A workshop focusing on roll out of national measles and rubella vaccination program, which also includes the distribution of Vitamin A supplements, was conducted on 9 April in Asmara under the theme “Let’s Ensure Our Children’s Health with Integrated Effort”. The workshop was attended by heads of the Ministry of Health branches of all sub-zone and sub-zonal administrators.

Mr. Tedros Yihdego, head the national vaccination program, highlighted Eritrea’s commendable track record in executing vaccination programs. He pointed out the significant increase in vaccination coverage from 10% post-independence to a current rate of 97%, showcasing a remarkable public health achievement.

The upcoming vaccination campaign is set to focus on children from 9 months to 5 years for the measles and rubella shots, and those from 6 months to 5 years will also be eligible for Vitamin A supplementation, further underscoring the initiative’s holistic approach to child health.

Col. Gebrehans Woldegergis, the Director General of Social Service in the region, emphasized the critical link between children’s health and the broader societal well-being. He called on the community at large, including administrators and community leaders, to play an active role in ensuring the smooth execution of this health drive.

The workshop facilitated thorough discussions on various facets of the program and wrapped up with a unified pledge from the attendees to dedicate themselves to the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign.

The measles and rubella vaccination drive, accompanied by the distribution of Vitamin A, is scheduled to take place from April 24 to 28, marking a significant step towards bolstering public health in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) wishes to convey its best wishes to the People of Somalia, ATMIS staff and all Muslims around the world during Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr, let us remember and show empathy towards the less fortunate in society by extending our generosity. May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, supplications and Zakatul-Fitri,”

On this occasion, ATMIS will continue to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and all partners for the success of the ongoing transition, to ensure lasting peace, security, and prosperity in Somalia and to pray for an end to the long years of sacrifice and suffering by the people of Somalia.

CIID WANAAGSAN……(HAPPY EID)

TAQABALLA MINNA WA MINKUM, INSHA’ALLAH – (MAY ALLAH ACCEPT OUR FASTS).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

“Although the extreme weather is over, the public are asked to please be aware of potentially dangerous conditions in large parts of the province,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said today.

 During the Joint Operations Meeting hosted by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) it was highlighted that many secondary roads and low-level river crossings are still flooded. The following road safety aspects were highlighted for the public:

Please obey all road signs.
 If you are driving and come across flooded roads, please take great care.
If the water is too deep for you to see the roadway, turn around and take another route.
 Where roads are underwater, the roadway may have been damaged or washed away.
 There may be obstacles under the water that you cannot see.
Water flow may be strong enough to wash your vehicle away.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

Rock falls and mudslides will remain a real danger for the next week or more, and the public are asked to remain vigilant in this regard.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde inspected the Bot River at the N2 earlier today which was washed away during heavy rainfall last year. He also visited the Buffelsjag River bridge near Swellendam which was overflowing as a result of the heavy rainfall. “I was relieved to see that the N2 at Bot River withstood the recent heavy rainfall. I appeal to the public to please exercise extreme caution on our roads following the severe weather.”

Premier Alan Winde said that the focus now shifts to humanitarian work, such as identifying people who lost their shelter and access to basic amenities during the storm. “Through the coordination of our Department of Social Development, we are working closely with the NGO sector, local municipalities, as well as national departments to ensure that affected people receive shelter and food.”

Municipalities will now start with damage assessments with the support of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and relevant government departments. Once compiled, the PDMC will approach the National Disaster Management Centre for a disaster classification, which is the first step in applying for additional funding to repair damages.

In the Rarden Route, it was reported that most estuaries are subsiding from the very high levels reported yesterday. Gamkaskloof is still flooded, with reports of a total of 12 people possibly needing evacuation. The Gamkapoort dam, which reached a highpoint of 154% late last night, has already dropped to 146% early this morning. There will be focus today on evaluating the conditions of the Matjiesvlei and Huysrivier area, also with the possibility of some people being cut off from main access routes.

According to the South African Weather Services no additional weather warnings are being issued, although light rain during the day, and possible showers later in the afternoon will persist over parts of the Southern Cape today.

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

Football enthusiasts, mark your calendars for The Ultimate Match To Unite (https://apo-opa.co/3TT4WrB)! On April 20th, 2024, history will be made at the iconic Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam as the BIF ALL STARS go head-to-head with the revered AJAX LEGENDS in a thrilling exhibition match – an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.

The BIF ALL STARS, a new collective of football champions from African descent and beyond including Didier Drogba, Claude Makélélé, Clarence Seedorf, Nader El Sayed, Christian Karembeu, Dida, Roque Junior and others. They will grace the pitch against formidable AJAX LEGENDS, featuring illustrious figures such as Aron Winter, Jari Litmanen, Wesley Sneijder, Richard Witschge, Maxwell, Shota Arveladze, Frank and Ronald de Boer, among others.

From electrifying goals to skillful maneuvers, spectators can expect a display of football mastery like no other. Organized under the banner of the Play To Unite initiative, by the Black Impact Foundation (BIF), this eagerly anticipated showdown between two powerhouse teams is not just about the game itself; it’s the ultimate display of unity, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The Olympic Stadium, steeped in sporting history and grandeur, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. 

Beyond the thrill of the game, this match holds a deeper significance. In a time when divisions threaten to overshadow our shared humanity, BIF ALL STARS – Play To Unite stand as a testament to the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire and foster social change. The inaugural event – The Ultimate Match To Unite – spotlights not only the spectacle of elite football, but also the profound symbolism of solidarity in action. 

The initiative extends beyond the stadium walls to a social side program with a particular focus on youth and community engagement and empowerment. Local youth will have the opportunity to meet and interact with their sporting heroes on match day, fostering inspiration and forging connections that will last a lifetime.

The proceeds from this spectacular event will be dedicated to advancing sports, scholarship, mentorship, health and community building programs, amplifying the impact across communities worldwide.

Join us on the 20th of April as football’s greatest line up grace the pitch in Amsterdam in an epic match you’ll need to see to believe – where the BIF ALL STARS and AJAX LEGENDS collide in a spectacle that transcends sport – a celebration of unity, diversity, and the unifying power of football. 

The African Energy Chamber fully endorses this initiative.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Info@blackimpactfoundation.com.

About BIF ALL STARS&The Ultimate Match To Unite: 
Sports has the power to unite people in a way that little else does, and BIF ALL STARS, a formidable collective of world-renowned football champions, epitomizes the unifying force of sports, aiming not only to entertain but also to foster connections and inspire unity. As they embark on their journey, they will confront legendary teams worldwide, starting with the inaugural edition in Amsterdam.