Officials highlight ongoing terrorist threats and dire humanitarian needs in Somalia
James Swan, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) briefed ambassadors noting that the Somali government is prioritising security and combating Al-Shabaab fighters on many fronts. “For its part, Al-Shabaab remains determined to continue terrorist attacks with little…
Sudan: WHO appalled by horrific attack on El Fasher’s maternity hospital
The attack on the only maternity hospital in the town in Sudan’s western state of North Darfur is “shocking and appalling,” the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday, calling on warring parties to “protect mothers and…
In South Africa, traditional healers join fight against HIV
BUSHBUCKRIDGE, South Africa — The walls of Shadrack Mashabane’s hut in the rural South African town of Bushbuckridge are covered with traditional fabrics, with a small window the only source of light. What stands out among the herbs and medicines…
Thousands die every year in Kenya amid scarce snakebite treatments
MWINGI, Kenya — Esther Kangali felt a sharp pain while on her mother’s farm in eastern Kenya. She looked down and saw a large snake coiling around her left leg. She screamed, and her mother came running. Kangali was rushed…
Ivory Coast sets up mobile enrollment for problematic health coverage program
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Health authorities in Ivory Coast launched mobile enrollment centers for the country’s universal health coverage program, which has been criticized since its 2019 inception over difficulties accessing benefits. Ivory Coast is one of a handful countries…
2 dead in Kenya youth protests
Nairobi, Kenya — A 21-year-old man died after being hit by a tear gas canister during protests in Kenya this week, a human rights official and the victim’s relative said Saturday, in the second fatality in connection with the youth-led…
African leaders, French president seek vaccines for Africa
African leaders and French President Emmanuel Macron have partnered on an approximately $1-billion project to make vaccines more available in Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic revealed global inequity in vaccine access. The project, known as the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator,…
Libya: UN official highlights need for inclusive talks to end stalemate
Briefing ambassadors at the UN Security Council, Stephanie Koury added that many Libyans have deep concerns, which she shares, about the de facto division of the country. Rival administrations have evolved, one led by the internationally recognized Government of National…
WFP increases response in West and Central Africa to address rising hunger
The programme will aid the response plans of national governments in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria. With the right amount of funding, WFP’s initiative can reach 12 million people, but with diminishing resources…
‘Nowhere is safe’ for civilians as Sudan war descends further into chaos
The war that erupted last April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered political instability, a severe humanitarian emergency and widespread human rights violations. Over 15,500 fatalities have been reported in some…