More than 1,400,000 doses of vaccines against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), scientifically recognised as the leading cause of more than 90% of cervical cancer, arrived in Angola today for the immunisation of girls aged 9 to 12, as part of the national strategy for prevention and protection against cervical cancer.

In the next few days, another batch is expected to arrive to complete the 2.2 million doses of vaccines needed to guarantee the immunisation of around 2,136,000 girls between the ages of 9 and 12 throughout the country.

According to Angola’s Minister of Health, Dr Silvia Lutucuta, “Vaccination to prevent cervical cancer represents a commitment by the Angolan Executive to protect the health and future of our girls, guaranteeing generations free of this preventable disease, in line with the Global Strategy for the Elimination of this disease by 2050, thus contributing to a healthier and more economically sustainable population”.

“This is a unique opportunity to protect future generations from a devastating disease. Let’s join forces and ensure that all girls in Angola, regardless of where they live, receive this life-saving vaccine”.

Figures from the Angolan Cancer Control Institute reveal that in Angola, 915 cases of cervical cancer were treated in 2022 alone, around 17 per cent of all cancer cases. Furthermore, the health authorities estimate that the actual incidence of cervical cancer cases in the country is probably even higher due to diagnostic limitations.

The Acting Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Angola, Dr Zabulon Yoti, said that the vaccine against cervical cancer is a crucial tool for protecting girls and building healthier future generations and emphasising that “By guaranteeing vaccination, the Angolan government is taking a significant step towards ensuring that Angolan girls grow up in a world where cervical cancer is a preventable disease, not a death sentence”.

“Now is the time to unite and support the initiatives underway to vaccinate our girls, drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and build a healthier future for the Angolan population”.

Cervical cancer is a severe public health problem that affects five times more and kills seven times more African women than women in developed countries. The WHO estimates that around 117,300 women in Africa are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and more than 76,000 die from the disease.

These figures underline the urgency of effectively combating this public health problem, which the Angolan government has boldly embarked on by acquiring CECOLIN vaccines, manufactured by the INOVAX laboratory, to immunise 2,136,000 girls and adolescents in the coming weeks.

This vaccine has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is considered highly effective and safe, requiring just one dose to ensure lifelong protection. Worldwide, more than 50 million doses of the cervical cancer vaccine have been administered with no adverse reactions.

Antero Pina, UNICEF Representative in Angola, said, “The introduction of the vaccine against cervical cancer is another opportunity to transform the lives of adolescent girls”.

“This measure goes beyond the prevention of cervical cancer as it can promote other critical sexual and reproductive health interventions, thus making a further contribution to promoting and protecting the well-being of girls in Angola”.

In addition to procuring the vaccines, the government, with the support of its partners, is working to consolidate other aspects that are extremely important for the success of the cervical cancer vaccination campaign, including planning and financing, training health workers, logistics, advocacy, monitoring and supervision, and community mobilisation and involvement. The operation is budgeted at around 20,926,809 US dollars and involves vaccination in two phases: in schools and in the country’s communities.

For her part, the UNDP Resident Representative in Angola, Dr Denise António, said that the arrival of the vaccines for the Angolan government under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, through funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and with the support of UNDP Angola, reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to preventing cervical cancer in girls.

“By vaccinating these girls, we are safeguarding their future and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This milestone symbolises the strength of our joint commitment. It reflects the alignment of interests between the main partners involved, contributing to Angola’s National Development Plan 2023-2027 objectives and the 2030 Agenda”.

The arrival of cervical cancer vaccines in Angola represents a significant milestone in the government’s goals for the population’s health and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

South Africa joins the global community today, 16 September 2024, in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Advancing Climate Action.” 

This year marks 36 years since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, with the United Nations observing Ozone Day. This year’s celebration aims to raise awareness about the critical role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth and to highlight the need for concerted global efforts in mitigating climate change.

World Ozone Day highlights the importance of protecting the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in reducing ozone-depleting substances and working collectively to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

On this day, we not only celebrate the significant progress achieved but also look toward the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. The Protocol has positively impacted the recovery of the ozone layer and the reduction of climate change and its Kigali Amendment, through the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improved efficiency in the cooling sector, is expected to deliver additional climate mitigation benefits.

World Ozone Day 2024 serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of the ozone layer and climate change. The celebration will foster a spirit of unity and purpose among participants globally, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing climate action. As the planet faces unprecedented environmental complexities, it is imperative that communities and nations remain engaged and proactive in their efforts to protect the atmosphere for future generations. 

As countries move forward, the emphasis will be on implementing policies that prioritize both ozone layer recovery and climate protection. Continuous education and global cooperation are essential to ensure a sustainable future.

As part of the celebrations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will, on 26 September 2024, hand over tools to 402 trained informal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning servicing technicians in Gauteng province. These tools will be issued alongside a Competence Certificate and a SAQCC Gas/SARACCA Refrigerant Safe Handling Registration Card. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has paid a moving tribute to his late sister, Elizabeth Baby Bio, during her funeral service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Community Church in Tihun. President Bio reflected on the profound loss to the family, describing her passing as one that has left an irreplaceable void.

In his tribute, the President shared heartfelt memories of his sister, highlighting her humility, dedication, and selflessness. “She was humble and hardworking. No family member could ever say she lacked dedication. She would do anything for a family member with a very humble heart,” he recalled.

President Bio also spoke of his late sister’s unwavering love for her family and her commitment to promoting peace and unity. “As we say goodbye to you today, we will miss the joy you brought to us. No one in this family can say you ever wronged them. You were selfless, and the gap you have left will be hard to fill,” he expressed with deep emotion.

Elizabeth Baby Bio was laid to rest at the Tihun town cemetery, surrounded by loved ones who came together to honor her memory and legacy of kindness and compassion.

Her passing marks a significant moment of reflection for the Bio family, as they bid farewell to a cherished sister, whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

As part of UAE’s continuous humanitarian efforts to assist nations in need across the world, the country today dispatched an aircraft carrying 50 tonnes of food supplies to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The aid aims to alleviate the suffering of people impacted by recent floods that hit several areas across Nigeria.

Over recent weeks, Nigeria has been impacted by severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall, which has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and the displacement of thousands of people. The floods have affected several Nigerian states, including agricultural areas, resulting in lack of food resources and an increased need for urgent humanitarian aid.

In this regard, His Excellency Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reaffirmed the UAE’s keenness to support and assist countries facing humanitarian challenges.

His Excellency said: “The aid dispatched reflects the UAE’s commitment to reinforce humanitarian cooperation with the international community and support nations during crises and disasters. The initiative serves to mitigate the suffering of people affected by the floods in Nigeria, while providing them with the necessary support to overcome this challenging period.”

The UAE continues to provide humanitarian and relief aid to countries affected by natural disasters, as part of its commitment to upholding the values of humanitarian solidarity and providing aid to people in need across the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.