The WHO reports that 13 million people die from infectious diseases each year. In some countries, one in every two deaths is a result of an infectious disease; while in Africa, diseases like HIV/Aids, TB, malaria and hepatitis account for the majority of these deaths. Dr Izukanji Sikazwe, CEO of the Centre of Infectious Disease…
African Forest Forum to mark 10 years
By Adelyn Wangusi The African Forest Forum (AFF) is commemorating a decade of its work on African forestry in Nairobi, Kenya. Since its establishment, the African Forest Forum (AFF) has provided a bridge between science-based knowledge and good policies to support sustainable forest management; effectively working within a science-policy-management framework. “We started this journey on December 06,…
Investing in young leaners key in preparing for future jobs
By Clifford Cotiak Akumu Abdallah Zakaria, 12, a class seven pupil at Shepherds Junior School-Buru Buru is on a rush against time to finish his task as the trainer stealthily walks past him to check his progress. “It is hard at first but fun after mastering the pattern,” he sighs as he glues together the model.…
Academy of Science, AFIDEP launch Evidence Leaders in Africa project
The African Institute for Policy Development (AFIDEP) and the African Academy for Sciences (AAS) Friday announced the launch of a two-year programme to promote the systematic use of evidence in policymaking in Africa. The Evidence Leaders in Africa (ELA) programme will enhance the evidence-gathering and analysis skills of researchers from across the continent and empower them to take a leading…
Firm to support African Artificial Intelligence ecosystem
A vibrant African AI Ecosystem is emerging in Africa,participants at the inaugural Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4Dev) workshop at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya stated. The AI workshop, whose theme was “Toward a Network of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa” brought participants from various parts of the world. This workshop saw…
Nigerian farmers to get free advisory services on cassava production via mobile phone
Nigerian farmers can now access extension and advisory services related to weed control, best planting practices and other aspects of cassava production on their cell phone free of charge, thanks to the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI). The mobile telephony service is powered by Airtel using the 3-2-1 Service of Viamo. Farmers with Airtel sim…
Ghana launches world’s largest vaccine drone delivery network
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has announced support for the expansion of a medical drone network into Ghana. Zipline, a California-based automated logistics company, will use drones to make on-demand, emergency deliveries of high priority products including emergency and routine vaccines and other health products. “The ability of the government to supplement routine immunisation on demand…
Resurgent measles outbreaks: Partners call for renewed efforts to vaccinate all children
The global measles crisis is an urgent wake-up call to the need for countries to ensure that all children – no matter where they live – receive life-saving vaccines. Countries in the African Region have also experienced a resurgence of measles, including outbreaks reported in at least 9 countries (Chad, Cameroon, DR Congo, Liberia, Guinea,…