In the remote district of Kapoeta East County, Eastern Equatoria State, life is a daily struggle for its 376 224 residents. This county, which borders Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, faces severe health challenges due to harsh climatic conditions and food insecurity, including drought and seasonal flooding that hinder transportation and access to essential services.

The health system in Kapoeta East is grappling with numerous challenges. Only half of its 24 health facilities are fully operational, leaving the other half-crippled by a lack of support. Healthcare workers are scarce, medications frequently run out, and many residents live far from the nearest health facility. Cultural practices like early child marriages further complicate the health landscape.

WHO’s targeted health interventions

To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), has been working with the Ministry of Health and local health authorities to initiate a series of interventions to save the lives of the community in Kapoeta East County.

WHO delivered and distributed medical supplies and drugs, including the Interagency Emergency Health Kits, to support health facilities and mobile outreach services.

In addition, WHO has established three mobile medical clinics to reach the most isolated communities. These clinics provide critical health services, including maternal and child health services, immunizations, and treatment for common illnesses. Overseen by a dedicated WHO Public Health officer, they have become a lifeline for the community.

WHO’s efforts extend beyond immediate medical care. The team trained 60 healthcare workers on integrated community health case management and disease surveillance to enhance, promote, and deliver basic and effective primary healthcare services to the community and ensure that local health needs are met with skilled health workers.

Additionally, 40 health workers received specialized training in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) offering effective maternal and newborn care from different healthcare facilities in Kapoeta East.

WHO has also focused on addressing gender-based violence (GBV), training 68 healthcare workers in GBV awareness and clinical management of rape. This initiative has empowered local communities to support survivors and promote timely reporting and treatment.

During a monitoring visit to Naliel Boma, Mr Nakali Lochumpa, the County Health Director of Kapoeta East, underscored the profound impact of the mobile clinics, stating, “Thanks to WHO’s support, the mobile clinic is surpassing Primary Health Care Centers inpatient turnout, enabling us to reach many children with vital vaccinations.”

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, said, “Thanks to the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund, despite difficult circumstances, our targeted health interventions and the combined efforts of WHO, the Ministry of Health, and other partners have been crucial in saving lives and bringing positive change, leading to improved health outcomes.”

The impact of these efforts is already evident. Over 5000 individuals have benefited from WHO’s medical support, and more than 1400 were reached by the end of 2023. Despite some challenges, the medical services have made a significant impact on the community.

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

Policymakers and businesses in West Africa now have an online tool to track their countries’ trade competitiveness and to find new business opportunities in the region, with the launch of the West African Competitiveness Observatory.

The ECOWAS Commission and the International Trade Centre (ITC), with financial support of the European Union (EU), launched the online platform at a high-level event on 21 May 2024, in Abuja, the Nigerian Capital city, to help unleash economic growth across West Africa, where more than half of intraregional export potential, valued at $3.2 billion, remains untapped. West Africa’s exports are more competitive within the region than on the rest of the continent or in global markets.

The West African Competitiveness Observatory serves as a monitoring tool for assessing the trade competitiveness of West African countries and the region. Its primary function is to aid policymakers in crafting policies that promote trade competitiveness and facilitate the development of value chains, which also support local firms, especially small businesses, in integrating into regional value chains. The Observatory offers three modules that enable policymakers to monitor and analyze trade competitiveness at both national and regional levels. Businesses can use the platform to identify business opportunities and engage with buyers and suppliers across markets in the region.

The Trade Competitiveness Module enables comprehensive monitoring and analysis of countries’ trade competitiveness, presenting data on at the global, continental, and regional levels. The Regional Value Chain Module enables policymakers and businesses to assess and integrate regional value chains, providing insights into five key sectors: apparel and textiles; beauty, wellness and personal care products; food preparations for infant use; processed fish and crustacean products; processed fruits, vegetables, and roots.

The Business Matchmaking Module facilitates cross-border collaboration for businesses by promoting products and services and allowing them to connect with partners across the region, aided by automatic translation in English, French and Portuguese.

“The Observatory will provide important information for Policy makers and businesses to take advantage of international markets. Supporting SMEs to effectively access the market and generate employment and contribute to economic growth.” stated Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission.

Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the critical role of the Observatory in her recent statement. She remarked, “The Observatory will provide important information for policymakers and businesses to take advantage of international markets. Supporting SMEs to effectively access the market and generate employment and contribute to economic growth.

“Policymakers and businesses, use the Observatory for insights into your region’s great untapped trade potential and turn that potential into tangible economic benefits,” said ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton. “We hope to see businesses, especially small businesses, make the most of this tool to find buyers and explore new markets.”

The launch of the Observatory comes at a time when West Africa navigates the challenges posed by globalization, technological advancement, and an evolving trade landscape. With its three modules, the Observatory aims to position West Africa as a hub of economic growth and opportunities on the global stage. According to ITC’s export potential estimates, West Africa could add $45.7 billion in exports to the world by 2027.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Liberia’s Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, met with His Excellency João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, at the Presidential Palace in Upper City, Luanda. This high-level diplomatic engagement marks a significant step forward in bolstering bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening the collaboration between Liberia and Angola. Foreign Minister Beysolow Nyanti conveyed President Boakai’s greetings and emphasized Liberia’s eagerness to learn from Angola’s extensive experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry. The discussions underscored the mutual benefits of such a partnership, aiming to harness Angola’s advanced technological capabilities and Liberia’s untapped resource potential. President Lourenço highlighted Angola’s readiness to share knowledge, best practices, and technical support to assist Liberia in developing its oil and gas sector. This collaboration is expected to lead to substantial economic growth and job creation, significantly impacting Liberia’s socio-economic landscape.

The meeting also covered broader aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, and capacity building. Both parties acknowledged the importance of creating a conducive environment for private sector investment and collaboration. The exchange underscored the necessity of establishing robust regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to support the growth of the oil and gas industry in Liberia. Foreign Minister Beysolow Nyanti remarked, “This engagement signifies a new chapter in Liberia-Angola relations. We are committed to leveraging this partnership to boost our oil and gas industry, which is pivotal for Liberia’s economic diversification and development. We appreciate Angola’s willingness to support us in this critical sector.”

President Lourenço echoed these sentiments, stating, “Angola is pleased to collaborate with Liberia and share our experiences. This partnership not only strengthens our bilateral ties but also contributes to the stability and prosperity of the region.” The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to establish a joint task force to explore and implement strategies for cooperation in the oil and gas sector. This task force will be responsible for facilitating technical exchanges, investment opportunities, and the development of joint ventures. The diplomatic engagement between Liberia and Angola represents a significant milestone in their bilateral relations, reinforcing a shared vision of economic growth and regional stability through strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

The WHO Africa Regional Office (WHO AFRO) in collaboration with WHO Headquarters and WHO Ethiopia,  hosted the first regional workshop on preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PRSEAH). The three-day event, held from May 15 to 17, brought together 79 participants from 47 African countries to evaluate achievements from the last biennium, discuss challenges, and explore innovative actions related to PRSEAH.

The workshop follows the harrowing revelations of sexual exploitation and abuse during the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which underscored the need for systemic changes within the organization. In response, WHO launched the #NoExcuse initiative in February 2022 to prevent SEAH and protect communities. This initiative focuses on reforms that foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and trust, with victims and survivors at its core.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy for SEAH, stating, “There is no room within WHO for perpetrators of SEAH or bystanders who fail to speak up. Each of us is responsible for preventing and responding effectively to SEAH wherever it may occur.”

The workshop agenda included a comprehensive review of past achievements and challenges, strategic discussions on integrating PRSEAH  into emergency preparedness and response and identifying specific actions for the next two years. Sessions were designed to promote a shared understanding and approach among the AFRO PRS network. They included case studies, experience sharing, and panel discussions to address questions and enhance collaboration and effectiveness across WHO’s three organizational levels.

Key sessions included:

Reflections on the Past Biennium: A review of achievements and challenges faced in implementing PRSEAH strategies across the AFRO region.
Strategic Priorities for 2024-2025: Outlining priorities and engagement techniques with member states and governments.
Integration into Emergency Preparedness and Response: Exploring best practices and case studies from countries like Nigeria and Mozambique.
Accountability Framework and Organizational Culture Change: Discussing roles, responsibilities, and strategies to foster a zero-tolerance culture against SEAH.

Dr Patrick Abok, Emergency Preparedness and Response cluster lead, reaffirmed:, “The decision to host the workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was driven by strategic considerations regarding impact and visibility. Ethiopia’s recurrent emergencies and the alignment of PRSEAH with the country’s Health Emergency Response framework offer a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement and practical integration of SEAH prevention measures.”

The regional workshop in Addis Ababa marked a significant step in WHO’s ongoing efforts to combat SEAH within its operations and communities, by bringing together experts, stakeholders, and representatives from across the African continent, WHO aims to strengthen its PRSEAH initiatives and ensure a safer, more accountable environment for all.

Dr. Khawla Akel, PRSEAH Coordinator, emphasized the importance of everyone understanding their role in preventing or responding to SEAH. The goal is to rebuild trust and establish WHO as a leader in addressing SEAH. As part of the SURGE Flagship initiative, 200 first responders received training on module 4 (GBV&PSEA) using national resources. Efforts to enhance victim assistance included training 28 PRSEAH trainers from the Regional Health Bureau and Bureau of Women Affairs and adapting training material to the Ethiopian context. Additionally, there was a focus on linking referrals with economic empowerment services.

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