Although Malawi continues to record only sporadic cholera cases, with just an average of 10 cases a week as of January 2024 compared with close to 700 cases per week at the peak of the outbreak in January 2023 – infection control measures are being applied rigorously to further curb the disease, save lives and avert a flare-out.

At the heart of the measures being undertaken is the 7-1-7 approach: essentially it entails timely case detection (a target of less than seven days from emergence of infection), notification (a target of less than a day from detection) and completion of seven early response actions (a target of below seven days from notification).

To implement this approach, the Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organization (WHO), has enhanced early detection through community-based surveillance and strengthening of laboratory surveillance such as by sending cholera rapid diagnostic tests to health units in 29 districts and training of laboratory technicians to detect suspected cases in less than seven days. 

Through the work of community health volunteers, active search finding of acute watery diarrhoea cases enables health workers implement targeted measures to prevent infection spread. The community volunteers also work with environmental health officers to conduct health promotion on the important of water chlorination and ensure that communities observe good sanitation and hygiene practices.

Recently in Malawi’s northern Mzimba District, for instance, after 14 cases were detected, WHO worked with the health authorities to quickly manage these cases and ensure timely disease surveillance efforts among over 3000 community members. Through these efforts, the spread of infection was contained within two weeks.

To further enhance timely case detection, notification and response, Malawi is currently rolling out the third edition of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) guidelines which were adopted in 2020. The IDSR framework makes surveillance and laboratory data more usable, helping public health managers and decision-makers improve detection and response to outbreaks and other diseases. Prior to the reporting period, WHO provided technical support to eight districts to train health care workers from the districts and facilities in IDSR training and roll out. Surveillance teams are on the ground and are promptly responding to any report that arises. 

Chifundo Kamkhwali, Lilongwe District’s IDSR focal person, says that surveillance and detection of cholera has informed the rapid response in the major cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre, which at this time last year had the highest number of cholera cases. 

“Being able to contain the numbers in the cities has played a major role in the decrease of cases and impacted on the transmission of cholera cases to other districts surrounding these cities. The main concern that remains are bordering and hotspot districts like Nsanje,” he says.

The government, with support from partners, has intensified cholera prevention interventions by applying best practices learnt from the 2023 cholera outbreak – the worst in the country’s history, says Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, the Minister of Health. She highlights the launch of the Tipewe Cholera campaign and collaboration with the Presidential Taskforce, WHO and other partners as a milestone in containing cholera.

With the declining cholera cases, the Ministry of Health declared in August 2023 that cholera was no longer a national public health emergency, with no cases in 26 of 29 districts in the country. 

“However, we all need to take responsibility by treating water and practicing good hygiene and sanitation from individual level, family level to community level as a core preventative measure,” says Hon Chiponda. 

Supporting the community water quality surveillance efforts, in October 2023 WHO donated nine water testing machines enabling timely community testing of water when cases are detected, delivery of two tent units, two oral rehydration point kits, and life-saving intravenous treatment for severe cases, assorted medical supplies and equipment in Lilongwe and Mzimba districts.  

“WHO will continue to support Malawi to work on a longer-term, multisectoral strategy to control cholera and ultimately lead to elimination as outlined by the Global Task Force on Cholera roadmap to eliminate cholera by 2030,” says Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO Representative in Malawi. 

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

Earlier today, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s (WCDoA) Outeniqua Research Farm, outside George, which is known for its research on dairy production from planted pasture. Results on pasture and the concentrate component of the dairy feed provide guidelines to producers in the Southern Cape.

Minister Meyer said, “Agriculture is a science, and science must be backed by evidence-based research. Our research aims to help grow the agricultural sector and support producers in developing their businesses and creating jobs. By providing our producers with high-quality scientific support, we aim to work with our producers to find innovative solutions to ensure that the sector can flourish.”

Specialist dairy researcher at the Outeniqua Research Farm, Professor Robin Meeske highlighted that the profitability of milk production is under pressure due to increasing input costs. As a result, research projects at Outeniqua Research Farm focus on sustainable profitable dairy production from pastures.

“The main profit drivers are pasture production per hectare, cows per hectare and milk production per cow.  High-quality pasture is the greatest contributor to the cows’ daily nutrient requirements. To meet their energy requirements, high volumes of concentrates are fed to cows which are often three times more expensive than pasture.”

“Pasture research focuses on optimal pasture yields from known pasture species, especially the various ryegrass species. Animal research is conducted into the supplementary concentrate that is fed to the cows. We are looking into possible alternatives for some of the ingredients to make the cost per kilogram of feed lower without compromising milk yield or milk composition,” added Professor Meeske.

Researchers at Outeniqua are in contact with industry role-players, and this ensures that the research being conducted is relevant to the dairy producers.

“Research findings at Outeniqua Research Farm contribute to improving pasture quality and yield on farms. More efficient use of concentrates and adjusting concentrate composition and level of concentrate feeding is key to the profitability of milk production from pasture. The industry is kept up to date with our latest finding at the annual Farmers’ Days hosted by the research team at the Outeniqua Research Farm,” concluded Minister Meyer.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

The European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe successfully hosted a high-profile EU Private Sector Dialogue Seminar in Harare, shedding light on key opportunities for trade and investment between Zimbabwe and the EU. This well-attended event brought together representatives from EU businesses with a presence in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe private sector players, key Zimbabwean private sector organizations (CZI, ZNCC, WABAZ, NBCZ), banker associations (BAZ), investment promotion agency (ZIDA), and trade promotion agency (ZimTrade) for a productive discussion aimed at unlocking Zimbabwe’s economic potential through enhanced EU-Zimbabwe collaboration.

In his address, Ambassador of the European Union H.E. Jobst von KIRCHMANN emphasized, “We are committed to deepening our economic partnership with Zimbabwe through more trade and investment based on the EU – Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement and our Global Gateway initiative. Today’s seminar underscores our collective efforts to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development and mutual prosperity. Together, we strive to create an environment conducive to investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in Zimbabwe.”  

EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement: Benefits and Challenges Addressed

Many participants were unaware of the full benefits offered by the existing EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a powerful tool for boosting trade between the EU and Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s export potential. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the duty-free access it offers to the vast EU market, alongside EU support for regional integration and capacity building for export readiness. Open discussions addressed any challenges faced by the private sector in accessing the EPA’s full benefits.

EU’s Global Gateway Initiative

The event also shed light on the EU’s ambitious Global Gateway initiative, a plan designed to unlock €150 billion in public and private investments in Africa. This investment plan prioritizes sustainable development, focusing on areas critical to Zimbabwe’s growth, such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. While Zimbabwe has already benefited from certain Global Gateway investments such as the Kariba dam rehabilitation and environmental programs, other specific programs are under development.

Unlocking Investment Potential through Public-Private Dialogue

Recognizing the importance of a strong business environment, the seminar fostered a valuable dialogue on how the EU can best tailor its support to address Zimbabwe’s specific challenges. Discussions addressed concerns about debt sustainability and highlighted the positive steps Zimbabwe is taking to improve the investment climate.

EU Financial Instruments Ready to Support Viable Projects

While large-scale sovereign lending is currently on hold because of Zimbabwe’s arrears of 17,7 billion usd, the seminar showcased the EU’s commitment to supporting private sector investments in Zimbabwe by highlighting a range of financial instruments available through Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) like the European Investment Bank (EIB). These instruments offer de-risking guarantees for private sector investments, making Zimbabwean projects more attractive to European investors.

Detailed information was provided on the EIB’s successful €40 million Private Sector Facility, including eligible sectors and project qualification criteria, which will be useful as there are plans for other future private sector facilities. Representatives from CABS, First Capital Bank, and NMB Bank, beneficiaries of the EIB facility credit lines, were present to answer questions from potential borrowers.

Collaboration is Key to Economic Growth

During the seminar, two panels were convened, focusing on trade and investment respectively, providing a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and perspectives. Discussions centred on identifying challenges and opportunities for enhancing EU-Zimbabwe economic cooperation, with a particular emphasis on addressing barriers to investment and trade.

Speaking at the seminar, Ambassador von Kirchmann emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges and maximizing opportunities for economic growth in Zimbabwe.

The EU Private Sector Dialogue Seminar served as a stepping stone towards a stronger economic partnership between the EU and Zimbabwe, paving the way for a more conducive environment for investment and mutual growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.

Sudan’s warring parties must commit to an immediate cease-fire, end attacks on civilians and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian  assistance for millions of people in desperate need of aid, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan said today, as the deadly conflict edges into its second year.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has killed thousands of civilians since it began on 15 April 2023. Over six million people have been displaced internally, while almost two million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. Nearly 24 million people are in need of aid, with 18 million suffering crisis levels of food insecurity, according to the UN.

“It’s beyond time for this devastating war to stop,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. “The warring parties must bring an immediate end to all violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, and hold the perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable for their acts.”

“Sudan’s warring parties are legally obligated to protect civilians, but they have shown little regard for doing so,” Othman said. “We are now investigating alarming reports of repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.”

The Fact-Finding Mission said attacks on aid convoys and infrastructure have been reported in what appear to be clear violations of international humanitarian law.

“Aid agencies are persevering even though there have been attacks and looting of humanitarian convoys, personnel and warehouses,” said Mona Rishmawi, an expert member of the Mission. 

“We are also investigating the deliberate blocking of humanitarian assistance destined for civilians living in areas controlled by the opposite side,” Rishmawi said. “The parties to the conflict must ensure and facilitate safe, free and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilian populations in grave need.” 

Food security analysts have warned of a serious risk of famine, in particular in parts of the Darfur region. Cereal harvests have dropped by almost half compared to last year, and the price of grain has already doubled or tripled in war-affected areas, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

“If rural populations cannot safely remain on their land to plant their crops or tend to their livestock, we will see a catastrophe,” said expert member Joy Ezeilo.

The Fact-Finding Mission noted the upcoming International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its Neighbours, which is due to be held in Paris on 15 April. The Mission hopes that the massive shortfall in donor funding, which has so far only covered six percent of the estimated 2.7 billion US dollars needed to address the crisis, will soon be addressed.

Noting that Sudan’s warring parties have failed to heed the UN Security Council’s call for a cessation of hostilities during the month of Ramadan, the Fact-Finding Mission’s experts called for an immediate ceasefire and urged them to commit to a comprehensive peace process.
The experts also urged UN Member States to exert their influence on the warring parties to stop the fighting and immediately restore peace, justice and democracy in Sudan.

Reaffirming the imperative of ensuring accountability, the experts emphasized their commitment to fulfil their mandate to establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all violations committed in relation to the conflict and to identify individuals and entities responsible. 

“The Sudanese people have endured enough,” Othman said. “The warring parties must find a path for peace and respect for human rights in Sudan.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC).