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Ethiopian Airlines launches high-end COVID-19 testing lab at its hub
Ethiopian Airlines Group has joined hands with BGI Health Ethiopia, a subsidiary of China's biotech giant, the BGI Genomics Co., Ltd, to launch high-end COVID-19 testing laboratory at its main hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
RDIF, Minapharm to produce over 40 million doses of Sputnik V in Egypt
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Egypt's Minapharm, and its Berlin-based subsidiary, ProBioGen AG, have agreed to produce over 40 million doses per year of the world's first registered vaccine against COVID-19, Sputnik V.
World Bank financing for COVID-19 vaccine rollout in developing countries reaches $2 billion
The World Bank announced it has reached $2 billion in approved financing for the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for 17 developing countries.
RTS,S malaria vaccine benefits children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi
Two years on from the launch of a pilot programme, more than 1.7 million doses of the world’s first malaria vaccine have been administered in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, benefitting more than 650 000 children with additional malaria protection.
The Gambia secures additional funding for COVID-19 vaccines
The World Bank approved $8 million additional financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to provide The Gambia with safe and effective vaccine purchase and deployment.
IATA and Eurofins collaborate to boost travel with testing
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced an agreement with Eurofins to incorporate its worldwide COVID-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass.
How cold chain technology is enhancing healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The introduction of solar-powered fridges is helping DRC to safely store vaccines in health care centers, from which they can be administered to people and could benefit the country’s wider healthcare system.
Ethiopian Airlines transports vaccine to São Paulo, Brazil
So far, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services has transported over 20 Million vaccines to more than 20 countries.
[Column] Wayne Miller: The role of the pandemic in transforming healthcare
Despite the many challenges of 2020, healthcare organisations have gained considerable insights and experience that will transform the sector well into the future.
EAC member states join CommonTrust Network on health data for global travel
As countries seek to relax border restrictions, quarantines and lock-downs, they need a more reliable, trustworthy and efficient way to validate the health status of incoming travelers.
South African digital health startup Quro Medical secures $1.1m seed funding to accelerate growth
Quro Medical, a South African digital health startup, emerged from stealth mode to announce the closure of its seed funding round to accelerate growth for Africa’s first technology-driven Hospital at Home offering.
IFC, partners help African healthcare providers access essential medical equipment
IFC launched partnerships with health technology company Philips and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya to help smaller businesses in Africa's health sector purchase essential medical equipment.
Global Fund report shows massive disruption to healthcare caused by COVID-19 in Africa and Asia
A new report by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria shows COVID-19 has massively disrupted health systems and health service delivery for HIV, TB and malaria in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia in 2020.
EU allocates €54.5m to Africa's Great Lakes region
The EU announced a new funding of €54.5 million in humanitarian aid devoted to the most vulnerable people affected by human-made or natural disasters, epidemics, and displacement in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
Africa is ready to fight covid-19 with seven innovative data projects
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in its shared Innovation series highlights seven innovative programs created or developed by African countries to combat covid-19.
[Kenya] Safaricom partners with Nakuru County to pilot mobile health records system
Telecommunication company Safaricom has partnered with Nakuru County to improve health services for over 100,000 people through an integrated electronic medical records program named Afya Moja.
CEPI and the African Union join forces to boost African vaccine R&D and manufacturing
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the African Union Commission announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding responsible for the prevention and control of diseases in Africa.
ITFC, Cameroon sign a $750 million agreement to support key sectors
Through this framework agreement, ITFC will also be extending its support to SMEs and private sector through financing facilities to local banks and financial institutions.
USAID launches agriculture consortium to combat threat of infectious diseases to human and animal health
The five-year, $33 million consortium will harness innovation to sustainably improve animal health, strengthen animal agriculture production systems in Asia and Africa and enhance global health security.
Vodacom partners with AUDA-NEPAD on Covid-19 vaccine roll-out across Africa
The roll-out of mVacciNation, developed by Mezzanine, a member of the Vodacom Group, is the first project in a public-private partnership that has been formed between Vodacom Group and AUDA-NEPAD.
Gender inequality is meeting Artificial Intelligence in today's tech-applications
Technological innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) promise to identify and close these gaps through claims of a more data-driven, objective approach.
NDB approves $1billion COVID-19 emergency program loan to South Africa
The New Development Bank (NDB) approved a $1 billion COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for supporting South Africa’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
WHO launches Viral Facts Africa initiative to combat dangerous health misinformation
Viral Facts Africa, a first of its kind African initiative to combat health misinformation online, was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a network of fact-checking organizations and leading public health bodies.
[Rwanda] KTRN partners with Babyl to power digital healthcare during the pandemic
KTRN, Rwanda's only 4G LTE wholesaler company, has joined Babyl Rwanda in its efforts to expand digital healthcare across the country through the #ConnectRwanda Initiative.
Bell delivers first BELL 505 helicopter to BAR Aviation Uganda
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced the delivery of a Bell 505 helicopter equipped with the Med-Pac Inc. LLC Emergency Medical Services Lite Interior to BAR Aviation.
[Column] Hardeep Sound: Greater collaboration, tech needed for effective vaccine rollout in Kenya
The distribution and administration of vaccines at the scale of COVID-19 is a monumental challenge. There is much at stake because disruptions in the supply chain can prevent the delivery of the vaccine and negatively impact public trust.
Vodacom Group, Vodafone Foundation contribute €4.2 million to support Covid-19 vaccine roll-out across Africa
The contribution will buy cold-chain technology and provide logistics support to help to ensure the safe delivery of Covid-19 vaccines that need to be stored at extremely cold temperatures.
WHO calls on everyone to participate in building a fairer healthier world
"Africa need to act on the social and economic determinants of health, by working across sectors to improve living and working conditions, and access to education, particularly for the most marginalized groups," WHO said.
[Rwanda] Zipline announces partnership with Toyota Tsusho in Japan
Toyota Tsusho, announced a strategic operational partnership with Zipline, the world’s first and only national-scale drone delivery service, to enable healthcare access for people and communities across Japan.
MedAccess announces extension to guarantee support for UNICEF
MedAccess, a social finance company established by CDC to increase patient access to life-changing medical supplies in Africa and South Asia, announced a one-year extension to its $50 million procurement guarantee for UNICEF.
[Mali] Honourable Michel Sidibé becomes African Medicines Agency Envoy
The African Union Commission congratulates Honourable Michel Sidibé, of the Republic of Mali, on his appointment as the African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency (AMA).
World Bank funds $300m to consolidate social safety nets for children and poor households in Tunisia
The World Bank approved $300 million in financing for the COVID-19 Social Protection Emergency Response Project in Tunisia.
EBRD, EU support Moroccan medical garments producer with €6m loan financing
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are stepping up their support for businesses in Morocco, with a €6 million loan to Lamatem, a Moroccan producer of high-end medical garments.
Sub-Saharan Africa poised for recovery amid recession, World Bank
The economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to have contracted by 2.0% in 2020, closer to the lower bound of the forecast in April 2020, and prospects for recovery are strengthening amid actions to contain new waves of the pandemic.
[Egypt] Kemin becomes a majority shareholder in animal vaccine company MEVAC
Kemin Industries is growing its presence in the global vaccine market by becoming majority shareholder of MEVAC, an animal vaccine manufacturer based in Cairo, Egypt.
Africa signs agreement with Johnson & Johnson for 400 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines
In a historic COVID-19 vaccine procurement Agreement, all African Union Member States, through the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) will have access to 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID-19 vaccine.
[Togo] Togocom and Axian Foundation commit to developing education
Togocom and the Axian Foundation, respectively the subsidiary and foundation of the Malagasy group Axian, launched two 5-year schemes to support education and health in Togo.
Evelo Biosciences, Abdul Latif Jameel Health partner to develop and commercialize EDP1815 in Middle East, Turkey, and Africa
Evelo Biosciences and Abdul Latif Jameel Health announced that the companies have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize Evelo’s lead inflammation product candidate EDP1815 in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.
ASIP Accelerator Program open for applications from disruptive startups in Africa
To develop the potential of startups driving the internet economy, Telecel Group has opened applications for the ASIP Accelerator Program powered by Startupbootcamp AfriTech.
Côte d'Ivoire eliminates sleeping sickness as a public health problem
Côte d'Ivoire has successfully eliminated human African trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness” as a public health problem, becoming the second African country after Togo to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
South Sudan receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility
A total of 132,000 doses of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine arrived at the Juba International Airport in South Sudan. This is the first of several vaccine shipments scheduled to arrive over the coming months to South Sudan through the COVAX Facility.
[Burundi] Not yet ready for Covid vaccines
Burundi will wait for more research to establish the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines before it can administer them, the country’s health minister has said.
FAO builds stronger veterinary diagnostic laboratories in West and Central Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has buillt stronger veterinary diagnostic laboratories in ten countries in West and Central Africa.
[Rwanda] UNICEF and Airtel launch Internet of Good Things
UNICEF and Airtel have launched an innovative digital platform with information and resources which promote better, healthier living.
ASKY joins African Union Vaccine and Lab Test Passport Alliance
ASKY, a Pan-African Airline set up at the initiative of West & Central African governments, has become the first airline with a hub in West Africa to join the Africa CDC Trusted Travel Alliance.
WFP, China partner for food assistance in Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Uganda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of China signed agreements to provide food assistance to vulnerable people in Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
Nigeria, Global Fund launch new grants to fight HIV, TB and Malaria
Nigeria and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have launched three new grants to strengthen the fight against HIV, TB and malaria and build resilient and sustainable systems for health.
Netcare, Standard Bank launch Africa’s first sustainability-linked bond
Netcare, operator of hospitals and healthcare services in South Africa and Lesotho, launched Africa’s first sustainability-linked bond, in partnership with Standard Bank.
ReSurge International launches RIPA to expand surgical capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa
ReSurge International, a global nonprofit specializing in reconstructive surgery, launched ReSurge International Program in Africa (RIPA), to increase access to safe reconstructive surgical care in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
Lianhua Qingwen Capsules launches in the Kenyan market
Yiling Pharmaceutical announced it has received the herbal product license for Lianhua Qingwen Capsules from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of the Ministry of Health of Kenya.
UNAIDS renews partnership with African Union for stronger, more resilient AIDS response in Africa
UNAIDS and the African Union have signed a new memorandum of understanding to reinforce their partnership and to recommit member states to end AIDS through the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.
Zimbabwe signs Treaty for establishment of African Medicines Agency (AMA)
The Republic of Zimbabwe became the nineteenth (19th) African Union (AU) Member State to sign the Treaty for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) on 16 March 2021, at the AU Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tunisia receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX Facility
Tunisia received the first batch of 93,600 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility. This delivery is part of a first wave of arrivals that will continue during the year, with the goal of vaccinating 20% of the population in Tunisia.
Ethiopian Airlines joins African Union to launch test and vaccine passport
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with the African Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (Africa CDC) for the implementation of the African Union Trusted Travel Pass to make continental travel easier and safer amidst the COVID -19 pandemic.
Somalia receives first batch of COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX initiative
Somalia has joined the growing list of countries to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, under the COVAX initiative which aims to ensure fair and equitable access of all nations to the pandemic-beating solution.
[DRC] Bboxx partners with UNCDF to scale clean cooking access
Bboxx is announcing a new partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), to scale access to LPG clean cooking services in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
DRC holds rollout of AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure
The Democratic Republic of Congo has postponed its AstraZeneca vaccination rollout campaign, originally set to begin on Monday, March 15th.
Rwanda leads region in Covid-19 vaccination
As of March 11, Rwanda had vaccinated 238,942 people including frontline health workers, people aged 65 and above, people living with chronic health conditions, people with disabilities and teachers.
IFC extends financing package to Metito to enhance access to water services in the Middle East and Africa
IFC announced a financing package to Metito, a global provider of water and alternative energy management solutions, to support improved access to clean water and wastewater services in several countries across the Middle East and Africa.
Ghana’s healthcare startup mPharma to launch Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma has signed a franchise agreement with Belayab Pharmaceuticals to open Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia
Clinton Health Access Initiative, American Cancer Society expand Cancer Access Partnership in Africa and Asia
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), announced the expansion of the Cancer Access Partnership (CAP) to further increase access to lifesaving cancer treatments in Africa and Asia.
Tunisia receives first major vaccine delivery
Tunisia received its first major delivery of coronavirus vaccine doses Tuesday, almost a month later than expected, paving the way for the start of its inoculation campaign this week.
Mentoring women entrepreneurs to run successful agribusinesses
Women are the backbone of African agriculture and have been unequally affected by the impacts of the COVID pandemic.
Rotary-led Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia awarded $6 million to reduce Malaria burden
To help end a leading cause of illness and death in the southern African country of Zambia, a Rotary club-led initiative aims to save and improve lives by empowering community health workers to test, diagnose and treat malaria.
WHO: COVID-19 vaccine rollout shouldn’t tempt people to relax efforts in COVID-19 fight
“countries are going to lurch back into third and fourth surges if we’re not careful”, World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against relaxing efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic
Morocco suspends flights with Algeria, Egypt
Morocco suspended all flights to and from Algeria and Egypt as part of its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19
[Rwanda] EU discusses actions against COVID-19 recovery
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, who is in Rwanda on an official visit, met with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, and held discussions on various topics including the pandemic.
Global Fund, Fondation CHANEL partner to advance women’s health in Western and Central Africa
The Global Fund and Fondation CHANEL signed a new agreement to set up a civil society-led fund to strengthen women’s and girls’ engagement in developing health policies, including Global Fund-related processes, in western and central Africa.
Kenyan farmers find fortunes in community seed bank
A group of farmers in Kenya are earning income and reversing malnutrition trends in their area by embracing the cultivation, preservation and sale of indigenous vegetable seeds thanks to a new community seed bank concept.
MedTrack registers first infant on Ghana’s Universal Health Record System
For the infant in question, what it means is that they are the very first Ghanaian baby to start a progressive digital health record journey throughout their lifetime.
Merck announces fifth round of global grants to promote health equity
Global science and technology company Merck has announced fifth round of grants in its Merck for Mothers Global Grants program dedicated to reducing maternal mortality in locations where there is the greatest need.
[DRC] More than 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccines arrived
More than 1.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.
Cameroon acquires ambulances in fight against COVID-19
Cameroon has received the first consignment of ambulances intended to strengthen the country’s health system as well as part of the response plan to the COVID-19.
WHO, AfDB and Africa CDC call for investments in local manufacture of drugs
Africa must protect itself against future pandemics and other shocks through higher investment in primary healthcare and increased local manufacturing of key medical products.
Cote d’Ivoire prepares to launch COVID-19 vaccination drive
People began to queue early Monday as Cote D’Ivoire prepared to launch a COVID-19 inoculation drive with doses from the COVAX vaccine sharing facility.
Vodacom and Mondia launch maternal health service in DRC
Vodacom DRC and Mondia, a private mobile technology company have announced the rollout of the Mum & Baby maternal health service across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Union Bank of Nigeria to support startups through UnionX Innovation Challenge
Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has unveiled the 2021 UnionX Innovation Challenge, as part of efforts to support young startups and boost innovation in the startup ecosystem.
DHL partners with Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics to assure safety of lab testing in Africa and Asia
DHL Global Forwarding has partnered with Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics to deliver Covid-19 testing vials to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kenya, Nepal and the Philippines.
Global Fund signs new grants to increase access to health services in Congo
The Global Fund, the Government of the Republic of the Congo and health partners launched the implementation of two new grants to strengthen prevention and treatment services to fight HIV, TB and malaria.
Ebola vaccination starts in Guinea to curb new outbreak
Ebola vaccination of people at high risk kicked off in Guinea as the emergency response was escalated to counter the spread of the virus that re-emerged in the country a little more than a week ago for the first time since 2016.
First doses of AstraZeneca vaccine delivered to Ghana through COVAX
AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer, Pascal Soriot, announced that the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been delivered to Ghana through COVAX.
Senegal begins covid-19 vaccination with doses from China's Sinopharm
Senegal on Tuesday began its vaccination campaign against the coronavirus with 200,000 doses of vaccines bought from China.
[Gabon] Measures against Covid-19 go badly
With over 60 sample collection sites, a network of laboratories, including a high-capacity one, Gabon has tested nearly a tenth of its 2 million people for COVID-19.
IMF grants Mali $57mln for post-Covid recovery
Mali has secured $57.6 million in financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[Column] Diego Gutierrez: Tech revolutionizing healthcare in Africa
Technology has not only responded to the immediate health challenges of the COVID-19 crisis but to regular healthcare needs across the continent too.
Red Cross intensifies response efforts to contain Ebola outbreak in West Africa
The Red Cross teams in Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone are ramping up response efforts to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak.
Collinson, FBNInsurance partner to launch SmartHealth International in Nigeria
FBNInsurance, a Nigerian life insurer and a member of the SANLAM group, has partnered with Collinson to launch SmartHealth International, a market specific international health insurance product for critical medical conditions.
WHO steps up efforts to curb Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and the DRC
More than 100 WHO staff, deployed from other countries and from within Guinea, are expected to be part of the Ebola response by the end of February
OPEC Fund extends $50m for poverty reduction in Tanzania
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) signed a $50 million loan with Tanzania to finance the Fourth Tanzania Poverty Reduction Project.
DFC invests $1m in femtech e-commerce startup Kasha Global to support women’s health in East Africa
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), disbursed a $1 million equity investment in Kasha Global, an e-commerce company that provides women’s health and personal care products to customers in Rwanda and Kenya.
UN Emergency Fund allocates $15m for Ebola response in DRC, Guinea
The UN Emergency Fund has allocated $15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in response to Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
World Food Programme partners with Ireland to fight malnutrition in Malawi
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS in the Ministry of Health received a contribution of €550,000 from the Government of Ireland to support interventions that prevent malnutrition in Malawi.
[Morocco] receives 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine of COVID-19
A batch of 500,000 doses arrived from Beijing on Tuesday, bringing Morocco’s total number of received COVID-19 vaccines to seven million.
WHO lists two additional COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use and COVAX roll out
The World Health Organization (WHO), listed two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for these vaccines to be rolled out globally through COVAX.
Cryo-Vacc launches in South Africa with working prototype
Helium and natural gas company Renergen announced the completion and successful operation of the Company’s first Cryo-VaccTM prototype in South Africa, Johannesburg.
[Rwanda] Delivery drones: Why Zipline is switching to 24/7 operations
Hospitals in Rwanda will now receive much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment from drone firm Zipline on a 24-hour basis.
World Bank supports COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Africa
The World Bank approved an additional financing of $5 million from the International Development Association (IDA) to provide the small island nation of Cabo Verde with affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Zimbabwe Receives 200,000 Doses of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine
Zimbabwe has received its first batch of 200,000 doses of Sinopharm donated by the Chinese government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
[Rwanda] National Vaccination Program has begun vaccinating high-risk groups.
The Government of Rwanda has kicked off the national vaccination program for Covid-19, starting with health care staff as part of the high-risk groups.
Equity Afia opens 36th medical center in Kenya
Equity Afia, the medical franchise of Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has opened a new medical centre in Muranga County Central Kenya, bringing the total number of outlets within its concession to 36.
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COLUMNS.
[Column] Richard Rattue: How technology has shaped financial services
Going forward, capturing millennial and Generation Z investors will be no easy task for advisors who will need to be positioned to capitalise on those who are hungry for non-traditional personal finance solutions, with on-demand access ...read full column here
[Column] Wayne Miller: The role of the pandemic in transforming healthcare
Despite the many challenges of 2020, healthcare organisations have gained considerable insights and experience that will transform the sector well into the future ...read full column here
[Column] Sangji Lee: The case for a green economy
As countries develop revised national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, they’re doing so in the context of multiple historic crises: climate change, rising inequality, and the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Nick Treurnicht, Customer Engineer for Google Workspace, DigiCloud Africa, South Africa
Nick Treurnicht is the Customer Engineer for Google Workspace at DigiCloud Africa, Africa's Google Cloud Brokerage, specialising in Google Cloud products - including Google Cloud Platform, G Suite, Google Maps and Chrome ...read full interview here
[Interview] Naike Moshi, Country Director, CVPeople Tanzania
CVPeople Tanzania is a talent acquisition and recruitment company that has for 6 years established itself as a frontrunner in the executive search and headhunting for clients across banking, telecom, and NGO sectors ...read full interview here
[Interview] Stephan Eyeson, Founder & CEO, Survey54
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, Stephan Eyeson, is current CEO and Founder of pan-African consumer intelligence gathering firm, Survey54 ...read full interview here