Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ethiopia, recently led a senior delegation on a crucial mission to assess health activities and strengthen partnerships across the Dire Dawa City Administration and the Harari and Somali regional states. Conducted from July 2 to July 4, 2024, this marked Dr. Kaluwa’s first field mission since assuming his role in April 2024.

The mission aimed to provide a firsthand evaluation of WHO’s ongoing operations and enhance relationships with regional health, administrative, and political leaders, as well as other key stakeholders. The delegation reviewed various health initiatives, including disease prevention programs, maternal and child health services, and emergency response activities, among others.

Engagements in Dire Dawa

In Dire Dawa City, the delegation received a warm welcome from Mayor Kedir Juhar, who discussed the city’s rapid urban growth and its associated challenges, including inadequate water, sanitation, and healthcare services. The mayor also shared his administration’s plans to build a modern hospital to address some of these health issues

Discussions with the Dire Dawa City Health Bureau focused on the influx of healthcare seekers, the strain on existing facilities, and the lack of health insurance for many daily laborers—an issue WHO aims to address through its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives.

The delegation also toured key health facilities, including Sabian General Hospital, Dire Dawa Trauma Center, and Goro Health Center. These visits allowed the team to observe efforts to enhance healthcare delivery despite limited resources and to engage with healthcare workers about their challenges and needs.

Strengthening Ties in Harari Regional State

In the Harari Regional State, Dr. Kaluwa and his team met with President Ordin Badri and his cabinet, who expressed deep appreciation for WHO’s contributions to regional health interventions.

A symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Harar Health Science College highlighted WHO’s commitment to combating deforestation and addressing climate change—factors increasingly recognized as vital to public health.

Addressing Health Challenges in the Somali Region

In the Somali region, the delegation engaged with WHO staff, UN partners, and NGOs to assess severe health challenges, including ongoing cholera and malaria outbreaks. At the Karamara General Hospital’s malnutrition stabilization center in Jigjiga, the team observed the treatment of malnutrition cases following WHO guidelines. They noted the use of digital systems to enhance communication and coordination among healthcare providers, which has been crucial in managing health data and responding to emergencies.

The expansive pastoralist areas of the Somali region present significant healthcare access challenges, which WHO is addressing through the deployment of Mobile Health Teams. These teams have effectively reached remote, underserved communities near the borders, providing essential services such as vaccinations, maternal care, and disease prevention.

Commitment to Long-Term Health Initiatives

Despite the significant challenges, the regions have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health services. Dr. Kaluwa reaffirmed WHO’s support through its 14th General Program of Work (GPW14), which emphasizes Health Security, Health Promotion, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This program aims to assist national health authorities in ensuring that essential health services are accessible without causing financial hardship.

“WHO is dedicated to strengthening global health security by developing robust systems to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies. We also prioritize health promotion initiatives to foster healthier lifestyles and environments,” Dr. Kaluwa stated. He highlighted the importance of sustainable health programs that address both immediate and long-term needs, reflecting WHO’s commitment to improving health outcomes across Ethiopia.

Future Directions and Partnerships

The mission concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing collaboration with regional stakeholders. Follow-up actions will involve developing joint strategies to address the identified challenges, especially in resource-limited settings like the Somali region. Dr. Kaluwa’s visit underscored WHO’s ongoing dedication to supporting Ethiopia’s health sector through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the care they need.

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

The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, has urged EAC Partner States to expedite the signing of the EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations as part of efforts to enhance regional integration and stimulate economic growth in East Africa.

Hon. Ariik’s plea comes in the wake of concluded development of the Regulations for Liberalisation of the Air Transport Market in the EAC Region. The regulations are expected to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (SC-TCM) for adoption.

Speaking during the 19th Meeting of Director Generals of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the Deputy Secretary General said once adopted by the SC-TCM and thereafter signed and ratified by the Partner States, the air transport market in the EAC will be fully liberalised, adding that Partner States will subsequently negotiate their Regional Air Transport Bilateral arrangements under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement.

The liberalisation of the air transport market in the region is expected to lower the cost of air fares, stimulate demand for air traffic, connectivity, increase operation efficiency, reduce the flying time and support the expansion of air transport capacities and the regional economy.

The Deputy Secretary General said that liberalisation of air transport within the EAC would not only facilitate easier movement of people and goods but also boost tourism and trade among member states.

“An integrated air transport market is essential for the development of our region. By removing barriers to air travel, we can enhance competitiveness and attract investment in the region,” said Hon. Ariik.

The DSG urged the meeting to look into the possibility of harmonising the current regulatory fee and charges in the region under the spirit of the EAC Common Market Protocol, and to consider and designate the EAC Air Transport Market a domestic for EAC national registered air operators operating within EAC territory and apply charges applicable to domestic parties and eventually lower passenger tariffs.

“The cost of air fares in the region has caused a public outcry that needs to be addressed,” he added.

Hon. Ariik further urged the Directors of Civil Aviation Authorities in the region to implement the agreed programmes and projects within their domain including the ratification of model regulations to foster the development and integration of the Civil Aviation and Air Transport industry in the EAC Region.

On the modalities for reducing regional air fares, Hon. Ariik revealed that the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with Partner States has developed strategies and possible mechanisms that can be considered to lower the cost of air fares including the proposal to formulate national consultative committees by Partner States to guide national consultation exercise as directed by the 17th TCM.

The Deputy Secretary General disclosed the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of Rwanda have submitted their reports after their national consultations to the EAC Secretariat, even as he called upon the other Partner States to do the same.

Hon. Ariik urged Partner States to prioritise the establishment of conducive environments for airlines to operate and expand their services regionally. “We cannot afford to lag behind in an era where the aviation industry is rapidly evolving,” said the DSG.

He reaffirmed the Secretariats commitment to facilitating the necessary discussions and providing support to Partner States in their efforts to achieve a liberalised and integrated air transport market.

The 19th Meeting of the Heads of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities is being convened as the  a follow up of the implementation of directives and recommendations of the 18th Meeting of the Heads of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities held in January 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The purpose of this meeting therefore is to consider the implementation of the Civil Aviation programmes for the period from February 2023 to June 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community.

Children and vulnerable communities are at the sharp end of an expanding outbreak of mpox in Eastern and Southern Africa. More than 200 confirmed cases have been detected across five countries (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa), UNICEF reported today. 

The new variant of the mpox virus (clade Ib) has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa, which is causing concern due to its potential for wider transmission across age groups, particularly young children.

Burundi is reporting the highest number of infections across the region. As of 20 August 2024, 170 confirmed Mpox cases have been detected across 26 out of the 49 districts in the country, of whom 45.3% are female. Children and adolescents below 20 years of age constitute nearly 60% of cases detected, with children under 5 comprising 21% of cases.

The risks for children in Burundi are heighted because of the simultaneous occurrence of measles outbreaks due to low routine childhood immunization and high malnutrition rates. Although the response is ongoing, the country continues to face multiple challenges including a shortage of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and risks of disruption to the continuity of essential healthcare services.

“The new strain of Mpox is a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. Aside from immediate lifesaving response, risk communication efforts&cross border collaboration, investments in overall Health System Strengthening, continuity of essential services and targeted focus on programmes that support overall child wellbeing must be prioritized,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli.

Beyond the direct effects of the disease, concerns remain over the secondary impact of Mpox outbreaks on children and adolescents, including stigma, discrimination and disruptions to schooling and learning. For women and girls, the risk/threat of gender-based violence (including sexual abuse and exploitation) remains high as their burden of care includes caring for sick family members and supporting the basic needs for their families’ survival, as seen in previous public health emergencies. Drawing from experiences gained during responses to HIV, COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, there must be a collective effort to prioritize plans for supporting survivors, combating stigma and facilitating continuity of basic social services especially learning and children’s reintegration into school and community. 

In addition to the immediate concerns posed by the virus, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda have been struggling with multiple emergencies including drought and floods. 

“In the fight against the Mpox outbreak, prioritizing the needs of children is not just necessary—it’s urgent. Their heightened vulnerability requires that we dedicate our full attention and resources to ensure their protection and well-being in this critical response phase,” added Kadilli.

Across the region, UNICEF is responding to the Mpox outbreak alongside WHO and Africa CDC, as part of government response plans with local partners. For example, UNICEF is supporting local communities to intensify risk communication and community engagement through local media and awareness interventions. This includes prioritizing care and proper personal hygiene as an effective infection prevention and control measure.

UNICEF is currently appealing for an urgent $16.5 million to scale up the response and preparedness across the region. The funding needs will be revised on a regular basis as the situation is fast evolving.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa.

The use of cellular phones by inmates in correctional centres, smuggling of contraband items and overcrowding in facilities featured high on the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services’ agenda during an oversight visit to the Goodwood Correctional Centre.

The committee, on its first oversight visit of the 7th Parliament, decided to visit the correctional centre after videos made by an inmate at the centre went viral on social media early this month.

Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said: “We selected the centre due to recent videos by an inmate that went viral on social media boasting about the good life he is living in the facility. The content loaded on social media by a specific inmate at Goodwood is also the reason we selected this centre first. How did he obtain the cell phone and manage to upload content on a social media account for so long without being found?” Ms Ramolobeng asked.

During the oversight visit, the committee, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services and other officials, also visited cells housing remand detainees and sentenced offenders, along with the kitchen, health facilities, library and the court housed at the centre.

The committee was also briefed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the centre management, hearing that the centre currently has a 53% overcrowding rate. It has an approved bed space of 1 651 but houses a total of 2 497 inmates. At the same time, the centre has a staff vacancy rate of 15,25% with 56 vacant posts.

Ms Ramolobeng afterwards said, “The kitchen was clean. The health facility has a doctor daily on duty. We raised concern about the overcrowding. We realised that this is not a new thing and that severe budget cuts to the department of the years impacted on this.”

Referring to the inhouse court, she also remarked: “The inhouse-based court is the first of its kind. It is a groundbreaking initiative and has cost and security benefits for the department. This is indeed a good story to tell.”

As for the incident depicted in the video, the committee was informed that the inmate had a cell phone stored inside a radio he had permission to use and was posting videos for around three months. The cell phone was confiscated and since then a security threat and risk assessment has been done at the centre. Two surprise searches have also since been conducted where 28 cell phones and other contraband were found.

“We commend the department for this action. It seems it is necessary to do these random unexpected searches. Inmates who break the laws inside our centres should be dealt with decisively. It is important to ascertain whether they had assistance from family, officials or contractors delivering good to centres,” said Ms Ramolobeng.

Committee member Mr Damien Klopper was also concerned about the bed space after noticing that beds were pushed together to accommodate more inmates. “We cannot have multiple people sleeping on one small bed. Also, why was the inmate’s application for a radio approved?” he asked. He also raised concerns that the CCTV in the centre is currently not functional and will be brought “back to life”.

Another committee Member, Mr Erald Cloete, wanted more information on how regularly the DCS conducts surprise raids at facilities. Meanwhile, committee Member Ms Betty Diale raised concerns about the perimeter fence, which is not maintained by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

In closing, Ms Ramolobeng informed the DCS that this is just the first visit and to expect unannounced visits in future so the committee can see if what appears on paper is, in fact, what is happening in correctional centres.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.