find and immunize every girl and boy who has not yet received the vaccines. Efforts must go beyond the walls of basic health units, and reach other spaces where children and families are, including schools, assistance centres, and other public spaces and facilities,” she was quoted .

The UNICEF and WHO have reported a stall in global childhood immunisation coverage in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

According to the findings , the number of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) in 2023 - a key marker for global immunization coverage - stalled at 84 per cent (108 million). However, the number of children who did not receive a single dose of the vaccine increased from 13.9 million in 2022 to 14.5 million in 2023.

More than half of unvaccinated children live in the 31 countries with fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings, where children are especially vulnerable to preventable diseases because of disruptions and lack of access to security, nutrition, and health services.

Additionally, 6.5 million children did not complete their third dose of the DTP vaccine, which is necessary to achieve disease protection in infancy and early childhood.

Namibia achieved a 99% HIV-free birth rate for babies born to HIV-positive mothers in 2023. The country was recognised by the World Health Organisation for its progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. Namibia has also received recognition for its efforts to meet UNAIDS fast-track targets. According to The Namibian , the country aims to achieve an MTCT rate of less than 2% by 2028 and has implemented a government-funded program to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. The health minister also discussed the launch of an Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter at a recent summit, which aims to address challenges related to the health workforce in Africa.

Water supply to Namibian capital threatened

Water levels at the Von Bach Dam in Namibia are critically low, threatening the water supply of the capital city, Windhoek. As reported by Xinhua , the reservoir is at only 11.3% of its capacity, and officials warn that it could dry out entirely by the beginning of 2025. This situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and the vulnerability of Namibia's water resources in the face of climate change.

No side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine recorded

Namibia Ministry of Health assures no side effects from AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine was discontinued due to new coronavirus variants and a decline in demand. No adverse effects have been recorded, and those who received the vaccine should not worry. AstraZeneca estimates the vaccine saved over 6.5 million lives and is no longer being manufactured. If feeling unwell, individuals are advised to seek medical assessment, adds The Namibian .

Lecturer investigated over sex for grades

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) is investigating a senior lecturer for sexual harassment after students reported the incident to the university's HR office. The lecturer was allegedly seen being escorted from campus by security guards carrying a mattress. Reports from The Namibian indicate that the university has confirmed ongoing investigations into the matter, and the Students' Union of Namibia president has called for tougher policies to protect students from such incidents. Students’ Union of Namibia (SUN) president Benhard Kavau says relationships between students and lecturers compromise the quality of education. “It is not allowed for a lecturer to have a relationship with a student. It comes with self-respect, because the moment a lecturer has such relationships, it is a conflict of interest because it compromises the quality of education. How do we then trust that student A is performing well and student B is not performing well if there is a conflict of interest? So, in most cases students will be disadvantaged,” he says. Kavau says Nust must toughen up its policies so that students are protected against such incidents.

Namibia to open hydrogen production plant

Namibia is set to open a hydrogen production plant this year as part of a joint venture between Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. The facility will use solar energy to produce green hydrogen for use in small ships, port equipment, trucks, and railway applications. Additionally, the venture aims to position the Port of Walvis Bay as a low-carbon logistics supply chain and plans to launch the first hydrogen-powered ship in Africa. A 'Hydrogen Academy' will also be established onsite to upskill workers on hydrogen technology, Riviera reports. The hydrogen production plant is the first phase of a five-year plan to develop several projects, including ammonia bunkering, pipelines, and large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production.

Sanctions against Venezuela have returned with renewed force. The U.S. government announced on Wednesday the reinstatement of sanctions targeting the energy sector in Venezuela, citing the failure of the Chavista regime to deliver on its promise of holding free elections. According to Lagrada , the temporary six-month license (General License 44) granted by the U.S. for the country to sell oil and gas on international markets expired the same night as the announcement. The countdown to the final date for companies to fulfil their contracts has begun, with the deadline set for May 31st. After this date, all sales must be completed, and comprehensive isolation will resume. While the U.S. government acknowledges that President Nicolás Maduro has fulfilled some election-related promises, such as updating the census and voter registrations, the official American stance is that many promises remain unfulfilled.

India to curb Venezuelan crude imports

India is expected to stop importing Venezuelan crude once U.S. sanctions are reinstated. This comes as a result of Washington's decision to ease sanctions on Venezuelan oil trade for six months. This move makes India one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude, reports Trade Winds . US sanctions on Venezuela have been in existence since the Trump administration. In light of the escalating human rights violations and pervasive corruption under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, who has held power since 2013, the Trump Administration broadened U.S. sanctions. These measures now encompass financial restrictions, sectoral sanctions, and penalties targeting the government.

HPV vaccines scarcity

Venezuela has failed to provide the promised HPV vaccines amidst the lack of adequate sex education. According to Medical Xpress , this has resulted in a lack of awareness and access to the vaccine, leading to a high rate of HPV infections and cervical cancer. Accurate health care data in Venezuela is scarce, rendering it nearly impossible to determine the prevalence of HPV infection or the extent of vaccination coverage, whether through private means or by non-governmental organisations. The World Health Organisation's estimates on HPV vaccine coverage leave a void where Venezuela is concerned. This comes back to the government's failure to prioritise sexual and reproductive health, along with economic challenges, as the contributors to this problem, adds Medical Xpress.

Crypto for oil sales

According to Reuters , Venezuela has turned to cryptocurrency for its oil sales following new sanctions imposed by the U.S., a development that raises concerns for many. The most recent update from the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA indicates plans to further explore cryptocurrency transactions for oil exports. A report by Venezuelan opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, in collaboration with Kristofer Doucette, highlights the importance for democratic authorities to address the misuse of Venezuelan cryptocurrency under Nicolás Maduro's administration. Doucette, a national security expert at Chainalysis, emphasized the necessity of implementing robust anti-money laundering measures.

Presidential elections audit

Venezuela has started audits for the upcoming presidential elections, with the programme running until August 5th. Prensa Latina reports that the first phase will end on May 10, and the elections are scheduled for July 28th. Both national authorities and international experts view this evaluation and control process as a cornerstone of the Venezuelan electoral system, acknowledged as one of the finest in both Latin America and the global arena.

According to WHO, Nigeria is one of the 26 meningitis hyper-endemic countries of Africa situated within the African Meningitis Belt, where the menace of meningitis has inflicted devastating tolls year after year.

WHO explained that Meningitis is a serious infection that leads to the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and poses a grave threat to public health, with bacterial strains capable of causing rapid deterioration and even death within a mere 24 hours.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, who lauded Nigeria's proactive stance, said on social media platform X, “Meningitis is an old and deadly foe, but this new vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of the disease, preventing future outbreaks, saving many lives, and bringing us closer to our goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.”

The new vaccine protects against the five primary strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) with just a single shot and has the potential to significantly reduce meningitis cases.

“Northern Nigeria, particularly the states of Jigawa, Bauchi, and Yobe were badly hit by the deadly outbreak of meningitis, and this vaccine provides health workers with a new tool to both stop this outbreak but also put the country on a path to elimination,”   Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was quoted by WHO .

The meningitis vaccine received funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which supports the global meningitis vaccine stockpile and facilitates routine vaccination against meningitis in lower-income countries.

Rwanda mRNA vaccine facility

In December 2023, Rwanda and German biotech company BioNTech inaugurated Africa's first manufacturing facility for mRNA-based vaccines.

The Rwandan facility is equipped to manufacture at an annual capacity of 50 million doses targeted to the needs of the African Union member states.BioNTech plans to establish additional factories in Senegal and South Africa while the facility in Rwanda will become a node in a decentralised and robust African end-to-end manufacturing network.

Gavi

In December 2023, Gavi, an international organization that improves access to vaccines, introduced a fund named “ the First Response Fund ” of US$22 million to support pandemic prevention, preparedness and response activities.

In December 2023, The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said it had welcomed Gavi's establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) AVMA will function as a financing mechanism of up to US$ 1 billion for vaccine manufacturing in Africa.

World Health Organization

During the State of the Nation Address of South African President Museveni, he announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has selected six African countries, including South Africa, to receive the necessary technology for large-scale production of mRNA vaccines.

African Union

In 2021, the African Union Heads of States and Governments launched The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to enable Africa to develop, produce, and supply more than 60 per cent of the total vaccine doses needed on the continent by 2040. PAVM has seen various vaccine manufacturing projects underway already.

European Investment Bank (EIB) and African Development Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed US$1 billion for vaccines, medicines, and health technology in Africa. In a parallel move, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has established a US$3 billion facility to support healthcare in Africa, with a focus on vaccine production.

International Finance Cooperation

On July 9, 2021, the International Finance Cooperation and four other institutions announced $14 million in grant funding to Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal (IPD) along with project development support, in support of vaccine production. The project is also co-financed by the Government of Japan.

Institut Pasteur de Dakar and Mastercard Foundation

On June 1, 2023, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) and the Mastercard Foundation announced a $45 million partnership named MADIBA (Manufacturing in Africa for Disease Immunization and Building Autonomy) to enable Africa to achieve vaccine manufacturing autonomy. MADIBA seeks to establish a globally competitive workforce by training skilled young individuals to contribute to vaccine production and distribution.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed a $40 million investment to support various African manufacturers in producing mRNA vaccines locally. Senegal’s Institut Pasteur de Dakar and South Africa's Biovac will each receive US$5 million to acquire the needed technology to develop locally relevant vaccines. The remaining $30 million will support other African manufacturers in vaccine manufacturing and production.

But, with many new projects underway, there's a concern that if efforts aren't coordinated, there could be duplicate investments in some areas and not enough in others, putting long-term impact at risk.

Despite the availability of effective interventions and global efforts, the disease poses a major threat to public health and economic development. Africa loses about $12 billion per year in economic productivity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Over the years, Africa has received aid from international bodies like the CDC and the WHO to mitigate the impact of the disease on the continent.

The scale-up of malaria prevention and treatment interventions has resulted in a 36% reduction in malaria deaths in Africa between 2000 and 2021, the CDC reported.

Over 330,000 doses of the WHO-recommended malaria vaccine (RTS,S) arrived in Cameroon in November, and several African countries are currently finalising plans for roll-out. Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone are scheduled to receive an additional 1.7 million doses in the coming weeks.

The WHO vaccine is an advance toward more widespread immunisation against one of the most deadly illnesses for children in Africa. Roughly 80% of malaria deaths in the region were children under 5, WHO reports.

Although the African continent has been known to be affected the most by the disease, the WHO reports that in 2021, across 84 countries, 247 million people contracted malaria and nearly half of the world’s population were at risk of contracting the disease.

The WHO’s Malaria report claims that the RTS,S vaccine has been shown to reduce malaria cases and deaths in children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.

The vaccine coupled with other interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial drugs and malaria preventive measures could potentially signal Africa’s last dance with the deadly disease.

The Independent National Electoral Commission of Madagascar (CENI) is set to announce provisional results for the first round of the presidential election on November 25. 68.29% out of the 27,375 polling stations have been processed, local media the Madagascar Tribune reports. The High Constitutional Court (HCC) will announce the official results within ten days. President Andry Rajoelina leads with 59.94% of the votes cast, Madagascar Tribune reported.

World Bank funds Madagascar Airlines

Madagascar Airlines is set to receive support from the World Bank as part of the airline's recovery plan, Phénix 2030. The Malagasy government will provide the funds in advance, with the World Bank repaying them later in the form of a loan, the Madagascar Tribune reported. The Minister of Economy and Finance and the Minister of Transport made this arrangement in a meeting on November 23 with representatives of the World Bank, the Madagascar Tribune reports.

Increase in tuberculosis cases

The number of patients detected to be in the advanced stage of tuberculosis in Madagascar has increased. Patients with cases of tuberculosis found it difficult to secure free places in the tuberculosis care services in Antananarivo last week, local media L’ Express de Madagascar reported. The manager of a tuberculosis treatment centre is quoted by L’ Express de Madagascar saying, “There is a time when the department is full, because we treat all kinds of lung diseases, but not just tuberculosis. However, we can confirm the increase in tuberculosis patients at the moment. And many of them are in the advanced stages of the disease and require hospitalization.”

Recruitment of state agents

The Madagascar government plans to recruit 14,466 agents across all Institutions and Ministries in 2024, according to the nation’s Draft Finance Law 2024 (PLF 2024). Out of the total recruits, 3,675 will be recruited through civil servants and 10,791 through unsupervised agents, the Madagascar Tribune reports. Key sectors include education, public health, public security, justice, environment, and agriculture. The state payroll budget has been set at 4.086.86 billion Malagasy ariary ($899,448), representing 5.16% of nominal GDP and 24.43% of total expenditure, the Madagascar Tribune reported.

Measles vaccines

Madagascar's council of ministers has approved plans concerning the East African nation’s participation in the purchase of 98% of the required measles vaccines in 2024, following the country's strong measles outbreak in 2018 and 2019. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) will contribute to the purchase of the vaccines which are estimated to cost over $2.3 million with the government of Madagascar contributing 2% of the amount, local media Midi Madigasikara reported.

Experts from CIM say that the CIMAVAX-EGF vaccine stands out for its lack of severe adverse effects and ability to transform advanced cancer into a manageable chronic condition, local media Cuba Si reports.

The vaccine relies on a protein that is epidermal growth factor and related to cell proliferation processes and is also administered post-radiotherapy or chemotherapy, playing a crucial role in controlling tumor growth without the burden of associated toxicity.

Beyond its immediate therapeutic impact, the vaccine also holds the potential for use as a chronic treatment, significantly elevating patients' expectations and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Following its successful registration in Cuba, CIMAVAX-EGF is making strides in other countries, with ongoing evaluations exploring its application in therapies against various tumors, including those affecting the prostate, uterus, and breasts.

This global advancement, was facilitated by a strategic alliance between the Cuban institution and the Roswell Park Cancer Research Center in the United States , Cuba Si reported.