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Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej focuses on Coronavirus Health in the Seventh Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV Program

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has launched the Seventh Episode of their First-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.

The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya, every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne &TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia) and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe. “Our Africa” TV Program is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4dGJDBA), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4dHowzo), X (http://apo-opa.co/3SLcQmR) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3yAl76p)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/46QzBf5), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3ApffO4), X (http://apo-opa.co/4dCz8zb) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3SKRPJh)).

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here:

https://apo-opa.co/3SL9lx4

The theme for the Seventh Episode is Coronavirus Health Awareness.

Watch the Seventh Episode promo here:

https://apo-opa.co/3WGE7Z4

Watch the Seventh Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/4dHGm4X

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “Firstly, I would like to thank the audience for their continuous positive and encouraging response to ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’. We have also been receiving an amazing response on our social media from audiences across the globe, this is very heartening and makes me very happy. The Seventh episode of the TV program addresses the global coronavirus pandemic we have been dealing with for over two years. We have all experienced changes in our lives that the pandemic has brought about. Therefore, this episode advocates for Coronavirus Health Awareness. We have also tried to address the social impact of this pandemic on our communities through this episode.”  

“Through ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ our aim is to raise awareness, be the voice of the voiceless and break the silence about many social and health issues in Africa through ‘Fashion and Art with purpose’. I strongly believe that media, fashion and art should have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good and can raise awareness about issues such as Diabetes Awareness, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending Child Marriage, stopping FGM, stopping GBV, Supporting Girl Education and women empowerment, among other social and health issues affecting the continent. Together we can create a culture shift”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha.

The Seventh episode featured designs from Gabriel Froid and Kinneh Mbenga, young designers from Mauritius and The Gambia respectively. Cwezi, a popular singer from Ghana and Teenusha Soobrah, a Nutritionist from Mauritius also featured in this episode.

The show also features “My White Army” – a pan African song, which has been produced and directed by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, as her personal contribution to thank the doctors and nurses fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus battle, who are risking exposure to the virus so everyone else can stay home and stay healthy. The song, featuring singers from 11 African countries in three languages Arabic, English, and French, has been well appreciated across the continent.

“I am very proud to have been able to coordinate, direct and produce this song as a gesture of support across 11 African countries through the 11 talented singers in three languages Arabic, English and French. They have amazing voices and great diversity, they are from countries from North, South, East and West Africa. This coordination was very difficult especially during the lockdown, but they were all very cooperative and we managed to put together a brilliant and heartwarming song.” explained Senator, Rasha Kelej.

Watch, share&subscribe to the “My White Army” song here: https://apo-opa.co/4dCsqta 

Moreover, Merck Foundation led the way to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic in partnership with 20 African First Ladies. Their focus has been on four main areas – Community Support, Healthcare Capacity Building, Community Awareness through Media Awards and Community Awareness for Children&Youth.

Merck Foundation partnered with African First Ladies to support the livelihood of thousands of women and casual workers affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Foundation started Coronavirus Response Program to improve healthcare capacity by providing African doctors with one-year Online Diploma, two-year Master Degree in Respiratory Medicine, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Acute Medicine, Clinical Microbiology&Infectious Diseases and Critical Care. So far, Merck Foundation has provided 165 scholarships to doctors from over 25 countries through their Coronavirus Response Program/Capacity Advancement Program. Merck Foundation also announced, “Stay at Home” and “Mask Up with Care” Media Recognition Awards for media and “Make your Own Mask” Fashion Awards for the fashion community, with the aim to separate facts from myths and misconceptions, raise awareness on how to adapt best protection measures such as wearing your masks to show you care and love your family&community; to encourage your community to choose to vaccinate and to sensitize them to support healthcare workers who are at the forefront of COVID 19 pandemic. For raising awareness about the pandemic among children and youth, Merck Foundation launched an inspiring storybook “Make the Right Choice” in partnership with African First Ladies to sensitize children and youth about Coronavirus.

Read Make the Right Choice Storybook, here: https://apo-opa.co/3SMetkn

“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Watch Episode 1 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dIQMBH

Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/3SNd4tX

Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/3SMvn2t

Watch Episode 4 here: https://apo-opa.co/3SKfbyu

Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/3AkkIp7  

Watch Episode 6 here: https://apo-opa.co/3WJAilD

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/46QzBf5
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3M2Eg3T
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3ApffO4
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dCz8zb
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3yDFzTY
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4dFto7M
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3LZMsC2

About Merck Foundation:
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: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/46QzBf5, X: http://apo-opa.co/4dCz8zb, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/3ApffO4, YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/3AmOeuB, Thread: http://apo-opa.co/4dFto7M and Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/3X3i3rR.

Neway Valve Joins MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2024 as Bronze Sponsor

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Chinese industrial manufacturer Neway Valve has joined the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference as a bronze sponsor. Neway Valve provides industrial valve solutions for energy companies and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms involved in the oil and gas industry.

The MSGBC 2024 conference, taking place in Dakar from December 3-4, will be a key platform for international investors to explore trends in various sectors, including oil and gas, power, green hydrogen and infrastructure. As a bronze sponsor, Neway Valve will showcase its latest technologies to potential partners interested in energy projects across West Africa. With a client list that includes major oil companies like TotalEnergies and Shell, Neway Valve offers a range of products, including subsea, control, safety valves and wellhead equipment.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The regional hydrocarbon sector is brimming with opportunities. In June 2024, Woodside Energy began oil production at the Sangomar field offshore Senegal, marking the country’s entry into the oil-producing arena. Additionally, a FPSO vessel with a capacity of 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day arrived at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG field, straddling the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, in June 2024.

With over 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and one billion barrels of oil in the MSGBC region waiting to be extracted, new projects are expected to emerge. Neway Valve is well-positioned to meet the demands of this growing sector, offering tailored valve solutions for EPC projects, drilling operations and pipeline services.

“Neway Valve’s presence as a bronze sponsor at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference highlights the growing interest of international service companies in the rapidly expanding energy sector in West Africa. Showcasing Neway Valve’s expertise and technology presents a valuable opportunity for investors seeking high-quality equipment,” states Sandra Jeque, Event and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

U.S. announces $536 million humanitarian aid package for Africa, including $97 million for Ethiopia

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U.S. announces $536 million humanitarian aid package for Africa, including $97 million for Ethiopia

The U.S. government has unveiled a substantial new humanitarian aid package, totaling nearly $536 million, to support refugees and conflict-affected communities across Africa. Of this significant fund, nearly $97 million will be allocated to Ethiopia, addressing urgent needs in one of the continent’s most critically impacted regions.

Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary for Civil Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Affairs, announced the new aid during a statement at the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The allocation includes $87 million specifically earmarked for assisting refugees within Ethiopia’s borders.

Zeya’s announcement underscores the severity of displacement crises across sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 38 million people having been forcibly displaced from their homes. Of these, 30 million are internally displaced within their own countries, while 8 million have sought refuge across international borders. Ethiopia has emerged as a key host nation, accommodating over 1.8 million refugees and demonstrating significant generosity amid widespread displacement.

During her visit to Addis Ababa, Zeya highlighted the productive discussions she had with Ethiopian officials, including Foreign Minister Taye Atskeselassie and the Minister of Justice. These discussions focused on issues of rule of law, accountability, humanitarian cooperation, and the protection of human rights. 

“The United States remains committed to supporting Ethiopia and its people during these challenging times,” Zeya said. “We will continue to work closely with the Ethiopian government and our civil society partners to uphold the protection of human rights and ensure effective humanitarian assistance.”

This new aid package reflects a continued commitment from the U.S. to address the humanitarian needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The funds are intended to bolster efforts to provide essential services, support refugee communities, and address the broader impacts of ongoing conflicts and displacement crises.

As Ethiopia grapples with the challenges of hosting a significant refugee population and managing the impacts of internal and regional conflicts, this assistance will provide critical support in alleviating the suffering of affected communities and reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a key humanitarian actor in the region.

ICS faces backlash over steep increase in passport fees, sparking concerns over violation of freedom of movement

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ICS faces backlash over steep increase in passport fees, sparking concerns over violation of freedom of movement

The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) recently announced a significant hike in passport fees, a move that has been met with widespread criticism for its timing and its potential infringement on citizens’ rights, particularly the right to freedom of movement.

The amendments, which came into effect on August 7, 2024, have raised the cost of obtaining and renewing a passport to 5,000 Birr (approximately $50). For those requiring expedited service, the fee has surged to 20,000 Birr (about $200). Corrections to old passports or replacements for lost passports now cost up to 40,500 Birr (approximately $400). For Ethiopians living abroad, the fee for a regular passport has increased to $200, with expedited service within 15 days costing $350.

These amendments have sparked concerns among legal experts and human rights advocates, who argue that the increases are excessive and disproportionately affect low-income citizens. Ketema Adane, a legal expert and Partner at Ethio-Alliance Advocates LLP, stated that the new fees could restrict citizens’ ability to exercise their right to freedom of movement, a right enshrined in both Ethiopian law and international treaties ratified by the country.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) emphasizes that freedom of movement is a fundamental human right,” Ketema said. “By imposing such high fees, the Ethiopian government is effectively creating barriers to this right, particularly for low-income individuals who may now be unable to afford a passport.”

Ketema further explained that the increase could prevent citizens from participating in essential activities such as pursuing education abroad, seeking employment opportunities, or engaging in international cooperation and discussions. “This amendment has the potential to exclude citizens from global governance and decision-making processes,” he added.

The Ethiopian Constitution, under Article 13, sub-article 2, and Article 9, sub-article 4, requires that human rights be interpreted in accordance with international documents and principles. The current fee structure, according to Ketema, does not align with these obligations and could be seen as a violation of the citizens’ rights.

Gosa Demse, Deputy Director General of ICS, defended the fee increase, citing the rising costs of producing passports and the shift towards e-passports, which necessitates higher expenditures. “The foreign currency required to import the materials for passports has tripled, making the fee increase necessary,” Gosa explained.

Despite the government’s justification, the new fees have been met with alarm by many Ethiopians, who view the increases as a significant financial burden, particularly in a country where the average income is relatively low. Critics argue that the government should have considered the economic realities of its citizens before implementing such a steep increase.

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