The Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, presented a detailed report to the Council of Governors (CoG) on the services provided by the Social Health Authority (SHA) on September 5th, 2024.

The meeting, led by Governor Muthomi Njuki, Chair of the CoG Health Committee, focused on advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. 

The report outlined new standardized tariffs and benefits packages under the SHA, aimed at making healthcare more affordable and comprehensive for all Kenyans. 

Key discussions revolved around harmonizing healthcare costs and expanding access to essential services, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between national and county governments to ensure the successful implementation of UHC. 

Principal Secretaries Mary Muthoni (Public Health) and Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), along with several governors, were also in attendance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Thousands of children in eastern Sudan are at risk of cholera following a major outbreak caused by widespread flooding, contaminated water and with a decimated health system after 16 months of conflict, Save the Children said.

Nearly 2900 cases of cholera and 112 deaths have been reported between July 22 and the beginning of September with Sudan’s Ministry of Health officially declared the outbreak on August 12. However, the actual numbers may be higher as limited access to health facilities and delayed community referrals are leading to a significant underreporting, according to the latest report from Sudan’s Health Cluster— a partnership including the UN, the Federal Ministry of Health, and NGOs including Save the Children.

In El Damer in River Nile State and in Gedarif in Gedarif State, Save the Children teams are reporting a huge spike in cholera cases among children under five, who account for nearly 15% of the confirmed cases and deaths across the country.

The spike in cholera comes with no end to the fighting that started in April last year and has devastated the country’s health and sanitation systems. Cholera spreads rapidly due to inadequate sewage treatment, flooding, and unsafe drinking water—conditions worsened by relentless heavy rains that have battered much of the country for the past three months.

The flooding has already claimed at least [173 lives and injured 505 people](https://english.news.cn/africa/20240902/a2d1f9495b7545d9ac898c1b1e8ee435/c.html#:~:text=KHARTOUM%2C%20Sept.%201%20(Xinhua,the%20Sudanese%20Health%20Ministry%20reported) since June, according to the National Council for Civil Defence. The downpour has also caused the collapse of the ArbaatDam in Red Sea state on 24 August, which is the main source of drinking water for the coastal city of Port Sudan, a vital humanitarian hub.

Heavy rains and flooding have also displaced 4,300 people from displacement camps in North Darfur State, including the Zamzam camp, where famine was recently declared. The flooding has destroyed around 900 tents and washed away latrines within these camps, severely disrupting humanitarian aid efforts.

With more than 25.6 million people across the country in need of aid, the crisis has escalated food scarcity, putting children at heightened risk of malnutrition.

Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

“Children in Sudan have gone from horror to horror. Even before the conflict erupted last year the country was home to one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises, with existing localised conflicts, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and economic degradation leaving 15.8 million people in need. That figure has now escalated to 25.6 million people, and diseases like cholera will only trigger a greater increase. Conflict is not just about immediate violence but is also a slow but deadly drip-feed of other grave threats to children’s lives, such as malnutrition and disease.

“We are working to ensure access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion activities to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases such as a cholera in conflict-affected areas. However, we urgently need a huge injection of funds to deliver the treatment needed for cholera.”

Save the Children is conducting daily water quality testing, monitoring and chlorination at 35 water sources within the Sawakin locality, Red Sea state, and has disposed of 125 tons of solid waste at designated dumping sites.

In Gedaref state, Save the Children is supporting with treatment and management of cholera cases and providing safe drinking water to cholera treatment centres. The aid agency is also providing cash assistance to vulnerable families to enable them buy basics such as food, water, and afford health care.

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce the appointment of Bas Wijne as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Bas Wijne, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at APO Group, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to his new role as CEO. His leadership will be pivotal in guiding APO Group through its next phase of growth and innovation, building on the strong results achieved in recent years. This includes the company’s exceptional year-over-year revenue growth. From 2012 to 2024, APO Group achieved an average annual growth rate of 35%.

In his previous role as COO, Bas significantly enhanced the company’s capabilities and profitability by focusing on operational excellence, process optimisation, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.

Bas Wijne has been an integral part of APO Group’s journey, having previously served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) from 2019 to 2021, where he played a crucial role in advancing the company’s technological infrastructure. His commitment to simplification and operational efficiency has created a culture of transparency and agility that benefits both colleagues and clients alike.

With over 20 years of experience in the media and technology industries, Bas Wijne is ideally positioned to lead APO Group in delivering Pan-African communications support to prominent companies across the continent. His extensive global experience, which spans countries such as The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, the USA, Uganda, China, and the United Arab Emirates, has equipped him with the insights and expertise needed to manage a diverse and cross-cultural workforce.

“Bas Wijne’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for APO Group,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “Bas’s deep understanding of our business, combined with his vast experience and passion for technological innovation, makes him the perfect leader to guide us into the future. We are confident that under his leadership, APO Group will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in the African communications industry.”

“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at APO Group,” said Bas Wijne. “Having witnessed first-hand the incredible talent and innovation within this company, I am excited to lead APO Group as we continue to pioneer new ways of adding value to our clients across Africa. Our unique blend of people, ideas, and technology positions us to remain at the forefront of the industry, and I look forward to working with our team to achieve even greater success.”

APO Group’s appointment of Bas Wijne as CEO underscores the company’s commitment to leadership, innovation, and excellence in serving the African market. His vision and expertise will undoubtedly drive APO Group to new heights as the premier communications partner on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) stands as the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of both private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact in Africa and beyond.  

Our commitment to excellence and innovation in communication strategies has been recognised with prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, five PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards and two World Business Outlook Awards in 2023 alone, in categories, among others, including Leading Public Relations Firm Africa 2023 and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa 2023.  

Our esteemed clientele, including global giants like Canon, Nestlé, TikTok or Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape, with teams on the ground in numerous African countries, offering unmatched insights and reach across the continent.  

APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com