Africa Prime News

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26/09/2015

UNICEF And Other Partners Launches Project To Improve Maternal And Child Health Care In Kenya

UNICEF, The Philips Foundation and other partners have launched the Maternal and Newborn Health Innovations Project, to help save lives and improve the health of pregnant women and children in Kenya.

The collaboration was in line with the Kenyan Government commitment to investing in innovative, home-grown solutions for maternal and newborn health care in reducing the number of deaths of pregnant women and newborn babies.

The partnership intends to facilitate the development of innovative health technology and solutions in the field of maternal, newborn and child health under the Kenyan Government guidance and the project’s steering Committee of its Ministry of Health.

Maternal and child mortality rates is still high in Kenya, as it is unable to meet up with the Millennium Development Goal 4 target of 33 by the end of 2015; having recorded a reduction of under-five child deaths per 1,000 lives from 90 in 2003 to 52 in 2014; Neonatal mortality is also too high at 22 deaths per 1,000 live births.

UNICEF Director, UNICEF Global Innovation Centre, Sharad Sapra, pointed out that, a major cause of these deaths is the lack of medical equipment and technology to support even the most basic interventions for pregnant women and their newborns, especially in remote areas where health care workers lack essential medical resources.

It is hoped that by 2018, the partnership would develop and scale up innovative, low-cost and locally designed health care devices which will contribute to improved and more equitable access to life-saving quality care for this vulnerable group across the country.

“For 1 million babies worldwide every year, their day of birth is also their day of death; But with strengthened health systems and innovative solutions for both mothers and children, the chance for survival is greatly increased,” Sapra pointed out.

The Maternal and Newborn Health Innovations Project is financed by The Philips Foundation and uses the local expertise of Philips Research Africa in Nairobi to mentor social entrepreneurs and facilitate the transfer of health care technology know-how in Kenya.

Head of The Philips Foundation Katy Hartley in a remark said, they are into the project with partners to offer expertise and support to enable social entrepreneurs to improve health outcomes for their own communities, noting that, “At The Philips Foundation, it is our belief that programs that combine innovation, partnerships and empowering people will make a lasting and meaningful difference in communities.”

“Royal Philips and The Philips Foundation share the same mission and vision: we want to improve people’s lives and we strive to make the world healthier and more sustainable through innovation”.

“The Maternal and Newborn Health Innovations Project, with its focus on strengthening local health care systems, is a clear illustration for us of how private sector companies, together with governments and NGOs, can drive the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the aim of Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Hartley explained.

He added that the project was launched ahead of the September 25-27 United Nations Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, where UNICEF is promoting greater involvement of the private sector in improving children’s lives. “The Millennium Development Goals expire at the end of 2015 and are being replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that represent a new set of targets for international development. The Philips Foundation and UNICEF will promote innovation and technology as a key strategy to realize the new SDGs and improve the lives of women and children where most needed.”

Philips Foundation is a registered charity organization and has been created to help enable lasting social change in disadvantaged communities through the provision and application of innovation, talent and resources.

Royal Philips is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation; while UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything it does.

Nigeria: Naval Staff Seeks Police Partnership To Tighten Security At Its Nation Sea Ways

Security

Africaprimenews

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26/09/2015

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Nigeria: Naval Staff Seeks Police Partnership To Tighten Security At Its Nation Sea Ways

By Longtong Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – In a bid to further tighten the security in the Nigerian maritime routes, it Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ete-Ibas has sought for Police Force partnership in securing the nation’s sea ways.

Statement by the Police Force public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, said the Chief of Naval Staff and the Inspector General of Police met at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital to form the partnership.

Ete-Ibas appreciated the existing cooperation between the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Navy; noting that, “This synergy becomes imperative as both organizations are involved in the protection of lives and property on land and sea.”

He further requested for capacity building of officers and men of the two agencies on an exchange program, while soliciting for speedy prosecution of maritime cases.

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase in his remarks said the Force intends to re-brand the marine police so as to checkmate crimes at sea; promising his Naval counterpart that, the Nigerian Police will assist them in training its officers in civil law related to their duties.

Transitional Government Return To power In Burkina Faso As Coup Fails

Governance

Africaprimenews

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24/09/2015

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Transitional Government Return To power In Burkina Faso As Coup Fails

President of Burkina Faso has returned to power yesterday marking the end of a coup plotted by the presidential guard soldiers who briefly took over power last week and took the President hostage.

President Michel Kafando while addressing his supporters and West African leaders in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital said, he has returned back and would oversee a transition to democracy.

Burkina Faso’s National election was fixed for October 11, but it is not certain if it would hold as scheduled. The election is meant to mark a return to democracy in the country, one year after President Blaise Compaore was brought down by protesters in his attempt to extend his 27-year rule.

Kafando’s whose task was to guide the country to election, assured the Burkinabe of his determination in fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed on him by building a strong institution and real democracy.

He thanked the international body for condemning the coup, and noted that, “If ever there was a transition to be held up as an example, it is indeed ours”.

Though the coup Leader Diendere was not present during Kafando’s speech, but he had earlier on, welcome the heads of state and government sent by ECOWAS at the airport and later said, he regretted the coup.

Diendere added that, soldiers who were at different positions at the city have all returned back into their barracks, as agreed in a deal made with loyalist forces.

Reports by some sources from hospitals in Ouagadougou said at least 10 people have died while over a 100 are injured when security forces suppressed protests against the coup.

Supporters of Kafando expressed satisfaction on his returned as they make various chants while he was about to deliver his address at the conference centre.

Normalcy is gradually returning in Ouagadougou as some Burkinabe went out to shop for today’s celebration of Tabaski, or Eid al-Adha, the Muslim feast of sacrifice while loyalist troops, who converged on the capital this week from bases across the country to disarm the coup leaders, were also not visible on the streets.

Burkina Faso’s Coup: Outcome Of ECOWAS Meeting Of Heads of State and Government

Governance

Africaprimenews

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24/09/2015

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Burkina Faso’s Coup: Outcome Of ECOWAS Meeting Of Heads of State and Government

Following the coup d’état that happened in Burkina Faso on 17^th September, 2015 which led to the disruption of the transition process in the country, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in an extraordinary session in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on 22 September, 2015 chaired by ECOWAS Chairman President Macky Sall of Senegal, and held discussions on ways to restore peace and return power to a civilian President.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the ECOWAS community strongly condemns the attack carried out by members of the presidential guard (RSP) on 17 September, 2015 and called for an immediate transition of power to civilian rule in the country.

They also called for the unconditional release of all persons detained as a result of the coup, and further reiterated its full support for the continuation of civilian rule by reinstalling immediately Michel Kafando as Transition President before the country would hold its election, of which the Chairman proposed a shift from October 11 to November 21.

The West African Leaders pointed out their effort was to reaffirmed commitment to the principles contained in the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy, Good Governance and the legal instruments of the African Union.

“Summit demands that the RSP lay down their arms and other military forces
refrain from using force, in order to prevent the loss of lives and the immediate end to all acts of violence and other human right violations, particularly restrictions on freedom of movement and expression.

Summit demands that all the defense and security forces uphold the unity of
the army and refrain, under penalty of sanctions, from any action that may lead to a further deterioration of the situation and undermine peace. It also demands them to fully take on, in true republican spirit, their duty of maintaining order and protecting lives and property across the national territory.”

They also posited that, “At this stage where dialogue is crucial for national unity and stability in Burkina Faso, the Heads of State and Government call for peace, open mindedness and a spirit of compromise,” urging all stakeholders to expedite action in creating the necessary conditions for national reconciliation.

“In that respect, Authority invites the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of
State and Government in liaison with the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and the members of the High Committee, to initiate political dialogue
among all stakeholders in order to reach consensus on all matters proposed by the ECOWAS Mediation,” it noted.

The ECOWAS leader further called on the African Union and the International Community not to impose sanctions on Burkina Faso but work hand in hand to provide support and monitoring of the process and also, deploying military and human right observers to monitor respect for human rights in the country; while urging the Burkinabe authorities to establish a compensation fund for the victims and encouraged all partners of Burkina Faso and ECOWAS to make contributions to the fund.

The body also commended the purposeful mediation efforts deployed by ECOWAS Chairman, Macky Sall and ECOWAS-appointed Facilitator, Thomas Boni Yayi for their effort to arrive at viable proposals on ending the crisis by visiting Quagadougou last week to commence the peace process with the military junta.

The meeting was hosted by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. Heads of State and Government present at the summit includes; President of Benin Thomas Boni Yayi, President of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, Prime Minister of Guinea Mohammed Saïd Fofana, Prime Minister of Mali Modibo Keita, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Nigeria, Firmin N’do, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Nigeria, Al-Hassan Conteh, and Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Nigeria, Alfred Claude Nelson-Williams.

Others are the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo and the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for West Africa, Dr Mohammed Chambas.

At the end of the session, the Summit decides to sent a High Committee of Heads of State and Government comprising Benin, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria and Togo, under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Authority to Ouagadougou yesterday, 23 September 2015 to ensure the reinstatement of the Transition President Michel Kafando to power; and convey the solidarity of ECOWAS to the Burkinabe people.

US$6 Million Emergency Center Dedicated in Liberia to Boost Its Health System

Health

Africaprimenews

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23/09/2015

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US$6 Million Emergency Center Dedicated in Liberia to Boost Its Health System

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has built and dedicated a US$6 million Emergency Operating Center, attached to the Liberia’s Ministry of Health which is aimed at boosting the health system after the Ebola outbreak in the country.

During the dedication ceremony, CDC Country Director, Desmond Williams, explained that, the centre has spent US$6 million to build the structure and also invested US$75.7 million in the region for operation of emergency centers.

He pointed out that CDC has already trained about 30 health workers on Epidemiology; noting that, the center will serve as an avenue for training health workers in handling cases of outbreaks and surveillance.
US Ambassador, Deborah Malac, and CDC representative Jeffrey Bryant in separate remarks, attributed the success of the centre to the Paul G. Allen Ebola Program which provided US$100 million in the fight against Ebola in West African countries – adding that, they were very timely in responding to CDC request to help the countries affected by the outbreak.

Deputy Director of Programs, Paul G. Allen Ebola Program, Brennan Banks expressed optimism that the centre would be of great benefit to the Liberians having in place several equipment such as computers that would help the medical personnel to quickly respond to data gathering and training of local staffs.

Expressing appreciation to the US Government, Liberian Health Minister, Bernice Dahn said, creation of the center was in fulfillment of an agreement reached with partners to revitalize the health sector in the country. “The support is evidenced by the establishment of Emergency Operating Centers in all of Liberia’s 15 counties.”

The Ministry has developed nine pillars to improve the health system among which includes the erection of the Emergency Operating Center, training of competent health workers, and establishment of public health facilities, information gathering and data collection, she said.
Dahn further posited that the dedication of the center would put government under obligation to make budgetary allocation for its operations.

CDC also pledged to support government through the Ministry of Health to ensure that technical equipment and training are provided to get Liberia prepared for any emergencies.

The centre is also meant to enhance collection of data and information about Ebola and other life threatening diseases.

CDC Foundation works with other partners to supplements Ebola assistance to affected West African countries by preparing neighboring countries to rapidly detect and contain Ebola.

Paul G. Allen Ebola Program is a program which focused on stopping the ongoing West Africa Ebola outbreak.

Flood: Heavy Downpour Destroys Over 500 Houses in Nigerian City

Enivironment

Africaprimenews

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21/09/2015

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Flood: Heavy Downpour Destroys Over 500 Houses in Nigerian City

By Veronica Bazim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Some residents of Kaduna, North-west Nigeria have been rendered homeless as a result of heavy downpour which submerged over 500 houses in the state metropolis.

The rain which lasted more than five hours started Sunday evening, till early hours of Monday, affecting residents in Barnawa, Kigo Road, Malali, Ungwan Dosa, Kabala Constain, Rafi Guza, Kudendan, Karatudu, Ungwan Rimi and part of Kawo.

Rescue agencies like the Red Cross, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Civil Defense Corps were mobilized to assist victims who have been trapped by the flood.

Spokesman of SEMA, Abubakar Zakari, said rescue agencies have been mobilized into groups to reach out and rescue victims in the affected areas, adding that at the moment, they have not come up with any casualty figure.

Residents in the flood-prone areas, particularly the affected areas have been advised by government to relocate to alternative areas before the rains started.

Each rainy season, residents of these areas are plagued by flood.

More details later

DW-Radio Reporter Emerges Winner To Cover Nigerian Haemophilia Conference

Africaprimenews

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18/09/2015

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DW-Radio Reporter Emerges Winner To Cover Nigerian Haemophilia Conference

By Longtong Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has announced Ibrahima Yakubu of Deutsche Welle Radio (DW-Radio) as winner of the contest for journalist to attend and cover the 10th Annual Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria Conference holding in Benin-City, South-south Nigeria.

The contest which was open to journalists in Kaduna provided them the opportunity to submit five published stories to qualify.

AMDF Coordinator, Iliya Kure while explaining the processes of the selection said, the essence of the competition was to further strengthen the existing relationship that has been established between the media and the HFN.

He said, an advert was placed on the AMDF website and Facebook Page, which showcased a call for entries from professional journalists to submit stories published between 1st April and 14th of September 2015 to qualify them for sponsorship to cover the 2015 HFN Conference.

He said, “The format required were; for Print/online – a hardcopy of newspaper or a web link of publication of five stories; for Radio – an MP3 files of five audio reports; and for television – a five report entries of MP4 format was required.”

“Four journalists entered the competition; two were qualified, while the other two were disqualified because they sent their entries to a wrong email address.

Both the winner and Andrew Mshellia of Nagarta radio submitted five audio file stories, but Andrew Mshellia submitted two of his reports in “amr” format, which disqualified him, making Ibrahima Yakubu the winner to cover the 2015 national hemophilia conference,” he pointed out.

In his remarks, National Secretary of Hemophilia Foundation of Nigeria, Victor Adegbesan expressed appreciation to the media for supporting the HFN cause on creating awareness on the bleeding disorder and congratulated the winner for his success.

He further assured journalists of a continued partnership, stating that, it is their hope in 2016, to provide more avenue to other journalist to travel and cover the 2016 conference; adding that, the organization would transport the winner to Benin City, take care of his accommodation and feeding.

In his remarks, winner of the contest, Ibrahima Yakubu, thanked the Foundation for the opportunity it has provided him to cover the 2015 hemophilia conference, calling on them not only to use the media for sensitisation, but partner with traditional rulers, so as to sensitise adherents of their religions and create more awareness on the bleeding conditions in their various communities.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder where a person’s blood does not have enough clotting factor (a protein in the blood that controls bleeding), making an individual bleeds for longer time than normal.

When haemophiliacs bleed, the missing factors are infused into their body through the vein – this helps their blood develop the ability to clot and stop the bleeding.

AMDF is a non profit organisation committed to media development in Africa. Its major activities are centred on media Training, Research, Advocacy, Innovation and Co-ordination.

DW-Radio Reporter Emerges Winner To Cover Nigerian Haemophilia Conference

Africaprimenews

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18/09/2015

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