Niger becomes first african country to eliminate river blindness with who recognition

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially acknowledged Niger as the first country in Africa—and the fifth globally—to meet the criteria for eliminating Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite responsible for river blindness. « Eliminating a disease is a monumental achievement that demands relentless dedication,» stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. « Niger’s success in freeing […]

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Mali introduces HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer in women

Mali rolls out HPV vaccine: a major step in protecting women’s health The Malian government has taken a historic step by incorporating the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization program starting November. During a ceremony in Bamako, attended by dignitaries and international partners including Gavi and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, […]

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World bank boosts Mali’s health system resilience for inclusive care

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2024 – The World Bank has approved a $100 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA)* to support Mali in enhancing the accessibility and utilization of crucial, high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) health services. This funding also aims to fortify the nation’s readiness for health emergencies in […]

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Military regimes in the Sahel: repression and unfulfilled promises

  Widespread repression, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms mark a period of escalating authoritarianism for the military regimes of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These governments, facing profound crises of legitimacy, have made the environment increasingly challenging for human rights defenders and media outlets across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.   […]

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Impact of west african nations leaving ECOWAS on human rights

The impending exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) raises critical questions about the future of human rights protections in the region. A key concern centers on the reduced access to justice for citizens of these nations, particularly regarding the role of the ECOWAS Court of […]

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Niger’s coup: why this sahelian upheaval stands apart and its serious global implications

The military takeover on July 26, orchestrated by General Tiani, which ousted President Bazoum in Niger, represents the latest in a troubling wave of such events sweeping across the Sahel region. Since 2020, the Sahel has witnessed six coups; with Niger, this tally now reaches seven. The reactions from both regional and international players have […]

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Beninese opposition challenges government on potential Niger military intervention

Following the military coup d’état that unfolded in Niger on July 26, 2023, global responses were swift and varied. Prominent bodies such as the ECOWAS, the AU, alongside nations like the USA, France, and Russia, promptly articulated their positions. Within Benin, President Patrice Talon‘s engagement and the discussions around a potential armed intervention have met […]

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Bénin’s les démocrates urge diplomatic resolution for Niger crisis

The escalating political crisis in Niger, coupled with the looming threat of military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the coup leaders, has drawn significant concern from Bénin’s opposition party, Les Démocrates. In a press release issued on Saturday, August 5, 2023, Eric Houndété, the party’s president, highlighted that the […]

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Press freedom under threat in Mali and Burkina Faso

Global call to protect journalists in Mali and Burkina Faso A newspaper vendor displaying headlines about Burkina Faso’s January 22, 2022 coup. ©Olympie de Maismont – AFP Organisation: RSF_fr RSF_Inter Share facebook twitter linkedin Email Under the leadership of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), nearly 30 human rights organizations and media outlets have issued an open […]

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How Paris counters russian propaganda in africa

France and Russia are locked in a fierce information war across Africa, with Moscow deploying disinformation campaigns to undermine Paris’ historical influence. Since its 2018 intervention in the Central African Republic, Russia has systematically targeted African audiences, leveraging social media and local influencers to spread pro-Russian narratives and weaken France’s diplomatic standing. While France only […]

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Niger health fund evaluated by AFD for better healthcare

Niger health fund evaluation: how AFD is strengthening healthcare systems Since its establishment in 2006, the Niger health fund has mobilized €91 million to support the country’s health policies. A recent evaluation by the French Development Agency (AFD) highlights the fund’s effectiveness and identifies key areas for improvement. In Niger, where the health sector faces […]

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Polio vaccination campaign launched in seven regions of Burkina Faso

The Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has initiated a nationwide polio vaccination drive targeting children under five years old across seven regions of the country. Running from September 18 to 21, 2020, the campaign aims to immunize over 2 million young children in the […]

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