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By Charnè Hundermark With substantial offshore gas discoveries equating to over 100 trillion cubic feet, Mozambique has seen an influx in foreign investment aimed at driving Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) developments in-country. Despite major energy and infrastructure projects spurring job creation and a rise in local activity, the risk of the “resource curse” – in which resource-rich countries fail to fully benefit from their resource wealth due to immediate expropriation of resources and lack of reinvestment in the economy – presents a major challenge to both local communities and project developers. To safeguard LNG operations and ensure sustainable project development, oil and gas players must join forces with local government to co-implement standardized security regulations and foster community cooperation that showcases tangible benefits and prioritizes local empowerment. Standardized Security Regulations In recent months, there has been a proliferation of security threats to Mozambique’s LNG industry with the rise in militant Islamic group attacks in the Cabo Delgado region – home to the country’s large-scale LNG developments. To mitigate the threat to its operations, French major Total even withdrew staff from its LNG site in January. In an opinion piece by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, Ayuk notes that the violence in Cabo Delgado is jeopardizing one of Mozambique’s most promising paths to economic growth and diversification: the strategic development of the area’s offshore gas reserves. The situation in Cabo Delgado has, therefore, emphasized the need for standardized security regulation which, if implemented effectively, can establish an investor-safe environment and safeguard operations. According to C. Derek Campbell, CEO of Energy &#038; Natural Resources Security Inc., a primary regulatory and operational challenge in Africa is the lack of a consistent security framework that guides owners and operators of critical energy infrastructure on how to ensure resiliency and continuity of assets and operations. Through the implementation and execution of security-specific regulation, Mozambique can establish a protected business environment for stakeholders and stimulate sectoral growth. Additionally, the increase in physical security threats has brought attention to the benefits of government collaboration with LNG developers. In a bid to address rising attacks, Total signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Mozambique in August 2020, which saw the in the establishment of a joint taskforce to ensure the security of LNG project activities. This form of collaboration demonstrates the advantages of security cooperation and has the potential to increase safety on-site.   Community Cooperation and Empowerment In addition to institutionalizing a security framework, dealing with security risks should go beyond established risk management protocols. One of the primary drivers of community unrest and retaliation concerns the lack of socioeconomic development directed towards the local population. To prevent this trend and ensure long-term, sustainable development, LNG projects have a critical role to play in establishing community cooperation through mutual beneficiation. Ayuk notes that the oil and gas industry should work with the Mozambican Government to ensure that benefits of natural gas monetization extend beyond short-term job creation and projected government revenues. Instead, LNG projects should ensure immediate and tangible benefits for local communities through outreach programs and oil money-management strategies, including an agreed upon percentage of LNG revenue set aside for local communities. Community outreach programs and the establishment of mutual LNG benefits comprise effective strategies that, according to Ayuk, transition Mozambique from reacting to attacks and crises to proactively preventing violence and setting the stage for a more secure future.   The sustainability of LNG project developments can often be determined by community support, achieved through community empowerment and active participation. As mentioned, increases in physical security threats and vandalism can often be attributed to poverty alleviation, socioeconomic development and higher standards of living not being realized, despite significant energy potential. Therefore, by prioritizing local content and capacity building through the training of and outreach and skills transfer to the local community, LNG projects can not only safeguard operations, but also ensure long-term success of projects. “I already believe that community members stand to benefit from Total’s Mozambique LNG and other gas initiatives because of the long-term opportunities they will create to ease the area’s widespread energy poverty, support capacity building and contribute to economic diversification and growth,” says Ayuk. “Communities could invest fund returns into programs that translate into improved quality of life and job opportunities. As a result, disenfranchisement, desperation and violence would decrease.” Mozambique’s ongoing security threats can be addressed through community participation and cooperation, as well as reinforced through security regulation and government support. In this way, LNG projects can not only ensure the safe continuity of operations, but also facilitate increased investment in the country and long-term industry success. The success of the country lies not only in the success of its energy industry, but in the energy industry’s ability to translate LNG revenues into tangible socioeconomic benefits.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference.Africa Oil &#038; Power (www.AfricaOilandPower.com) is working with the Mozambican government to promote investment in energy and diverse sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, construction and logistics in 2021. On March 8-9, AOP will host a Presidential Award ceremony (invite only) and Workshops Day in Maputo, preceding the Mozambique Gas &#038; Power 2021 conference and exhibition. If your organization would like to host a workshop, please email sales@africaoilandpower.com. To register to attend, please visit: https://bit.ly/3qAm2L1.Media filesDownload logo

Security and Community: Safeguarding Operations in Mozambique (By Charnè Hundermark)

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Special Envoy Ján Kubiš, ASG/UNSMIL Coordinator Raisedon Zenenga and ASG/Humanitarian Coordinator Georgette Gagnon met today with President of the Presidency Council designate Mr.Mohamed Almenfi and PC member designate Mr. Abdullah El Lafi in Tripoli. He congratulated them on their election by the LPDF. They discussed ways the UN can support to expedite the implementation of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) Roadmap, including the holding of an official House of Representatives vote of confidence session. Mr. Kubis noted Mr. Almenfi’s commitment to the LPDF Roadmap including the holding of the elections on 24 December 2021. He expressed the UN readiness to provide all needed technical support to the PC designate in the comping phase, especially in reconciliation and transitional justice efforts and the unifications of state institutions. Special Envoy Kubiš, UNSMIL Coordinator Zenenga and HC/RC Georgette Gagnon also met with the Government of National Accord’s Minister of Defence Mr. Salaheddine Namroush and MoD senior officials in Tripoli. They discussed the security situation in the country and ways to expedite the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and support the ongoing efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. They also discussed cooperation on the unification of the military and security institutions and the United Nations support for Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) efforts. They also met with the Head of High National Election Commission (HNEC) Dr. Emad Al-Sayeh to discuss the who briefed on the preparations for the upcoming national elections on 24 December 2021. Dr. Al-Sayeh expressed his appreciation to the continuous support of UNSMIL and the international community to the HNEC. Special Envoy Kubis said that the United Nations and international partners support fully the holding of the elections, that allows the Libyans to democratically elect their representatives. He reiterated the UN readiness to provide the necessary technical support to HNEC to ensure the success of this democratic process. In the same context of his meetings in al-Qubba yesterday where he met the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a group of HoR members, Special Envoy Kubiš, accompanied by UNSMIL Coordinator Zenenga and HC/RC Georgette Gagnon, held a meeting this afternoon with a large group  of House of Representatives (HoR) members in Tripoli to exchange views on the way forward, especially with regard to holding an official HoR session as soon as possible. He told HoR members that a vote of confidence, would not only provide a legitimate umbrella to the new interim executive but also sends a strong signal that it has a massive support by the legislative authority. Special Envoy Ján Kubiš will continue to meet Libyan interlocutors tomorrow.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).Media filesDownload logo

Special Envoy for Libya Ján Kubiš Continues his Meetings in Libya, Meets With Presidency Council Members Designate And Other Libyan Officials

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Tests conducted: 8,807,299 Positive cases identified: 1,498,766 Total recoveries: 1,403,214 Total deaths: 48,708 New cases: 2,327Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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Daily: Laboratory test: 6,853 Severe cases: 348 New recovered: 275 New deaths: 12 New cases: 871 Total: Laboratory test: 2,069,997 Active cases: 17,529 Total recovered: 130,399 Total deaths: 2,249 Total cases: 150,179Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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Download logoMinister of Health Lizzie Nkosi announces three new COVID-19 deaths in Eswatini, taking total deaths to 640. &#8220;May their souls rest in peace.&#8221; New cases: 36 Total cases: 16,709 Active cases: 3,422 New recoveries: 124 Total recoveries: 12,611 New deaths: 3 Total deaths: 640Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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Forty eight patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in the Gash Barka, Central, Northern, and, Southern Red Sea Regions. Out of these, thirty nine patients are from Quarantine Centers in Adibara (17), Agordat (6), Barentu (5), Ali Ghidir (4), Om-Hajer (4), Goluj (2), and Tessenie (1) in Gash Barka Region. Five patients are from Quarantine Centers in Ghinda (3), and Nakfa (2), in the Northern Red Sea Region. The remaining four patients are from Quarantine Center in Asmara (3), Central Region; and, Assab (1), Southern Red Sea Region. On the other hand, seventy seven patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka Region (38), Central Region (33), and Northern Red Sea Region (6) have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities. The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly risen to 2,050 while the number of deaths stands at seven. The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has increased to 2,675.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (18 February 2021)

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New cases: 203 Total active cases: 12,985 Total currently admitted: 131 (10 new) Total number of tests conducted: 176,148 (1,361 new) Total confirmed cases: 29,837* Total recovered: 15,568 (337 new) New discharges from treatment units: 11 Total deaths: 984 (8 new) *Out of these, 134 lost to follow-up and 76 outcome under investigation.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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Active cases: 467 New cases: 33 New tests: 291 Total confirmed: 4,543 Recovered: 3,933 (+10) Deaths: 143 (+4)Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, The Gambia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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Total cases: 17,835 (+119) Recovered: 16,163 (+245) Active cases: 1,429 In critical condition: 12 Tests: 964,392 (+4,391) Test positivity rate: 2.7% Recovery rate: 90.6% Deaths: 243 (+0) | 1.3%Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (18 February 2021)

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The UCI World Tour gets underway this weekend with the UAE Tour taking place between 21-27 February. The Italian duo of Giacomo Nizzolo and Domenico Pozzovivo will lead Team Qhubeka ASSOS (TeamQhubeka.com) at the middle-east&#39;s premier cycling race. The UAE Tour will consist of 7 stages; four of which suit the sprinters, two summit finishes and an individual time trial. With something for every type of rider, and as the debut UCI World Tour race of the season, the 2021 UAE Tour has attracted arguably its strongest peloton ever. Team Qhubeka ASSOS will have one of the race&#39;s headline sprinters at the start, European and Italian Champion Giacomo Nizzolo, fresh off his victory at Clasica de Almeria this past weekend. Veteran climber, Domenico Pozzovivo will be taking aim at the two climbing stages and a strong overall GC result for Team Qhubeka ASSOS. Support for our co-leaders will come in the form of Max Walscheid, Lasse Norman Hansen, Bert-Jan Lindeman, Harry Tanfield and Matteo Pelucchi. Thank you to, Matome Senyolo, one of our most loyal fans for assisting with the announcement (https://bit.ly/3sd0iFp) of our UAE Tour lineup. Aart Vierhouten – Sport Director At our first WT race in 2021 the UAE Tour, Team Qhubeka ASSOS has two goals; To learn from each sprint stage, working on the right setup of our lead-out train for the benefit of our leader and sprinter Giacomo Nizzolo. Besides the sprint stages we have also two stages which finish up a mountain, therefore we have our climber Domenico Pozzovivo. We will protect him during the flat stages and help him on his way towards the climbs to achieve a good result on the GC as well. Giacomo Nizzolo I am really looking forward to the UAE Tour, where the complete World Tour peloton will line up for the first time this year. It is an important race for our team, Team Qhubeka ASSOS, and a great opportunity for us to show our colours and our purpose to a global cycling audience. We have some good feelings from the first races of the season already and I am feeling confident with the team around me here, so we look forward to some fast and exciting sprints in the desert. Domenico Pozzovivo I am looking forward to starting my season with Team Qhubeka Assos at the UAE Tour, where it will be a nice change to ride in a warm climate once again. The first race is always interesting to see how the legs will respond after a long period of training but for sure we will give 100% every day.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS (TeamQhubeka.com) is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016. We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France. We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception. We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa. About Qhubeka: Qhubeka (Qhubeka.org) is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs. A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.  All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.Media filesDownload logo

Nizzolo & Pozzovivo lead Team Qhubeka ASSOS at UAE Tour

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Download logoJames and Durant to Select Team Rosters in NBA All-Star Draft, Airing Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT; Western Conference Starter Pool: James, Warriors’ Curry, Mavericks’ Dončić, Nuggets’ Jokić and Clippers’ Leonard; Eastern Conference Starter Pool: Durant, Bucks’ Antetokounmpo, Wizards’ Beal, 76ers’ Embiid and Nets’ Irving. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant lead the list of 10 players who have been selected by fans, current NBA (www.NBA.com) players and a media panel to start in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday, March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. As the NBA All-Star Game starters who led their respective conferences in fan votes during NBA All-Star Voting 2021 presented by AT&#038;T, James and Durant will serve as team captains for the Team LeBron vs. Team Durant matchup and draft the rosters from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference.  TNT will air the 2021 NBA All-Star Draft on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.  The NBA All-Star Game starters, comprising two guards and three frontcourt players in each conference, were announced tonight by TNT during TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax.  The All-Star Game reserves, featuring seven players from each conference as selected by NBA head coaches, will be unveiled by TNT on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET during TNT NBA Tip-Off. Along with James (frontcourt), the Western Conference starter pool includes the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (guard), the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić (guard), the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić (frontcourt) and the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (frontcourt). In the Eastern Conference, Durant (frontcourt) is joined in the starter pool by the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (frontcourt), the Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal (guard), the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid (frontcourt) and the Nets’ Kyrie Irving (guard). A record five international players have been voted NBA All-Star Game starters: Antetokounmpo (Greece), Dončić (Slovenia), Embiid (Cameroon), Irving (Australia) and Jokić (Serbia).  The previous record was four, which was set last year. The 70th NBA All-Star Game is part of NBA All-Star 2021, which will be held on one night, March 7.  2021 NBA ALL-STAR GAME STARTER POOL  Western Conference • Stephen Curry, Warriors (7th All-Star selection): Curry has been named an All-Star Game starter for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. • Luka Dončić, Mavericks (2nd All-Star selection): This is the second straight selection as an All-Star starter for Dončić, who last year became the ninth player to play in the All-Star Game at age 20 or younger. • LeBron James, Lakers (17th All-Star selection): His 17 All-Star selections are the third most in NBA history, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and Kobe Bryant (18).  James, the leading scorer in All-Star Game history (385 points), is set to extend his record for consecutive All-Star starts to 17 – a streak that began in his second NBA season, 2004-05. • Nikola Jokić, Nuggets (3rd All-Star selection): This marks the third consecutive All-Star selection for Jokić, who becomes the first Denver player voted to start since Carmelo Anthony in the 2010-11 season. • Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (5th All-Star selection): Leonard has been named a starter all five times as an All-Star. Eastern Conference • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (5th All-Star selection): An All-Star starter for the fifth consecutive year, Antetokounmpo has the highest scoring average in All-Star Game history at 27.3 points per game. • Bradley Beal, Wizards (3rd All-Star selection): The 2020-21 NBA scoring leader has been voted to start the All-Star Game for the first time. • Kevin Durant, Nets (11th All-Star selection): Durant, who holds the second-highest scoring average in All-Star Game history (25.0 ppg), is an All-Star for the 11th straight season in which he has played.  • Joel Embiid, 76ers (4th All-Star selection): Embiid is the first Philadelphia player selected to start four consecutive All-Star Games since Allen Iverson was named a starter seven times in a row from 2000-06. • Kyrie Irving, Nets (7th All-Star selection): Irving has now been voted to start the All-Star Game with three different franchises (Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Nets) – the same as Brooklyn teammate Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder, Warriors and Nets). NBA ALL-STAR VOTING RESULTS Fans accounted for 50 percent of the vote to determine the NBA All-Star Game starters, while current NBA players and a media panel accounted for 25 percent each.  James (5,922,554 fan votes) and Durant (5,567,106 fan votes) led their respective conferences and position groups in fan voting.  Curry (5,481,033 fan votes) and Beal (3,485,051 fan votes) also led their respective position groups in fan voting. After all votes were tallied, players were ranked in each conference by position (guard and frontcourt) within each of the three voting groups – fan votes, player votes and media votes.  Each player’s score was calculated by averaging his weighted rank from the fan votes, the player votes and the media votes.  The two guards and three frontcourt players with the best score in each conference were named NBA All-Star Game starters. Fan votes served as the tiebreaker for players in a position group with the same score.  Dončić won the tiebreaker with the Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard for the second starting spot in the Western Conference guard group. Below are the overall scores – based on results from all three voting groups – for the top finishers at each position.  Each player’s score is weighted based on 50 percent for fan vote, 25 percent for player vote and 25 percent for media vote.  The formula to determine a player’s score is (Fan Rank * 2 + Player Rank + Media Rank)/4.  For complete voting results and a list of media voters, please visit pr.nba.com. Western Conference Frontcourt 	 		 			 			Player (Team) 			 			 			    Fan Rank 			 			 			    Player Rank 			 			 			    Media Rank 			 			 			    Weighted Score 			 		 		 			 			1. *#LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1.0 			 		 		 			 			2. *Nikola Jokić (Denver) 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2.0 			 		 		 			 			3. *Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3.25 			 		 		 			 			4. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4.0 			 		 		 			 			5. Paul George (LA Clippers) 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       5.0 			 		 		 			 			6. Zion Williamson (New Orleans) 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       7.0 			 		 		 			 			7. Brandon Ingram (New Orleans) 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       8.0 			 		 		 			 			8. Christian Wood (Houston) 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       8.25 			 		 		 			 			9. Rudy Gobert (Utah) 			 			 			       12 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       8.75 			 		 		 			 			10. Carmelo Anthony (Portland) 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       9.25 			 		 	 Western Conference Guards 	 		 			 			Player (Team) 			 			 			    Fan Rank 			 			 			    Player Rank 			 			 			    Media Rank 			 			 			    Weighted Score 			 		 		 			 			1. *Stephen Curry (Golden State) 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1.0 			 		 		 			 			2. *Luka Dončić (Dallas) 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       2.5^ 			 		 		 			 			3. Damian Lillard (Portland) 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2.5^ 			 		 		 			 			4. Donovan Mitchell (Utah) 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       4.25 			 		 		 			 			5. Devin Booker (Phoenix) 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4.75 			 		 		 			 			6. Ja Morant (Memphis) 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       6.5 			 		 		 			 			7. Chris Paul (Phoenix) 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       6.5 			 		 		 			 			8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) 			 			 			       11 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       8.5 			 		 		 			 			9. CJ McCollum (Portland) 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       14 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       9.75 			 		 		 			 			10. DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio) 			 			 			       12 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       9.75 			 		 	 *–Voted to start #–Team captain ^–Tiebreaker for starting spot is fan rank Eastern Conference Frontcourt 	 		 			 			Player (Team) 			 			 			    Fan Rank 			 			 			    Player Rank 			 			 			    Media Rank 			 			 			    Weighted Score 			 		 		 			 			1. *#Kevin Durant (Brooklyn) 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       1.5 			 		 		 			 			2. *Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1.75 			 		 		 			 			3. *Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2.75 			 		 		 			 			4. Jayson Tatum (Boston) 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4.5 			 		 		 			 			5. Jimmy Butler (Miami) 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       5.75 			 		 		 			 			6. Bam Adebayo (Miami) 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       5.75 			 		 		 			 			7. Julius Randle (New York) 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       6.75 			 		 		 			 			8. Domantas Sabonis (Indiana) 			 			 			       8 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       7.25 			 		 		 			 			9. Jerami Grant (Detroit) 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       8.5 			 		 		 			 			10. Gordon Hayward (Charlotte) 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       15 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       10.0 			 		 	 Eastern Conference Guards 	 		 			 			Player (Team) 			 			 			    Fan Rank 			 			 			    Player Rank 			 			 			    Media Rank 			 			 			    Weighted Score 			 		 		 			 			1. *Bradley Beal (Washington) 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1 			 			 			       1.0 			 		 		 			 			2. *Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn) 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       2.5 			 		 		 			 			3. James Harden (Brooklyn) 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       3.0 			 		 		 			 			4. Zach LaVine (Chicago) 			 			 			       4 			 			 			       3 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       4.0 			 		 		 			 			5. Jaylen Brown (Boston) 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       5 			 			 			       2 			 			 			       4.25 			 		 		 			 			6. Trae Young (Atlanta) 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       11 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       7.25 			 		 		 			 			7. Russell Westbrook (Washington) 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       12 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       8.25 			 		 		 			 			8. Ben Simmons (Philadelphia) 			 			 			       11 			 			 			       6 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       8.75 			 		 		 			 			9. Fred VanVleet (Toronto) 			 			 			       10 			 			 			       7 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       9.0 			 		 		 			 			10. Collin Sexton (Cleveland) 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       13 			 			 			       9 			 			 			       10.0 			 		 	 *–Voted to start #–Team captain ^–Tiebreaker for starting spot is fan rank Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Lakers’ James and Nets’ Durant named Starters and Captains for 2021 NBA All-Star Game

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By Nzube Nlebedim Senegalese President Macky Sall has called for a transformation of organization, management, execution and evaluation processes within the domestic oil and gas sector, as the country prepares to enter oil and gas operations from 2023. The President made his announcement during a virtual conference held with the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. Expanding upon a prior meeting he chaired earlier this month (https://bit.ly/3qACxXn), President Sall advocated for the enhanced management of oil and gas resources, supported by a new roadmap that accelerates reforms and ensures adequate supervision of projects by the relevant ministers and parastatals. To this end, President Sall implored Minister of Petroleum and Energy Aissatou Sophie Gladima to work towards revolutionizing information reporting systems within the hydrocarbon sector and implementing a cohesive communication strategy on oil and gas management. President Sall further urged national oil company PETROSEN to finalize Production Sharing Contracts and Association Agreements with operators, with a view to driving inclusion of the private sector and indigenous industries. President Sall also requested that the Ministry of Finance and Budget finalize the bill on revenue sharing related to oil and gas development before the end of March 2021. Finally, the Head of State urged government to support the establishment of the National Institute of Oil and Gas, as well as formalize regulation related to education and training in the sector, in a bid to develop human capital and facilitate knowledge, skills and technology transfer.    Africa Oil &#038; Power will unite leaders from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mauritania and the wider West Africa region with global energy dealmakers, for the first-ever MSGBC Oil, Gas &#038; Power 2021 conference and exhibition on October 26-27 in Dakar, Senegal. Find out more about Senegal and the MSGBC’s energy industry and about the event at www.MSGBC2021.com and contact International Conference Director Joao Marques directly at joa@africaoilandpower.com Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference.Media filesDownload logo

Senegalese President calls for National Oil and Gas Reform (By Nzube Nlebedim)

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The Africa Vaccine Acquisition TaskTeam [AVATT], set up by the African Union to acquire additional vaccine doses so that Africa can attain a target immunization of 60%, is pleased to advise that it has received an offer of 300 million Sputnik V vaccines from the Russian Federation. This includes a financing package for any member states wishing to secure this vaccine. Meanwhile, AVATT advises that the 270 million doses previously secured from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson &#038; Johnsons were all taken up by the first allocation phase deadline through the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP). With these additional 300 million Sputnik V vaccines, AMSP accelerates online COVID-19 vaccines pre-orders for the 55 African Union member states. “We are grateful to receive the Sputnik V vaccines from the Russian Federation and tremendously proud to be able to offer them on the AMSP for our AU Member States,” says Dr John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). “Bilateral and private sector partnerships such as these are critical in our efforts to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end”. While details, including clinical and technical information, are now accessible on the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), Sputnik V vaccines will be available for a period of 12 months commencing by May 2021. From today, the 55 African Union member states are all invited to visit www.AMSP.africa and use their national access code &#8211; issued to all African Union member states&#39; Ministers of Finance and Health &#8211; to start the pre-order process. African Union member states that wish to secure funding should approach the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) through their Central Banks, as has been the case with the other vaccines that have been on offer. The Board of Afreximbank, last week, approved the USD$ 2 billion Advance Purchase Commitment for the participating suppliers, allowing the finalization of supply contracts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Medical Supplies Platform.Media Contacts: Janngo &#038; AMSP Antonia Gleizes +336-23-13-71-72  media@janngo.africa AVATT George Sibotshiwe +27-71-467-7689  george@nubiconafrica.co.za Africa CDC James Ayodele +252-953-912-454  ayodelej@africa-union.org Afreximbank Amadou Labba Sall +20-120-532-0254 asall@afreximbank.com About Afreximbank: The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution with the mandate of financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade. Afreximbank was established in October 1993 and owned by African governments, the African Development Bank and other African multilateral financial institutions as well as African and non-African public and private investors. The Bank was established under two constitutive documents, an Agreement signed by member states, which confers on the Bank the status of an international organization, and a Charter signed by all Shareholders, which governs its corporate structure and operations. Afreximbank deploys innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that are supporting the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby sustaining economic expansion in Africa. At the end of 2019, the Bank’s total assets and guarantees stood at USD$15.5 billion and its shareholders funds amounted to US$2.8 billion. Voted “African Bank of the Year” in 2019, the Bank disbursed more than US$38 billion between 2016 and 2020. Afreximbank has ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A-), Moody’s (Baa1) and Fitch (BBB-). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com. Follow us on 	Twitter (https://bit.ly/37rNwLh) 	Facebook (http://bit.ly/2NJI4ft) 	LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3pzTZdl) 	Instagram (https://bit.ly/3k2ZJuM) About Africa CDC: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (www.AfricaCDC.org), is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes. Learn more at: www.AfricaCDC.org About AVATT: The African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), was established by African Union (https://AU.int) Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, as a component in support of the Africa Vaccine Strategy that was endorsed by the AU Bureau of Heads of State and Government on 20th of August 2020. The AVATT is chaired by President Ramaphosa and includes African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Dr. Zweli Lawrence Mkhize, Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Professor Benedict Oramah, H.E. Amira Elfadil, Dr. John Nkengasong and others, as to be nominated by the Chair of the African Union and the Chairperson of the Commission. About AMSP: The Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) (www.AMSP.africa) is a non-profit initiative launched by the African Union as an immediate, integrated and practical response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The online platform was developed under the leadership of the African Union Special Envoy, Strive Masiyiwa and powered by Janngo on behalf of the African Union’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) with the support of leading African &#038; international Institutions, Foundations &#038; Corporations as well as Governments of China, Canada &#038; France. For more information visit www.AMSP.africa About Janngo: Janngo (www.Janngo.com) builds, grows and invests in pan-African digital champions with proven business models and inclusive social impact. It builds digital ecosystems in high growth sectors by providing business support and digital platforms allowing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to scale and contribute to the economic empowerment of youth and women through job creation and capacity building. For more information visit www.Janngo.africa Media filesDownload logo

African Union member states accelerates online pre-orders as Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) adds 300 million Sputnik V doses to its COVID-19 vaccine portfolio

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The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) (https://OPECFund.org) has signed a US$50 million loan with Tanzania to finance the ‘Fourth Tanzania Poverty Reduction Project’.  The project will build rural infrastructure to boost economic opportunities and improve access to social services for more than 900,000 people. Although Tanzania has made progress in reducing poverty over the past decade, around 26 million people – close to half the total population – live on less than US$1.90 per day.  The Tanzanian government has launched a number of programs to tackle this challenge, including social safety net initiatives and three previous phases (also co-financed by the OPEC Fund) of the new project. Phase four will build infrastructure for education, health, water, agriculture and transportation, and create income-generating activities in animal husbandry and vegetable growing, in addition to employment opportunities. Work will be undertaken in the Arusha, Mwanza, Geita and Simiyu regions in northern Tanzania and the Njombe region in the south. OPEC Fund Director-General Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said:  “The OPEC Fund has been committed to helping Tanzania reduce poverty and improve socio-economic conditions for many years. The present loan will help communities to help themselves by building capacity, strengthening food security and household incomes, and improving access to social amenities. We have a strong partnership with Tanzania and look forward to seeing more progress on key development indicators in the near future.” The OPEC Fund and Tanzania have a partnership that spans 45 years.  During this time, the organization has committed more than US$370 million for 38 public sector operations (including the present project) across a wide range of sectors. Transportation is one vital sector receiving OPEC Fund support. A recent US$26 million commitment from the organization is financing the Kazilambwa-Chagu Road Upgrading Project.  The road is part of the 1,260 km east-west corridor, which links Tanzania’s two major ports of Dar Es Salaam in the east to Kigoma in the west. Improved connectivity will help increase agricultural and tourism-related activities, and facilitate trade with neighboring Burundi and DR Congo. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of OPEC Fund.About the OPEC Fund: The OPEC Fund (OPECFund.org) for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established by the member countries of OPEC in 1976 with a distinct mandate: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, we have approved more than US$25 billion for operations in 135 partner countries. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all. Media filesDownload logo

OPEC Fund extends $50m for poverty reduction in Tanzania

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A meeting with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a national honour from the Central African Republic, and a presentation of a ground-breaking project involving the Central African Republic Football Association (RCA), the French Football Federation (FFF) and FIFA (www.FIFA.com), highlighted FIFA President Gianni Infantino&#39;s first-ever visit to Bangui. The Renaissance Palace provided the setting for the meeting with President Touadéra, where the strategy to introduce practical steps to encourage more young people to play football was discussed, together with the performances of the national team ‘Les Fauves&#39; (the Wild Beasts) and their aspirations. Subsequently, the Central African Republic&#39;s Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada bestowed the honour of the National Order of Recognition, which was awarded in the rank of commander, upon the FIFA President at the CAR PM&#39;s headquarters. “I am truly humbled to receive this honour. Football can contribute even if just a bit to make people&#39;s lives a little better being a symbol of unity, peace and solidarity.,” the FIFA President said. The timing of the FIFA President&#39;s visit was significant for a number of reasons. For the first-time ever, a team representing the Central African Republic qualified for a continental competition as they are competing in the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which is currently taking place in Mauritania. “Football can play an important role in bringing people together and uniting them through their love of the game,” said the FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “[I am very happy] to work with President Célestin Yanindji and the federation, to team up with the government, to advance all projects currently in progress and some other which will follow. “The country stops to watch or listen to the radio broadcasts of the matches of the national team. This is a football country, so it was about time for me to come to Bangui for the first time. FIFA needs to be present where football is played. FIFA has to be everywhere in the world, in all the countries. That&#39;s why it was about time that I&#39;m coming, and I&#39;m happy to be here.” The FIFA delegation also had the opportunity to discuss the technical support programme (TAP), established as a partnership with RCA and FFF, with the funding from FIFA Forward. As a mid-term initiative, the programme aims to train and certificate coaches, encourage more youngsters to play football, to discover and develop talent, and to boost women&#39;s football. The visit to the Central African Republic provided the delegation with the opportunity to go through the details in the RCA headquarters in Gbangouma, where they also met with the association&#39;s staff. “FIFA is working with the RCA and the government to introduce new initiatives through football, which will encourage young people to use the sport as a vehicle to learn new skills that equip them for the future,” the FIFA President added. “In addition, and together with the FFF, FIFA is implementing the first-ever technical support programme here in the Central African Republic. This is a pilot project, but it can serve as an example for other countries as well, and it is something we want to replicate in other parts of the globe.” “I would like to thank FIFA for their support in helping to develop football in the Central African Republic, and especially, I would like to thank the FIFA President Gianni Infantino for being here in Bangui as it shows that FIFA really cares about how we are living football on the ground,” said RCA President Célestin Yanindji. “For us, FIFA is an essential partner. They have so many projects in mind, and they provide the necessary means to turn ideas into reality.” “The message really, to all the people of the Central African Republic, is that FIFA is with them, that FIFA is here and present,” the FIFA President concluded. “We are here to invest. We are here to build. We are here to give hope and to give smiles. Concretely, not just with words, as we are speaking about concrete projects to help support and develop football.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA).Media filesDownload logo

Football development highlighted in visit to the Central African Republic

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NBA (www.NBA.com) All-Star Game and Skills Competitions to Take Place on One Night for First Time, With Oncourt Action Beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT;  NBA and NBPA to Commit More Than $2.5 Million to Support HBCUs and Communities Impacted by COVID-19; NBA and NBPA Establish Health and Safety Protocols for NBA All-Star 2021. The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that NBA All-Star 2021 will be held on Sunday, March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Hawks, where the league’s annual global celebration of the game will take place on one night for the first time, with oncourt action beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT.  As part of this year’s events, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that they will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines. TNT’s NBA All-Star coverage will begin at 5 p.m. ET with TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax, followed by the Taco Bell® Skills Challenge and MTN DEW® 3-Point Contest starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Coverage of the 70th  NBA All-Star Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with AT&#038;T Slam Dunk taking place at halftime. The game will follow the same format (https://on.nba.com/3pxzCxa) as last year, with the teams competing to win each quarter and playing to a Final Target Score during the untimed fourth quarter. The rosters for the NBA All-Star Game will be determined through the NBA All-Star Draft, where the two team captains will select from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference and make their picks without regard to conference affiliation.  The captains will be the All-Star starter from each conference who receives the most fan votes in his conference.  NBA All-Star starters will be announced tonight, Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. ET on TNT. In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) (https://bit.ly/2M5PLMM), UNCF (United Negro College Fund) (https://bit.ly/2M953As), National Association for Equal Opportunity (NAFEO) (https://bit.ly/3k92Ph2) and Direct Relief ’s Fund for Health Equity (https://bit.ly/3doUxQy), the NBA, NBPA and NBA All-Star 2021 partners, including AT&#038;T, MTN DEW® and Taco Bell®, will highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.  In addition, All-Star will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and unique storytelling and content by distinguished alumni and students. For NBA All-Star 2021, the NBA and NBPA have established additional measures to supplement the league’s current Health and Safety Protocols.  These include private travel to and from Atlanta, the creation of a “mini bubble” environment within a single hotel for players and coaches, and enhanced PCR testing.  More information is available here (https://on.nba.com/2ZrY1JQ). Additionally, for the well-being and safety of the greater Atlanta community, there will be no fan activities, ticketed events or hospitality functions as part of All-Star. Additional details regarding NBA All-Star 2021 and the date of the NBA All-Star Draft will be announced in the coming days. Executive Quotes NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver: “NBA All-Star in Atlanta will continue our annual tradition of celebrating the game and the greatest players in the world before a global audience.  In addition to the festivities on the court, the All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities and focus attention and resources on COVID-19 relief, particularly for the most vulnerable.” NBPA Executive Director, Michele Roberts: “HBCUs provided premium education to our communities at a time when access to higher learning was denied to us.  They were there – and have remained there – for us.  We now stand with them.” Thurgood Marshall College Fund President and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams: “As a founding partner of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the NBA has been a consistent supporter for more than 33 years. By dedicating its All-Star platform to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the NBA is making a profound statement about the league’s commitment to a better future, recognizing the crucial role Black Colleges have always played in facilitating racial equity and serving the African American community.” UNCF CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax: “We welcome this exciting opportunity to partner with the NBA and the players.  Together, the NBA and players can shine a bright light on the vital work of our nation’s HBCUs and help ensure that we can support our Black college students on their education journeys.” Clark Atlanta University President, Dr. George T. French, Jr.: “The Clark Atlanta University community is incredibly excited to be a part of NBA All-Star 2021.  The night will provide a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, faculty and alumni, but also to share the rich history and essential contributions of our institution and other HBCUs with a global audience.” The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) President, Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams: “As NBA All-Star Weekend visits the City of Atlanta to showcase the talents and contributions of some of the world’s best and most well-known athletes, the ITC community is pleased to join the NBA and its players in celebrating the achievements and contributions of some of our country’s most important institutions – our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” Morehouse College President, David A. Thomas, Ph.D.: “NBA All-Star 2021 presents an extraordinary moment to highlight the legacy of scholarship, leadership and service HBCUs have represented since their founding.  Morehouse College is excited to be a part of this celebration and momentous occasion.” Morris Brown College President, Dr. Kevin James: “Morris Brown College would like to thank the NBA, NBPA and the entire extended NBA family for including us in this year’s All-Star Game.  We welcome and appreciate the attention the night will bring to the unique and vital role played by historically Black institutions here in Atlanta and across the country.” Spelman College President, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell: “As NBA All-Star returns to Atlanta, Spelman College looks forward to being a part of the celebration that highlights HBCUs across the city and beyond.  Our mission at Spelman is to educate Black women to become global leaders and to inspire a commitment to positive change.  We are honored to be part of the NBA 2021 All-Star celebration of our nation’s HBCUs.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).About the NBA All-Star Beneficiaries Thurgood Marshall College Fund: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) (www.TMCF.org) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.  TMCF member schools include the 47 publicly-supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), including medical and law schools.  TMCF also serves as a resource for nearly 300,000 students enrolled in the HBCU/PBI network of schools.  The NBA is one of the founding partners of TMCF. UNCF (United Negro College Fund): UNCF (www.UNCF.org) is the nation’s largest minority education organization.  To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness.  UNCF institutions and other HBCUs are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education: The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) (www.NAFEOnation.org) is the membership and advocacy  association  of  all  105  Historically  Black  Colleges  and  Universities  (HBCUs)  and  80 Predominantly  Black  Institutions  (PBIs).  NAFEO  also  Chairs  The  Alliance  for  Equity  in  Higher Education, a formal collaboration among the umbrella associations of all the Asian American and Pacific Islander   Colleges   and   Universities,   Hispanic-Serving   Institutions,   HBCUs,   Predominantly   Black Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Direct Relief (Fund for Health Equity): Direct Relief (www.DirectRelief.org) is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies.  The Fund for Health Equity will identify and provide financial support to communities in which deep-seated effects of historic racism and socioeconomic disparities remain and are being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Media filesDownload logo

NBA All-Star 2021 to be Held On March 7 In Atlanta, Supporting HBCUs And COVID-19 Equity Efforts

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Download logoWith efforts gathering pace to promptly tackle the new Ebola outbreaks in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) is deploying teams of experts to support the national authorities ramp up the response and avert widespread infections. Health authorities in Guinea declared an Ebola outbreak on 14 February after three cases detected in Gouécké, a rural community in N’Zerekore prefecture tested positive for the virus. It is the first Ebola outbreak in Guinea since 2016 when a large one was successfully brought under control. 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. A team of eight experts from the WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville is leaving soon. Efforts are ongoing to step up surveillance, contact-tracing, testing and treatment as well as preparing for vaccination. “We are hard at work, shifting quickly through the gears to get ahead of the virus. With experts and emergency supplies already getting on the ground, the response is off to a strong start,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our collective, quick action is crucial to averting an uncontrolled spread of Ebola amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has already pushed health workers and health facilities to the edge.” A humanitarian flight arrived on 15 February in N’Zerekore with 700 kg of medical equipment donated by WHO and partners. A consignment of more than 11 000 doses of Ebola vaccine is expected to arrive in Guinea this weekend. In addition, more than 8500 doses will be shipped from the United States of America for a total of 20 000 doses. Vaccination is set to kick off shortly afterwards. A 30-strong vaccination team has already been mobilized locally and is ready to deploy as soon as the vaccines are received. Meanwhile, in the DRC, so far there are four confirmed Ebola cases, including two deaths that are epidemiologically linked. WHO has around 20 experts on the ground supporting national and provincial health authorities. About 8000 vaccine doses were still available in the country at the end of the 11th Ebola outbreak. The vaccination of people at high risk was officially launched in Butembo, the outbreak’s epicentre on 15 February. So far nearly 70 people have been vaccinated. The quick rollout of vaccines is a testament to the enormous local capacity built in the previous outbreaks by WHO and partners. WHO has released US$ 1.25 million to support the response in Guinea and to reinforce Ebola readiness in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Additionally, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has disbursed US$ 15 million to support the response in Guinea and DRC and readiness in the neighbouring countries. With the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea being a border area, countries in the sub-region are on high alert and increasing public health measures and surveillance in border towns and communities to quickly detect and respond to possible cross-border infections. The ongoing response in Guinea and preparedness in neighbouring countries is building upon the experience gained during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. WHO and partners worked with national teams to build capacity in all the critical areas of surveillance and response.   The West Africa Ebola outbreak began in Guinea and spread across land borders to Liberia and Sierra Leone. When it was finally brought under control there were 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths, making it the deadliest since the virus was first detected in 1976. Ebola is an acute severe viral illness and is extremely lethal. It is characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea and sore throat. This can be followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Dr Mohamed Lamine Yansane, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health, Guinea, and Ngonda Saasa Head, Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine and Head of UNZAVET Virology Laboratory, Zambia. Also on hand to answer questions were Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, Regional Emergency Director, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme Coordinator, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Georges Ki-Zerbo, WHO Representative in Guinea, Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi, Regional Virologist, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Mory Keita, Technical Officer, WHO Regional Office for Africa.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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