The United States Embassy in Mozambique awarded, this Tuesday, the 2024 U.S. Embassy Woman of Courage Award to lawyer, human rights defender focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) since 2001, and social activist Júlia Wachave for her work in protecting and advocating for the rights of women and girls in Cabo Delgado. During the award ceremony, the U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, Peter H. Vrooman, with a voice filled with admiration, detailed Wachave’s incredible journey and the role she has played in raising awareness about the challenges women face in that province. ” Courageously, she has overcome serious threats to her life,” he noted, “promoting and protecting the human rights of hundreds of thousands of women and girls from Cabo Delgado. Her dedication has helped create a safer and more hopeful future for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.”

In turn, upon receiving the award, Julia Wachave spoke about the achievements made throughout her career, leaving an emotional message of thanks and recognition, “First and foremost, to share this award with my mother. I have been working in Cabo Delgado for more than 14 years, and during these years today we have witnessed harsh realities. We work to now have strategies, policies, and change the lives of many women,” shared Wachave. “Every woman who comes into the world comes to fulfill her dreams with her rights. So, we cannot take away a woman’s dream!” said Wachave.

Currently, Júlia Wachave is the Executive Director of the Association for the Protection of Women and Girls (PROMURA) in Cabo Delgado and was formerly the provincial coordinator of Cabo Delgado for the Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network. Wachave has been at the forefront of providing assistance to internally displaced women in the northern districts of Cabo Delgado. In partnership with UN Women, Provincial Social Services, and other partners, she provided a first response to women in transit centers with dignity kits. She participated in various forums held at the central level to report on the critical situation of women and girls displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado. This award is not just a recognition of Júlia’s courage and resilience; it is a beacon of hope for all women and girls in Cabo Delgado and a powerful reminder of the transformative impact one person can have. Júlia Wachave’s story is a call to action, a cry for justice, and an anthem of hope for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has nominated additional officials to positions in government affecting the Ministry of Health. 

These appointments supersede any previously published in similar agencies and positions. 

The nominees are: 

1)    Madam Martha Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration 
2)    Mr. Malayah Tamba Cheiyo, Deputy Minister for Planning&Policy
3)    Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services 
4)    Dr. Caullau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Prevention Services
5)    Mr. George Jacobs, Assistant Minister for Planning&Policy
6)    Dr. Anthony Fortune, Assistant Minister for Vital Statistics 
7)    Mr. Richard Kollie, Assistant Minister for Administration 

These nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. 

President Boakai further calls on all those nominated and appointed to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Shri Sita Ram Meena (YOA: 2008), presently Director in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Niger.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

The United States Embassy in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe is pleased to invite the media to cover the upcoming visit of a delegation of U.S. Senators to the Instituto Técnico de Saúde de Luanda (formerly IMS) on March 28th at 13:30. The purpose of this visit is to highlight U.S. health assistance programs in Angola, particularly focusing on initiatives related to Malaria, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, community and health development agents (ADECOS), medicine supply chain management, training of health experts, and family planning.

The visit to the Instituto Técnico de Saúde de Luanda is part of a larger agenda by five U.S. Senators, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray, to conduct oversight of Department of State, Health and Human Services, and Defense equities in Africa, alongside official discussions with U.S. and host nation government officials regarding political, economic, and security issues affecting bilateral and regional relationships.

The United States of America has been a steadfast partner in improving the health outcomes of Angolans, with nearly half of the approximately $1.48 billion in USG assistance provided to Angola over the last 25 years devoted to enhancing the country’s health system, training health personnel, procuring essential medicines and vaccines, and strengthening local laboratories. This visit aims to track progress made thus far and evaluate the impact of these initiatives on the lives of Angolan citizens.

Following the tour and assessment, a Senator from the United States and a senior Angolan health official will address the media to provide insights into the visit’s findings and discuss the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Angola in the healthcare sector.

It is essential to recognize the pivotal role played by the U.S. Congress in funding international development and humanitarian aid, including assistance programs aimed at supporting health systems and addressing public health challenges in partner countries like Angola.

We look forward to your participation and coverage of this significant event. Please RSVP by March 26th at 12:00 pm to confirm your attendance and facilitate logistical arrangements. For further information, please contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy via email at pressluanda@state.gov or by phone at 923-284-117.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe.