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Egypt records increasing cases of COVID-19

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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A warning from Egypt as coronavirus cases rise, which comes during the holy month of Ramadan.

At a news conference in Cairo on Saturday, the health minister said authorities had registered a weekly increase of up to 10 per cent in some areas amid a third wave of the pandemic.

“Today’s cases in the third wave are increased 10 per cent globally in comparison with the second wave. Today and yesterday cases increased about 10 per cent and deaths 7 per cent,” said Hala Zayed.

“Globally, we are not far away from these because our country is open.”

Egypt plans to domestically produce 80 million doses of the Chinese vaccine and 40 million doses of the Russian vaccine annually.

“We are ready with the production lines, Chinese expertise will be arriving in a few days, we will start working to prepare 40 million vaccine doses this year,” said Zayed.

“That can be increased annually to cover all needs of Egypt from this vaccine, in addition to the African countries’ needs and countries in the region.”

She urged people to stick to preventive measures, including wearing face masks and avoiding gatherings during Ramadan.

Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country with over 100 million people, has registered more than 220,000 cases and almost 13,000 deaths. But like elsewhere in the world, due to limited testing numbers are expected to be even higher.

Suzan O/AFN

53 sailors in sunken Indonesian submarine presumed dead

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Indonesian officials say debris from a missing submarine was found after the vessel sank as hopes of rescuing 53 sailors on board faded.

The search team on Sunday focused on pinpointing the sub’s exact location. Authorities warned any salvage operation would be risky and difficult in the deep waters.

Singapore’s MV Swift Rescue – a submarine rescue vessel – arrived to aid in the recovery effort, the navy said.

Neighbouring Malaysia as well as the United States, India and Australia were among the nations helping in the search.

Items located from the stricken submarine included a bottle of lubricant and a device that protects a torpedo, Air Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto said.

“The objects found near the last location of the submarine are believed to be parts of the submarine,” he said. “These objects would have never got out of the submarine unless there was pressure.”

The submarine – one of five in Indonesia’s fleet – disappeared on Wednesday during live torpedo training exercises off the Indonesian holiday island of Bali.

Navy chief Yudo Margono said on Saturday that rescuers found several items, including parts of a torpedo straightener, a grease bottle believed to be used to oil the periscope, and prayer rugs from the submarine.

“With the authentic evidence we found believed to be from the submarine, we have now moved from the sub miss phase to sub sunk,” Margono said.

Indonesia earlier considered the submarine that disappeared off Bali as just missing. But now officials declared the submarine sank.

Authorities said it was unlikely that there was an explosion on board the submarine, officials also said the oxygen supply for its 53 crew ran out early on Saturday.

Margono said a scan had detected the submarine at 850 metres (2,788 feet), well beyond its survivable limits. The submarine is designed to withstand a depth of up to 500 metres (1,640 feet).

“If it’s an explosion it will be in pieces. The cracks happened gradually in some parts when it went down from 300 metres to 400 metres to 500 metres … If there was an explosion, it would be heard by the sonar,” said Margono, adding no bodies were found so far.

The military said it was preparing “to evacuate” the vessel.

There have been no signs of life from the submarine, but family members have held out hope.

Berda Asmara, the wife of Second Sergeant Guntur Ari Prasetya, said she is still optimistic that her husband survived.

“Nothing is certain yet … The important thing is that we don’t stop praying and hopefully everyone will come home safely and in good health,” she said.

The vessel was scheduled to conduct training exercises when it asked for permission to dive. It lost contact shortly after.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Sunday he sent his condolences to the families of the 53 crew.

The search focused on an area near the starting position of its last dive where an oil slick was found.

The cause of the disappearance is still uncertain. The navy has said an electrical failure could have left the submarine unable to execute emergency procedures to resurface.

The German-built diesel-powered KRI Nanggala-402 has been in service in Indonesia since 1981 and was carrying 49 crew members and three gunners as well as its commander, the Indonesian defence ministry said.

Al jazeera

Mali, European Union strengthen relations

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The European Union (EU)’s foreign policy chief held talks with Mali’s top leaders in Bamako on Saturday as relations strengthen between Europe and the Sahel. 

Josep Borrell Fontelles pledged EU support as Mali undergoes a transition to an elected government following last year’s military coup.

Young military officers ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18 after months of protest driven by his failure to solve Mali’s long-running jihadist conflict, and perceived corruption.

“I had the pleasure to see the President before the transition, to bring him the clear support of the EU to this civil transition,” Borrell said.

“It’s a transition that should be historical. It will serve as a basis for the new Mali, with a process and a calendar that should be followed, with elections, structural reforms, and good governance. With these, Mali can count on the support of the European Union.”

The new EU Strategy for the Sahel affirms the importance of a solid and long-term partnership in the region through legislation and strategies.

The main geographical scope of the EU strategy is the five G5 Sahel countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. However, it places EU action in the wider context of regional and cross-border challenges, and of the links that exist in particular between the Sahel, West African coastal states, the Lake Chad Basin and North Africa.

Since 2012, Mali had been struggling to contain a jihadist rebellion that erupted in the northern part of the country and had spread with attacks to some cities in the central parts. Thousands of civilians and military personnel have been killed in the conflict. The region has also been threatened by climate change, demographic pressure, access to natural resources and epidemic risks.

Presidential and legislative elections are due to take place in Mali in February 2022.

Suzan O /AFN

At least 27 killed in Baghdad hospital fire

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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At least 27 people were killed and 46 injured in a fire on Saturday at a hospital in southeastern Baghdad that had been equipped to house COVID-19 patients, medical sources at three nearby hospitals said.

The fire at the Ibn Khatib hospital in the Diyala Bridge area of the Iraqi capital occurred after an accident caused an oxygen tank to explode, the sources said.

Many ambulances were rushing towards the hospital, ferrying away those hurt by the fire.

Patients not injured in the incident were also being transferred out of the hospital, the medical sources said.

The head of Iraqi civil defense unit said the fire broke out in the floor designated for the pulmonary intensive care unit and that 90 people have been rescued from the hospital out of 120, state news agency INA quoted him as saying.

Major General Kadhim Bohan added that the fire has been put out.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi ordered an investigation into the incident in the early hours of Sunday.

“Such an incident is evidence of negligence and therefore I directed that an investigation be launched immediately and for the hospital’s manager and the heads of security and maintenance to be detained along with all those concerned until we identify those negligent and hold them accountable.”

Several victims’ families were still at the hospital hours after the fire had been put out, having been unable to locate them elsewhere.

Patients’ relatives scrambled to save their loved ones.

“In the beginning, there was an explosion…The fire spread, like fuel,” said one relative of one of the patients who was there at the time of the explosion.

“The smoke reached my brother. My brother is sick, I took my brother out to the street. Then I came (back)…To the last floor, that did not burn. I found a girl suffocating, about 19 years old, she was suffocating, she was about to die.”

“I took her on my shoulders and I ran down. People were jumping…Doctors fell on the cars. Everyone was jumping. And I kept going up from there, got people and come down again.”

Iraq’s healthcare system, already ruined by decades of sanctions, war and neglect, has been stretched during the coronavirus crisis.

The total number of people infected with COVID-19 in Iraq is 102,5288 including 15,217 deaths, the health ministry said on Saturday.

Reuters

Skills Acquisition: Anambra State trains 200 Youths

Peace Piak Kanu
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The Anambra State Government has trained over 200 youths on various trades, with 53 of them provided with starter packs to commence their own businesses.

The youths were trained under the 4th batch “One Youth One Skill” empowerment programme of the state government through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy.

Three centres across the state were chosen for the intensive programme which lasted for one month on the following trades: Cosmetology, Confectioneries, Barbing, Solar Installation/CCTV, Shoe Making/Leatherworks, Manicure/Pedicure and Facials.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries during the closing ceremony of the programme in Awka, Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Prof. Theresa Obiekezie, said the programme was in fulfilment of the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship.

She added that the youths were trained on the seven selected trades after which they would be issued Trade test certificates.

“Trade test certificates will be issued to all the trainees, those who got starter packs are those who performed excellently well as examined by their coaches. We want them to immediately take off, stand on their own and train others.“

The Commissioner urged those who did not benefit from the starter packs to be patient adding that the state government would work out ways of supporting them through the coaching and mentorship programme provided to build their capacity and sources of credit facilities.

The Director of Youth Development in the Ministry, Mrs Chita Osili, praised the youths for being dedicated and productive during the training programme.

Some of the beneficiaries; Emmanuel Nweze, Edwin Michael, Rosline Eze and Ernest Okafor appreciated the state government for considering them proper to benefit from the programme and pledged to put the equipment into good use.

The ceremony featured exhibition and inspection of various products by the graduands by the Commissioner accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Louisa Ezeanya and other dignitaries.

PIAK

UFC: Kamaru pounds Masvidal, retains welterweight world title

Tobi Sangotola
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On a night in which fireworks became the norm during the first UFC card in front of a full crowd since the start of the pandemic, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman saved the best for last.

In a stunning showcase of his evolving game and pound-for-pound talent, Usman made the fifth defense of his 170-pound title by knocking Jorge Masvidal out cold in Round 2 of their UFC 261 main event rematch inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

Usman (19-1) was dominant throughout in terms of takedowns and top control on the ground, which Masvidal

Kamaru Usman

would go on to say he fully expected. Unlike their first meeting in 2020, in which Masvidal accepted the fight on late notice and lost a one-sided decision, the 36-year-old slugger had no excuses following a full training camp.

“He showed me something that he didn’t show the first fight [when] I didn’t feel his power,” Masvidal said. “That’s what happens when you get overconfident. I thought we were going to wrestle more and I was ready to wrestle for 25 minutes but all the props in the world to him. He has got my number. There is nothing more to say. He won this fair and square and God bless him.”

In his third fight with new trainer Trevor Wittman, Usman’s evolution as a striker continued to be the story at age 33. Usman countered Masvidal’s outside leg kicks with clean right hands and stiff jabs throughout the opening round. Masvidal smiled and taunted back in return each time he was hit clean, but the strikes appeared to stun him and opened up opportunities for takedowns.

Although Masvidal remained competent from his back and landed a series of short elbows, the round closed with a big right hand from Usman and a jumping knee from Masvidal before the two rivals exchanged words after the horn and needed to be separated.

Shorty after, things took a much more violent turn.

“Jacksonville, Florida, you all said you wanted violence?” Usman said. “You’re welcome.”

Usman caught Masvidal (35-15) flush with a clean right cross which turned his chin and left him unconscious at 1:02 of Round 2.

“Sky is the limit, I’m growing so much in the sport, I’m just blessed to be at this present time and moment. It was a sweet one, it’s up there. If you look at the knockouts now that I’m putting together, that one’s up there for sure,” Usman said. “That’s what I wanted to do, I said I’m so far ahead of these guys, I’m coming around and lapping these guys on the track, I’m coming around with a vengeance and I had to go out there and put the nails in that coffin and I did and we turn the page and move forward.”

The victory extended Usman’s win streak to 14 fights. It also marked the first time the iron-chinned Masvidal was stopped due to strikes in his eight-year UFC run.

“First time in my career, in front of all my people, my family and my friends,” Masvidal said. “It hurts since I haven’t been knocked out in 54 fights. I didn’t fear his power and that’s what happens.”

 

Tobi Sangotola/CBSSports

 

Nigeria sets new target to reduce malaria prevalence, mortality by 2025

Peace Piak Kanu
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As the World commemorates Malaria Day 2021, the Nigerian government has set a new target to reduce malaria prevalence rate and mortality to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025

The country’s Minister of Health,  Osagie Ehanire who announced this at a press briefing to commemorate World Malaria Day in Abuja, the nation’s capital explained that about N1.89 trillion would be needed to achieve the target.

He said that the country has witnessed a reduction in Malaria prevalence in recent times, a success attributable to government efforts and the cooperation of citizens.

“Fever testing amongst children under 5 increased from 5% in 2015 to 11% in 2013, to 13% in 2015 and 14% in 2018; but this is still very low

“Malaria prevalence rate reduced from 42% in 2010 to 27% in 2015 and to 23% in 2018, we expect that when the results of 2021 Malaria indicator survey which will be conducted later this year are out, a further downward trend in prevalence will be observed.

“We will continue to work harder to ensure that we achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10%,“  he said.

The Health Minister also acknowledged the roles of the private sector in Malaria control in Nigeria, calling for better synergy to eliminate the disease.

On his part, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Adeleke Mamora identified the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in eliminating Malaria, saying “It is a task which must be won.”

The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Walter Kazadi Molombo stressed the need for collective action across sectors to address the challenges and accelerate progress towards ending the Malaria scourge in Nigeria.

“WHO is committed to continuing the partnership with the Nigerian government and all other Malaria partners through the provision of technical support and innovation towards the attainment of set target as well as leveraging on Nigeria’s primary health care strengthening initiatives to Malaria control,” Molombo stated.

Representatives from UNICEF, USAID and Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation gave commitments to collaborate with Nigeria in the elimination of Malaria in the country.

The theme for the 2021 World Malaria Day is “Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria.” 

PIAK

“Path to Recovery is expected to be long, divergent”- IMF

Amaka Nliam
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the path to recovery in 2021 is expected to be long and divergent, with focus on the Middle East and Central Asia Region.

 

The IMF revealed this in its most recent Regional and Economic Outlook Update.

“A year into the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the race between vaccine and virus entered a new phase in the Middle East and Central Asia, and the path to recovery in 2021 is expected to be long and divergent,” said the IMF.

 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis led to a surge in government debt and financing needs as many countries in the Middle East and Central Asia reacted swiftly to mitigate the pandemic’s impact. Although several of these countries successfully accessed international financial markets, domestic banks covered a significant share of emerging markets’ financing needs, further expanding their already significant exposure to the public sector.

 

By contrast, most low-income countries (LICs) had a small response to the crisis because of financing and policy space constraints.

 

 

Looking ahead, public gross financing needs in most emerging markets in the Middle East and Central Asia are expected to remain elevated in 2021–22, with downside risks in the event of tighter global financial conditions and/or if fiscal consolidation is delayed due to weaker-than-expected recovery.

 

However, further reliance on domestic financing will reduce banks’ ability to support the private sector’s emergence from the crisis, thus prolonging the recovery. Credible medium-term fiscal and debt management strategies, together with policy actions to develop domestic capital markets and mitigate banks’ overexposure to the sovereign would reduce financing risks, address the elevated debt burdens, and entrench financial stability.

 

“…2021 will be the year of policies that continue saving lives and livelihoods and promote recovery, while balancing the need for debt sustainability and financial resilience. At the same time, policymakers must not lose sight of the transformational challenges to build forward better and accelerate the creation of more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and green economies,” it added.

 

Amaka E. Nliam

COVID-19: Nigeria vaccinates additional 9,255 people

Kamila Bello
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Nigeria vaccinates additional 9,255 people with first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria on Saturday.

This brings the total number of vaccinated people in the country to 1,167, 837.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA) said, “Over 1, 167, 837 eligible Nigerians have so far been vaccinated with first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Lagos, the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria, takes the lead with 226,993 persons already vaccinated.

Followed by Kaduna with 60,659 persons vaccinated, Kano – 60,258, FCT- 57,190 and Ogun with 53,465 vaccinated persons.

Nigeria has recorded over 160,000 infections and 2,061 fatalities from the COVID-19 virus.

The country has, recorded no death from the virus in the past 12 days.

The Nigerian government had said it plans to vaccinate 109 million people against the COVID-19 virus over a period of two years.

Health authorities said only eligible population from 18 years and above will be vaccinated in four phases.

 

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Lagos, Kano, Kaduna lead as Nigeria vaccinates 1,133,325         

 

 

Kamila/Premium

 

 

Chadian civil societies call for dissolution of Transitional Military Council

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The Chadian civil society groups are calling for a public demonstration, demanding the dissolution of the Transitional Military Council, which is headed by the new leader General Mahamat Idriss Déby.

He was appointed following the shocking death of his father President Idriss Déby, who died this week after battling rebels on the frontline.

“We are calling on the Chadian population all over the country to take to the streets on Tuesday for a public demonstration, and we will stay on the streets if we are not listened to,” said one of the civil society group’s leaders Max Loalngar.

“We place ourselves under the protection of the African Union and the United Nations and ask that mechanisms be urgently set into motion to ensure the protection of citizens, to take charge of the process of comprehensive and inclusive dialogue to build a consensual transition and to create the conditions that guarantee a lasting political handover,” he told a press conference on Saturday.

France and regional allies have backed the fallen president’s son to take power. But the opposition does not want the former colonial ruler meddling in its affairs.

“We, the Chadian artists members of the platform ‘In the name of respect’ demand the non-involvement of the French policy of double standards in the management of Chadian affairs,” said Chadian artist Djigri Parterre.

“We say no to the monarchization of Chad by France.”

France has been a key ally in the fight against deadly insurgencies in the Sahel and has some 5,100 troops stationed in the region.

But Macron also called on the newly-appointed military government to foster “stability, inclusion, dialogue, democratic transition.” 

A similar message was conveyed personally to Deby’s son when he met earlier with Macron and the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, a French presidential aide said.

The African Union meanwhile called on Chad’s security forces “to respect the constitutional mandate and order, and to expeditiously embark on a process of restoration of constitutional order and handing over of political power to the civilian authorities.”

The body’s Peace and Security Council also called for “an all-inclusive national dialogue” and expressed “grave concern” over said the establishment of a military council.

The younger Deby, a 37-year-old four-star general commanding the elite Republican Guard, was named president and head of a military council immediately after his father’s death was announced. Parliament and the government were dissolved.

He will wield full powers but has promised “free and democratic” elections after an 18-month transition period that can be extended once.

The move has been branded an “institutional coup” by the opposition.

The International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), underscoring the “terrible repression” under Deby, on Friday urged the swiftest possible return to civilian rule.

Deby’s death was announced the day after he was declared the winner of an April 11 election — giving him a sixth mandate after three decades at the helm.

The army said the 68-year-old had died on Monday from wounds suffered while leading troops in battle against rebels who had crossed from Libya.

The Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) has vowed to pursue its offensive after a pause for the funeral, with spokesman Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol telling AFP that the rebels were “en route to N’Djamena.”

Suzan O /AFP

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