The Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country.

The mission was established in December 2022 at the request of the former Nigerien authorities to enhance the ability of the Niger Armed Forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law. The agreed initial duration was of three years;

On 26 July 2023, a military coup attempted to oust democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days after, General Tchiani, chief of the Presidential guard, proclaimed himself President of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP).

The EU immediately condemned the coup in the strongest terms, and in October 2023 it created a framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Niger to be able to target those who undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in the country, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region.

On 4 December 2023, Niger junta announced that it would terminate the agreement establishing the legal basis for the deployment of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission and the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger).

On 5 December, the High Representative expressed his regret over such decision.

By letter dated 21 December 2023, the Mission Commander, Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, notified the Council that the EU personnel of EUMPM Niger had been redeployed to Europe.

On 23 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that EUMPM Niger should not be extended beyond 30 June 2024

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

In South Sudan, livestock plays a pivotal role for communities, enabling them to be economically empowered.

However, often, animal breeders do not have access to adequate veterinary assistance.

To help bridge this gap, Indian veterinarians serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently provided free veterinary services for livestock owners in Kodok, Upper Nile.

Some 1,494 animals were treated for numerous infections, including parasitic infestations, diarrhea, anemia, pneumonia, and tick infestations.

It’s an essential task that the Blue Helmets are happy to take on, said Lieutenant-Colonel Manoj Yadav.

“Our job as peacekeepers is clear—we are in South Sudan to protect civilians as well as boost trust and confidence,” he averred.

“As a veterinary doctor, I have the privilege to see firsthand the immediate impact of our assistance on the communities we are on the ground to serve. I believe we make a fundamental difference by ensuring that their animals are healthy, and they can eke out sustainable livelihoods,” he added.

In addition to medical treatments, Indian peacekeepers also boosted capacities among livestock owners on disease prevention, the importance of rotational grazing and habitat management.

“It’s not enough for us to treat diseased animals. We make every effort to engage livestock breeders and empower them with necessary knowledge on animal management best practices,” explained Dr. Yadav. 

Yagub Olam, a cattle owner, is appreciative of this initiative.

“It’It is not always easy for us to provide the best for our animals and this free veterinary camp by Indian peacekeepers has benefited us greatly. I hope they will continue to help us,” he said with a smile. 

Joseph Aban, County Commissioner of Fashoda, echoed these sentiments.

“We request UNMISS to conduct more such veterinary aid drives in future, which will go a long way in maintaining a healthy livestock population and improving the overall quality of life for community members,” he stated.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with H.E. Mrs. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of Burundi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Burundian winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am proud to announce the winners from Burundi and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother””, concluded Senator Kelej.

Burundian Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Mrs. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.Bi, Burundi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)

Burundian Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Mrs. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi  (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem Star.GM, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, LualabaMaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, LaVoixDuKoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3VftxbL), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3V1ijXd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3UPPvkk), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3R0XQAH) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3yJoWFT).

The World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has handed over a refurbished infectious disease isolation unit in Mutukula (a Tanzania-Uganda border community) to the Ministry of Health in the Kagera Region.

The utilization of this unit at the One-stop border point is set to facilitate screening measures on travellers at points of entry to prevent cross-border transmission of disease by detecting and prohibiting travel to exposed or ill travellers from affected areas.

“As a country bordered by neighbours, as well as being known for its influx of tourists, especially in a busy border area like Mutukula, the isolation centre comes at an opportune time to strengthen our resilience against future outbreaks,” said Dr Samwel Laizer, Kagera’s Regional Medical Officer. “Thank you to WHO and USAID. With more collaborations, we can achieve universal health coverage in Tanzania.”

Like many countries, Tanzania has been responding to different emerging and re-emerging diseases. Key amongst these was the outbreak of the Marburg virus last year which recorded six deaths. Thanks to timely interventions from the Government, WHO and partners, the virus was curtailed within 90 days. WHO has also been working with the Ministry to reinforce readiness and response to health emergencies, with teams of first responders trained in the key aspects of outbreak preparedness and response.

The presence of this standardized unit at the point of entry is imperative by the International Health Regulations (IHR) obligations and recommendations after the fight against Marburg aimed at empowering countries to prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health risks at Points of Entry (POEs).

This Mutukula isolation unit will strengthen Tanzania’s health system in detecting, preventing, and responding quickly and efficiently to public health emergencies to save lives. I want to express our gratitude to USAID, for the timely financial support. Many lives will be transformed, and communities will be well prepared for any future emergencies or outbreaks”, Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, Country Representative of WHO Tanzania.

The Mutukula Isolation Unit replaced an old and dilapidated temporary tent which previously served as an isolation centre and was repurposed for the management of suspected cases. The new facility will play a key role in case management and investigation to help control community transmission.

“We are honoured to witness the completion of this life-saving isolation unit, and we congratulate the Government of Tanzania for its continued efforts to prepare the country against future outbreaks,” said Laura Chitterenden, Program Adviser for USAID/Tanzania.

This facility is one of the many interventions ongoing to ensure the strengthening of the health systems in Tanzania to accelerate the health for all agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.