Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Egypt September 17-19 to co-chair the opening of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The strategic dialogue aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and deepen economic development, as well as increase people-to-people ties through culture and education. In addition to co-chairing the strategic dialogue, the Secretary will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and helps establish broader regional security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.

On September 16, 2024, at the Kenya School of Government, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa inaugurated the master trainer training for the Health Provider Portal. This event signifies a key advancement in Kenya’s rollout of social health insurance and the digitization of healthcare services. 

 Dr. Barasa underscored the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the BETA Plan. This plan encompasses sustainable health financing reforms and the integration of digital healthcare systems. 

She noted the importance of recent legislations, including the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 and the Digital Health Act 2023, which are pivotal for transitioning from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA). The SHA, created under the Social Health Insurance Act, will replace the NHIF claims management system and manage a comprehensive health benefit package. 

This package includes preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitation services, ensuring equitable access for all Kenyans. The Health Provider Portal, a component of the “Digital Health Superhighway,” aims to improve healthcare delivery and manage health products more effectively. With over one million households already registered, efforts are being intensified to achieve complete public registration by the October 1, 2024, launch. 

The training program will prepare master trainers to implement the SHA Health Provider Portal across health facilities. Additionally, training on health management information systems and community health promoters will run concurrently to support assisted registration.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kimtai, Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Social Health Authority Chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny, Acting CEO Dr. Elijah Wachira, and representatives from the Council of Governors, among others.

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

President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Republic of Seychelles touched down in Havana, Cuba, today for an official visit.

Upon his arrival at José Martí International Airport, President Ramkalawan was received by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo.

During his stay, the President is set to engage in bilateral talks with his Cuban counterpart, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. In addition, he will also meet with the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo Hernández and other senior government officials.  He will also partake in various official engagements.

Whilst in Cuba, as part of his programme, the President will meet Seychellois students currently studying in Cuba.

Accompanying President Ramkalawan on this visit are First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde and Seychelles’ Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ian Madeleine.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) wishes to inform all stakeholders and the public that, following an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Cabo Verde, it is currently undertaking a promotion mission in this State Party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter) from 16 to 20 September 2024.

This mission, which is part of the Commission’s mandate to promote human rights, is being conducted in accordance with Article 45(1) of the African Charter and Rule 76(1) of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure (2020). The mission aims, among other objectives, to engage in dialogue with key stakeholders to exchange views on improving the enjoyment of human rights in the country.

The Commission’s Delegation is composed of:
•    Honorable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela, Country Rapporteur and Special Rapporteur on Prisons, Conditions of Detention and Policing in Africa (Head of the Delegation); and
•    Honorable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa.

African Union officials from the Commission’s Secretariat will provide technical support to the Delegation during the mission.

In line with its terms of reference, the Delegation will meet with human rights actors in the country. These will include the highest available authorities, including ministers and senior government officials concerned with human rights, members of Parliament and the judiciary, country representatives of UN agencies, representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), and other individuals or institutions able to provide insights into the human rights situation in Cabo Verde. The Delegation will visit a detention facility and infrastructure of particular interest to human rights. It is also expected to hold a sensitization workshop with CSOs on the Commission’s mandate.

The mission will culminate in a press conference, where the Delegation will present its preliminary findings on the human rights situation in Cabo Verde.

The Commission expresses its gratitude to the Government of Cabo Verde and all stakeholders working towards ensuring that this promotion mission takes place under the best conditions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).