The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on women and adolescents’ health innovation, data-driven policymaking, and sustainable investment across Africa.

The agreement, signed during the African Union Summit 2026 by Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, cements a shared commitment to accelerate progress toward universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promote demographic resilience, and build resilient, equitable health systems through innovation and strategic partnerships.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint action to scale innovations and strengthen policy coordination for adolescent, maternal, and reproductive health, with a focus on improving access to essential services and technologies, localizing manufacturing, and enhancing pooled procurement mechanisms for sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) products.

Students from 20+ African countries, such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Namibia, took part in the recent International Tech School in Obninsk, Russia. Participants studied nuclear science and technology in-depth – this included gaining hands-on experience from flagship experts in the nuclear sector.

All in all, 120+ international students from 47 countries took part in the winter school. They attended hands-on workshops and master classes on various nuclear technology aspects delivered by experts from the MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute). The practical aspect covered areas such as dosimetry, nuclear power plant instrumentation and control systems, radiation monitoring, 3D modelling, electrical engineering, non-destructive testing, and materials science.

“My experience at Obninsk Technical School has been truly inspiring and meaningful to me as a physicist from Namibia with a strong interest in nuclear science. We received so much useful and practical information, particularly in nuclear technology and engineering. Beyond academics, the atmosphere was open, professional, and innovative. Obninsk did not just expand my knowledge, it strengthened my commitment to contributing to the development of nuclear education and technology in Namibia” – said Mantedo Vasti Maldrid, an International Tech School participant from Namibia.

A new study is generating critical evidence to guide the optimal management of HIV patients who are failing treatment and developing resistance to the drug dolutegravir, offering hope to millions of HIV-positive individuals across Africa and worldwide.

HIV is treated through antiretroviral drugs that suppress the virus in the body, allowing people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission. Today, most treatment regimens in Africa, including Kenya and around the world contain a drug called dolutegravir (DTG), which is the most important component of that treatment. When treatment is taken consistently, the amount of virus in the blood (viral load) drops to very low levels, protecting the immune system and preventing serious infections. However, people may experience treatment failure if they do not adhere to treatment, causing the viral load to rise. In some cases, the virus can also develop resistance to treatment, meaning the medicines no longer work effectively.  Failure while on dolutegravir is concerning, as there are limited options available for treatment, putting people at risk of death.

A multisensory exhibition marking the Chinese Spring Festival opened in Addis Ababa, presenting traditional arts, interactive programs, and heritage displays to local audiences. Titled “A New Spring, A Soaring Journey,” the event was presented by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province and the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union, and organized by the Jinhua Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, with support from the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.

The exhibition was structured around three themes: Individual, Family, and Culture. In the “Timeless Traditions” section, selected works including Longquan celadon zodiac figures, the Dongyang wood carving Galloping to Success, and Jinyun paper-cut horse designs illustrated elements of Chinese zodiac symbolism and craftsmanship. The “Home, Harmony & Celebration” section recreated aspects of a traditional Spring Festival household setting, featuring Dongyang festival lanterns, Pujiang wheat straw paintings, Wuzhou (Wu) Opera character displays, and Song-style floral arrangements. Visitors were invited to sample Zhejiang green tea and Wu-style pastries and to participate in writing the Chinese character “Fu” (fortune) and Spring Festival couplets.