The celebration of 2024 African Vaccination Week was launched on 3rd May in the community of Madalena, in the district of Mé-zochi.

The event organized by the Minister of Health, Ângela COSTA, was attended by the President of the District Chamber of Mé-zochi, Anahory Dias, WHO Resident Representative, Dr. Françoise BIGIRIMANA, health professionals, partners and the community of Madalena. The special event also included a health fair with exhibition of health and promotive materials, prevention and care services for the community of Madalena that benefited free of charge primary health care, out-patient consultations, gyneco obstetrics services, Sexual and Reproductive services, lab exams, ultrasounds, and treatments.

This year the world is also celebrating the 50th years of the creation of the Expanded Immunization Programme (EPI). In São Tomé and Príncipe, it is the 46th anniversary of EPI.

Among key results of the immunization program, São Tomé and Príncipe eliminated wild Polio and interrupted cases of measle. In fact, the country recorded its last case of polio in 1982 and measles in 1994.

For many years, São Tomé and Príncipe has been at the forefront of vaccination coverage in the central Africa sub-region, for example, Pentavalent 3 vaccine coverage was 94% compared to 74% for the region in 2019 (source: WHO Report 2019). 

The WHO Representative, Dr. Françoise BIGIRIMANA congratulated Sao Tome and Principe for the good performance and said, “This is the result of high political leadership, the commitment of the authorities, the partners, the health professionals, parents and community leaders.”

During the three coming weeks community health workers and health professionals are engaged to identify and vaccinate children with zero doses or incomplete vaccinations in the districts. The focus will be on the lowest performant districts in terms of vaccination in the country, namely the district of Mé- zochi, Lobata and Água-Grande.

Lowest performant districts are leading the reduction the vaccination coverage in the country. In fact, in the last four years, the country has seen a reduction in vaccination coverage from 94% in 2019 to 86% in 2023 for Pentavalent 3, aggravated by the COVID pandemic during 2021 and 2022 (source: national EPI report)

Regarding the children fully vaccinated in the country the numbers also dropped from 70.2% in 2017 to 65.2% in 2023 (source: National Vaccination Coverage Survey – ICV 2023).

If the country continues to drop the vaccination coverage, there is the risk of outbreaks as said the WHO representative.  Minister Health, Angela Costa, called for a higher engagement of health professionals, parents and partners to increase vaccination coverage.

The event was also an opportunity for the minister of health to publicly recognize the efforts of best performant professionals including nurses, doctors, drivers, and Cantagalo as the best performing district in immunization.

WHO Representative, Dr. Françoise BIGIRIMANA, stated during her speech that WHO is committed to reinforce the technical support through mentoring and capacity building of Expanded Immunization Programme and districts teams to improve vaccination coverage, supervision, and production of quality data. The support will include the development of a new national vaccination strategy “with innovative approaches to reach the regional and global targets aligned to 2030 goals of vaccination”.

The celebration of 50 years of EPI was an opportunity to highlight that globally, during the last 50 years, vaccination has always been at the forefront of global health efforts, saving millions of lives! Just in Africa it is estimated that 51.2 million lives have been saved through vaccination. For every infant life saved over that period, life expectancy was increased to 60 years and above, according to World Health Organization (source: Safeguarding Our Future: Humanly Possible report).

Among the main results of EPI in the world are the eradication of smallpox in 1979 and wild poliovirus in 2020. The vaccination has also reduced drastically deaths caused by meningitis by 39% between 2000 and 2019 in Africa. Since 2017, no cases of meningitis caused by the type A strain have been found. The progress made in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in Africa region has also been commendable.

The rollout of new vaccines such as the first ever malaria vaccine, has also set up a new hope of future generations in Africa free of malaria. More than 30 countries in the African region have already expressed their interest in the malaria vaccine and scheduled to roll it out by the end of 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Sao Tome and Principe.

Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen praised his squad for transferring the work they’ve done on the training field to match day in their big victory over Kenya in Madagascar on Wednesday, something they have not always mastered in the past.

Koen said they decided to tweak their approach for the match at Stade Makis in Antananarivo and worked on that on the training field after they overcame Cameroon in their opening match last Saturday. The changes worked out for the Bok Women in their 63-5 victory (https://apo-opa.co/3UpFbPO), much to the delight of their coach.

“We wanted to play in a slightly different way today, so our preparation was a bit different – the players executed those changes very well and that was very pleasing,” said Koen.

“In the past, we were gulity of not transferring the training ground executions to match day, but I cannot fault what they did out there today. In fact, it was exactly what we asked them to do and they responded accordingly, and as a coaching staff, we are really pleased about that.”

The bonus point victory with a big margin confirmed the Springbok Women’s position at the top of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup log, but it will still come down to Sunday’s match against Madagascar to confirm the passport to Rugby World Cup 2025, to be played in England.

The host nation are also unbeaten after their 12-5 victory over Cameroon on Wednesday afternoon, their match taking place straight after the South African victory over Kenya.

Koen said that while their execution was good, there are still enough aspects for the Bok Women to work on as they prepare to face the hosts on Sunday.

“We conceded a try when our defensive line did not hold and that was disappointing, as we did not want to concede any points today,” said Koen.

“That will provide some food for thought for the rest of the week and the preparations leading into the weekend’s match. We have one more match to go and all our focus for the rest of the week will be on that clash against Madagascar.”

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Note to editors: Audio notes of Louis Koen can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/3JRlpHV).

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Pan-African legal and business advisory group Centurion Law Group has officially rebranded to CLG (https://CLGGlobal.com), underscoring a firm-wide commitment to innovation and growth. The rebrand aligns closely with the firm’s mission to consolidate its position as the leading legal practice and business advisor in an ever-evolving energy environment. With the rebrand, clients can expect expanded service offerings and elevated levels of excellence, as the firm moves to become the go-to legal platform for the African continent.

CLG’s rebranding responds to growing client and shareholder demand for leadership in tackling complex legal issues across all energy sectors. As one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, energy is undergoing significant development and rapid change. The rebrand positions CLG to support these developments with a team of internationally-trained lawyers offering a suite of comprehensive services.

The firm’s team of experienced legal professionals offers an in-depth understanding of the market and excels at navigating complex operating environments. CLG is the preferred professional services partner in Africa, equipped to offer on-the-ground support across multiple sectors.

CLG’s rebranding journey is driven by several key motivations, including strategic differentiation, a more streamlined identity, global appeal and expanded service offerings. The new brand identity reinforces the firm’s commitment to excellence, while signaling a fresh perspective and approach to legal services. It also provides a modern corporate identity that resonates with clients and stakeholders across diverse markets and builds broader brand recognition.

As a firm, CLG has a rich history of spearheading transformative oil and gas transactions across Africa, setting it apart as the leading law firm for the oil and gas industry. With extensive experience and deep-rooted technical expertise in the sector, CLG has a proven track record of providing top-tier legal services and strategic advice to clients across the energy spectrum. Its team has successfully guided clients through complex regulatory landscapes, contractual negotiations and large-scale transactions.

The firm’s comprehensive understanding of the industry and its nuances ensures it is well-equipped to handle all legal aspects of oil and gas projects. From exploration and production to refining and distribution, CLG offers tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of its clients.

Operating in several markets including South Africa, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Germany, CLG prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients and delivering exceptional results. The firm’s reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction makes it the trusted choice for businesses operating in the energy sector.

CLG recently achieved several significant milestones, including securing a listing on the Open Market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange under Calvert International AG (CIAG). Founded in 2007, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading pan-African legal and advisory conglomerate, dedicated to providing innovative and strategic solutions to clients across the continent. With a focus on excellence, integrity and client satisfaction, CLG has played a central role in driving the growth and success of its clients in an ever-evolving business environment.

The firm’s positive track record serves as a cornerstone for future success, and the CLG rebrand marks a pivotal moment in its journey, symbolizing a strategic shift towards greater success, resonance and impact within the global legal and business landscape. This transformation is not only cosmetic, but also underscores CLG’s commitment to serving as a modern, dynamic and global-minded legal, business and tax partner.

“While we are proud of our accomplishments, our sights are set on the future, driven by an unwavering commitment to adapt, innovate and position our company for continued growth and success in an ever-changing business environment. CLG stands resolute in our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and enhancing the scope and quality of our services,” stated CLG CEO Zion Adeoye.

“The rebranding to CLG signifies a new chapter for our clients as we enhance our focus on delivering exceptional legal, tax and business advisory services. Our clients can expect a more streamlined and impactful experience, backed by our unwavering commitment to their success,” Adeoye added.

Visit CLG’s new website at https://CLGGlobal.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

Since 2019, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been rolling out malaria vaccines, with over 2.5 million children already receiving at least one dose of the life-saving vaccine that is protecting children from deadly malaria.

In 2024, more than 20 countries in Africa are to introduce the vaccine into routine immunization, with Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone already leading the way. The scale-up of malaria vaccines in Africa will increase access to malaria prevention and save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

As part of efforts to support the wider introduction and rollout of the malaria vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and other partners convened stakeholders from  Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia to learn from Ghana’s malaria vaccination experience on 16-18 April in Accra, Ghana, and ensure adequate preparation towards new introductions and rollout across these countries.

Drawn from ministries of health, WHO and UNICEF, participants also benefitted from the experience of other countries that have already introduced the vaccines such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Sierra Leone.

“Having been delivering malaria vaccine to children across seven regions, Ghana’s experience and lessons will be key to the introduction and rollout of the vaccine in countries that are yet to introduce,” says Dr Frank Lule, the Officer-In-Charge of WHO Ghana.

Participants gained insights into vaccine introduction, risk communication, readiness monitoring, supervision, and data management among others. Additionally, a field visit to malaria vaccination centers was organized to provide participants with firsthand experience in Ghana’s vaccination process.

“In workshops like this, when we exchange information, the result and the impact tend to be greater efficiency with the resources that we have to reach children and to vaccinate,” says Evan Simpson, Director of Vaccine Implementation, PATH.

As Africa continues to shoulder 94%  of the global malaria burden, the WHO and its partners are strengthening malaria control efforts with vaccines being the latest in the control toolbox. In January 2024, the WHO Regional Office for Africa established the Accelerating Malaria Vaccine Introduction and Rollout in Africa (AMVIRA). This initiative aims to strengthen the provision of state-of-the-art technical support to Member States in their efforts to introduce and roll out malaria vaccines while strengthening partners’ coordination at national, regional, and global levels effectively and efficiently.

WHO and partners also leveraged the workshop to address information gaps and share lessons and best practices to ensure successful vaccine introduction and rollout in countries that are yet to do so.

For participants, the knowledge gained from the country peer learning workshop will help shape their strategies towards effective malaria vaccine rollout.

“One of the key lessons I have picked up from Ghana’s experiences is the role of effective coordination and collaboration. Though we have a coordination team, we are going to strengthen this team through the addition of more stakeholders, including communities and civil society organizations,” says Dr Yao Kossia Deputy Manager, the Expanded Vaccination Programme, Côte d’Ivoire.

Highlighting the significance of the knowledge gained, Dr Garba Ahmed-Rufai, the Director for Disease Control and Immunization of Nigeria noted “What we have learned is programming in terms of the rollout, and the timing of the doses, and the lessons learnt. And knowing what the problems are from the other countries, we would just adjust accordingly, so that we can overcome all of that”.

In addition to facilitating cross-learning, WHO through the AMVIRA initiative is enhancing the capacity of countries to ensure effective introductions and rollout. There has been the deployment of experts in Immunization, data management, risk communication, and external communication to assist 5 countries in efficiently planning and delivering vaccines.

A similar workshop has been held in Cameroon, with more countries expected to participate in other workshops in Benin and Malawi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.