Mr. and Mrs. Kintu* are among the few medical personnel that contracted Ebola virus disease while in the line of duty in 2022. Fortunately, the timely and aggressive medical care that they received while admitted in the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) coupled with mutual support saved their lives.

At the end of 2022, a patient visited the couple’s clinic with body pain and headache. After several laboratory tests, he was prescribed anti-malaria medication and sent home. He returned the next day looking even worse. On the third day, he got a nosebleed, which prompted the couple to refer him to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Unfortunately, they later learned that he had succumbed to Ebola Virus disease.

Despite being health care workers, the couple was scared. They knew they had been exposed to the Ebola virus. The health authorities later closed their clinic as the couple self-quarantined at their home.

During the first few days of the contact tracing period, the couple developed signs of Ebola virus disease. They were both tested positive to the disease. They were then evacuated to the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU), leaving their lovely children with a relative.

“It was a bit difficult to explain to the children. We only told them we had gone somewhere,’’ Mrs Kintu narrated.

In the ETU, Mrs Kintu’s situation deteriorated quite fast. Her husband would check on her, encourage her to eat and sometimes take her outside on the grass to get some fresh air. “I used to tell her she was going to be fine,” explains Mr. Kintu.

Suddenly, he stopped going to her and was reported to have worsened. “I looked for him and even walked past him, I could not recognize him. In those 2-3 days, he had become a different person.” Mrs. Kintu narrated.

“Ebola virus disease patients may have a clinical presentation that is completely different from another,” explains Dr. Senyonga Muzafalu, Case Management Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Uganda. “While she had symptoms such as severe headache and high-grade fever, her husband started with mild symptoms of mild body aches, mild headache, and mild fever that progressed into very severe ones and lasting for a long time.”

Later, Mrs Kintu tested negative and was eligible for discharge but did not accept to leave alone. “I told the heath care workers that we had entered the ETU together and we will leave together.” Mrs Kintu proudly explained. She stayed by his side on her mat, giving him at least a spoon of food, or a sip of juice.

To tackle issues faced by people recovering from Ebola, Uganda set up the Ebola Survivors Programme in 2023. The programme was implemented by the Ministry of Health with the support of WHO and other partners.

WHO, through funding from the European Union Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), has supported this programme since its inception. The organization has provided clinical support and interim public health staff to run clinics, as well as a range of medicines to manage the after-effects of Ebola. It also supported infection prevention and control assessments and mentoring and facilitated specialist involvement in the survivor clinics.

After discharge from ETU, the couple enrolled into the Ebola survivors’ programme. Thanks to awareness provided through this programme, the beneficiaries have improved their knowledge of the disease. “I would like this program to continue even after Ebola. Some people have been cured of COVID-19 but are still suffering the effects. A programme like this would have helped them,’ explains Mrs. Kintu.

The fact that both parents have stopped working has been difficult for the Kintu family. They had dependents, including school going children. This is where Mrs Kintu makes her only criticism of the Ebola survivor programme. While other survivors received a package of food and money while being reintegrated, she did not. “This package would have been of great help,” she said.

On the other hand, the couple stresses that access to healthcare workers, advice, frequent check-ups, and viral persistence monitoring have been beneficial to them.

“Protection for health care workers is a top priority for the government of Uganda. They should remain vigilant and always have protective equipment, whether there is an outbreak or not,” explains Dr Kyobe Bbosa, the Incident Commander at the Ministry of Health.

In weathering the disease and resettling back into their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Kintu are glad to have each other.

 *Names changed to protect identity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

In Amhara region, Ethiopia, where communities have long battled the harsh impacts of drought and disease outbreaks, a transformative initiative has taken root. It began with a coalition of global health partners—World Health Organization, European Commission Humanitarian Aid, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund —joining hands with local authorities to address a pressing issue: acute malnutrition among children.

Amidst the challenges posed by frequent droughts affecting over 1.8 million people, the need for robust nutrition surveillance became evident. In 2023, only 52.2% of the region was covered by nutrition screenings, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare response. Determined to change this narrative, a comprehensive training program was launched. Over three intensive days, more than 1,350 healthcare workers, ranging from seasoned professionals to dedicated community health workers, gathered to learn the intricacies of nutrition surveillance.

Led by experts from WHO and supported by the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, the training delved into data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Practical sessions equipped participants with the skills needed to conduct effective nutrition screenings and to identify early signs of malnutrition among vulnerable populations.

The impact of this initiative was swift and profound. Within weeks, healthcare workers began to report a surge in admissions to therapeutic feeding programs. Children who previously suffered silently from severe malnutrition were now receiving timely medical attention, thanks to improved detection and swift referrals facilitated by the newly trained health workers.

One such success story involved Fatima, a two-year-old girl from a remote village in the drought-affected zone. During a routine nutrition screening conducted by a local health extension worker, Fatima was identified as severely malnourished. Swift action was taken: she was immediately referred to a nearby health center where she received life-saving treatment. Today, Fatima is thriving, a testament to the power of early detection and coordinated healthcare efforts.

Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Ahmed, a public health officer involved in the program, remarked, “The collaboration between international partners and local authorities has been crucial in revitalizing our approach to healthcare. By integrating nutrition surveillance into routine health services, we are not just treating illnesses but preventing them—a paradigm shift in our region.”

As the program continues to expand its reach, there is optimism about its long-term impact on community health resilience. The story of Fatima and countless others like her serves as a driving force, illustrating how proactive intervention and collaborative efforts can save lives and pave the way for a healthier future in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

The African Union (AU) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa at the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI). The event took place on July 9, 2024, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The United Republic of Tanzania’s Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Abdallah H. Ulega, delivered a statement at the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI-36) – High-Level Event taking stock on 10 years of the voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). He expressed gratitude to FAO for its commitment to supporting the implementation of the SSF Guidelines through continued collaboration with all stakeholders, including governments, African Union, small-scale fishers, fish workers, civil society organizations, research and academia, private sector, and donor community.

He noted that the SSF Guidelines were endorsed by the 31st Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI-31) in 2014 as the first internationally agreed instrument dedicated entirely to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries sector. Today, the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines is an opportunity to assess its impact, share good practices on its implementation, and confirm the way forward in the context of Blue Transformation.

In his remarks, he noted that Africa also marks the 10th anniversary of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Africa’s Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS), developed through a broad participatory process and endorsed in 2014 by African Heads of States and Governments. The PFRS serves as a blueprint for ensuring the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, and AU-IBAR, in collaboration with AUDA NEPAD, will hold a side event to reflect on the past, present, and future through the lens of PFRS and the African Union Agenda 2063.

It was further elaborated that Africa has actively supported the establishment of organizations to unite women in the small-scale fisheries value chain, recognizing their significant role in harvesting, processing, and trading. These organizations provide a platform for women to voice concerns, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support their rights and contribute to the sector. Africa has also played a leading role in hosting the first-ever African continent Small-Scale Fisheries Summit, attended by over 470 delegates from 33 AU Member States, Government Representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The Summit urged member states to domesticate the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, prepare and implement National Plans of Action for SSF Guidelines, facilitate a participatory reflection and review of the PFRS implementation, continue promoting and resourcing SSF through high-level policy dialogues, and facilitate a mechanism for identifying member states interested in hosting the Africa SSF Summit every two years.

Background 
Fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in Africa’s development, significantly contributing to GDP, livelihoods, and food security. The sector’s gross value-added is estimated at USD 21 billion, making up 1.26% of Africa’s GDP. By 2063, fisheries and aquaculture are projected to employ 17.7 million people. Small-scale fisheries, which account for over 60% of Africa’s fisheries production, are vital for human consumption and rural livelihoods.

The AU’s interventions in this sector are guided by the PFRS, a blueprint endorsed by African Heads of State and Government in 2014 to improve governance, food security, and wealth creation. The PFRS aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), envisioning an inclusive and sustainable blue economy for Africa’s transformation and growth.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PFRS. Commemorative activities include the Africa Regional Small-Scale Fisheries Summit held in June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the 36th COFI Session in Rome. These events highlight the PFRS’s role in guiding decision-making and fostering consistency in Africa’s fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy.

Rationale
The AU, through AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD, implemented the FishGov1 Project from 2014 to 2018, funded by the European Union. This project aimed to enhance governance in fisheries and aquaculture by aligning national and regional policies with the PFRS. FishGov1 supported several AU Member States in policy alignment, promoting sector coordination and coherence.

Currently, the FishGov2 Project continues this work, supporting sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa. The project targets enhancing food security, livelihoods, and wealth creation, aligning policies with the PFRS, and ensuring Africa’s effective participation in international forums.

The workshop highlighted the PFRS’s influence on decision-making and sector development, raising socio-economic awareness, updating delegates on AU interventions, and sharing best practices. The meeting hosted up to 100 delegates from AU Member States and the international community attending the 36th COFI in Rome. The agenda included presentations, interactive discussions, and engagements on key issues, and the distribution of publicity and communication materials. This commemorative event underscores the AU’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, celebrating a decade of progress and planning for future achievements in alignment with the PFRS and AU Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) (www.GDIZ-Benin.com) is proud to announce its inaugural export of “Made in Benin” garments to Europe. This first consignment, destined for the prestigious French brand KIABI, comprises 80,000 meticulously crafted children’s leggings. KIABI, renowned for its chain of stores offering clothing and accessories for women, men, children, and babies, with nearly 563 retail outlets across France, Spain, Italy, Africa, the Middle East, and Overseas Departments and Regions (DROM). This order marks the beginning of a successful collaboration between SIPI-Bénin and KIABI, with an order alignment of 2 million clothing pieces for 2024 and 4 million for 2025.

After two years of discussions and negotiations, this first export of 80,000 “Made in Benin” children’s leggings meticulously crafted within the Zone represents a significant milestone in the development of the textile industry in Benin. This initiative demonstrates Benin’s capacity to meet international market requirements and uphold high standards of quality. KIABI now joins prestigious brands such as The Children’s Place (TCP) and US POLO ASSN, with whom clothing delivery contracts have already been signed, thereby reinforcing GDIZ’s position as a pivotal hub for textile production in Africa.

Mr. Létondji BEHETON, Managing Director of SIPI-Bénin S.A, stated: “This first export of children’s leggings to KIABI is a source of immense pride for us and serves as tangible proof of our commitment to promoting the Beninese textile industry on the international stage. It marks the beginning of a long series of exports for the French brand KIABI. By the end of 2024, we will produce 2 million pieces of clothing for KIABI, demonstrating our ability to meet international standards while maintaining high quality. Currently, KIABI is increasingly focusing on collaboration with Africa for its garment production and plans to expand its retail presence on the continent. With its dynamism and quality workforce, Benin is ideally positioned to seize the new market opportunities offered by KIABI.”

Mr. Penagos JUAN, CEO of KIABI Sourcing, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Investment and Promotion Company for Industry in Benin (SIPI-Bénin S.A), responsible for the development, promotion, and management of GDIZ.

This initiative perfectly aligns with KIABI’s strategy of bringing our production sites closer to our points of sale. In Africa, we have several stores, and now, thanks to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), we are producing KIABI garments locally. Our goal is to produce thirty million pieces in Africa, and ARISE proves to be the ideal partner to achieve this objective by integrating sustainability and using 100% Made in Africa cotton. We are at the beginning of this exciting journey, and we are proud to undertake it with ARISE and the Republic of Benin.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ).

Contact presse:
SIPI-BENIN S.A
Irmine Gnidehou
Communication Manager
gdiz-media@arisenet.com
www.GDIZ-Benin.com

Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie – Bénin (SIPI-Bénin S.A.) :
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) est un PPP entre ARISE IIP et la République du Bénin
TANGBO DJEVIE  ZE BENIN – ROUTE INTER ETATS 2 (RNIE2)
+229 53 04 67 22 / 67 77 94 94   
www.GDIZ-Benin.com   
gdiz-benin@arisenet.com
Cotonou N° RCCM RB/COT/20 B 27527 
N° IFU 3202011687343 
Capital social : 1.000.000.000 XOF

About KIABI: 
KIABI is a renowned French fashion brand specializing in clothing and accessories for the entire family. Founded in 1978, KIABI has distinguished itself through its commitment to accessible and quality fashion. With an international network of over 563 retail stores and a strong online presence, KIABI continues to expand and innovate, firmly advocating for ethical and responsible production practices.

About GDIZ:
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), developed by Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie – BENIN (SIPI-BENIN S.A.), is a joint-venture between Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) and the Republic of Benin.

GDIZ is a dynamic industrial zone of 1,640 hectares (phase 1: 400 ha) developed by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) which counts among its infrastructures several industrial zones in Africa, in particular in Gabon (Gabon Special Economic Zone) and Togo (Industrial Platform of Adétikope) and other countries of the African continent.