Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines on Tuesday, becoming the first African country to obtain vaccines aimed at combating the spread of the new strain of mpox virus.

On 14 August 2024, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rise of mpox, formerly monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Following his announcement, the chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he was working with partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines.

The United States government has donated the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine to Nigeria, and it is set to be distributed in five of the country’s states where the most mpox cases have been detected.

“We are pleased to receive this modest initial donation of the mpox vaccine which is safe and efficacious,” Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate said. “We will continue to strengthen surveillance and be vigilant to prevent and control mpox.”

Vaccine administration

The MVA vaccine will be given to 5,000 people most at risk of the virus in a two-dose schedule. This includes “close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers, with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises,” according to WHO’s regional office for Africa.

While waiting for the vaccines to be administered Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved the vaccine’s emergency use.

“The delivery of the mpox vaccines to Nigeria not only constitutes a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to halt the virus and protect health [but] it’s also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director of Africa.

Gaps in vaccine access

WHO’s Africa office says “serious gaps in mpox vaccine access” remain in Africa.

The organization is working with countries and manufacturers to increase access to the needed vaccines.

Further, WHO is collaborating with partners including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and others to “enable donations from countries with existing stockpiles.”

The partners are also developing a “donation scheme” to ensure the limited vaccines are used in areas where it is most needed.

WHO’s Africa office is assisting the Nigerian Government to improve “surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory capacity, risk communication, and community engagement” as the country has had 786 suspected mpox cases and 39 confirmed cases as of 10 August 2024.

Health officials are also implementing early case detection and diagnostics, as well as increasing cross-border surveillance, notably at main points of entry throughout the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

The U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) organized a safe fishing symposium to promote high quality fish for Ghanaians. The symposium was held in partnership with the Fisheries Commission, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department of the Local Government, fish processors and traders’ associations, and other fisheries post-harvest stakeholders.

“Since 2021, the USAID-supported Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity has been working with various organizations. Together, we have created a framework for Safe Fish Certification and Licensing. We have also been able to train over 3,500 of fisherfolks, mostly women, from coastal communities on hygienic fish handling and processing, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.” Said USAID/Ghana Acting Deputy Mission Director, Andrew Read.

“By promoting best practices in fish handling and processing, the Safe Fish Scheme can drive positive change across the entire fisheries value chain – from the fishermen casting their nets to the consumers purchasing fish at the market, ultimately leading to safer and higher-quality fish products for consumers.” Rosen added.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson who gave the opening address said “Let us work together to ensure that the fish we produce and consume is not only a source of nourishment but also a symbol of our commitment to fish safety, as well as a healthier and more sustainable future.”

The symposium featured in-depth discussions on technical advancements in fisheries value chain management, advancements in regulatory frameworks, and fish food safety concerns. Hands-on demonstrations and cooking exhibitions illustrated appropriate handling and processing methods to maintain fish quality from catch to plate.

The United States is Ghana’s largest bilateral development partner.  In 2023, bilateral assistance from USAID totaled over $140 million dedicated to supporting health, economic growth and agriculture, education, governance, and more. USAID is providing $24 million (over 355 million Ghana Cedis) in multi-year investments to restore Ghana’s coastal fisheries and improve ocean conservation along the coast.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ghana.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua has applauded the 11th Parliament for holding the first ever regional plenary sittings in Gulu City, Northern Uganda. 

Obua made the remarks during the plenary sitting at Kaunda grounds, Gulu City on Wednesday, 28 August 2024. 

He paid tribute to Speaker, Anita Among for championing the regional plenary sittings. 

“This is the first time in post and pre-independence that the Parliament is sitting outside the Capital, Kampala and we need to commend you,” Obua said. 

He added, “You [Speaker] will live in the history of our Parliament to have set the record of taking the Parliament to the people because the legislative power is derived from the people,” said Obua

AUDIO Obua. 

Obua further noted that even after the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution, Parliament had not held plenary sittings outside Kampala. 

“Legally, the farmers of the constitution envisaged a situation where the presiding officer would take Parliament to any part of the country, as long as it is in Uganda,” Obua said. 

He applauded the Speaker for operationalizing Article 95 (2) which states that , “A session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Uganda and shall commence at such time as the Speaker may, by proclamation, appoint”.

“Implying any Member of this House who refuses to be in Gulu, that act should be termed unconstitutional and against the Rules of Procedure,” Obua said. 

The Government Chief Whip also said that the regional plenary sittings are an economic boost to the people of Northern Uganda. 

“In the last two weeks, committees were deployed in Northern Uganda, and the members stayed in hotels, ate food from restaurants and fueled cars. Even the farmer benefits because we are eating locally grown food,” Obua said.

“The sitting termed as regional has three fundamental importances that must be go on record; legally, economically and historically and the multiplier effect is very good,” Obua said. 

Parliament is holding plenary sittings in Gulu City from Wednesday, 28 to Friday, 30 August 2024, during which focus will be put on debating pertinent issues affecting Northern Uganda.

Parliament plans to hold similar sittings in Western, Eastern and Central Uganda. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the opening of the Second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) 2024, called for a comprehensive strategy to address the diverse security challenges facing Africa.

Held at the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters in Accra, the conference gathered defence experts and stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance regional mechanisms for addressing contemporary security issues.

The President highlighted the interconnected nature of security threats on the continent, ranging from terrorism and organized crime to cybersecurity and climate-induced risks. “The security landscape in Africa is characterized by a variety of threats that are interconnected and often transcend national borders,” he said. “Given the transnational nature of these threats, no single African country can address them alone. It is only through regional cooperation and collaboration that we can effectively counter these challenges.”

President Akufo-Addo proposed several strategies to strengthen regional security mechanisms, including enhancing intelligence sharing and coordination, building capacity for peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, and establishing the ECOWAS Standby Force. He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, stating, “Effective intelligence sharing and coordination among African nations are crucial for preempting and responding to security threats. Intelligence is the lifeblood of security operations, and without timely and accurate information, our efforts will be in vain.”

The President also called for increased investment in building the capacity of security forces to undertake peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations. He stressed the need for specialized training to deal with both traditional and non-traditional threats, including cyber threats. Additionally, he underscored the importance of establishing the ECOWAS Standby Force to respond swiftly and effectively to threats and uphold democratic governance.

On the issue of maritime security, President Akufo-Addo urged African nations to enhance their maritime security capabilities to protect their vast coastlines and maritime resources. He advocated for increased investment in naval and coast guard assets, as well as greater cooperation between coastal states. “Africa’s vast coastline and maritime resources are a critical part of our economic development. We should enhance our maritime security capabilities to protect these resources from illegal activities,” he stated.

Addressing the impact of climate change on security, President Akufo-Addo called for integrating climate security considerations into national and regional security strategies. He emphasized the need for climate adaptation and mitigation measures to enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related shocks.

The President concluded his address by calling for inclusive governance and development to address the root causes of insecurity. He stated, “Security is not just the absence of violence; it is also the presence of justice, equity, and opportunity. We should address the root causes of insecurity by fostering inclusive governance and promoting sustainable development.”

As the conference progresses, President Akufo-Addo expressed hope for fruitful discussions that would lead to actionable outcomes, contributing to a more secure and prosperous Africa. “By enhancing our regional mechanisms and fostering closer cooperation among African nations, we can build a safer and more secure continent for future generations,” he concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.